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Empowering people with disabilities to live an incredible ordinary life.
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Wednesday Jun 12, 2019
Wednesday Jun 12, 2019
Separated from her brother at childhood, Libby shares her journey of supporting her brother to create a great life.
Enjoy this conversation with Libby Ellis, sibling, and founder of In Charge, a consulting organization in western Australia that is assisting people with disabilities to be the authors and champions of their own lives.
About Libby Ellis:
Libby works for a vivid vision of inclusion. She has walked many steps with her brother, Matthew, and for 20 years she has assisted others in taking front stage in their own lives. She supports people through the experiences, lessons, successes, and failures in self-direction over an extended period. Libby’s vision is to bring a personalized, heart understanding of what it takes to be in charge. Libby lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband, Sebastian.
Libby’s Story:
On the podcast, Libby shares her family experience. This blog captures a summary of her story; I recommend that you listen to the podcast to get the full version!
Libby lives in Sydney, Australia and has two brothers. A younger brother James and older brother Mathew (who has a disability). She is married to Sebastian (who is Canadian).
Matthew moved out of the family home when he was just nine years old. He moved into a medium-sized institution, where about 15 other people lived. Later on, the institution got broken up into smaller group homes. When her parents asked for help, that was the solution. For many families, this is still the proposed solution.
Libby started to realize these injustices that Mathew was faced with when she was in her mid to late teens. Matthew’s experience was a trigger for her rights based / social justice thinking. Libby was transformed through love and witnessing Matthews experiences in a disabled world. She saw his pain, vulnerability, powerlessness, and lack of control.
Libby’s family helped Matthew move out of the group home when he was 26. Her childhood experience was one of separation from her brother and trying to understand why it had to be that way.
How did the separation from your brother impact you?
Libby: “I started to ask why? It has led me on my path, and in my career to date. It has taken me to a lot of lessons and experiences that I have experienced over the last 25 years of my career.”
Can you share Matthew’s experience of separation?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Libby shares:
“Matthew doesn’t speak and hasn’t yet been able to share his experience. He can understand, but he is missing expressive language to share his thoughts and his feelings.
From my perspective, he experienced some not very nice things. He has some behaviors that developed as coping mechanisms. When I look at pictures of him from that time vs. images of him now, there is such a difference, and it isn’t a difference of age. I can see the impact of the disabling environment that he was in.”
How did you make the move out of the group home?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Libby shares:
“Because he couldn’t articulate his experience himself, we had to come up with a decision-making process and take a leap of faith to help him move out of the group home. Meeting with other peers and people that have gone before you, then you can see the thing that you want because someone else has created it and is living it. You can then see the pathway forward – this is so important.
You can see the evidence, or indicators, to a good life, that is there in other people’s lives, but they aren’t there in your family; this can help to take that leap of faith.”
How did you breaking through communication and behavioral barriers?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Libby shares:
This is an ongoing challenge. We had the questions: Who is going to want to live with Matthew? Who is going to want to care for him?
It is what I call the “what ifs..” It is helpful to list out the ‘What If’s…”
What if… Someone does something to him..
What if… He loses the key…
What if… xyz…
This then becomes the basis for the safeguarding system we built.
We need to step into the unknown, but before that, there is a lot of planning and preparing.
By trusting and having a sound safeguarding system in place, we have found people, and people are out there. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right person.”
Eric shares, “ It is a myth that people that have a disability have to live with other people that have disabilities.”
Libby shares, “It is hard work. The social model of disability teaches us that it is going to be hard work. But, it was also hard work when Matthew was in institutional settings. In institutional settings, it was hard work to make a change because of the powerlessness [against the organization]. Now it [the social model] is hard work, just a different kind of hard work. For example, finding someone to live with Matthew. But now we have control and power.”
What are some of the other key lessons you learned?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Libby shares:
“We are not automatically an advocate. Families are blocked by low expectations, not having a sense of what is possible, past negative experiences. We are often making choices within very narrow perspectives.
Also, there is a difference in advocating for ourselves and others. Families need to be careful about what we ask for and what we create. The history of what has been created by families includes many of the services that have been started, and there is a pattern of segregation as a result.”
Eric: As families, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves. Take workshops, connect with thought leaders, listen to podcasts, and connect with families leading the inclusion movement. One step you can take is to take the FREE Empowering Ability Mini-Course. To learn more click here.
Libby and I also discuss the topics of life being more than a service, the impact of agency, family constellations (psychotherapist, Bert Hellinger), and tipple win thinking. You can hear all of these insights by clicking play on the podcast player below!
I express my sincere gratitude to Libby for coming on the podcast and sharing her story and wisdom!
Love & Respect,
Eric
Resources:
Libby’s Website: Incharge.net.au
Email: Hello@Incharge.net.au
Connect with Libby on linkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chargeaustralia/
Tuesday May 07, 2019
Tuesday May 07, 2019
In this conversation with Dr. Margaret Newbury Jones, here out referred to as Margaret, of SHADE Consulting and Counselling we dive into the topic of sexuality and disability. We discuss what self-advocates, families, and supporters need to know about sexuality and Intellectual/developmental disability (IDD). She answers the questions; Why is knowing the language of our bodies so important? Where do I go to find a partner?, What is the role of a paid supporter, and Should we be allowed to have sex and watch porn in the group home?.
Margaret’s career has focused on working with folks of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and other disabilities for 25+ years. She worked as a public-school special educator for 15 years before beginning to work as a consultant and counsellor focusing on trauma, sexual health and folks with IDD. She works directly with clients with IDD as well as their families and supporters and is known for providing engaging workshops for families, self-advocates, front line workers, and other professionals. She is most importantly a family member of a sibling with IDD, her best teacher.
Why is it so important for us to talk about sexuality for people with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD)?
Margaret: “Everyone is a sexual being; it doesn’t matter if you have a disability or not.”
Eric: Other than sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, general health are there other reasons we need to be talking about sexuality for people that have an IDD?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares; “Safety. People with IDDs are much more vulnerable to being abused and taken advantage of. Also, a lot of it is about autonomy and making informed decisions and not feeling like someone else gets to make those choices for you. We don’t have to allow others to make those decisions, that is a person’s right [to make those decisions] when they are an adult.
In terms of statistics, now big of a problem is sexual abuse?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares, “There aren’t any good solid stats – the research you referenced is from the 80s and 90s. [Eric referenced stat – 83% of women, 35% of men with IDD are sexually abused] The stats can vary from 2 percent to 60 percent. But what we do know, is that rates of sexual abuse for people with IDDs higher than the general population. Also, just like the general population, people with IDDs don’t report, don’t know how to report, [or don’t have the language to know they were sexually abused as we discuss below].”
What do self-advocates need to know about sexual health?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares: “Language – if folks don’t have the right language to tell us that something happened, how can they tell us? If you don’t know the language of your body, how can you tell somebody when something goes wrong?”
