In this episode, Eric shares what his family learned when they began looking beyond the group home model for his sister Sarah, and what actually helped her build a safer, more independent life.

You’ll learn:

The goal isn’t for your loved one to do everything alone. It’s to help them grow their capability over time and have more people in their life they can depend on, not just mom and dad.

— About Eric Goll: Welcome to Empowering Ability! I’m Eric Goll, and my mission is to help you ensure your loved one with an intellectual/developmental disability lives an Awesome Ordinary Life! As a family member and coach, I support families touched by autism and developmental disabilities by providing the knowledge and tools to cultivate an awesome, ordinary life for your loved ones, ensuring their care and support now and in the future.

🎁 Download your FREE copy of the "Life Planning 101 Guide": https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-101-guide-yt/ 

Today, we’ll talk about friendships for adults with developmental disabilities and where to start. Many adults with a disability are surrounded mostly by paid people. What is often missing are freely given relationships, the people who are not paid to be there.

📈 Why freely given relationships make your loved one’s future more safety proof

✅ One small step you can take this week 

— About Eric Goll: Welcome to Empowering Ability! I’m Eric Goll, and my mission is to help you ensure your loved one with an intellectual/developmental disability lives an Awesome Ordinary Life! As a family member and coach, I support families touched by autism and developmental disabilities by providing the knowledge and tools to cultivate an awesome, ordinary life for your loved ones, ensuring their care and support now and in the future.

🎁 Download your FREE copy of the "Life Planning 101 Guide": https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-101-guide-yt/ 

In this episode, Eric Goll dives into the real fears families face when considering community inclusion developmental disabilities and offers compassionate, practical advice to move forward. If you’ve been feeling stuck between the safety of segregated programs and the promise of ordinary community life, this episode is for you.

Listeners will discover:

- The four most common fears families have about inclusion

- The truths and data that dispel misconceptions

- Real-life stories that bring hope and understanding

- Practical first steps you can take toward inclusive community living

Why this matters: Moving toward genuine inclusion is a pathway to independence, valued relationships, and a fulfilling daily life for your loved one — and peace of mind for your family.

Ready to start planning? Download your FREE Life Planning 101 Guide at https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-101-guide/

In this episode, Eric Goll shares a personal story about his sister Sarah and the challenges of traditional disability-only day programs. He explores why these segregated settings often create isolation rather than connection. Listeners will learn what true community inclusion means and why it matters deeply for the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities.

Discover:

- The hidden realities of day programs and how they limit independence

- What authentic community inclusion for people with disabilities looks like in everyday life

- Practical first steps families can take to move toward meaningful community participation

- How embracing inclusion transforms lives, relationships, and opportunities

This episode matters because every person with a developmental disability deserves to belong fully in their community. Segregation not only limits potential but also reinforces outdated societal views. Real inclusion builds belonging, growth, and contribution.

Ready to start planning? Download your FREE Life Planning 101 Guide at https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-101-guide/

In this episode, Eric Goll explores the empowering concept of self determination disability and how it can transform the way families support their loved ones with developmental disabilities. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode breaks down the key ideas, benefits, challenges, and practical steps to get started.

Listeners will discover:

- What self determination disability actually means and how it works

- The difference between agency-managed supports and individualized funding

- The pros and cons families face when choosing self determination

- Tips for creating a life plan to guide meaningful supports

Understanding self determination is vital because it shifts control and choice to your loved one and family, fostering independence and dignity. With the right tools and knowledge, families can create supportive environments tailored to real goals and dreams.

Ready to start planning? Download your FREE Life Planning 101 Guide at https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-101-guide/

In this episode, Eric Goll dives into one of the most essential yet often overlooked topics for families: teaching safety skills to loved ones with developmental disabilities. Eric shares practical strategies to empower your loved one to recognize danger, set boundaries, and respond confidently to emergencies.

What you’ll discover:

- Why adults with developmental disabilities face higher safety risks

- The five foundational safety skills every family should teach

- Real-world examples of teaching boundaries and emergency response

- Simple, actionable steps to start building these skills today

Safety skills aren’t just about avoiding harm—they are the foundation for true independence and dignity for your loved one. Eric’s warm, empathetic guidance helps families feel hopeful and prepared to tackle this critical area.

Ready to start planning? Download your FREE Life Planning 101 Guide at https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-101-guide/

In this episode, Eric Goll tackles the challenging but crucial question that every family member faces: What Will Happen to My Loved One with a Disability When I'm Gone?

Listeners will discover:

- The common risks families face without a written plan

- Why informal assumptions can lead to chaos and hardship

- A clear, four-step process to build and implement a Life Plan

- Legal and financial strategies to protect social benefits and ensure proper guardianship alternatives

Planning your loved one’s future isn’t just paperwork—it’s about ensuring an Awesome Ordinary Life filled with connection, dignity, and purpose. This episode empowers families to move from fear and uncertainty to hope and action.

Ready to start planning? Download your FREE Life Planning 101 Guide at https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-101-guide/

In this episode, Eric Goll shares the powerful 8-step roadmap that transformed his family’s approach to future planning for adults with disabilities. If you’ve felt overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, this episode offers clear guidance to create a customized life plan centered on your loved one's strengths, dreams, and independence.

Listeners will discover:

- Why defining a "good life" must come before legal or housing discussions

- The importance of nurturing genuine friendships and meaningful community roles

- How to increase capability and independence with small, steady steps

- Ways to design a home and support system that truly fits your loved one

Planning for the future can be daunting, but with the right tools, any family can build an Awesome Ordinary Life full of dignity, contribution, and belonging.

Ready to start planning? Download your FREE Life Planning 101 Guide at https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-101-guide/

As 2025 ends, many families care deeply about creating a secure, independent future for their loved ones with developmental disabilities. In this episode, Eric Goll shares four essential keys—from persistence to positivity and planning—that families can use to make 2026 their best year yet.

Listeners will discover:

These keys are vital because steady progress builds hope, independence, and real change. Planning with intention and patience creates a roadmap to a good life, offering peace of mind for families and dignity for your loved one.

Ready to start planning? Download your FREE Life Planning 101 Guide at https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-101-guide/

In this episode, Eric Goll shares a powerful personal story about his sister Sarah and the mindset shifts that unlocked her potential. Discover why focusing on what your loved one can do, rather than what they can’t, is the most important step you can take.

Listeners will discover:

- How low expectations limit opportunities and how to break that cycle

- The importance of strength-based thinking over deficit-based approaches

- Why moving away from "special needs" thinking creates freedom and inclusion

- Practical tips to practice a high-expectation mindset every day

This episode matters because your mindset is more powerful than any funding or program; your belief can open doors for a fulfilling, connected, and independent life.

Ready to start planning? Download your FREE Life Planning 101 Guide