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 pro

#107: Ordinary vs. Special: People with a Developmental Disability or Autism do NOT have to live a SPECIAL life

18 days ago 4m 12s

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.

#106: When Is the Right Time to Create a Life Plan for My Loved One with a Disability?

20 days ago 4m 54s

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/YoutubeEricGollThere are times that you get worr

#105: Using Person-Centered Planning to Build a Good Life for Your Loved One with a Disability

27 days ago 4m 18s

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 o

#104: How to Engage a Neurotypical Sibling To Support A Sibling with Autism or a Developmental Disability

29 days ago 4m 34s

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/YoutubeEric

#103: The Power of Support Circles for Your Loved One

Mar 8th, 2024 3m 53s

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'

#102: Strengthening Your Loved One’s Safety Net & Building Their Support Circle

Mar 1st, 2024 6m 36s

#101: Motivating Your Loved One with Disability and Overcoming Learned Helplessness

Feb 23rd, 2024 4m 1s

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 live

#100: Discover 4 Strategies to Get MORE Support for Your Loved One with a Developmental Disability/ Autism

Feb 21st, 2024 6m 57s

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/YoutubeEric

#099: What’s It Like to Live in Group Homes for Adults With Disabilities

Feb 21st, 2024 5m 24s

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/YoutubeEric

#098: Why a Special Needs Trust is NOT a Good Enough Plan: Do These 3 Additional Things

Feb 2nd, 2024 6m 52s

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 hav

#097: How To Make 2024 Your Best Year Yet | For Families with Developmental Disability | Autism

Dec 29th, 2023 8m 58s

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

#096: How To Teach Social Skills To People with Autism or a Developmental Disability

Dec 21st, 2023 6m 34s

#095: 3 Strategies to Make the Holidays Easier For People with a Disability

Dec 12th, 2023 7m 4s

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

#094: Unlocking Job Success for People with Developmental Disabilities, with guest Milton Tyree

Nov 24th, 2023 47m 44s

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 disa

#093: Who will be there for your loved one with a disability?

Oct 6th, 2023 4m 12s

“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 t

#092: Group homes: The dangerous truth

Sep 29th, 2023 5m 5s

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 con

#091: Breaking the Caregiving Dependency Cycle

Sep 23rd, 2023 2m 51s

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 s

#090: Julia’s Awesome Ordinary Life

Sep 15th, 2023 9m 38s

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 b

#089: Building Independence for People with a Developmental Disability with Routines & Failures

Sep 8th, 2023 4m 21s

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

#088: Small Steps = Big Progress, for your Loved One with a Developmental Disability

Sep 1st, 2023 3m 27s

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

#087: Decision-Making Leads to Your Loved One’s Independence

Aug 25th, 2023 4m 8s

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 s

#086: The Secret Sauce to Motivating Your Loved One

Aug 18th, 2023 4m 5s

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 identifyi

#085: Transitioning Towards Independence at Home

Aug 12th, 2023 5m

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

#084: Using Technology to Improve the Safety of your Loved One

Aug 4th, 2023 5m 7s

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 pr