Margaret shares a story sex educator Meg Hickling’shttps://www.amazon.ca/Books-Meg-Hickling/s?rh=n%3A916520%2Cp_27%3AMeg+Hickling work where Meg was going into prisons and working with inmates and teaching them sexual health. When she had the opportunity, she spoke to sex offenders and asked them how they looked for their victims. The sex offenders told her that they look for people that don’t have the right language for their bodies. They said to her that if they do have the right language, they are more likely to tell. If they don’t have the language, they are less likely to tell because they aren’t having those conversations.
We also go deeper into the topic of consent on the podcast.
Margaret also shares that it is important that people that have an IDD know the basics of sexuality, sexual health, healthy relationships. On the podcast, she answers one of the most common questions she is asked by her clients with an IDD, “Where do you meet or find a partner?”
What do families need to know about sexual health?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares;
1) Make sure they have the language of their body.
2) Role of a supporter is a bridge to relationships, not to be the relationship.
3) As families, we need to let the person grow up and not be a perpetual child. If you are 50, you still have 50 years of life experience.
4) Recognize that puberty can be one of the most normalizing things that has or will happen to a person with an IDD.
What comes up in your work around menstruation?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares;
People are put on birth control to manage menstrual periods because families and caregivers feel like it is challenging to manage menstruation. We can teach menstrual management. Families will also say that the person is protected if someone abuses them. Margaret’s response is, “Does that make abuse okay?” We should be keeping them safe from the get-go.
We also discuss the issue of consent and menstrual management on the podcast.
Margaret shares, “We tend to do things that are timely. We don’t take the time to make sure that people fully understand, fully consent, and fully process what is going on.”
What do supporters and organizations need to know about sexual health?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares;
1) Define the role of the supporter as a bridge to a relationship, not being the relationship.
2) Organizations need to have a sexual health policy. Everything is then dealt with similarly, and it addresses the individual sets of values that people delivering the support have.
3) Supporters need to be aware of their own beliefs and values.
We also get into interesting questions of:
Should people with disabilities be able to have sex in the group home?
Should people with disabilities be able to watch porn?
To hear these answers, you need to listen to the podcast!
I thank Margaret for the engaging conversation and for sharing her wealth of knowledge on sexual health. Margaret has also provided us with a library of resources on sexuality and disability below.
Love & Respect,
Eric
Resources:
Sunny Hill Education Resource Centre (SHERC) – This is a lending library with many sexual health-related materials.
Email: sherc@cw.bc.ca
Website: www.bcchildrens.ca/sherc
Sexuality Education for People with Developmental Disabilities (2018) – Elevatus Training – www.elevatustraining.com
Life Cycle – How We Grow and Change: A Human Development and Sexuality Education Curriculum. Varicheck, S.M. & Tolle, R.K. (2008). Life Cycle Education Consultants. www.lifecycleeducation.com
Websites (these are a combination of safe sexuality websites as well as websites addressing trauma/self-regulation):
- www.beaconhouse.org.uk
- www.safehandsthinkingminds.co.uk
- www.self-reg.ca
- www.northstarpaths.com
- www.booksbeyondwords.co.uk
- www.tascalberta.com
- www.teachingsexualhealth.ca
- www.safehealthschools.org
- www.urbandictionary.com
- www.pflagcanada.ca
- www.advocatesforyouth.org
- www.sexualityandu.ca
- www.planetahead.ca
- www.plannedparenthood.org/info-for-teens
- www.wontgetweird.com
- www.teenhealthsource.com
- www.goaskalice.columbia.edu
- www.teengrowth.com
Books
- Asperger’s Syndrome and Sexuality: From Adolescence through Adulthood – Henault, I (2006). Jessica Kingsley Publisher
- Autism-Asperger’s and Sexuality – Puberty and Beyond – Newport, J & Newport, M. (2002). Future Horizons
- Boys, Girls, and Body Science – Hickling, M. Harbour Publishing
- A Five is Against the Law! Social Boundaries: Stright UP! An Honest Guide for Teen and Young Adults – Dunn Buron, K. (2007). Autism Asperger Publishing Co.
- It’s Perfectly Normal: A Book About Changing Bodies, Growing UP, Sex and Sexual Health – Harri, R. (1994). Candlewick Press
- Protocol for Personal Care (Adult or child) – Available at Community Options http://communityoptions.bc.ca/about-us/protocol-books/
- Sex, Sexuality and the Autism Spectrum – Lawson, W. (2005). Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Dr. Margaret Newbury Jones Contact Information
778-215-0132
Thursday Apr 11, 2019
Thursday Apr 11, 2019
It has been a little over one year since my sister, Sarah has come onto the podcast – and a lot has changed for Sarah. The most significant change has been Sarah moving out of mom and dad’s and into a home of her own. This single decision to move out of mom and dad’s made 1000 decisions for Sarah and our family. This one decision for Sarah to have a home of her own has allowed her to grow into the capable young woman that she wants to be.
Before the Move
On the podcast, Sarah shares her journey starting from leaving the school system and spending the better part of a decade living in our parent’s basement.
Sarah shares, “Mom and Dad did everything for me. I had no choice [living in their home].”
Our parents (and me) made decisions and did everything for Sarah - we acted out of love and with the best intentions… BUT, this created the institution of home. I’ve realized a person doesn't have to live in an institution or a group home to have choice and control stripped away.
Eventually, Sarah pushed hard to have her voice heard, which created a lot of conflict and tension in our family. It caused enough pain and pressure for our family to finally act instead of continuing to live our lives by default. We had a lot of conversations as a family and engaged with a facilitator to help moderate the discussion and plan an optimal path forward. Sarah wants a place of her own; however, mom and dad thought it was too big of a jump. So, we all agreed on the interim step of Sarah and me living together for two years.
The Experience of Moving out and Mom and Dad’s
July 2018, Sarah moved out of mom and Dad’s place and in with me (her brother).
On the podcast, Sarah shares how the move out of mom and dad’s house gave her the change of environment needed to open the door for her to develop valued roles of; contributing adult, roommate, and daughter. She also shares the ups and downs she has experienced in her new home when it comes to:
Decision making: significant increases in choice and control
Supporters: building and managing her support team (in replacement of mom’s caregiving)
Opportunity to do everyday things: meals, laundry, cleaning, etc.
Dealing with overwhelm.
Breaking down co-dependency: shifting the relationship with mom from caregiver to mother.
*Take a listen to the podcast to hear these insights.
What was helpful for you in making this change?
Sarah discusses the three things that were most helpful for her:
- My support circle; helped to make decisions, to provide new ideas and perspectives, and to provide social and emotional support.
- Talking through challenges to process how she was feeling.
- Meditation.
Take a listen to this podcast to get Sarah’s perspective and the wisdom she has to offer you!
Wednesday Mar 06, 2019
Wednesday Mar 06, 2019
... If I am not there to care and look out for my son or daughter, then who will be? It is a big question, but it is also something we avoid talking about because we have to realize our own death. BUT, if we don't have these conversations - what are we leaving behind?!
