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Empowering people with disabilities to live an incredible ordinary life.
Episodes
Tuesday Jul 04, 2017
Tuesday Jul 04, 2017
Al Etmanski and I talk about how to bring social change to life by thinking and acting like a movement, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), basic income for people with a disability, and the current state of the family and individual arms of the disability movement.
Think and Act Like a Movement
Al is the author of the book, ‘Impact: Six Patters to Spread Your Social Innovation’, and Al and I discuss the first pattern; think and act like a movement.
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Al tells us:
“It isn't about creating your own movement - we are all already part of many movements…. the question is which ones do we want to bring our energy and resources to. Thinking an acting like a movement is important because big ideas only come into reality when others feel that they have something in common. Movements create a popular support, and the cultural receptivity that emboldens politicians (enables the politician to make bold decisions). Most of the time politicians will ignore your proposals unless they pick up that there is a large degree of receptivity in the public. This is what makes movements more powerful than organizations. Movements don't happen overnight, they take time and become long term trends.”
An example of thinking an acting like a movement is how PLAN BC, an organization Al Co-Founded, led the charge to bring the RDSP to life. The RDSP is a savings plan for Canadians with a disability - enabling people with a disability to save for the future in a way that does not impact eligibility for government supported programs. The idea started at PLAN, but they realized they wouldn't be able to lobby for this change on their own; they had to bring in other people. In order to address the broader initiative, they created alliances with organizations, families, strangers and adversaries and tried to get as many people moving in the same direction to achieve the ultimate end outcome – financial security for people with a disability in Canada.
How do we think and act like a movement?
Al Suggests:
1) We need to calculate the movements you are already part of.
2) Identify the players that your movement touches on.
3) Of those players, identify those that are aligned with your values, and that you would want to work with.
4) Then determine how can you contribute, or how can your organization contribute. If we start with 1 or 2 % of our time and resources you can make a difference.
I got a ton of value from Al’s book ‘Impact: Six Patters to Spread Your Social Innovation’. I highly recommend you get yourself a copy if you are looking for a guidebook to bringing your social innovation to life.
The RDSP
I haven’t yet covered the RDSP on the podcast, so Al provides a high-level overview of how the RDSP works, and the benefits it provides. To sign up for an RDSP you must be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). If you are eligible, or think you might be eligible for the DTC I highly recommend that you consider opening an RDSP to support securing your, or your loved one’s financial future. I will be covering the RDSP in greater detail in a future episode – so for now you can learn more by listening to this podcast with Al Etmanski, or by reading more from the government’s website.
The Family and Individual Arms of the Disability Movement
I ask Al to give his perspective on the current state of the disability movement, and he suggested that there many arms of the disability movement and to simplify it for our conversation we discuss the family and the individual arms of the disability movement.
Current State of The Family Arm
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Al tells us:
“The family arm isn't as strong as it used to be - I don't see the representation from younger family members that there used to be there 20 years ago. (Al hypothesizes that) this could be because the existing players aren't reaching out, or the agenda is not relevant to younger families. The medium of expression has changed dramatically and it has me wondering where the current limitations of the family arm are currently related to our adaptation into the social media world.”
Current State of Individual Arm
Paraphrasing from the podcast, Al tells us:
“There is a huge shift with how people with disabilities see themselves, and see themselves in the world. Al coins this as an ‘evolution of consciousness’. I come from and era where we were asking people to forget about their disability, and to push it in the background. We were asking society not to notice the disability. I am seeing an evolution of consciousness that seems to be comparable to the rising of women in the woman’s rights movement, and minorities in the civil rights movement. People (with disabilities) are taking back the language and beginning to describe their situations the way they are experiencing them. I've begun to see this everywhere, and I think this is so significant. I think it demands that we think about what role we have as advocates, supporters, and family members to make sure that we don't get in the way.”
On the podcast, Al shares the moment he realized this evolution of consciousness in a story as a father with his daughter Liz. Liz acknowledged her disability during a spoken word performance in front of an audience and Al states, " It was both the real deal, and it was no big deal." The full story is available on the podcast.
