Whether you're getting ready for your loved one to move out of the family home, OR - just trying to prepare them for independence, There is one important life skill they need to learn. And no, it's not about cooking, cleaning, or handling money... It's about knowing how to ask for help. I remember when I first started to gain more independence. The…

There's a cafe a few towns over that hires mostly individuals with developmental disabilities. You may have seen these types of businesses in your area: a cafe, a thrift store, or a packaging facility. The family behind the cafe started it to provide employment for their daughter and to create opportunities for other people with disabilities. A hea…

Learn how to help your loved one live an awesome, ordinary life! Register for the Life Plan Workshop now: https://www.empoweringability.org/2024lifeplanworkshop/ To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll Once Your loved one is defined as 'Special,' their life trajectory changes drastically. Y…

Register now to get your spot in the free Life Plan Workshop: https://www.empoweringability.org/2024workshop/ To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll There are times that you get worried about the future of your loved one with a developmental disability... You are not alone. My sister, Sara…

Learn how to create your loved one's Life Plan. Join the Life Plan Workshop Waitlist now: https://www.empoweringability.org/workshopwaitlist/ The 'Special' plan that others have for your loved one with a developmental disability is not a good one. (i.e. a group home and a day program) This is why you must work with your loved one to build your life…

Download a FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now: https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/ To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll At 16, I faced a pivotal moment when my parents told me that they named me in their wills to care for …

Download a FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now: https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/ In this story, I share Gabby's journey from loneliness to empowerment. Just like you, Gabby's mom, Jane, wrestled with the worry of who would be there for her child when she couldn't. That's where supp…

Download a FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now: https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/ To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll As a caregiver, you're the backbone of support for your loved one with a disability. But what happens …

Download a FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now: https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/ Let me share a personal story about my sister, Sarah. Despite initial challenges, she now lives independently. Initially, I thought Sarah was lazy, but I was wrong. She had learned helplessness. So, I …

Download a FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now: https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/ To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll Are you looking for ways to get more support for your loved one with a disability? You're not alone. I…

Download a FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now: https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/ To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll Ever wonder what it's really like for our loved ones to live in group homes for adults with disabiliti…

Worried about what's ahead for your loved one with a developmental disability? It's totally okay to feel unsure, especially when you are trying to plan for their future. In this episode, I share Jamie's story—a powerful reminder of why just having a Special Needs Trust might not be enough. Jamie's parents did what they thought was best and set up a…

Download a FREE copy of my “7 Strategies for More Independence” guide to boost your loved one's independence: https://www.empoweringability.org/independence-tips/ To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll As a caregiver, you dream of your loved one leading an independent life, meaning more fr…

Download a FREE copy of my “7 Strategies for More Independence” guide to boost your loved one's independence: https://www.empoweringability.org/independence-tips/ To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll Do you want your loved one with Autism or a developmental disability to have better soci…

Looking for more strategies to nurture your loved one’s independence? Download my free “7 Strategies for More Independence” guide: https://www.empoweringability.org/independence-tips/ The holidays can be tough when you have a loved one with a disability, but guess what? I've got your back! 🤍 In this podcast, I'm sharing 3 incredible ways to make th…

Are you seeking fresh, effective ways to support your loved one with a disability in finding a fulfilling paid job? I've got you covered.​​ In this new podcast episode, Milton Tyree, an Employment Specialist for people with developmental disabilities, teaches us the best practices of customized employment that you can use to support your loved one …

“Who’s going to love and care for my loved one with a disability when I can’t?” I get it. It’s a tough question and it’s overwhelming to think about. But, I’m having this heart-to-heart with you because if you continue to ignore this question the result is a disaster for your loved one and family in the future. Don’t worry—I’ve got a way forward fo…

I know you want your loved one with a disability to be safe and well cared for in the future... And... you might be thinking that a group home and/or day program is the answer. But... I want to share something with you that I heard from a conversation with a government agency director that might just shake your entire belief system. In a word: It's…

Ever catch yourself worrying that you’re loved one isn’t capable of independence? Trust me, you’re not alone. My mom felt the same way about my sister Sarah. Mom was so worried that Sarah couldn’t even get out of bed on her own. The truth was something else entirely. … the lengths I had to go to prove it? Let’s just say it’s a story you don’t want …