From the hundreds of families I have spoken with I've learned that it is a massive hole. If you are the go-to person for your loved one with a disability, and they are dependent on you and you aren't there for them anymore it is impossible for one person to step into your old shoes. It causes a ton of stress, anxiety, and disrupts several people's lives.
This is why we need to think about the relationships in our loved one's life, this is why we need to be intentional about a Personal Support Network. In this video, I show you how to do this.
CLICK HERE to learn how.
Enjoy,
Eric
PS. Having a strong Personal Support Network for your loved one with a disability is the best way I've found to support someone after their parents can no longer care. BUT - a Personal Support Network is more than that, it will provide in ways that you could have never imagined in the short term.
CLICK HERE to learn how!
Wednesday Feb 27, 2019
Wednesday Feb 27, 2019
As families, we have the question of who will care for our loved one with a disability when we no longer can?
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have less than 20% of the number of relationships compared to a typical person.
This leads to loneliness, which is more harmful to our health than smoking a pack of cigarettes every day.
In this video, I explain how to build relationships.
You can create a happy and full life for your loved one with a developmental or intellectual disability - that isn't reliant on you. You can make this transformation happen for your loved one and your family.
To do this... We must elevate our expectations for what is possible.
Start by focusing on relationships. In this video, I also show you how to create and deepen relationships for your loved one.
Wednesday Feb 20, 2019
Wednesday Feb 20, 2019
How to create a life worth living? … am I implying that there are lives that aren’t worth living? This a big question that I ask you to consider for yourself.
People with developmental disabilities are devalued and suppressed (largely unconsciously) by society, our families and even ourselves (I am guilty too).
When a person is devalued, it is very difficult to access the opportunities that everyone else can access, and often results in isolation, loneliness, and suffering. Again, I ask - A life worth living?
Well, what I do know, is that I can do better, and we can do better, and our society can do better.
And, and it starts with a vision.
Why do we need vision? Well, as human beings the sense that we trust the most is our eyes, we are looking out for dangers and rewards. Also, where we look is where we go - If we are surfing and we are looking at the rocks, we will end up on the rocks, if we are looking at the beach, we will end up on the beach. Here I am talking about vision as one of our 5 human senses. However, these truths about our sense of vision apply to our future. If we can imagine, or see in our minds, where we want to be 5 years from now... we can trust that we can get there, and we move in that direction. We are looking at the destination we want to get to 5 years from now and will move in that direction, just like the surfer that looks at the beach and steps off their board into the soft sand (instead of crying out for help to be saved while being pushed upon the jagged rocks).
In this conversation with Michael Kendrick, we discuss 'Imagining Better" and we attempt to answer; What is vision? Why is vision so important for people with IDDs? and, How do you go about creating a Vision?
Michael Kendrick PhD. is a well-known international consultant in Human Services. Michael is involved in consulting, education and evaluative work with many governments, private agencies, advocacy groups, community organizations, universities and colleges across the globe. His work has involved training, evaluations, strategic planning, critical problem solving and confidential advice in the areas of mental health, disability and aging with an emphasis on persons requiring long term support.
What is Vision (the future looking kind)?
MK: "It is the way we see the world. It differs from one person to another. It is possible for people to have different content in their vision. We might have no vision on some subjects because we have never seen them before, where other areas we might have detailed visions. Vision might change over time - our life experiences shift our vision.
For example, the decision to see the good in people would be a way to approach people as if there is good in people. If your vision is that people are nasty or unpleasant, then the way you will see people are nasty because that is what you are looking for."
Why is it important for an individual with a Developmental Disability to have a vision?
MK: "A vision with opportunities can create life-giving possibilities. Without that there can be no sense that these possibilities exist. [For example] A lot of people with disabilities were raised with the belief that work and employment would not be a part of their future. This persuades people through conditioning and reinforcements [what they will not work] through other people’s world views. This might mean that people have many undeveloped, unrecognized potentials and capacities that are never explored because of the limited vision for them and also the conviction that they don’t exist."
EG: If you don’t have a plan, you are part of someone else’s plan, and their plan might not be that good for you.
Society's Collective Vision:
MK: "There is also a collective vision for society, such as the indigenous people in Canada is one that is devaluing. All societies tend to produce devalued groups at the margins. People might not be conscious of it at the surface."
People with DDs are devalued by society. How do you break free of societal devaluation?
MK: "A disability is seen as a negative feature of a person, people then generalize from the disability to the person entirely. You are no longer a full human being, you are a human being that is lacking. If you wanted to change that, then you would have to say that your disability need not impact the fullness of your life potentials.
With the person-centered movement – it is the person that matters, not the disability. It starts with what is the fullness of this person’s humanity and how can this be realized. The person is seen as full of potentials, notwithstanding that they live with some sort of impairment.
Be honest and accurate about the disability, but not giving it more emphasis than its needs. Living with the impairment in a practical way."
How do we go about creating a vision?
MK: "People with developmental disabilities are much more likely to be in segregated settings.
We can ask, What would be the inclusive or socially integrated option, vs the segregated option?
Families have been schooled for the segregated option. Need to ask the question, what would the inclusive option be?
There might be impediments, but that doesn’t mean the person can’t join, but we just need to figure out how to overcome it. What would support the person to be successful in that situation?
Vision can shift, and it can create new life opportunity. Vision creates realities.
From Social Role Valorization (SRV) we can look at the Culturally Valued Analog (CVA). [CVA is simply] What would a person of the same age be typically doing with their life? If you are 6 years old, would you be in school? If you are 25 years old, would you be working or furthering your studies? It helps people look at things in normative terms, which builds vision for what the person could conceivably access.
You find your place in the CVA, to do what suits you by following things you might be interested in. CVA is massive and there are so many opportunities, you just need to find what appeals to you. [You can ask] What resonates with that person’s nature?"
Where do I start when creating a vision?
MK: Always do things with others. This gives you more resources than trying to do it yourself. Not everyone is good at imagining better, you want to pick people that are imaginative. You build vision over time - revisit and refashion on an ongoing basis.
Should you discuss shared world views and values before starting the visioning process with others?
MK: "To the extent that you can do this, it is very consciousness raising. It makes us aware of values, principals and also priorities that people have. For instance, people don’t like to do things that are difficult. When you are going to break new ground, you have to open yourself up to new challenges. You have to look for people that can not only imagine better but are also interested in the doing.
[Also,] seek examples of imaging better. If someone has already achieved what you are doing, it is conceivable. For example, in the early days when we were trying to get people a home of their own, there weren’t many examples. Now there are many.
See what people have already accomplished. Stories and videos.
Join social networks that share a common interest. For example, joining a group of other progressive-minded families. It is harder to do this in isolation."
If you are looking for examples and ideas a good place to start is the Partners For Planning Learning Centre.
Michael Kendrick and I also discuss family mentorship, role modeling, life-giving vs live-denying choices, and leadership on the podcast. These are important parts of the conversation, which you can access by clicking on the player below.
