Forever Home for our kids with disabilities.

Valerie Arbeau
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Formerly Special Needs Moms - Circle of Strength.  This podcast has begun a shift in focus... Hey, I’m Valerie, mom to two with disabilities (one visible, one invisible). We came up with housing solutions for our children. This space has been created to help you navigate the journey of creating a secure, sustainable forever home for your child.  We’ll chat with parents on this path, realtors, financial planners, and other experts who can make the process easier. We'll be dropping an episode twice a month. Seeing my eldest thrive living independent of us was a gift I didn’t always know I could give. I'm excited for you to have the opportunity to explore giving that gift to your child.   Keep building your child’s future!  Music acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

  1. FEB 18

    Protecting the Forever Home – Trusts, Planning & What Happens When You’re No Longer Here with Estate Lawyer Gordon VanderLeek

    Send a text In Part Two of this informative conversation, I sit down again with estate lawyer Gordon VanderLeek, founder of VanderLeek Law, to unpack the legal and practical realities of securing a forever home for our children with disabilities. If you think buying the right house is the hard part — think again. Gordon walks us through the integrated planning that must happen behind the scenes to truly protect your child’s future. From tax implications to vulnerability risks, from Trusteeship to roommate agreements, this episode is full of insight every parent needs to hear. In This Episode We Cover: The most common mistakes families make when purchasing or transferring a homeWhy “just putting the house in your child’s name” can create serious long-term risksHow Canada’s principal residence exemption factors into planningWhy tax should never be the first priority — protection shouldHow to legally structure living arrangements with roommates or support workersThe importance of written agreements (even when everyone gets along)What happens when parents are no longer able to advocateCreating a Letter of Wishes or roadmap document to guide future caregiversPassing on financial knowledge (banking, bills, supports) before it’s neededWhether a Henson Trust can own property in Alberta — and how that worksHow Trustees should be empowered to manage repairs, renovations, or sale of the homeEnsuring there are enough funds in the Trust to support not just housing — but the whole lifeGordon also reminds us that a Trust is not just a tax tool — it’s a protective structure. And planning isn’t just about legal documents; it’s about transferring knowledge. One of the most practical takeaways? Start small. Open a document. Write one paragraph. Add to it over time. A roadmap doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to exist. Because when crisis hits, the worst time to figure this out is after the funeral. Final Encouragement You do not have to do this alone. Bring in professionals. Talk to other parents. Build your circle. Refine your plan over time. Peace of mind comes from preparation — not perfection. If this episode helped you think differently about your child’s forever home, share it with another parent who needs this conversation.   Connect with Gordon VanderLeek Website: vanderleeklaw.caDisability Advocacy Services: disabilityadvocates.ca·       https://facebook.com/vanderleeklaw ·       https://www.linkedin.com/company/vanderleeklaw ·       https://www.instagram.com/vanderleek_law/   Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States) Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    49 min

