All episodes
Red Giraffe Guide
181 From An Idea to Reality: A Housing Journey with Kay Laidler
In this episode with parent Kay Laidler, Debra Caldow discusses how Kay is working with other families to create a housing solution for their young people. She discusses the ongoing process, why natural friendships between housemates are important, and the challenges they are facing in terms of finding the right funding and support. Kay also talks about the importance of planning and persistence in pursuing their housing objectives.
180 Navigating The Road To An Independent Life with Kay Laidler
In this episode, I’m talking to Kay about her family’s journey as she supports her son to move out of home and live his life. We talk about the challenges including the feelings of isolation and the impact that the judgments of others can have. But we also talk about the importance of community and how it sustains us in difficult times. We discuss how the focus changes as our children become young adults when issues like employability and housing become the focus of the future.
179 Why This Podcast Talks to People From All Over The Globe with Debra Caldow
Knowledge is built on the sharing of ideas. That’s certainly something I believe in strongly, and in this week’s episode, I talk about why I share ideas from wherever in the world I find them. By listening to others we can quickly identify what’s worked, and what hasn’t, and ensure we don’t make the same mistakes. By doing that we can accelerate progress in so many areas like employment, housing, and inclusive communities.
178 Finding the Balance Between Independence and Support with Will Hoermann from Marbridge
In this second part of a conversation with Will Hoermann from Marbridge, we explore the evolving expectations that drive what an organization like Marbridge does and how that looks different for each person they support. Will also shares his insights on the importance of planning from both a financial and emotional perspective and provides some useful tips drawn from his experiences working with families.
177 The Journey and Vision Behind Marbridge with Will Hoermann
The housing options available have changed as people’s expectations have changed. A good example of this is Marbridge, and in this episode, Will Hoermann, Director of Admissions for Marbridge, explains how Marbridge started as a working ranch over 70 years ago and has now grown into a community that supports multiple levels of assisted living. Will discusses the admissions process and the opportunities provided by having links with the local community. He also discusses the importance of researching all the options early so that the transition into somewhere like Marbridge is made easier.
176 Why Independence Starts With Choice with Debra Caldow
In this episode, I’m talking about the importance of giving young people with additional needs more choices to foster independence. We already know about the lack of choice in areas like employment, housing, and care, and the impact that has. But often there are missed opportunities around choice and I’m sharing my personal experiences on how to encourage choice-making at home, and why it is part of the gradual process of letting go and allowing our young people to learn from the choices they make so that they develop the skills they will need in the future.
Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
175 Building Better Neighbourhoods: A New Vision with Rosie Barnes from Satsuma Neighbour
In this episode, my guest Rosie Barnes shares her journey as a parent, from writing a book ‘Understanding Stanley, Looking Through Autism’ to helping her son find a housing solution that’s right for him. Rosie discusses the challenges faced by families looking for inclusive housing options in their communities. She talks about the radical concepts behind ‘Satsuma Neighbour’, a project she started which will create an urban community that fosters inclusivity and neighbourliness.
174 Creating Urban Inclusive Spaces: The Satsuma Neighbour Model with Rosie Barnes
In this episode, my guest Rosie Barnes shares her journey as a parent, from writing a book ‘Understanding Stanley, Looking Through Autism’ to helping her son find a housing solution that’s right for him. Rosie discusses the challenges faced by families looking for inclusive housing options in their communities. She talks about the radical concepts behind ‘Satsuma Neighbour’, a project she started which will create an urban community that fosters inclusivity and neighbourliness.
173 Independent Cooking – Our Successful Solution with Debra Caldow
In this episode, I’m talking about our approach to supporting our daughter to learn to cook for herself without the need for any support or supervision. Our solution involved discarding conventional cooking techniques that didn’t work and looking for new options. In our case, it’s meant using an air fryer a slow cooker, and five-ingredient recipes. By adapting recipes for the food she wanted to make, this approach has enabled her to cook independently.
To find out more about this course and to purchase it visit https://bit.ly/independentcooking
172 Why The Earlier We Start Transition Planning The Better with Julia Wright from Ken’s Krew
In this second part of my conversation with Julia Wright from Ken’s Krew, we discuss the importance of work experience in transition programs and the improvements that have taken place in these programs which are enabling more young people to be work-ready. She also offers advice to families about how to plan ahead and why planning is so important because it makes that move from education to employment much more likely to happen.
171 Ken’s Krew Empowering Young People Through Employment with Julia Wright
In this episode, we learn about Ken’s Crew, an organization co-founded by parents through a partnership with Home Depot. Julia Wright from Ken’s Krew shares how they facilitate meaningful employment for young adults with additional needs through partnerships with a variety of organizations providing intensive training and ongoing support. Julia also discusses some of the challenges faced, such as communication skills and parental concerns, and the importance of sensitivity training for colleagues.
170 Supporting Young People Into Work: Practical Tips with Mel Simmonds, from Hidden Gem Services
In this second part of a conversation with Mel Simmonds, from Hidden Gem Services, we focus on what we can do at home to help make the transition into paid work smoother for our young people. When they go into their first job, they will have lots of new information to take in and skills to learn. However, the transition will be made easier if we have already helped them build transferable skills they can use at work. Mel provides some practical examples of how to do this as well as explaining the role we can play in developing their confidence by discussing their daily work experiences and encouraging independent decision-making. She also touches on the potential pitfalls of parents acting as job coaches.
169 Supporting Employment: How Job Coaches Make The Difference with Mel Simmonds from Hidden Gem Services
In this episode with Mel Simmonds from Hidden Gem Services, we dive into the world of job coaching, outlining the importance of support, understanding, and adaptability in creating successful employment options for young people with additional needs. Mel discusses the challenges faced, including inconsistencies in job roles and management as well as the positives that come from the cultural shifts that can occur within organizations.