In closing MK Shares (in summary):
“Vision won't prosper unless there are leaders that mobilize people around the vision. You have to have buy-in and you have to win the buy-in of others. [This is] Not just individual leadership, but collective leadership. Investments in visionary leadership are a good investment. You also need leadership renewal because it is a long journey. People need ways to become renewed and to get energy. A lot of this comes in the way of social networks. Renewal of vision is important, so you need renewal. It takes leadership to get the implementation of vision.”
If you received value from reading this blog or listening to this podcast episode I encourage you to share it with someone else you feel would benefit.
The Empowering Ability Podcast and Blog are made possible entirely by you, the support of listeners and readers. Thank you for considering a contribution to this work with a subscription!
Love & Respect,
Eric Goll
Wednesday Oct 10, 2018
Wednesday Oct 10, 2018
Learn from world class experts on housing for people with developmental disability.
I’m excited to bring you this podcast/ blog episode on the best of creating a home for people with intellectual/ developmental disabilities (IDD). In this episode, I have compiled audio clips that provide insights from 9 interviews I’ve completed with guests on creating a home for people with disabilities, along with my insights as a family coach. My desire to share this with you also comes from the experience of supporting my sister (Sarah) to create a home of her own over the last year. On July 4th 2018, Sarah moved out of our parent’s home and became roommates with me. This is Sarah’s first time living in a home of her own. There has been many events along the way that have come with incredible growth for everyone in our family, and support network.
9 Insights to Creating a Home Episode (I.e. Best of Home Episode)
This episode is a collection of insights shared by 9 guests who I consider as experts in the area of creating a home. Each guest has either directly been involved in creating a home for people with disabilities and/ or has evaluated housing services for people with disabilities. I’ve constructed this episode in a way that shares what I believe will lead to the best outcomes for people with disabilities and their families. You may agree or disagree with the perspectives shared in this episode, however, I invite you to consider these perspectives to determine what is true for you.
You will notice that I am using the language creating a home vs housing. I do this because housing refers to the physical building, and the physical building is only one component of what must be considered when creating a home for a person with a disability. When creating a home we must also consider the person’s other needs; their supports, their relationships, and what they will be doing once they are living in the space, etc..
Creating Your Home Workbook (Free)
Additionally, I have updated the ‘Creating Your Home Workbook’, to include these insights and perspectives. The original workbook was downloaded over 100 times, and I’ve sent the updated version to those of you who have already downloaded the original workbook. This workbook is designed to guide your thinking to create the best home for an individual with a disability, and to encourage you to take the first steps to make this home a reality!
Claim your FREE 'Creating Your Home Workbook!
The 'Housing' Problem:
If you are reading this blog you intuitively know that there are many additional considerations for a person with an intellectual/ developmental disability (IDD) when creating a home. Supports that exist to help vary by jurisdiction globally. Where I live, in Ontario Canada there is what many would call a housing crisis. As of 2016, the Ontario Government Ministry of Community and Social Services was supporting approximately 18,000 people with a developmental disability in group homes and other supported living, and an additional 9,700 people were on a waiting list for residential supports. So, the reported demand for residential housing support is over 50% greater than the supply. The demand is likely higher than reported because it obviously doesn’t include people who have not registered for the list. Reference: (The Toronto Star, 2016)
In many areas around the world there are long waiting list for people with a developmental disability in search of government supported housing. As you continue to read, I am going to outline that government supported housing is actually not the optimal solution for an individual with an intellectual/ developmental disability (IDD) in the majority of cases. You are better off designing and creating an individualized home that meets the desires and needs of the individual, which provides them control over their life.
9 Insights on Creating a Home for a Person with a Disability
1) The individualized one person at a time option is the best option for people.
(Michael Kendrick (PhD) is a well-known international consultant in Human Services. Michael is involved in consulting, education and evaluative work with many governments, private agencies, advocacy groups, community organizations, universities and colleges across the globe.)
In episode #047 I ask guest Michael Kendrick, “Why is investment in group homes an outdated idea?”
In Summary Michael Answers:
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Group Homes are based on the assumption that people with disabilities should live together. We [everyone else] chose to live with people we are compatible with.
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Group homes are forced shared living, and this often creates a stressful living situation.
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Investment in group homes creates the idea that it is the only option for people.
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Individualized one person at a time is much better because it gives you much more choice.
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The group home option is no longer at the leading edge. It is a dying service model.
Many jurisdictions have a freeze on the growth of segregated living across the globe.
2) The people living in group homes want a home of their own.
(Lynne Seagle, CEO of Hope House Foundation, a not-for-profit organization started in 1964 by family members, whom had sons and daughters with developmental disabilities, in Virginia, USA.)
Paraphrasing from podcast episode #045 Lynne Seagle shares,
“…finding out people didn’t want to live in group homes started with a survey. The survey asked the question, ‘Does everyone like where they are living?’ Everyone said yes. It was odd to ask 120 some folks a personal question and get the same answer. We then re-worded the question to, ‘How do you want to live?’. And, the flood gates opened. People answered 1 of 3 ways, from most dominant to least; 1) I want a home of my own, 2) people wanted a job (most people were in day programs or workshops), and 3) friendship and romance.
Lynne continues, “We [Hope House] had defined excellence as meeting all the rules – [our] paperwork was clean, [we had] no employee grievances, well-kept homes, and low staff turnover. We were looked at as the model in Virginia, USA. BUT, when we gathered these themes [truths] we reviewed our program plans and not one program plan addressed these needs of people. This was a daunting realization for our organization.”
As I reflected on my conversations with Lynne Seagle and Michael Kendrick, I thought about what it would look and feel like to live in a group home. I would be forced to live with people that I don’t know, and many of my freedoms that I enjoy would be taken away. I wouldn't always be able to do what I want to do, when I want to do it. I’d lose control of who is entering my home. This sounds terrible, and it is. Now to help you think about this further, there are similarities between group home living and living in a nursing home, or retirement home. When you think about living in a nursing home or retirement home do you get excited about the experience?
An important point to make here is that it is the model and system of group living that is oppressing people, not the people working in these models. The people are typically some of the most kind and caring people in the world. It is the model and system we need to think differently about.
3) Creating a home is about building a life, the house is only part of the picture.
(Ron Pruessen, is a father to Caroline, who has a developmental disability, is a member of Opportunities Mississauga, and he is the Chair of the Ontario Developmental Services Housing Task Force. The Ontario Developmental Services Housing Task Force was given $3MM in annualized funding, which has funded 18 pilot projects from the 200 proposals submitted.)
In episode #016 I ask Ron Pruessen, “As father, someone that is involved with a family group, and the housing task force what have you learned along the journey about housing?”
Ron shares, “There has been a lot of learning and frustration. The Government [of Ontario] is not doing enough and has a limited menu of things that they are doing [in housing]. There are many great ideas at the grass roots level. The variety of ideas is enormous, people have been extremely creative in imaging their futures. Individuals have been doing the visioning, and they see the possibilities out there.”