  2. FEB 4

    Mobility, Dignity & Designing for the Future with Al Neary

    Send us a text Episode Overview In this episode, Valerie sits down with Al Neary, a mobility and rehabilitation expert with nearly 40 years of experience, to discuss how thoughtful equipment choices and home planning can support dignity, independence, and long-term quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Al shares practical insights for families navigating wheelchairs, seating, bathing, transfers, and home modifications—along with powerful stories that reframe mobility from limitation to possibility. Meet Al Neary Founder and president of Maximum Mobility (est. 2007)Calgary native and longtime volunteer with CADS – Canadian Adaptive Snow SportsSpecializes in pediatric and complex rehabilitation equipmentPassionate advocate for function, safety, and inclusion What You’ll Learn in This Episode Mobility Is More Than a Wheelchair A wheelchair is just one part of daily independence. Al explains the importance of complementary equipment such as lifts, commodes, shower chairs, hospital beds, grab bars, and change tables—to keep both individuals and caregivers safe. Why Proper Seating Matters Comfort, positioning, and support directly impact function, energy, and dignity. Al explains how customized seating enables independence and reduces physical and mental fatigue. Follow-Up & Maintenance (Especially in Alberta) Pediatric equipment is reviewed regularly due to growthAdult equipment is user-driven—vendors cannot initiate follow-upsFamilies must track replacement timelines through AADLRoutine servicing extends equipment life and improves daily functionBathrooms, Transfers & Home Design Commonly overlooked areas include: Bathroom size and layoutTrue roll-in showers (no lip)Space for commode accessLighting, doorway width, and transfer zonesEarly planning—before drywall or final layouts—can save money and stress. Future-Proofing the Forever Home Al emphasizes: Zero-threshold entriesWider doorwaysCeiling lift planningMultiple accessible exits for safetyAccessible design can be beautiful, functional, and a strong resale asset. Reframing Mobility Mobility equipment is a tool, not a setback. Al shares moving stories of children gaining independence, inclusion, and confidence through the right supports. “It’s not about what someone can’t do—it’s about giving them the tools to participate.”   Key Takeaways Think long-term, not just for todayInvolve professionals earlyPlan for growth, aging, and caregiver safetyFocus on dignity, function, and inclusion Live with intention. Embrace the journey. Thank you for listening to Forever Home for Our Kids with Disabilities.   Connect with Al Neary 🌐 www.maxmobility.ca 📞 403-769-6166 📧 ALN@maxmobility.ca   Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    41 min

  3. JAN 21

    From Survival to Sustainability: Autism Parenting and Long-Term Planning with Dr. Theresa Lyons

    Send us a text Episode Summary In this powerful and deeply validating episode, Valerie is joined by Dr. Theresa Lyons—international autism educator, Ivy League scientist, and autism parent—for an honest conversation about the hidden toll of parenting a child with autism, the emerging science around parent PTSD, and the hope found in evidence-based supports. Dr. Lyons shares her personal journey following her daughter’s autism diagnosis and reflects on the lack of clear guidance parents often receive—even years later. Together, Valerie and Dr. Lyons explore the reality of chronic stress, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation experienced by many parents, and why acknowledging this is not a failure of love, but an act of care. Key Topics Covered New 2025 research linking autism parenting stress to PTSD diagnosesWhy parent trauma remains a taboo topic—and why that must changeHow EMDR therapy helps parents process trauma and restore regulationThe critical role of sleep, breathing, and nervous system supportLeucovorin explained: the science, testing (FRAT), benefits, and controversyEvidence-based approaches vs. fear-driven decision-makingIncluding children and young adults with disabilities in housing decisionsReal-life examples of supported independence and forever homesThe profound impact of AAC on communication, advocacy, and identityLetting go as an act of love: roots, wings, and dignity in adulthoodNotable Takeaways Trauma can occur without blame—and it can be healedParents need support systems, not just child-focused interventionsIndependence often unlocks communication, confidence, and joyPlanning a forever home creates continuity, security, and peace of mindParenting may not look as imagined—but it can be even more meaningful*** Listen to season 2 episode 13 to hear Ishan Manerikar’s story of moving out from his parents’ home.   Closing Reflection This episode is a reminder that caring for yourself is not separate from caring for your child—and that with intention, planning, and support, families can move from survival to sustainability.   Connect Theresa Lyons https://navigatingawetism.com/ https://awetism.net/   Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States) Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    36 min

