Finding Common Ground

Finding Common Ground is more than a podcast… it’s a movement!

We empower people to turn frustration into fuel by planting seeds with unexpected allies and cultivating common ground.

And we’re creating a space for anyone who feels stuck, unheard, or overwhelmed, and growing solutions from our shared values.

  • "I subscribed to FCG’s YouTube for new episodes, but I’m on their FB page all the time. It’s full of great discussions and ideas for families like mine, who often feel isolated. Thanks, Steve and Heather!"

    Jane in Long Island

  • "I listened to a FCG episode and reached out to Steve and Heather. I love that they offer personalized consultations and may even invite them to my workplace to train staff on accommodating differences. Their FCG framework makes problems feel less intimidating and helps build bridges with people who seem in the way."

    Rick in Rochester

  • "It was so nice connecting with you on Facebook Marketplace. I really appreciate the work you do for the autism community and the resources you have. I’d love to stay in touch, as I know your knowledge and connections could be very helpful down the road. Sometimes this could get confusing. Thank you again for being so generous with your time and support! Clif and I were so happy to meet you."

    Amanda

  • "Steve and Heather share a deep understanding of how things actually work in the real world. Their unique ability to bring together people with diverse backgrounds and strong opinions turns that knowledge into action! I’ve learned so much from the FGG Podcasts. They are raw and real, well balanced, and full of actionable info. It’s been an honor to work with them!"

    Chris in Webster

The cavalry is coming and it’s US…

Steve Gonyea - August 25, 2025

“People around the country are starting to take notice of the remarkable solutions for people with developmental disabilities that are happening in Utica, NY. Emmy-award winning documentary filmmaker, Michael Skinner, and his DC-based company, Pendragwn Productions, have visited multiple times to amplify the solutions Steve Gonyea and his family have created for their children with autism. In fact, Skinner and Gonyea are collaborating to form a new nonprofit called WorthDoing.org. Learn More…

Core Takeaways From CDPAP Senate Hearing

Heather Burroughs - August 21, 2025

  1. Procurement was flawed and conflicts of interest abound. The contract outcome appeared predetermined. Oversight bodies like the Comptroller must be allowed to intervene to break this down further.

  2. Coverage gaps are undeniable. Tens of thousands left behind or forced into costlier care. DOH has not honored its obligations, which is why the USDOJ is investigating.

  3. PPL failed its obligations. Payroll delays, benefit mismanagement, broken promises.

  4. Oversight is weak and contradictory. DOH and PPL undermined each other during the Hearing; trust is gone. Both may have perjured themselves.

  5. Families and caregivers are destabilized. This was a manufactured crisis. The harm was avoidable. Accountability is now essential. Learn more…

Olmstead in the Spotlight!

Heather Burroughs - July 30, 2025

Olmstead and the ADA were meant to protect our rights, but implementation is inconsistent. “Most integrated setting” is sometimes applied so rigidly that it ignores individual choice.

My daughter is nonspeaking and uses a letterboard to communicate. Her needs are complex, but she has a voice - and a right - to choose where and how she lives, learns, and grows. Yet we’re often told, “That option doesn’t exist,” “Add your name to the waitlist,” or worse - “Just settle.”

Olmstead was never meant to be a checkbox. It was a promise—that people with disabilities would have choices, not ultimatums. Learn more…

Finding Common Ground Podcast

Check Out Our Latest Episode!

  • Kristina Cope's Vision for Supporting Profound Needs

    September 12, 2025

    What do families do when every call for help is desperate, every door seems to slam shut, and the only thing longer than the waitlist is the list of hoops to jump through - especially when their loved one with profound autism needs support now?

    In this episode of Finding Common Ground, we sit down with Kristina Cope - Michigan mom of three on the spectrum, RN, and founder of Flawless Farms. She’s on a mission to create an intentional community that welcomes families with profound needs instead of shutting them out.. Read more…

We Offer:

From our podcast and interactive Facebook Community, to 1:1 consults, Zoom sessions, workshops, and speaking engagements - we give people the tools, strategies, and confidence to create change in their own families, communities, and beyond!