[In my opinion, this highlights the importance of individual options.]
Ron shares, the most significant example of creativity he has seen is building partnerships. The community can provide the best solutions. Not just because you can mobilize financial resources, but also because you can develop a wealth of opportunities (educational, social, employment), and this is incredibly important. The house is an important part of the picture, but it isn't the whole solution. Community connections improve quality of life, but the government can't do this, we have to do this.
Ron shares important insights in episode #016, which I have summarized above. However, there is one point that we discussed in that I do not completely agree with, and I failed to address this point previously. Ron shares, “I think the assumption for many years is that this [housing for people with a disability] is a government responsibility. It is the equivalent saying people need health care, which is provincially funded in the province of Ontario…. It is the equivalent of what we do for senior citizens in providing pensions and support for housing opportunities. It is a government responsibility, there is no question about it, I would argue. And, I don’t think the government isn’t doing enough. But, it is also a community responsibility…. What the community can do will provide better solutions to the problems.”
I agree with Ron’s comments that many people do hold the assumption that ‘Housing’ for people with disabilities is a government responsibility. This is the mindset that many of us continue to hold and it is perpetuating the ‘crisis’ state many families find themselves in. I disagree that creating a home is fully a government responsibility. Here is the reason why... When we [families] hold the assumption that the government is responsible for housing for our loved one with an IDD we give away the power that we have. We can put ourselves in a helpless state, or victim state. When we have hold this mindset that the government is responsible we accept the menu of sub-optimal options that the government provides us, and this puts us at the mercy of long waitlists, in many jurisdictions. And, this is a waitlist for sub-optimal options! If we hold the mindset that the government is responsible for creating a home for our loved one we are at the mercy of the government, and we give up our control. The good news is that we can take our power back. If families are feeling like a victim of a ‘housing crisis’ [i.e. you are waiting for government solutions], I invite you to consider making a choice to become a creator and to take your power back. In other words, the idea here is an invitation to take an active role in creating a home, vs a passive role waiting for a sub-optimal government solution.
On the flip side of this point, I agree with Ron in that we need to keep advocating to the government that more funding is needed to support our families in implementing/ funding our one person at a time solutions to creating a home. I believe Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a possible solution to the poverty situation that many people with a disability face. A realization that I have come to is that, the government isn’t going to solve our problems, but they can be a part of the solution.
[If you want to learn more about UBI I recommend listing to Sam Harris’s interview with Andrew Yang on the Waking up Podcast.]
4) Give people their own front door, and separate housing and supports.
(Chris Woodhead is the Group Director of Housing and Business Development for Dimensions UK. Dimensions UK supports 5,000 with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).)
In my interview with Chris, In episode #025, he shares, “Dimensions UK’s aspiration is for people to have their own front door. Not all of Dimensions UK’s accommodation is in line with this aspiration at this time. For example, some housing is larger scale accommodation with 10 people living in one large accommodation, but over time Dimensions UK looking to remodel for a smaller scale more personalized approach. Housing and support are generally separate. Dimensions holds a core value that where you live is important to quality of life (health and wellbeing), but people should be able to choose who supports them. You shouldn’t have to move if you are unhappy with your support. There is a delineation between the tenancy agreement and the support contract. We operate around choice and control. If we get their housing right, and we get their support right then we hope they will continue to choose us.”
Chris also shares the Activate Model they have been piloting, which considers 8 different domains in each person’s life; 1) Physical health and wellbeing, 2) Communication and social interaction, 3) The physical environment, 4) Skills, 5) Relationships, 6) Service Staff, 7) Service Management, 8) Wider organizations. [Again, the physical environment (the house) is just a component of the solution.] The early results of this model in practice resulted in a 60% reduction in challenging behaviour, and an increase in satisfaction for support staff. If you would like to learn more about the research visit the Dimensions UK website.
5) Housing is a Community Issue.
(Janet Klees has been involved in the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and allies in community for over 30 years. Currently, Janet is the Executive Director Durham Region Family Resources and Supports. Janet is the author of three books which are directly rooted in her experience with families, (We Come Bearing Gifts; Our Presence has Roots; Deohaeko Decades).
In episode #022, Janet shares, "Housing is a community issue, not a disability issue. In our most recent housing project, we partnered with Brockville and District Association for Community Involvement on a housing project called, ‘Housing is a Community Issue’. We asked families who were interested in housing to join us in discovering housing solutions together and 35 families showed up. This is incredible because we told the families up front that we don’t have any money to give. It shows how understanding families are that they are going to be part of the solution. Even in this housing crisis, people are still finding housing. With our project, we are thinking about what are the ways that people are finding to build, buy, rent, and to figure out housing. Then asking, ‘why can't these ways fit families that are looking for housing.'
This is an affordability issue, not a disability issue. If people need renovations it is a cost issue. We need to ally ourselves with all the people that are struggling for housing. There are organizations like Habitat for Humanity, and Options for Homes that we can ally with. If the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) is involved in housing they build a service, not a home. Families only have to think about their own son or daughter and think about works best.”
An important observation from Janet, “The change comes when the family realizes that this is their issue to work on.”
7 recommendations from Durham Region Families for for all of us (Government, organizations, and families) to think about as we work toward creating a good life for people with disabilities.
1. Home, housing and support are 3 different things and must be thought of separately.
2. Most housing challenges are affordability, not disability.
3. People with disability contribute to their communities, they are not a burden.
4.Getting good housing and support doesn't mean taking away the individual’s control of their life.
5.Providing renovation dollars allows families to be creative with their current home today (stabilize current situation) and allows for flexible housing in the future.
6. Stop funding congregated mega projects for people with disabilities, and disabilities / seniors. Commit to typical housing options and neighbourhoods.
7. Where there are families that are willing to create a home in community the government needs to support with resources. These are cheapest, most effective models, and they are currently the least funded [in Ontario, Canada].
6) A coach or independent facilitator can support you to create and implement your vision for creating a home (and a life).
(Jessica Cave, Creative Housing Supports Coordinator at Bridges to Belonging in Kitchener, Ontario. Jessica supports people with developmental disabilities and their families who are looking to make the next move in their life.)
In episode #031, Jessica shares that she supports families by helping to figure out what is best for the individual. Her organization starts with the belief that people can live in the community, and that they have the resources and readiness to make it happen. In other words, they start from a place of capability and abundance, which fuels us as creators!
Jessica takes a person directed approach and works directly with families in the Waterloo Region helping them to take this new mindset, and she facilitates the family through creating their vision for housing. Once the vision is created Jessica helps the family to think about what resources the family already has, such as, friends, community, support, and financial. Then they will think about and take the next steps are to bring the plan to life!
7) Creating a Vision: The Best Home for the Individual
(Marg McLean, Executive Director of Community Living St. Marys, and her team have been helping people with disabilities create their home, and support solutions since the 1980's when people were leaving institutions.)