  4. JAN 7

    Canadian Estate Planning, Advocacy, and the RDSP — with Gordon VanderLeek

    Send us a text In this episode, Valerie sits down with Gordon VanderLeek, founder of VanderLeek Law and a nationally respected voice in estate planning and disability advocacy. As both a lawyer and a father of five adopted children, three with long-term disabilities, Gordon brings rare professional expertise grounded in lived experience. They explore what it truly means to plan for a child’s future when lifelong supports are required, with a particular focus on the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and how it fits into a comprehensive forever home strategy. Gordon VanderLeek is the founder and managing lawyer of VanderLeek Law, with a practice focused on wills, estates, trust planning, and guardianship for families impacted by disability. He holds the Trust and Estate Practitioner (STEP) designation and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association’s Wills and Estates Section. Alongside his wife Annie, Gordon co-founded Disability Advocates, a division of the firm dedicated to helping families navigate complex social service systems through practical, compassionate advocacy. Gordon hosts two podcasts, the latter with Annie: Estates Made Simple and We Advocate. You’ll learn -Gordon’s personal journey as a foster and adoptive parent navigating disability, education systems, and advocacy -Why estate planning for families with disabilities is fundamentally different—and where many families unintentionally go wrong -The origin and purpose of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) -How the RDSP works, including: Government grants and bonds, Contribution limits and timelines, Why starting early matters -How RDSPs interact with government income supports like AISH (Alberta) -A critical but often-overlooked downside of RDSPs: what happens when the beneficiary passes away -When an RDSP is ideal—and when alternative strategies may be more appropriate -Why advocacy is often required to access supports (and why “no” is not always the final answer) -The importance of guardianship and trusteeship planning -Why long-term planning must address both financial security and human support -Words of encouragement for parents raising a child with disabilities   Key Takeaways -The RDSP is one of the most powerful financial tools available to Canadians with disabilities—but it must be used thoughtfully within a broader plan (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/registered-disability-savings-plan-rdsp.html) -Government systems are complex and siloed; families should not be expected to navigate them alone -Advocacy is not optional—it is often the difference between access and exclusion -Planning ahead is an act of love, not fear -Parents and partners must care for each other in order to sustain the long journey ahead Live with Intention – Embrace the Journey   Connect with Gordon VanderLeek Website: vanderleeklaw.ca Disability Advocacy Services: disabilityadvocates.ca Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    42 min

  5. 12/24/2025

    Clarity, Consistency, and a Christmas Message of Hope with your host Valerie

    Send us a text As we close out 2025 and step into the Christmas season, Valerie offers a reflection on gratitude, hope, and the quiet, steady work of building a forever home for a child with disabilities. Through a beautiful allegory of a lantern maker, this episode reminds listeners that secure futures are not created overnight — they are built layer by layer, with clarity, consistency, and love. This episode weaves together storytelling, practical encouragement, and spiritual reflection to honour the courage of parents, caregivers, and advocates who show up every day for their children. Valerie revisits two core themes explored this fall in her Newsletter — Clarity and Consistency — and invites listeners to carry them forward into the New Year as guiding lights for their child’s future. In this episode: - A Christmas allegory illustrating how forever homes are built over time, not all at once - Why a forever home is a vision, not just a building - The role of clarity in imagining your child’s adult life before making plans - The power of consistency through small, intentional steps - How hope is built through action, not perfection - Navigating the emotional weight of the holiday season as a caregiver - Encouragement and reassurance for parents and families carrying long-term responsibility - A faith-based reflection on rest, hope, and sustaining strength - What’s coming in 2026 for the Forever Home community Key Themes: Clarity: - Starting with vision before funding, housing models, or legal structures - Asking meaningful questions about independence, safety, belonging, and purpose - Allowing yourself to imagine the future through the lens of love Consistency: - Taking one small step at a time toward your child’s future - Building momentum through gentle, repeatable actions - Trusting that steady progress creates alignment and hope Hope: - Hope as something we actively build - Seeing light even in seasons of uncertainty - Honouring every quiet effort made on behalf of your child Notable Quotes: ~ “The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.” — Leonard Sweet ~ “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu In the coming year, listeners can expect: - Practical guidance on housing models and forever home options - Step-by-step breakdowns of the forever home planning process  - Interviews with families actively building or living in forever homes - Conversations with planners, lawyers, designers, and support professionals - New workshops, tools, and resources designed to move families from planning into action Valerie’s goal for 2026: to help families move from thinking about a forever home for their child to building it. From my family to yours — Merry Christmas, and thank you for being part of this growing Forever Home community. Live with Intention – Embrace the Journey Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    15 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    Empowering Families: Home Security, Mentorship, and Building a Legacy with Katie Hall