There are also many groups of people that have emerged across Canada that are interpreters of this evolution, such as the organization Exeko. Exeko provides ‘intellectual mediation’ with the assumption of intellectual competence, and their job is to make sure others understand what people with a disability are saying, untampered.
Basic Income
Al is currently working on the basic income movement to provide a guaranteed basic income for people with a disability in British Columbia, Canada. As a comparison, think guaranteed income for seniors (ex. Canada Pension Plan). The idea is to end the current welfare framework that has restrictions and penalizes people, and to provide a guaranteed basic monthly income with no restrictions, or requirements for reporting. Any additional income would be additive and be taxed accordingly, but would not disqualify you from receiving the basic income. If you are interested in learning more, or contributing to this movement you can check out The Canadian Basic Income Network.
My sincere gratitude goes out to Al for sharing his insights with us, and for the work he has done and is doing to make the world a better place. Thank you, Al!
I couldn’t cover all the content from the podcast in this blog – there was just so much rich content! I consider this podcast a ‘must listen to’ for the opportunity learn from one of the most insightful and influential people in the social innovation and disability space. Also on the podcast, Al gives us a sneak peek inside the current book he is working on. Listen to the podcast to find out more!
Our mini-series on housing for people with disabilities is continuing so go ahead and Subscribeto the mailing list to get all 6 episodes sent directly to your inbox!
Love & Respect,
Eric
Resources:
Website: aletmanski.com
Al Etmanski's Blog: http://aletmanski.com/blog/
(Writes about issues for people who want to make the world a better place.)
Article: 'The 'C' In Canada Stands for Caring' Vickie Cammack Click Here
Al’s book ‘Impact: Six Patters to Spread Your Social Innovation’
Al's Blog referencing King Arthur’s Night (‘Evolution of Conciousness’) http://aletmanski.com/impact/artists-arent-ahead-of-their-time/
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!
Click Here To Listen on iTunes
Tuesday Jun 27, 2017
Tuesday Jun 27, 2017
I ask Keenan, “What is the most common question you get asked in your role as Co-leader at LiveWorkPlay?”. Keenan replies “Housing – what should we do in housing?” - At the end of the podcast recording in Episode 1; “The movement to individualized support, and accessing developmental support services”,
In this week’s podcast I share unreleased audio from our very first guest on the podcast, Keenan Wellar. Keenan is the innovative Co-founder and Co-leader of LiveWorkPlay, a developmental service agency that works to facilitate community connections and relationships in Ottawa, ON.
When answering 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;
Where do most citizens tend to live in your community? (Let’s start there)
What are the barriers to those outcomes (living in 'ordinary' housing) ?
These are great questions to get you thinking about the best solution for you and your family. To help guide your thinking process 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 your solution. Click Here to download the free workbook.
Keenan shares, "If we just look at the systemic one size fits all housing solution then we are closing a lot of doors." I agree. We also might not be creating an environment for a person with a disability to flourish by taking a one size fits all approach.
Keenan also touches on the problem of isolation and loneliness for people with a disability, and how important it is to work on developing unpaid relationships. Keenan and I dive deep into building social capital topic with Al Condeluci in Episode 6; “Social Capital; Building Relationships for Improved Well-Being”
Take a listen to this podcast to get a different perspective on creating the best home for you and your loved one.
Our mini-series on housing for people with disabilities is continuing so go ahead and Subscribeto the mailing list to get all 6 episodes sent directly to your inbox!
Love & Respect,
Eric
How to Contact Keenan Wellar and LiveWorkPlay:
Website: http://liveworkplay.ca/
Phone: 613-702-0332
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!
Click Here To Listen on iTunes
Tuesday Jun 20, 2017
Tuesday Jun 20, 2017
Guest Ron Pruessen, father to Caroline, who has a developmental disability, member of Opportunities Mississauga, and Chair of the Ontario Developmental Services Housing Task Force. In this episode, Ron has an open conversation with me as a father and gives his personal perspective on housing for people with a developmental disability, rather than speaking for organizations and projects he is involved with.
This is Part 2 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!