In episode #013, I ask Marg “When thinking about creating a home, what should families be considering?”
Marg shares that people are going on the waitlist [for housing in Ontario, Canada] without thinking, talking, and planning what an ideal home looks like for them. (Note: This is exactly what my family did at the start of our housing search for my sister. Your family is not alone if this is the situation you are in currently.) What works well is for families to come up with a vision of what would be a good home in community.
Marg provides 4 guiding questions to begin your thinking on creating a vision for home:
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Where do you want to live?
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What kind of building do you want to live in?
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Who do you want to live with?
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What supports will be needed for your home?
[Note: the free ‘Creating Your Home Workbook’ includes these questions along with other questions and exercises to guide you in creating your vision for your home.]
Also, in Episode #013 Marg shares the story of 3 individuals that her organization supported to create their home. I also share my previous experience of living with my friend, who has a disability. These stories might just give you some ideas and I recommend you listen to this episode!
8) No one can tell you the right answer. You have to figure it out for yourself!
(Keenan Wellar is the Co-leader of LiveWorkPlay, a developmental service agency that works to facilitate community connections and relationships in Ottawa, ON.)
In episode #017 Keenan shares his reply to families that ask him, “What should we do in housing?”
Keenan shares that this is a question is deeply personal, and it isn’t a question that he can directly answer for a question. So, when asked this question, Keenan takes a coach approach by asking a lot of questions in order to draw out the best answer for that family. A couple of questions that Keenan will ask are;
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Where do most citizens tend to live in your community?
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What are the barriers the barriers to living in 'ordinary' housing? Are they actually barriers?
Keenan also shares that he will guide families through a 'thought experiment' by considering what it would look and feel like to move in to an apartment, which is a typical first home for many of us moving out of our family home for the first time.
[This is included as an exercise in the free ‘Creating Your Home Workbook’]
9) Be a creator: Start conversations, build relationships, and uncover community resources.
(Alice Mainland is the mother to Michael Mainland, who has a developmental disability. Michael is 39 years old, has a home of his own, a job, and a life in community)
In episode #023 Alice Mainland shares the story of her family’s journey to create an ordinary life with her son Michael. What I am highlighting from my conversation with Alice, is the creator mindset that she brought to the challenges that her family faced.
In summary from my conversation with Alice, 2 months before her son with an intellectual/ developmental disability (IDD), Michael, graduated from high school, Alice realized they had a problem; there would be nothing for Michael once school ended, and one of his parents would have to stay home to support Michael. As a result, the family would drop down to a single income. Alice started making phone calls to various support agencies, local government, and basically anyone with a phone number that might be able to help. The people she called were willing to help! With the support of a few agencies the family was able to piece together support for Michael, which allowed the family to stay a two-income family. It was a patchwork, but it was a patchwork that worked because people wanted to help.”
Later in the podcast episode Alice shares, “At 29, Michael had the opportunity to move out of [his parents] home because of a conversation 4 -5 years earlier when I was searching for support for Michael.”
Alice shares, “You don’t know what resources are available to you until you ask. “
Resources:
Wednesday Apr 25, 2018
Wednesday Apr 25, 2018
Guest Nick Maisey, founder of Befriend, shares his insights on building relationships and creating more inclusive cultures.
Nick is an Occupational Therapist, social entrepreneur and community builder from Perth, Australia. With the support of the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, Nick completed a Social Change Fellowship to undertake an international information exchange, to enhance his learning of innovative, effective approaches to fostering the development of relationships and community connections.
Nick spends a lot of his time reflecting on the importance of relationships, and thinking about what we can do together to build more connected societies.
This curiosity is what led Nick to start the organization, Befriend. The inspiration to start Befriend came when Nick was studying Occupational Therapy. The story goes, Nick received an email from Tim, that roughly read, “I am a 23-year-old guy, I like watching movies, going to the beach, and learning how to surf. I don’t have any friends, I am wondering if there is anyone interested in getting to know me?”
Nick shares, “There was something simple and honest about his email. I met him (Tim)… he has taught me a lot about inclusion, and what it is like to live a meaningful life connected to others. He didn’t have a single person that he would call a friend. It struck me that we live amongst so many people in close proximity of each other, but there are so many people that feel alone.”
This started a lot of conversations between Nick and his friends, and in 2010 Befriend was started with the intention to foster a more inclusive and connected society.
Nick Shares, “The experience of loneliness for many of us comes from the feeling of being excluded. With Befriend we foster the development of new relationships, and a more inclusive culture.”
How is Befriend doing this?
Paraphrasing from the podcast Nick shares, “It is about simplicity. We take a community building approach by working with local people that are interested in building community, and we work with them to bring people together. We partner with organizations and networks where people are vulnerable, and we facilitate introductions and connections. In partnership with community organizations we help to get the word out about these gatherings, and build bridges to vulnerable people. In Perth, we have about 50 social gatherings per month across the city.
Befriend is kind of like a Meet up, which is platform for any individual that can start up a group around an interest, but with an intentional value of inclusion. Befriend focuses on teaching gathering hosts on how to cultivate inclusive cultures.
Reducing Loneliness and Isolation in Community:
In 2017, Nick was awarded a Social Change Fellowship from Westpac Bank’s Bicentennial Foundation to go on a self-development experience to further his social change venture. This was essentially a scholarship for a 3-month international self-directed learning tour that took Nick around the world and back, including stops in; Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, Scotland, England, and Denmark.
On Nick’s journey he visited 58 groups to explore his curiosity in these two key areas:
1. What are effective approaches for fostering the development of natural relationships for people who have had a lived experience of being isolated, disconnected, or devalued within their community?
2. What are approaches for fostering more inclusive behaviours, attitudes and values within communities?
On the podcast, Nick shares the stories of his visits to a few of these 58 groups, and what he learned with them. Nick and I also discuss the traits we see in people excelling in the ‘community builder’ role. Take a listen to the podcast to hear these insights.
The Space In-between:
Nick came to be very interested in the space in between his two key questions: that is, what are people doing to build natural relationships for devalued people, and to foster more inclusive cultures? A theme started to emerge – valued contributions. Nick noticed that when people devalued by their community made a contribution that they were intrinsically motivated to give they started to build natural relationships, and more inclusive cultures emerged. Some examples in practice where Nick observed this were volunteer time banking initiatives, skill exchanges, community dinners, interfaith initiatives (sharing knowledge and beliefs about god across religions to enrich collective sense of faith), and neighbourhood development projects.
Nick leaves us with this call to action to build relationships and create more inclusive cultures:
“Spend time thinking about, not what we need, or others around us need. But, how can we be helpful? And, how can others around us be people be helpful? Especially (use this thinking for) the people we think of living a life of needs.”