    Send us a text In this episode, Valerie sits down with Katie Hall—wife, mom, Gigi, mentor to teens and young adults with disabilities, and founder of Secure Your Hive. Katie shares her journey into mentoring, how this work has shaped her life and business, and how she now helps families save on essential services and create flexible, sustainable income streams—something especially meaningful for caregivers who cannot work traditional jobs. Katie and Valerie also dive into the crucial topic of home security for forever homes, including smart-home options, safety features, and real-life considerations for families whose children may wander or require additional layers of monitoring. Key Moments: Katie’s unexpected journey into mentoring teens and young adults with differing abilities How caretaking for her sister opened her heart.The Facebook post that changed her life.Why dignity and language matter (“You are not a babysitter”).The beautiful moment when one of the teens later wrote a school paper naming Katie as her hero.How mentoring shaped Katie personally and professionally Why she intentionally uses the word mentor rather than aid.The deep relationships she’s built with the families she serves.How walking alongside one family opened doors to support many others.Flexible, home-based income for caregivers Katie breaks down: How she helps families save 30–50% on health care.Ways to reduce costs on essentials like mobile services, identity protection, and home utilities.Why service-based income can create residual earnings that grow over time.How this income can be left to your child in a trust—a financial game changer for many families.Opportunities for parents to learn, train, and build their own flexible business at home.Home security for forever homes Katie shares real, practical insights into: Smart locks, keypads, and phone app accessIndoor and outdoor cameras (and why you may choose one or the other)Door and window sensorsWhy these systems offer peace of mind for families with kids or adults who may wanderHow automation (lights, thermostats, door locks) can support safety and independenceThe security company she uses and recommends (Vivint)  Key Quote from the Episode “People say I’m changing their lives, but they’re changing mine.” – Katie   Connect with Katie Hall website: www.secureyourhive.biz  email: katie@secureyourhive.biz Text: 1-949-228-7443. (Quote Forever Home)   Thank You for Listening! Thank you for being part of the Forever Home for Our Kids with Disabilities community. Your support throughout 2025 has meant the world. If this episode encouraged you or opened your eyes to new possibilities, please share it with another parent or caregiver navigating this journey.   Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    25 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    Launching With Support: One Mom’s Journey to Independent Living for Her Autistic Daughter — with Dr. Elisabeth “Betsy” Woolner

    Send us a text In this episode Valerie sits down with special guest Dr. Elisabeth (Betsy) Woolner — an 'almost' retired family physician, university clinical lecturer, and mother of two adult children, one with developmental disabilities. Betsy shares her 30-year journey of raising her daughter Scarlett, discovering her needs beyond diagnosis labels, and navigating three failed attempts at independent living before finally finding a sustainable model. This conversation is a compassionate look at what it really takes to support our neurodivergent young adults — not by assuming they’re ready, but by meeting them where they are. Key Themes & Takeaways Bright ≠ ready for independence — Intelligence doesn’t replace executive functioning, social capacity, emotional maturity, or processing speed. Failed launches don’t mean failure — They are data points that help families course-correct. Parents sometimes unknowingly overestimate — When expectations shifted to match actual ability, battles disappeared and communication improved. Support for life is not a limitation — Accepting lifelong support needs opened the door to realistic planning and healthier independence. Home models matter — Supervised living, duplexes, apartment rentals, condo ownership… each option comes with pros, cons, and legal considerations. Teaching independent living requires breaking things down — Something as “simple” as paying bills may actually be 8+ steps that need practice, tools, and repetition. After exploring multiple options — renovating their home, building a carriage house, agency-supervised living, rentals — the family landed on purchasing a condo 15 minutes away so they could: • tailor support without landlord barriers • monitor needs and independence over time • provide roommates (which Scarlett wanted) • minimize outdoor maintenance responsibilities Skill-Building Wins Along the Way Paying rent — learning reminders, collecting roommate payments, e-transferring on timeMeal planning & cooking — supported by interest and shared responsibility with roommatesOngoing work — cleanliness remains a challenge, and they’re learning as they goFor Parents Walking This Path Independence isn’t all or nothing Support isn’t a setback — it’s a step forward You’re not behind if success takes time Every child’s journey is unique — and so is yours Suggested Reflection • List the life skills your child will need for the level of independence they want • Choose one skill to focus on first — and break it into micro-steps • Celebrate progress over perfection  Creating a forever home isn’t just about the physical space — it’s about building confidence one skill at a time, exploring models of support, and honoring our children’s identities, needs, and dreams.   Connect with Betsy https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-betsy-woolner/ https://www.facebook.com/betsy.woolner   Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Cana Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    32 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    With Us, Not For Us: Inclusion, Employment & Empowerment with Mark and John Cronin

