33 episodes
Well Balanced Life with Grace & Mel Melanie Coulter
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- Education
Our podcast will offer tips and strategies to other parents and educators for children, youths, and adults living with special needs. Gracie has multiple developmental diagnoses and together, we want to provide hope, encouragement, inspiration, and truth to what living with autism (and more) can bring.
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Adult Supports - Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) - Part 1
Hello and welcome to Well Balanced Life with Grace and Mel. Today's episode is part one of Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) - Adult Supports information. Melanie shares the adult services that will be available to your youth/adult to help them live as successfully and independently as possible. Many parents and caregivers fear the future. Questions like "how will we pay for accommodations and support?"; "who will care for my child when I can't?"; "what if I need a break but can't afford to pay someone to help?"; "who will make sure their bills are paid, house is clean, and healthy meals are available?" These questions and more are answered and will continue to be with upcoming episodes. See the link below for more information on the funded services available in Ontario.
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
https://www.dsontario.ca/funded-services
If your child is 16 or over, register now!
How to access services:
https://www.dsontario.ca/how-to-access-services
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! -
Thoughts on Moving Out! Adulthood.
Welcome to Well Balanced Life with Grace and Mel! Join Gracie and Melanie as they share their thoughts on adulthood. Gracie talks about her worries about moving out but she also can't wait for the freedom of living on her own. Gain a perspective from both Gracie's view and her mom when you listen today!
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
If your child is 16 or over, register now!
How to access services:
https://www.dsontario.ca/how-to-access-services
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! -
Caregiver Burnout
Join Melanie as she shares an honest confession about raising a child with exceptionalities. Caregiver burnout happens to all of us and it's important to know you aren't alone. Please seek help if you need it.
Resources:
Self-Care Booklet and Information on Caregivers:
https://www.caregiversnetworkek.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/255/2018/09/selfcarebooklet.pdf
Family Caregivers - Taking Care of Yourself:
https://www.caregiver.org/resource/taking-care-you-self-care-family-caregivers/
The Ontario Caregiver Organization:
https://ontariocaregiver.ca/helpline/#who-can-use-helpline
Online Webinars for Self-Care, Emotional Regulation, Healthy Relationships:
https://cfssc.ca/mindself/
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! -
Holidays, Bear Accident and Anxiety
On today's episode, Gracie gives an update on her Christmas holiday in Florida, hitting a black bear in West Virginia on the way, starting a new (and her last) semester at College, and the anxiety this has all brought.
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! -
Anxiety, Sensory Overload and the Holidays!
Today's episode is all about the busyness of the holidays! Anxiety of transitioning from school to home for the holidays, large crowds, lights, smells and more! Join Grace and Mel as they share their lived experiences together.
Walt Disney Disability Access Service (DAS)
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/guest-services/disability-access-service/register/
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! -
Invisible Disability...Sort of...
The plan was to discuss invisible disabilities but we often get sidetracked! Enjoy this episode with humour from Gracie, reflecting on some "mistakes", whisper skills, a "grumpy" bus driver, Halloween meanies and a grudge list.
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!