Love & Respect,
Eric Goll
Resources:
Nick's Blog: Click Here
Befriend website: Click Here
Befriend Facebook page: Click Here
If you received value from this content please leave me a review on iTunes. By leaving a 5 star review on iTunes you make the Empowering Ability Podcast more discoverable, and more families will benefit. Click Here To Leave a Review on iTunes
The Empowering Ability Podcast is available on iTunes and various other apps so that you can listen while on the go from your smartphone!
Thursday Nov 30, 2017
Thursday Nov 30, 2017
Don is one of the world’s leading experts on siblings, and has supported siblings for the last 35 years.
Don Meyer, Director of the Sibling Support Project.
The Sibling Support Project is a national program in the United States, with international presence, dedicated to the millions of brothers and sisters of people with developmental disabilities. The program is supported by Washington state’s largest early intervention center, the Kindering Center.
Why Are Brothers and Sisters So Important?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Don Shares:
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Anything we can say about being a parent, we can put ditto marks underneath for siblings. The research says siblings have parallel experiences to their parents. But, when we look at the services, and considerations that siblings get - siblings get the short end of the stick. In the USA, there are 200-300 people that have full-time jobs to support parents, there is 1 person with a full-time job supporting siblings (and that is Don).
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Brothers and sisters have the longest lasting relationship with a person that has a developmental disability. This relationship is lifelong. When mom and dad are no longer available the brother and sister’s will make sure their sibling will live a dignified life in the community.
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No one logs on more moments and minutes with their brother or sister.
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No one has a greater impact on the social development of a person with a developmental disability.
Why Are Siblings Underserved?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Don Shares:
Siblings are off the organization’s radar screens because they not squeaky wheels. As siblings outlive their parents service providers are beginning to realize there are these brothers and sisters out there.
If you want to ensure a good long-term outcome for people with disabilities then invest in their siblings because they are going to be there in the long haul.
There is reason to believe that intervening with siblings, even young siblings, has a benefit to everyone.
How Can Service Providers Invest In Siblings?
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Don Shares:
Service providers can create initiatives that specifically reach out to brothers and sisters, and they can change their policy to explicitly invite brothers and sisters.
Provide siblings information that they think is important. Brothers and sisters have a lifelong need for information. This is a parallel that siblings share with parents.
How do siblings get their information? They are lucky if they get it from their parents. Educational materials need to be prepared specifically for siblings.
Sibshops
Don goes around the world and shows people how to start Sibshops; peer support and education programs for school aged siblings that have a brother or sister with a developmental disabilities. There are 350 Sibshops worldwide, including in the USA (250), Canada (30), Iceland, Ireland, and Japan. Sibshops got their start in 1982, and Don has been training people on how to run Sibshops since 1990. The typical Sibshop age spread is 8-13 years old. This age spread is tweaked all the time – sometimes as low as 6 years old, and some organizations even have teen Sibshops.
One of the biggest benefits of Sibshops that Don has observed is the peer to peer support and connection with other kids that are walking down a similar path. Don has met many siblings that don’t talk to another sibling until they are in their 40’s! It is unheard of for a parent to wait 40 years before meeting another parent with a child that had a developmental disability. But, this is the reality with siblings. (In my own experience, I didn’t connect with another sibling until I was in my late 20’s. Also, I recently facilitated an adult sibling meeting and it was the first time 30% of the group had ever connected with another sibling.)
Don shares, “We are giving young siblings a chance to meet young siblings, learn about the services their brothers and sisters are getting, and to learn how others are dealing with sticky situations. We have designed Sibshops to be fun, because they are for kids. We have a celebration of contributions made by brothers and sisters, and we mix content activities with recreational activities.”
The University of Washington has researched the effectiveness of Sibshops and found:
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Over 90% of respondents said they had a positive effect on how they felt about brother or sister.
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2/3 of respondents were taught coping strategies.
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94% said they would recommend Sibshops to others.
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3/4 of respondents said Sibshops impacted their adult lives.
Don Shares, “(The value of Sibshops is…) to be in the community of people who get it. To vent in a non-judgmental forum, to know you are not alone, and learn about resources and strategies.”
On the podcast, Don shares the unique concerns and opportunities that he has observed after interacting with 1000’s of siblings around the world. The list includes concerns like guilt and embarrassment, but also includes opportunities like maturity and diversity. I recommend you take a listen to the podcast to hear all of Don’s insights.
This podcast is packed full of resources for siblings, which are all listed below in the resource section.
A big thank you goes out to Don for joining us on the podcast and sharing his work and insights on siblings!
Thank you for reading to today's blog! If you liked this episode, and think someone you know would benefit, please share it with them! Be a part of the change to think differently about disability.
Love & Respect,
Eric
Resources:
Social Networking Groups for Siblings:
Sibnet Adults Click Here
Sib Teen Click Here
Sibshop curriculum Click Here
The Sibling Survival Guide, created with Sibling Leadership Network. Click Here
The Sibling Slam Book – by teen sibs for teen sibs. Click Here
Views From Our Shoes – collection of essays from young siblings. Click Here
Thicker Than Water – collection of essay from adult siblings Click Here
Being the Other One, by Kate Strohm Click Here
Riding The Bus with My Sister, by Rachel Simon Click Here
Special Siblings, by Mary McHugh Click Here
Paper: What siblings would like parents and services providers to know. Click Here
Contact Don
Email: info@siblingsupport.org
Phone: 206-297-6368
If you received value from this content please leave me a review on iTunes. By leaving a 5 star review on iTunes you make the Empowering Ability Podcast more discoverable, and more families will benefit. Click Here To Leave a Review on iTunes
The Empowering Ability Podcast is available on iTunes and various other apps so that you can listen while on the go from your smartphone!
Thursday Nov 09, 2017
Thursday Nov 09, 2017
Discussing bio medical (non-medical) approaches to well-being for people with disabilities. This week’s podcast/ blog is a rebroadcast from Episode #026 with Janet Klees.
Janet Klees has been involved in the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and allies in community for over 30 years. Until recently, she has been coordinator with the family-governed Deohaeko Support Network for over 20 years. She is the author of three books which are directly rooted in the Deohaeko experience, (We Come Bearing Gifts; Our Presence has Roots; Deohaeko Decades) and which are now sold around the world. Currently, Janet is the Executive Director with a family support organization, the Durham Association for Family Respite Services.
Bio- Medical (non-medical) Approaches:
The Durham Association for Family Respite Services has started a family group to discuss and learn about the impacts of diet, exercise, and mindfulness as alternatives to medication and behaviour management approaches. In my opinion, these are common sense approaches that can be explored at little cost that can get down to the root cause of symptoms or behaviours that a person is experiencing. Peter Marks, Founder and Director of the Centre for Conscious Care, got Janet and these families thinking about these integrative approaches and you can find additional resources on his website.
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Janet shares:
One of the things we have started to learn about it diet. Families have started to experiment with eliminating or reducing gluten and dairy from their child’s diet, and they are sharing the results with other parents. There is a lot of research about gluten and ADS, but this isn’t just for people with ADS, it is helping people with other developmental disabilities.