I’ve got a story you won’t want to miss—a true tale of transformation that’ll leave you feeling optimistic about the awesome ordinary possibilities for your loved one with a disability. Meet Julia, a 25-year-old actress with incredible talent but a life script she couldn’t quite figure out. Then came the game-changer: Karen (Julia’s mom) discovered…

You’re a loving mother committed to your loved one’s growth. I know it’s challenging, but there’s a way to help your loved one’s independence flourish. This short podcast reveals two stories, from family members like you, who transformed their loved one’s lives using daily routines, consistency, and even failure. Growing your loved one’s independen…

Is your loved one's progress feeling slow? I want to share a story with you, one that offers a path to independence that you've been looking for. In this podcast, you'll learn from Lori's journey, a mother who started breaking down bigger tasks for her daughter into small, manageable steps. Lori's patience and pacing paved the way for her daughter'…

I’d like to tell you a story. Florence, like many moms, always decided for her teenager with a developmental disability, thinking it was for his safety. But deep down, she realized this made him more reliant on her. So, she made a change. She started letting her son make his own choices. The result? He became more involved, confident, and capable. …

Tired of the constant nagging to try and motivate your loved one with a developmental disability to do more at home? Imagine a world where your loved one is interested in growing their independence without resistance. The secret is in identifying the perfect opportunity. Let me guide you through it, drawing inspiration from Karen’s story. In this p…

Let’s face it, stepping into the realm of independence for your loved one with developmental disabilities can seem daunting. But guess what? With a few clever tools and strategies, you can create a home environment that encourages independence while minimizing risk. This episode is a treasure trove of valuable insights, taking you on a guided tour …

In this podcast, you'll discover the power of two supportive technologies for individuals with developmental disabilities. I’ll show you the potential of GPS tracking and video monitoring, which can create a safety net for your loved one and promote independence. I also address privacy and consent when using these technologies, while acknowledging …

Are you a caregiver for your adult child with a developmental disability? Do you ever feel overwhelmed and scared, wondering who will love and care for your child when you’re no longer able to? I know your fears and struggles, and I’m here to help you discover the power of smartphones in redefining communication, safety, and independence for loved …

Welcome to this new episode of the Empowering Ability podcast. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce our guest, Darcy Elks. Darcy is an educator, consultant, human services evaluator, and advocate for people who are societally devalued. With over 35 years of experience working with marginalized individuals, Darcy has collaborated with various groups, in…

Welcome to this new episode of the Empowering Ability Podcast! Today, it’s my pleasure to bring to you Cesilee Coulson. Cesilee is the Executive Director of the Washington Initiative for Supported Employment, also known as WISE. With 25 years of experience in competitive integrated employment training and technical assistance, Cesilee is an expert …

What are the direct impacts on your loved one with a disability in a special vs ordinary workplace?! In this podcast, I help you understand the impacts by looking at; -> the work environment, -> rate of pay, -> relationships, and -> growth opportunities. The differences are drastic, and I hope that this podcast gives you the tools to be able to mak…

Have you ever wondered about the difference between a “special” (i.e. only neurodivergent) and an “ordinary” (i.e. mostly neurotypical) workplace?!! It’s easy to assume that our loved ones with developmental disabilities simply focus on their job and that the environment they work in doesn’t matter. But have we taken a moment to consider the implic…

Are you feeling frustrated with the limited options available for your loved one with a developmental disability? Do you feel like they're just going through the motions at their day program without really growing or experiencing life to the fullest? If so, I'm here to tell you that there are better options out there. Why is a day program presented…

Spencer and his mom Elaine joined me in this conversation to share how they went from butting heads with each other to collaboratively creating an Awesome Ordinary Life for Spencer. For them, it felt like other people were picking up their lives after COVID restrictions eased, and they were stuck in isolation. Spencer shared that he didn't want to …

You might agree with me, or you might disagree with me. But, you must consider the truth of the living environment and experience of the person when we group people with disabilities and force them to live together. It's also helpful to hear straight from someone with lived experience, so here's what a person shared with me about their experience l…

