Empowering Ability Podcast

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 initially doubted the impact of a smartphone on my sister's life, but it became a gateway to her independence.

Together, we can create a plan for their safety and care in the future. 

Download Your Guide: 10 Tech Tools - To Transition Towards Independence

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 multiple hats, not only as a mother but also as a professional facilitator and coach specializing in social role valorization (SRV). Her wealth of knowledge makes her an invaluable resource for families seeking guidance in their own inclusion journeys.

Darcy’s personal journey began with her oldest daughter, Mary. From the moment Darcy held Mary in her arms, she and her husband were overwhelmed with love and hope for their daughter’s future. They dreamed of Mary having a good education, developing friendships, pursuing her interests, and eventually finding a job and perhaps even getting married. However, it was through the inspiring families they met in Alberta, who were already living fully inclusive lives, that Darcy and her husband found the strength and encouragement to embark on their own inclusive path.

Their journey started with finding the right preschool for Mary. Instead of seeking a special preschool, they turned to their neighbors and discovered a welcoming Montessori school. This marked the beginning of Mary’s inclusive education, as she became the first child with a developmental disability to be included in that school. Throughout her schooling years, Darcy and her family faced challenges, such as being told Mary couldn’t attend her neighborhood school because of her Down syndrome. However, they persevered, and Mary not only attended her neighborhood school but also developed strong bonds with her peers.

Darcy shares poignant moments from their journey, such as the encounter with Mrs. Wilson, a fourth-grade teacher who initially expressed resistance to having Mary in her class. Darcy’s resilience and determination to advocate for her daughter continued into highschool and led to Mary’s classmates standing up for her inclusion, reinforcing the importance of having supportive relationships.

Upon graduating from high school, Mary expressed her desire to attend university, even though opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities were limited at the time. Darcy and her family worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality. Mary enrolled as a non-matriculated student, focusing on theater and health. She received support from a grad student on campus and engaged in valuable learning experiences while educating others through her presence and participation.

Mary’s inclusion extended beyond education to the workforce, as she began working part-time jobs from the age of 15. Today, she works in the theater industry. Mary continues to contribute to her community, embodying the vision of a fully included life.

Throughout the episode, Darcy emphasizes the power of relationships and the role they play in fostering inclusion. She highlights the importance of seeking to understand others’ perspectives and approaching challenging situations with calmness, patience, and firmness.

Join me on this important discussion and let’s take that crucial step forward.

The 12-Independence Tips Guide!

https://www.empoweringability.org/independence-tips/

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 sports psychology from the University of Oregon, an Executive Coaching certification from the Hudson Institute, and a somatic coaching certification from The Strozzi Institute.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of supported employment for individuals with developmental disabilities. Cesilee shares her expertise and insights on how to support individuals in gaining and sustaining paid employment. We discuss the importance of cultivating employer relationships, setting clear expectations, and customizing support services to meet individual needs.

Cesilee’s extensive experience in the field, combined with her passion for empowering individuals with disabilities, makes this conversation incredibly informative and inspiring. Whether you’re a family member, a professional, or someone interested in the topic, you’ll find valuable insights and practical advice throughout the episode.

So, without further ado, I invite you to jump right into the conversation with Cesilee Coulson.

The 12-Independence Tips Guide!

https://www.empoweringability.org/independence-tips/

What are the direct impacts on your loved one with a disability in a special vs ordinary workplace?!

-> the work environment,

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-Independence Tips Guide!

https://www.empoweringability.org/independence-tips/

Have you ever wondered about the difference between a “special” (i.e. only neurodivergent) and an “ordinary” (i.e. mostly neurotypical) workplace?!!

In this talk, we’ll take a deep dive into the impacts of special vs. ordinary workplaces by looking at the larger world and community perspective. This will set the stage for next week’s video/podcast where we’ll explore the individual impacts on your loved one of these “special” and “ordinary” workplace environments.

The 12-Independence Tips Guide!

https://www.empoweringability.org/independence-tips/

Are you feeling frustrated with the limited options available for your loved one with a developmental disability?

With gratitude,

Eric

P.S. Want to create an Awesome Ordinary Life with your loved one?!

Click the link below to join our free upcoming workshop:

https://www.empoweringability.org/workshop/

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 depression.

Elaine and I started to work together, and Elaine learned to shift from being the caregiver to the coach. When Elaine started collaborating with Spencer, they took some big steps forward.

One big step forward was starting Spencer's support circle of friends, which is a group of people in intentional, reciprocal and freely given relationships with Spencer.

Spencer's confidence has grown; he's exploring his interests in community, and even landed a paid part-time job!

P.S. Want to create an Awesome Ordinary Life with your loved one?!

Click the link below to join our free upcoming workshop:

https://www.empoweringability.org/workshop/

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 disability and have lived in an extremely toxic group home. People who are placed in group homes don't have the right to pick and choose whom they get to live with, which can create hostility.

I have been yelled at by both staff and roommates, as well as assaulted by roommates. After leaving that group home, I chose to find my place to live with minimal support.

To this day, I have never looked back. I have the freedom to do what I want and eat what and when I want, and if I ever decide I want a roommate I will have the freedom to choose whom I want to live with me."

In this video, I share why group homes create a poor living environment, and how you can create a better living environment and home for your loved one.

P.S. Want to create an Awesome Ordinary Life with your loved one?!

Click the link below to join our free upcoming workshop:

https://www.empoweringability.org/workshop/

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 overwhelm and keeping them stuck. This resulted in Juliana learning that she couldn't do things.

Then things started to change when Alina and I began to work together. Alina's awareness and mental outlook shifted, which was the key to unlocking Juliana's independence.

Alina no longer feels like the caretaker and has to solve all the problems. Juliana and Alina are now on an equal footing, having more open dialogue, and Juliana is starting to lead her own life!

P.S. Want to create an Awesome Ordinary Life with your loved one?!

Click the link below to join our free upcoming workshop:

https://www.empoweringability.org/workshop/

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 to real friendships.

With gratitude,

https://www.empoweringability.org/workshop/