(Note: In a conversation with Dr. Jennifer Forristal N.D. at a Waterloo Region Family Network Conference, Dr. Jen shared that this type of dietary change can be overwhelming for a family pull off. Dr. Jen shared with the group, to start small - start with trying no gluten or dairy for just one week. With a one week trial you can notice changes, and if those benefits are great enough you can decide to continue, or not.)
Once people’s diets are in order we can start to look at other things. One of these things is sensory integration. A person might either be over stimulated or under stimulated. There are techniques, such as using a small trampoline for 20 minutes, that are effective in helping people be calm or focus.
People are also interested in medical marijuana, and the potential benefits that it may have - especially with epilepsy. We have some families experimenting with this under the care of doctors.
We are also looking at mindfulness and bring mindfulness practices to people with disabilities. However, it isn’t just thinking about the person with the disability, it is thinking about the team that supports them. The person supporting needs to be calm and present in the moment.
If we start at a biological end then we might be able to get to the root cause of the symptoms someone is experiencing. Naturopathic doctors can be a good resource to start to think this way, make sure to find a naturopath that is familiar with developmental disabilities.
Peter Marks, Director of the Centre for Conscious Care, is joining us on an upcoming episode to teach us more about these approaches. Check out the Conscious Care website or you can pick up the book on Conscious Care from Inclusion Press to learn more.
Thank you for reading to today's blog! If you liked this episode, and think someone you know would benefit, please share it with them! Be a part of the change to think differently about disability.
Love & Respect,
Eric
Resources:
Peter Marks: Conscious Care Website- http://centreforconsciouscare.ca/
Learning events In Durham Region: Click Here
Contact Janet Klees: janet@legacies.ca
If you received value from this content please leave me a review on iTunes. By leaving a 5 star review on iTunes you make the Empowering Ability Podcast more discoverable, and more families will benefit. Click Here To Leave a Review on iTunes
The Empowering Ability Podcast is available on iTunes and various other apps so that you can listen while on the go from your smartphone!
Monday May 08, 2017
Monday May 08, 2017
Two sisters, Jade and Mallory Ryan, who are occupational therapists and experienced dancers are partnering with dance studios to create a dance class that is inclusive of kids with all abilities.
Website: www.danceabilitymovement.com
Location: Milton, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Monday Apr 10, 2017
Monday Apr 10, 2017
- Discover social capital
- Learn why social capital is important (for everyone)
- Learn the 4 stage framework to increase an individual's social capital
How to contact Al Condeluci:
Website: http://www.alcondeluci.com/
Contact: http://www.alcondeluci.com/contact/
Location: Pittsburg PA, USA
Website: http://liveworkplay.ca/
Website: https://keenanwellar.wordpress.com/
Contact: http://liveworkplay.ca/contact-us/
Phone: 613-702-0332
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Resources:
Research Study - Canadian Journal of Disability Studies: 'Somewhere to live, something to do, someone to love: Examining levels and sources of social capital among people with disabilities' Click Here
Monday Apr 03, 2017
Monday Apr 03, 2017
- Discover family networks
- Learn why families are joining family networks and the benefits they are getting
- Learn how a mentor/ mentee relationship work
How to contact the Waterloo Region Family Network team:
Website: https://wrfn.info/
E-mail: Katie (family resource coach): katie.galashan@wrfn.info, Sue Simpson: sue.simpson@wrfn.info
Location: Kitchener/ Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Resources:
Evening of Elegance Event: https://wrfn.info/an-evening-of-elegance/
Family Alliance Ontario: https://family-alliance.com/index.html
Monday Mar 27, 2017
Monday Mar 27, 2017
#004 - Employees with a Disability and Employers Collaborate for Workplace Success, with Laura McKeen, of Cohen Highley LLP Lawyers
How to contact Laura McKeen and Cohen Highley LLP Lawyers:
Website: www.cohenhighley.com
E-mail:mckeen@cohenhighley.com
Learn more about Laura: http://cohenhighley.com/lawyers/laura-m-mckeen/
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Resources:
8 Myths About Hiring Employees with Disabilities, by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce -http://www.occ.ca/emerging-stronger-agenda/8-myths-about-hiring-employees-with-disabilities/
Business Benefits of Accessible Workplaces, by the conference board of Canada - http://www.conferenceboard.ca/documents/6264_accessibleworkplaces_br_av.pdf
Partnership Council on Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Report, published by the Government of Ontario - http://www.conferenceboard.ca/documents/6264_accessibleworkplaces_br_av.pdf
Love & Respect,
Eric
Tuesday Mar 21, 2017
Tuesday Mar 21, 2017
003 - Independent Facilitation and Support Circles Enriching Lives, with Joanna Goode, Director of Facilitation Wellington Dufferin
What you will get in this episode:
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Discover Independent facilitation and support circles
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What is the investment? Cost? Benefit?
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Hear success stories with facilitation and support circles
- Learn how to start working with an independent facilitator
How to contact Joanna Goode and Facilitation Wellington Dufferin:
www.facilitationwd.com
Phone: 226-326-0916
E-mail: info@facilitationwd.com
https://www.facebook.com/FacilitationWellingtonDufferin
Resources:
Ontario Independent Facilitation Network: http://www.oifn.ca/
If you are outside of Ontario Google 'Independent Facilitation + your location' to find local facilitators.
Tuesday Mar 21, 2017
Tuesday Mar 21, 2017
002 - The 5 Life and Financial Stages for Families With A Disability, with Tom Mahoney, of Freedom 55 Financial
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Hear Tom's journey as a parent of a son with autism.
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Learn the financial life stages model of a family with a child with a disability
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Discover the keys to financial success
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Learn questions your family should consider at every life stage
Note: Before the recording of this episode I didn't have an understanding of the impact of language like 'special needs' families. Since this episode I've used and promoted language that promotes ability and capability. The spirit of intent in using the term 'special needs' families in this episode comes from a positive place and the information in this episode is extreemly valuable to families and individuals with a disability.
How to contact Tom Mahoney:
Email: tom.mahoney@f55f.com
Resources:
Specific products were not discussed in depth in this episode, but here is a great resource on the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) in Canada.
http://www.rdsp.com/
Tuesday Mar 21, 2017
Tuesday Mar 21, 2017
#001 - The movement to individualized support, and accessing developmental support services, with Keenan Wellar, Co-Leader of LiveWorkPlay.
What you will get from this episode:
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Learn how LiveWorkPlay came to be
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The latest on the trend toward citizenship and individualized support
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Learn how to access support from developmental support agencies (in Ontario, Canada)
How to contact Keenan Wellar and LiveWorkPlay:
613-702-0332
Resources:
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) - https://www.dsontario.ca/
From Presence to Citizenship Video
The video which was shown at the start of the Learning Exchange highlighting stories from the project partner organizations is available on the Learning Community and on YouTube. Please feel free to share this video with your Board, management team, staff, volunteers, family and friends!
The YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWd5wlrrw4w