Alina, the mother of 17-year-old Juliana, joined me to talk about their experience of going from complete dependence on Mom to Juliana growing her capability and independence. Alina was doing EVERYTHING for Juliana. The idea of independence was there, but Alina was locked into the habit of doing everything. When Alina thought about Juliana's indepe…

Do you pay people to act like your friend? I didn't think so. So why is it acceptable for paid supporters to act like our loved one's friend when they are NOT in a friendship?! The behaviour of a paid supporter acting like a friend causes harm to your loved one. In this video, I share why it is harmful, what you can do to stop the harm, and how you…

To help you see more ordinary life possibilities for your loved ones with developmental disabilities, I will share stories of families working with their loved ones to take steps forward to create an Awesome Ordinary Life. Chloe was in a high school transition program for students with disabilities in her final years of high school. She became incr…

I’ve been talking about life planning and creating a life plan these last few weeks… And I’ve received many questions from families on this topic. The most common question is… “How do I create a life plan with my loved one?” To help you get started, I created this episode for you. very best, Eric P.S. The upcoming 'Life Plan Workshop' will help you…

There are two (2) very different paths for your loved one who has a developmental disability... Which path is your loved one on?!... The "Special Needs" path -OR- the "Awesome Ordinary" path. Each path provides a very different life experience. Listen to this short podcast episode to help you discover what path your loved one is currently on and ho…

If you don't have a plan, you're planning to fail. - Benjamin Franklin We need to plan for who will care for our loved one with a developmental disability for when the time comes that we can't. I know this is your #1 fear, and it can be hard to talk about... But, if you don't have a plan in place, your loved one is at greater risk of falling into t…

Do you find yourself continually prompting your loved one to take care of their responsibilities around the house?! It gets exhausting. I’ve got a different approach for you to try this week… To start, take a moment to mindfully slow down and breathe and listen to the different ways that your family member is communicating… Check out this episode t…

How do you keep your loved one with a developmental disability safe while enabling them to develop their independence? There is tension between safety and independence that we experience as families. If you want to learn how you can stop overprotecting your loved one and limiting their life experiences I share more in this podcast. Very best, Eric …

Happy 2022! This year, I want to help you to live into the "Awesome Ordinary" life goals that you've got in your mind for your loved one and family. Over the holidays, I read Will Smith's book titled "Will." So it was entertaining, yet profoundly deep and inspirational; I highly recommend it. In the book, Will Smith shares a great story about a Bud…

Charlotte wanted to support her son, Jamie, to move out into his own home but wasn’t sure how. I had the pleasure of working with Charlotte and Jamie to build an “Awesome Ordinary” life vision in my coaching programs. And recently, Jamie moved into his own home! I had the opportunity to catch up with Charlotte to learn about Jamie’s progress and ho…

Are you tired of prompting or telling your loved one to do things, maybe do things around the house? ​ This is something that many families that I work with keep bumping into, and it becomes exhausting for you and frustrating for your loved one. ​ In this video/article, I give you my #1 strategy to motivate your loved one! This means less prompting…

What do we mean by wanting our loved one with a developmental disability to have more independence? And, why is helping your loved one grow their independence so important? In this week's podcast, I tackle these questions and share the story of Sarah's journey to independence. Click the link below for the video and written transcription. https://ww…

Sometimes we fail, we fall down... and we get back up, dust ourselves off, and try again. Falling down is a significant way to learn and find meaning in our lives. So why don't you let your loved one with a developmental disability fall down? FEAR! Your loved one might have vulnerabilities, and you do your best to protect them from harm's way. BUT,…

I'm honored to bring you this conversation I recorded with Joe Clayton. Joe is a survivor of Rideau Regional Center; an institution closed in Smith Falls, Ontario. "We as the people, disabilities, we cry just like everybody else. We laugh like everybody else. We are human beings, just like everybody else. And like I said before, we just want the wo…

Lorna Sullivan, a global disability leader who is making significant changes inside the New Zealand social system. Lorna is the founder of the International Initiative for Disability Leadership (IIDL) and Director of Mana Whaikaha. I had the pleasure of learning from Lorna when she was part of the faculty in Michael Kendrick's Optimal Individualize…

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 Ell…