Empowering Ability Podcast Eric Goll

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 as the only option for adults with developmental disabilities?The truth is, there are better ordinary options available for your loved one. We're here to help you explore and discover the possibilities that exist to help your loved one live an Awesome Ordinary Life, with more independence, real friendships, and even paid employment.
 
To help you learn more about these options, I've created this podcast to explain why there are better options than a day program and what those options look like.
 
With gratitude,
Eric
 
 
P.S. Want to create an Awesome Ordinary Life with your loved one?!
Click the link below to join our free upcoming workshop:
https://www.empoweringability.org/workshop/

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 leave his bedroom and was on the edge of depression.Elaine and I started to work together, and Elaine learned to shift from being the caregiver to the coach. When Elaine started collaborating with Spencer, they took some big steps forward.One big step forward was starting Spencer's support circle of friends, which is a group of people in intentional, reciprocal and freely given relationships with Spencer.Spencer's confidence has grown; he's exploring his interests in community, and even landed a paid part-time job!
 
P.S. Want to create an Awesome Ordinary Life with your loved one?!
Click the link below to join our free upcoming workshop:
https://www.empoweringability.org/workshop/

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 living in a group home:"I have a developmental disability and have lived in an extremely toxic group home. People who are placed in group homes don't have the right to pick and choose whom they get to live with, which can create hostility.I have been yelled at by both staff and roommates, as well as assaulted by roommates. After leaving that group home, I chose to find my place to live with minimal support.To this day, I have never looked back. I have the freedom to do what I want and eat what and when I want, and if I ever decide I want a roommate I will have the freedom to choose whom I want to live with me."In this video, I share why group homes create a poor living environment, and how you can create a better living environment and home for your loved one.
 
P.S. Want to create an Awesome Ordinary Life with your loved one?!
Click the link below to join our free upcoming workshop:
https://www.empoweringability.org/workshop/

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 independence, her fears kicked in, creating a state of overwhelm and keeping them stuck. This resulted in Juliana learning that she couldn't do things.Then things started to change when Alina and I began to work together. Alina's awareness and mental outlook shifted, which was the key to unlocking Juliana's independence.Alina no longer feels like the caretaker and has to solve all the problems. Juliana and Alina are now on an equal footing, having more open dialogue, and Juliana is starting to lead her own life!
 
P.S. Want to create an Awesome Ordinary Life with your loved one?!
Click the link below to join our free upcoming workshop:
https://www.empoweringability.org/workshop/

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 can redirect that paid supporter to be a bridge to real friendships.
With gratitude,Eric
P.S. Want to create an Awesome Ordinary Life with your loved one?!Click the link below to join our free upcoming workshop:
https://www.empoweringability.org/workshop/

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 increasingly frustrated by the lack of opportunity the transition program provided and felt like it was holding her back.
Chloe, supported by her mom, Laura, decided to leave the support of the transition program and pursue paid employment.
Today, Chloe is gainfully employed, building meaningful relationships with peers at work, and enjoying her interests in ordinary places in the community.
 
Want to create an Awesome Ordinary Life with your loved one?!Click the link below to join our free upcoming workshop that Laura took to start building an Awesome Ordinary Life with Chloe!
https://www.empoweringability.org/workshop/