Empowering Ability Podcast

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 this festive season a bit brighter for both you and...

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 with a disability to get a job and keep it. There...

“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 for you. It’ll take some effort, but believe me, it’...

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 dangerous. Curious? Concerned? You should be. Lis...

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 to miss! AND it could very well change how you app...

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 my Life Plan Coaching Program. The very program I...

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 independence is possible, and I’ve got the next steps for yo...

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's growing confidence and independence. This story...

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. Remember, every choice your loved one makes brings...

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 podcast, I’m going to help you find that right oppo...

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 through two key areas of your home – the kitchen a...

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 the positive impact these tools can have on your l...

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 ones with developmental disabilities. I initiall...

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, including persons with disabilities. Darcy wears mul...

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 in the field. She holds a master’s degree in sport...

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 make better decisions with your loved one.  The 12-In...

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 implications of the workplace environment? We live in a...

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 developmenta...

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 depressio...

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 disa...

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 o...

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 t...

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...

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 start building an "Awesome Ordinary" li...

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 how it impacts their life. very best,EricP.S. The upco...