The Barbara Stone Foundation brings back wildly popular ‘CAN Talks,’ an event where ideas and stories challenge the status quo and broaden perspectives
October 14, 2021
The Barbara Stone Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on supporting visionary and creative programs for individuals with disabilities, will host a special event called ‘CAN Talks’ where five individuals with disabilities living in the Upstate will share ideas that will spark new conversations, challenge outdated stereotypes and broaden everyone’s perspective. There will also be a special guest performance by Mandy Harvey, an award-winning singer, songwriter and inspirational speaker who lost her residual hearing at the age of 19.
‘CAN Talks’ will be held October 26, 2021, from 7:00pm – 8:30pm at One Center located at 2 West Washington Street, Suite 200. In-person admission is $15, and virtual tickets are $10. Doors open at 6:00 and guests are invited to a pre-event cocktail reception. All tickets can be purchased at gvlcantalks.com.
“The first-ever ‘Can Talks’ event was in 2019, and we have been eager to host this event again,” said Lara Ceisel, executive director of the Barbara Stone Foundation. “We have a great line-up of stories from people living with disabilities who are passionate about breaking down barriers rooted in false assumptions and outdated stereotypes about people living with a disability. ‘CAN Talks’ will be an enlightening evening that we hope will broaden perspectives about individuals with disabilities and challenge the status quo.”
A sign language interpreter will be available for the hearing impaired and special accommodations will be made for guests upon request. Presenting sponsor Michelin North America is helping make ‘CAN Talks’ possible as well as the following sponsors: Prisma Health, BB&T, Southern First, Premier Neurology, Western and Southern Life, Don Clardy of Northwestern Mutual, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. and Thrive Upstate.
Since 1991, the Barbara Stone Foundation has been a champion and fierce advocate for individuals with disabilities who face unnecessary barriers and often struggle to be seen, heard, valued, and included. In 2013, the Barbara Stone Foundation provided the first grant to Greenville CAN (Collaborative Action Network), which is a network of self-advocates, service providers, families, caregivers and professionals working to reduce barriers to employment, increasing recreational opportunities and improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities. ‘CAN Talks’ is a special public event designed to spotlight how individuals living with disabilities flourish and further supports the stated mission of Greenville CAN.
Contact Lara Ceisel for more information about ‘CAN Talks’ at [email protected] or 828-808-1896. For more information about the Barbara Stone Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.barbarastonefoundation.org and to get involved or support the work of Greenville CAN, visit www.greenvilleCAN.org.
About Barbara Stone Foundation
Since 1991, the Barbara Stone Foundation has provided funds to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The vision of the Barbara Stone Foundation is a community where individuals with disabilities flourish. For more information, visit. To learn more, visit www.barbarastonefoundation.org or find the organization on Facebook and Instagram.
About Greenville CAN (Collaborative Action Network)
Greenville CAN was started in 2013 as a network of self-advocates, service providers, families and community stakeholders working collaboratively to take actions that will strengthen Greenville, SC and make it a better place to live and work for individuals with disabilities. The network addresses community needs by linking organizations together, leveraging available resources to expand capacity and advocating for system and policy change. Greenville CAN believes the best way to increase services, programs, access, opportunities, and resources in our community for individuals with disabilities is through collaboration and partnership. To learn more, visit www.GreenvilleCAN.org or find Greenville CAN on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
