Empowering Ability Podcast

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

In this episode, Eric Goll shares heartfelt and practical insights gained from his sister Sarah’s journey to more independent living. Discover how shifting your role from caregiver to coach can unlock your loved one’s potential and build their confidence step by step. Eric breaks down essential life skills into manageable groups and offers actionable guidance to help families support adults with disabilities flourishing in their communities.

What you’ll discover:

- Why independence means interdependence and the right support, not zero support

- The three key groups of living skills to focus on: Essentials, Adulting, and Advanced

- How to overcome low expectations and set a high-expectation mindset

- Practical tips to shift from doing tasks for your loved one to coaching alongside them

This episode matters because teaching life skills gives your loved one freedom, dignity, and a richer life — and brings peace and less worry to your entire family.

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

In this episode, I share the story of my sister Sarah and how we found better alternatives to group homes that gave her a life of independence, dignity, and joy. Many families feel forced to accept group home placements, but there are real options that offer more privacy, control, and community connection.

What you’ll discover:

- What group homes are and why they may not suit everyone

- The ins and outs of Supported Independent Living and Shared Living

- How creating a customized home can transform lives

- Practical steps to begin planning for a better future

Deciding where and how your loved one lives is one of the most important choices you’ll make. Learning about these alternatives empowers you to make intentional decisions that lead to meaningful, secure, and fulfilling futures.

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

In this episode, Eric Goll opens up about a common but challenging question many families face: what is a group home, and is it truly the right choice for your loved one with a developmental disability?

Listeners will discover:

- The three main types of group homes and how they differ

- The real pros and cons families experience with group homes

- Important safety considerations every family should know

- Practical, hopeful alternatives to create a true home environment

This conversation matters because housing impacts not just safety, but independence, dignity, and quality of life. Group homes are not the only path—there are ordinary, empowering options that honor your loved one’s unique needs and dreams.

Ready to start planning a future that fits your family’s hopes and needs? Download your FREE Life Planning 101 Guide and take your first step with confidence and hope.

Whether you're getting ready for your loved one to move out of the family home,

🚀 If these strategies resonate with you, Subscribe for Weekly Goodness here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

🎁 Download my FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now:  https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/

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 provide employment for their daughter and to create opportunities for other people with disabilities.

A heartwarming story...

BUT once you look past the feel-good story, you can see the challenges with this model of employment for people with a disability.

In this podcast, I teach you how to think critically about employment for your loved one with a disability and set them up for success.

🎁 Download my FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now:  https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/

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.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

Once Your loved one is defined as 'Special,' their life trajectory changes drastically.

You might have been told they will never graduate, live independently, or get a job. There are a lot of “they will never” thrown your way.

Well, I'm here to tell you that "they CAN!" 

Join me in this episode as I share inspiring success stories of parents just like you who have helped their loved ones transition from the "special" category to living an awesome ordinary life. 

Register for the Life Plan Workshop now: https://www.empoweringability.org/2024lifeplanworkshop/

🚀 If these strategies resonate with you, Subscribe for Weekly Goodness here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

🎁 Download my FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now:  https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/

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/YoutubeEricGoll

There are times that you get worried about the future of your loved one with a developmental disability... You are not alone.

My sister, Sarah, finished high school without any good opportunities and ended up in my parent's basement for the next 10 years until we finally found a solution. 

Our society often isolates people like my sister and your loved one, offering little opportunities and separating them from ordinary life.

But it doesn't have to be that way. 

In this episode, I share how we helped my sister create an Awesome Ordinary Life with a Life Plan.

It's never too early or late to start, so watch the video to learn how to get started with your loved one.

🚀 If these strategies resonate with you, Subscribe for Weekly Goodness here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

🎁 Download my FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now:  https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/

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 one. (i.e. a group home and a day program)

This is why you must work with your loved one to build your life plan.

Person-centered planning is about building a life plan for your loved one that is individualized to them and leads to an awesome, ordinary future full of meaning and opportunities. 

Listen to this episode to learn more about Person-centered planning and how to get started on your loved one's plan!

Join me for an insightful journey into person-centered planning in my upcoming Life Plan Workshop. Let's create a future full of hope and possibilities. 

Secure your spot on the workshop waitlist now: https://www.empoweringability.org/workshopwaitlist/

🚀 If these strategies resonate with you, Subscribe for Weekly Goodness here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

🎁 Download my FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now:  https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/

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/YoutubeEricGoll

At 16, I faced a pivotal moment when my parents told me that they named me in their wills to care for my older sister. 

As a sibling, being told I have this responsibility was daunting.

You might face a similar situation, unsure how to engage a sibling for support.

In this episode, I will show you how to engage neurotypical siblings for support and relieve the unspoken tension from future care conversations.

Don't forget to grab your free copy of the Life Planning 101 Guide to get started. Let's empower your loved ones to live their best lives. Get Guide: https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/

🚀 If these strategies resonate with you, Subscribe for Weekly Goodness here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

🎁 Download my FREE copy of my “Life Planning 101 Guide” to start your loved one's Life Plan Now:  https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-guide/