    Send us a text Episode Overview In this powerful and heart-opening episode, Valerie is joined by father–son duo Mark and John Cronin, founders of John’s Crazy Socks, the world’s largest sock store with a mission to spread happiness and create meaningful employment opportunities for people with differing abilities. Mark X. Cronin – Social entrepreneur, policy leader, advocate for disability inclusion, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks and Abilities Rising. Two-time TEDx speaker, published author, and EY Entrepreneur of the Year award winner.John Cronin – Co-founder and Chief Happiness Officer of John’s Crazy Socks. Public speaker, advocate, and role model for inclusion. Entrepreneur with Down Syndrome.Together, they share: Their personal family story, including John's early medical challenges and the expectations others placed on him.How their family philosophy—“With us, not for us”—has shaped John’s autonomy, independence, and confidence.The origin story of John’s Crazy Socks: a 21-year-old with vision and determination creating his own business when he couldn’t find employment he loved.How their company intentionally hires people with differing abilities and why that workforce has become their greatest competitive advantage.Their advocacy efforts, including speaking at the U.N., testifying before Congress, and pushing to end sub-minimum wage laws that allow people with disabilities to be paid as little as 5 cents per hour.  Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Never underestimate ability. John’s story challenges assumptions and reminds families to give children space to try, fail, and succeed. 2. “With us, not for us.” John makes his own decisions. Support is available, but autonomy is essential. 3. Entrepreneurism is for everyone. If a job doesn’t exist or isn’t welcoming—create one. Entrepreneurship can be a path to independence and purpose. 4. Disability is not a burden. Mark shares how his son has made him a better man—and how societal messaging can unintentionally diminish a child’s perceived potential. 5. Advocacy matters. The Cronins use their platform to champion policy change—especially the fight to end sheltered workshops and sub-minimum wage practices. Memorable Quotes “Please, don’t ever apologize for my son.” — Mark “With us, not for us. It’s my life, and I get to make my choices.” — John “We don’t lower the standards—every employee earns their job.” — Mark “Never underestimate their ability. Give them the chance to figure it out.” — Valerie   Connect with Mark and John johnandmarkcronin.com; abilitiesrising.com; johnscrazysocks.com Connect with Valerie info@foreverhomeconsulting.ca   Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk Editor: Scott Arbeau Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada) https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States) Thank You for Listening If this episode encouraged or inspired you, share it with another parent or caregiver. Your Learn more about your host at: https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

    42 min
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Formerly Special Needs Moms - Circle of Strength.  This podcast has begun a shift in focus... Hey, I’m Valerie, mom to two with disabilities (one visible, one invisible). We came up with housing solutions for our children. This space has been created to help you navigate the journey of creating a secure, sustainable forever home for your child.  We’ll chat with parents on this path, realtors, financial planners, and other experts who can make the process easier. We'll be dropping an episode twice a month. Seeing my eldest thrive living independent of us was a gift I didn’t always know I could give. I'm excited for you to have the opportunity to explore giving that gift to your child.   Keep building your child’s future!  Music acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

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