Ron has been advocating for people with disabilities for the last 20 years. He was moved to do something when he, and his wife Alice, found that there weren’t many opportunities for their daughter Caroline, now 40, when she graduated high school. Ron got involved in a family group called Opportunities Mississauga, which now represents about 200 families. Currently, Ron sits at the Partnership Table with the Ontario Provincial Government to voice what is needed in terms of support for people (and families) with a developmental disability. This led to the creation of the Ontario Developmental Services Housing Task Force (Housing Task Force), in 2015, to begin addressing the housing crisis for people with a developmental disability in Ontario. Ron currently serves as the Chair for the Housing Task Force.
As explained in Part 1 of the mini-series on housing, ‘Creating a Home, with Marg McLean’ (Listen Here) – there are 12,000 to 17,000 people in Ontario waiting for housing and the list is growing. I recommend you check out Part 1 as Marg and I explore the elements of creating a home, and I provide a Free Workbook to help guide you through creating your vision.
The Housing Task Force
The Housing Task Force was created by the Ontario Provincial Government, but it is not operated by the government. It is operated at arm’s length by individuals that need support, families, and members support agencies. It was evident that in the past the government wasn't looking outside the box, so the focus has been placed on finding creative solutions. The Housing Task Force was given $3MM in annualized funding, which has funded 18 pilot projects from the 200 proposals submitted. The Housing Task Force is now working closely with the people in the pilot projects to learn what is working, and what isn’t.
Personally, I love that the Ontario Government took an entrepreneurial approach to the problem, and allowed the Housing Task Force to test different ideas. The next challenge will be to fund and scale the housing models that have been proven to be effective in providing people a good life.
Ron shares that in his opinion it is the Government’s responsibility to provide housing and a good life for people with disabilities, just like they do for senior citizens. The Ontario Government didn’t do anything for a long time, but the current government deserves credit for the approach it is taking. However, Ron says there is much more work to be done.
I ask Ron, as a father and someone that is involved with a family group and the housing task force what have you learned along the journey on housing?
Ron shares that for a long time the government has had a limited menu (of housing options). There has been a lot of wonderful ideas at the grassroots level that haven't had the opportunity to come to life. Individuals have been doing the visioning, and they see the possibilities out there.
The most significant example of creativity Ron has seen in 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 (or home) 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.
Examples of partnering with community:
1) Mobilizing resources to launch a project with local governments; cities, towns, and municipalities. (Ex. affordable housing programs and agendas.)
2) Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and building developers contributing resources.
3) Community colleges participating in programs that where there are opportunities to develop friendships.
I ask Ron, knowing what you know now - what are the first steps you would take to put a housing solution in place?
Ron replied, we want to turn to the government but, that isn't a very effective because the government has a lot of demands on it (education, infrastructure, etc.), and there isn't enough money.
Don't just wait and sit around, be proactive, and start community conversations.
What we should have done is build the community connections and relationships that have been effective; local government, social clubs, churches, local agencies, organizations. This is where we started a long time ago, and this is where we are going back to.
I ask Ron, when should you start designing a life with your son or daughter with a disability?
Ron suggested parents should start having these family conversations in the early teenage years. At this age you start to learn who this person is, what they want to contribute, and what their gifts are.
When it comes to housing, it is a long process. Caroline (Ron’s daughter) went on the residential housing support waitlist when she was 16, and they thought it would take about 10 years for her to find a home. 22 years later Caroline was still waiting for an opportunity to emerge.
The simple message is: the earlier, the better.
Tune into the podcast to hear more from Ron about building community, outside of the box thinking, building a whole life, and building relationships.
Ron strongly urges us to keep the pressure on the Government, keep pushing. Talk to your member of parliament, and make it clear that this is a problem. Help these people empathize with your lived experience, because they haven't lived the life. They need to hear our stories.
I thank Ron for coming on the podcast to share his experience and perspective on housing for people with a disability.
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 your solution. Click Here to download the free workbook.
Love & Respect,
Eric
How to Contact Ron Pruessen:
Facebook Page: Click Here
Podcast Resources:
P4P Booklet on Housing Task Force Projects: 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!
Click Here To Listen on iTunes
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:
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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:
-
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
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!