43.8K
Downloads
116
Episodes
Empowering people with disabilities to live an incredible ordinary life.
Episodes
Tuesday Jun 13, 2017
Tuesday Jun 13, 2017
This week’s guest on the Empowering Ability Podcast is Win Kelly Charles. Win was Born with Cerebral Palsy (CP), and has defied the odds by becoming an author, the host of the Butterflies of Wisdom podcast, a competitor in the Kona IronMan Triathlon, CEO of her own jewelry design company, and motivational speaker. Win Charles truly is an inspiration to many.
Win is a disability advocate, and openly shares her journey as a person with CP. On the podcast, Win tells us that CP occurs at birth, and isn't genetic (so it isn’t something you will pass on). For Win CP impacts both sides of body; her left hand is weak, and her right leg is weak, and she has undergone 100+ surgeries.
Win is an extremely resilient person, so I ask her; what is the mindset that you carry to be the person that you are?
Win shares that she is “..not named Win for nothing.” Win’s mother named her after her grandmother, who’s name was Winaphin. From the tone in Win’s voice when sharing this story, I could hear the sense of pride and motivation this gives her.
Second, Win was treated like she didn’t have a disability by her parents. Win’s parents put her in the regular classroom, where she was treated as an equal and was able to participate in the same programming as everyone else. From her experience, Win suggests that if possible parents should put their kids in regular classrooms.
The approach that Win takes in her life is to "…….Always, Always, Always, look outside the box.... The solution is never cookie cutter." Win brings out a great point here as many families and people with a disability are constantly facing road blocks, and have to look for different solutions. Look outside the box, as win suggests, don’t take no or the status quo for an answer, be creative and find a different path, find your path!
I ask Win who her mentors were in her life that have made a big impact on her?
Win shares that there were a couple of educators who she views as mentors, but the biggest mentors in her life were her Parents. Win again drives home the point that her parents raising her as if she didn't have a disability empowered her to become the woman that she is today.
Take a listen to the podcast to hear our discussion on inclusion, how Win became an author and a podcaster, as well as the messages Win shares on disability advocacy.
If you want to learn more about Win’s journey, I recommend you pick up her book ‘I Win; Hope and life as a disabled woman living in a not disabled world’ on Amazon.
Win tours the country, speaking to schools and institutions to raise awareness about cerebral palsy, and living a full life no matter what holds you back. It was a pleasure having Win on the podcast, and if you want to hear more from Win you can Sign up for Win’s newsletter to stay updated on new releases and appearances.
Love & Respect,
Eric
How to Contact Win Kelly Charles:
Twitter: @WinKellyCharles
Win's Art: Click Here
Podcast: Butterflies of Wisdom
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!
Tuesday Jun 06, 2017
Tuesday Jun 06, 2017
Mitch, a high school senior, started to explore part-time employment in his community and was continually turned away, due to what Mitch thinks was his disability. Mitch and his mom, Charity, then teamed up to make Mitch's dream a reality and created 'Mitch and Mama's Coffee Bar'.
This week's guests on the Empowering Ability Podcast are mother and son, Charity Hilson and Mitch Dale, who tell their story of making Mitch's dream of owning a coffee shop come to life. Danny Steeves Eby, fellow entrepreneur from Episode 8 of the podcast joins us as a co-host on this episode.
Subscribe to the Empowering Ability mailing list to get more great stories like this one sent directly to your inbox!
Mitch and Charity were pushed by their friends and family to start, and with a small amount of capital they opened up a coffee bar inside an existing operating store in their hometown of Listowel, ON. The coffee bar currently employs Mitch and Charity, and provides volunteer opportunities to people in the community who have a disability. They have a grand vision of having their own store, with couches and tables, but the most important thing was for the mother and son team was to get started, so they downsized their dream (for now).
Mitch shares that having a coffee shop is his dream because he is a people person, and he loves to be around people. Every cup of coffee comes with a free hug from Mitch, and he thinks it keeps many customers coming back. I was lucky enough to get 3 hugs from Mitch, and for me the hugs were worth much more than the price of a cup of coffee. Mitch and Charity share that most people in their community have embraced their new venture, and are even offering to help find funding.
Charity provides advice to other families looking to start their own venture, "Really listen to what your child is wanting, it is easy to take over their dream..... (and) think about the best business to start that utilizes their gifts. Start slow, don't get discouraged, don't give up, use your resources. It is very hard to ask for help, but people really want to help you. If you just ask for help things run a lot smoother."
Charity also shares, "I'd like families to know if I can do it, anyone can.... I am a single mother with 3 kids and 2 jobs."
This is a great story of creating an incredible ordinary life for Mitch, Charity, and other people with a disability. Mitch and Mama's is also helping to change societal perceptions for people with a disability, by providing the opportunity to show their gifts through employment in the community. Stop by Mitch and Mama's to get a coffee, and a hug from Mitch - you will understand what I mean.
There are a lot of ideas in the grave yard. Bringing an idea to life and creating something takes a lot of courage. Just take the first step, start! Then enjoy the journey.
I'd like to thank Mitch and Charity for coming on the podcast to share their story, and lessons learned from starting their own venture. It was a pleasure interviewing them and I am excited for my next trip back to Mitch and Mamas. I'd also like to thank my co-host for this episode, Danny Steeves Eby, for his positivity, contagious laugh, and insightful questions.
