TOWAMENCIN- “Spread awareness, promote acceptance and ignite change for autism!”

 This is the pledge of Autism Awareness Month and also the goal of a brand new live webinar show co-hosted by a very familiar face to not just North Penn High School, but our local community.

Ben Hartranft and Jamiel Owens who co-founded “The Ben and J Show!” Every Tuesday afternoon from 3:15-4:30 pm, Ben and Jamiel will co-host this live webinar while featuring a variety of exciting guests. 

“We have different guests on our show that have autism or have a relationship with [someone with] autism,” said Ben.

Ben is a self-advocate for autism awareness, and he was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. Ben has achieved many dreams, from getting a job and a driver’s license to becoming an Eagles Autism Challenge Ambassador to promoting autism awareness on The Ellen Show!

Jamiel Owens is a father to Shayne, who is on the Autism spectrum. Jamiel has a passion for speaking to and engaging with other men who have children with autism. He founded “The Ausome Show,” where he has had an opportunity to interview self-advocates, like Ben as well as other parents and community members.

“The most amazing part of hearing stories from “Ausome” individuals like my son is that I’m not alone. Though I have made it my mission to be what most might consider as a “poster child” of some sorts on speaking up, I still need/appreciate the reassurance of the Autism community that I’m not alone,” expressed Jamiel.

They kicked off their first show on April 14th with Juliana Fetherman, creator of the app Making Authentic Friendships. Also known as “MAF,” this interactive web App enables children and adults with special needs to make friends based on their age, diagnosis, interests, and geographic location.

“I think all of [our discussions] play a pivotal role. Being that every child on the spectrum is different, we like to focus our show to be different. So those questions that some would consider “taboo” when it comes to a

asking, we put them out there. [It’s amazing] that regardless of what “life” throws at [the guests we talk to], our guests find a way to make it happen,” stated Jamiel.

Special announcements are coming in this week’s show as well as Ben and Jamiel will be giving away prizes on the show. Supporting local businesses and spreading community environments during these times is a focus Ben and Jamiel are setting out to tend to.

“[Our goal is] to assist with breaking down these barriers that are perplexed from the simplest things; i.e Race, financial status, geographic location, etc. By giving the public a face and image they can relate to physically and mentally, I’m able to bring on many who are experts in the field while “bridging the gaps” of socialism,” said Jamiel.

There are still many more shows to be aired and many more ways for Ben and Jamiel to spread awareness for autism in our local communities and townships. There are also many more inspiring and even funny moments to be shared on the show as well. An amazing opportunity to ask, interact, and share stories on the topic of autism awareness.

“The listeners shall have a great opportunity to ask questions and interact with us through the microphone. I just think it’s a great way to stay connected to our community,” expressed Ben.

 You don’t want to miss these shows and more so to stay up to date with the latest of “The Ben and J show” as well as find details to register to join in on the show and conversations, check out Ben Hartranft’s social media platforms of twitter @BenergyEAC or Instagram @benrct1, or Jamiel Owen’s Instagram @theausomeshow.