Through Their Eyes - Barrett Counterman - Episode 1

In this episode, JD Ross and Barrett share their motivations for launching the podcast. Barrett emphasizes the importance of showing what’s possible for individuals with disabilities and the vital role of support systems. Reflecting on their first job at ScairoWinds, Barrett recounts challenges with accommodations and the assumptions others made about their disability—underscoring the need to ask questions rather than assume. They also discuss the perceived risks some people feel when engaging with individuals with disabilities, the problem of isolation within the disability community, and Barrett’s vision to be a “trailblazer” who helps others access resources and share the Gospel.

JD highlights the importance of prayer for those facing emotional and spiritual challenges tied to disability. He also advocates for greater inclusion of disability voices in churches and outlines his vision for a Bible study and the Purple Kindness nonprofit—an initiative designed to bridge resource gaps and foster collaboration across nonprofits.