Love & Respect,
Eric
How to Contact Mitch & Mama's:
Email: mitchandmamas@gmail.com
Phone: 519-291-7235
Website: http://www.mitchandmamascoffeebar.com/
Facebook: 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!
Monday May 29, 2017
Monday May 29, 2017
This is Part 1 of a 6 part mini-series on housing for people with disabilities. We are exploring the housing issue for people with disabilities, new innovative ideas, and success stories from around the globe. Subscribe to the mailing list to get all 6 episodes sent directly to your inbox!
This week's guest on the Empowering Ability Podcast is Marg McLean, Executive Director of Community Living St. Marys. Marg and the Community Living St. Marys team have been helping people with a disability create their home, and support solutions since the 1980's when people were leaving institutions.
The Problem:
As of 2016, the Ontario 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. We will be exploring this problem in other parts of the world as the housing mini-series continues. Reference: (The Toronto Star, 2016)
This is a massive line to wait in as supply of residential homes is increasing at a much slower pace than the demand for people with a developmental disability in need of housing.
So, should families be planning their own housing solution?
Marg shares that people are going on the waitlist 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.) What works well is for families to come up with a vision of what would be a good home in community.
When thinking about your home, there are 4 questions you need to answer:
I’ve created a FREE workbook to help you create your vision of the best housing solution for you and to take the first steps toward implementing this solution. Click Here to download the free workbook.
Marg shares the stories of Michael, Bill, Gord, and Kayleigh on the podcast. Below is a short overview of the home they have created, listen to the podcast and watch the Community Living St. Marys videos to hear their full stories.
Success Stories of Creating Home:
Michael’s story – In his mid 20’s Michael lived in a rural area with his family, and was looking for opportunity to move out of his family home. Michael’s family bought a duplex in a small city, where Michael attended school and has access to transportation. Michael and his housemate live in the upper level and his supportive neighbours, Leah and her mom, live in the main level unit. The duplex is paying the mortgage, and when the mortgage is paid off it will enhance his Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
Note: Housing trusts can be explored if you are considering home ownership.
Bill’s story – Bill had a supportive housemate living with him, and when his supportive housemate purchased their own home Bill moved with them. Sharing a home with an individual or a family is commonplace, but can be forgotten when considering housing options.
Gord’s story – Gord wasn’t interested in a staff model so he found a couple that live on a farm to live with, and they welcomed him in with open arms. This couple and Gord have shared their lives together for the last 19 years.
Kayleigh’s story – Kayleigh moved out of her mom’s home and into her own apartment in an 8-plex building as part of Community Living St. Marys’ ‘Supportive Neighbour’ project with The Ontario Developmental Services Housing Taskforce . A young family lives beside Kayleigh and provides some supports. Kayleigh also ended up inviting Yvonne to live with her as a roommate.
* Note: The Ontario Developmental Services Housing Taskforce operates at arm’s length from the Ontario government who provided $3MM to fund new innovative housing projects over a 2-year period. In year 1, 12 projects were funded by the Housing Taskforce.
Eric’s Story – I live with a roommate in his own home, and he has outside support come to the house. We are roommates who provide each other friendship and I help with things like lunch, letting his dog out, and being there overnight.
Check out the podcast to hear some creative ways you can find people to share home with, and to hear the Lesson’s Marg has learned helping people with disabilities to create their home.
A key takeaway for me from the conversation with Marg, and the research that I have done on housing is that families need to start thinking and acting on their own vision for housing. What does the ideal home look like? What does the ideal community look like? Take control of your own future. Click Here to download the free housing workbook to get started on your solution.
I thank Marg for coming on the podcast and sharing her experience and stories on housing for people with a disability.
How to Contact Marg McLean:
Email: mmclean@clstmarys.ca
Monday May 22, 2017
Monday May 22, 2017
In this podcast episode, Lynn McGregor provides educates us on accessibility in the built environment, tells us our rights when it comes to accessibility, and provides tips for making your home accessible.
Monday May 15, 2017
Monday May 15, 2017
Location: Ontario, Canada
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 May 01, 2017
Monday May 01, 2017
A sibling care-giver tells her story of becoming her brother's go to person after her parents passed sooner than anyone expected. This podcast is important for all parents and siblings to listen to.
How to contact Helen Ries:
Resources:
Ontario Independent Facilitation Network OIFN.ca
Facebook Groups for Siblings
Canada - Click Here
USA - Click Here
Monday Apr 24, 2017
Monday Apr 24, 2017
Monday Apr 17, 2017
Monday Apr 17, 2017
Website: www.bobrumball.org
Contact: Click here
Phone: 905-878-4932
Location: Milton, Toronto, Parry Sound, Barrie - 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:
-
Discover Independent facilitation and support circles
-
What is the investment? Cost? Benefit?
-
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
-
Hear Tom's journey as a parent of a son with autism.
-
Learn the financial life stages model of a family with a child with a disability
-
Discover the keys to financial success
-
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:
-
Learn how LiveWorkPlay came to be
-
The latest on the trend toward citizenship and individualized support
-
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
Wednesday Mar 15, 2017
Wednesday Mar 15, 2017
000 - Podcast Introduction & Eric's Story, with your host, Eric Goll
What you will get from this episode:
- Hear my story, featuring my mom & sister!
- Learn why I am creating the podcast
- Learn what's in the podcast for you
- If you want to learn more about me, take a listen!
How to contact Eric Goll and Empowering Ability:
www.empoweringability.org
Facebook Community - Join the conversation and ask questions about the podcast!