168 From Fear to Trust: My Bumpy Journey with Debra Caldow
In this episode, I share my journey of navigating parental fears and learning to trust my daughter’s abilities. Despite her successful year in her job, my unspoken concerns about her future surfaced, impacting her more than I realized. This episode reflects on how difficult it is not to let our fears limit our children’s potential. I also talk about the importance of giving my daughter the dignity of risk, respecting her independence, and planning for a future where she can thrive, even when I’m not around.
167 Unlocking Potential: The Crucial Role of Families, Schools, and Job Coaches with Laura Davis from BASE
Every journey starts somewhere, and for most of us, it starts at home with those closest to us, encouraging us, and believing in us. In this week’s episode with Laura Davis from BASE we discuss the important role families play in shaping the future outcomes of children. We discuss the challenges of navigating the support available and the role of school in better preparing young people for work. We also talk about the enormous impact that specialized job coaches can have and how employment enhances life expectancy.
166 Transforming Inclusive Employment: The Role of BASE In Changing Attitudes With Laura Davis
Collaboration can speed up change, but it requires coordination and management to make that happen. This week’s guest Laura Davis, Chief Executive of the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) knows all about this. In this episode, she not only shares her personal journey but also discusses the pivotal role BASE plays in championing employment opportunities for everyone. She also talks about the role of BASE in developing best practice standards around supported employment to enable their members to better serve the people they work with. Laura also discusses the need for a systemic change, driven by collaboration between employers, government, and supported employment services to create meaningful employment opportunities and foster inclusive workplaces.
165 Building Employer Relationships That Benefit Everyone with Andrea Randall-Smith from Little Gate
Having more opportunities for paid work for young people with additional needs relies on finding more employers to offer those opportunities. In this episode Andrea Randall-Smith from Little Gate explains the strategies they use to manage the relationships with the employers they work with to ensure more of these opportunities become available. She discusses the value of storytelling and working with other local organisations so that the focus is on what employers need as well as what their future employees need and how the support they provide to employers can help them transform their employment practices.
164 The Little Gate Story: Bridging Aspirations and Employment with Andrea Randall-Smith
When opportunities aren’t available, sometimes we need to create them. That is part of the reason that Little Gate came about. In this episode Andrea Randall-Smith, CEO of Little Gate, shares the history and ethos of the organization and how they work to change the future of the young people they serve by giving them to skills to move into paid work. We also discuss the importance of getting feedback, sharing best practice, and working with other organizations to maximize the opportunities for everyone.
163 Planning A Better Future For Our Children with Debra Caldow
In this episode, I’m talking about the importance of structured planning for children with additional needs and having short, medium and long-term plans for various aspects of their life around daily living, purpose, relationships, and finance. This ensures not only continuous progress but is also better preparation for their futures. A good plan has clear targets actionable steps, and a realistic timeline. I talk about each of these and how to use the Red Giraffe Route map and the VOCAL method (Vision, Options, Create, Assess, Legacy) to put together a plan that not only supports their future but give you piece of mind as well. I also share personal examples to illustrate how we have supported our daughter to plan her future and develop her own life plan.
Find our more about the Red Giraffe Route Map & VOCAL Method
162 Everybody Needs Good Neighbors with Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT
We all want good neighbors but of course what makes a good neighbor differs for everyone. In this second part of a conversation with Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT we talk about how they have built a neighborhood where people look out for each other when they need to. Ann explains how the focus on choice, predictability and autonomy has helped to reduce challenging behaviors. She also discusses how the WEBUILT community fosters empathy and support among members which in turn transforms lives and, in many cases, helps rebuild family relationships. Plus, we also discuss how other families can build their own communities using the WeBUILT model for ideas and inspiration.
161 WeBUILT Unified Living: Crafting a Supportive Community with Ann Wilkinson
When we live in a place that we like everything else is made just that bit easier. But sometimes finding that place can seem an impossible task. In this episode I’m sharing one family’s journey to find that place for their son. My guest is Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT who shares her story from exploring various options and realizing these didn’t fit his needs to creating WeBUILT. She shares how they built a collaborative community where people have ownership and control over their living arrangements. WeBUILT stands for We Build Unique Independent Lives Together which is exactly what they have done.
160 Real Lives, Real Jobs: Self Employment with Sam Everard from SAMEE
Self-employment is viable option, but it becomes even more so when there is clear evidence of how well it can work. In this episode Sam Everard, founder and CEO of Samee Charity shares some examples of where young people with additional needs have created great businesses based not only on their skills but also on their passions and often, because of their lived experience, an understanding of what others need. Sam also talks the benefits of self-employment in offering flexibility and control, which is not always possible with traditional employment roles.
159 Enabling A Path To Self-Employment with Sam Everard from SAMEE
One way into paid employment is to work for yourself and that’s the focus of this episode with Sam Everard, founder and CEO of Samee Charity. She discusses the organization’s mission to support young people with additional needs into becoming self-employed. Sam also discusses the barriers, how to address these, and what supporting someone into self-employment involves.
158 From Daily Living to Personal Growth with Debra Caldow
In this solo episode, I discuss what independence really means for young people like my daughter. Is it just about having the skills to do more for herself or are there other things that she should have the opportunities to consider? I discuss this using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory as a way to structure my thoughts on whether or not it’s enough to just focus on those daily living skills and relationships for our young people or whether there are more things to consider when it comes to supporting our young people to be truly independent in the way that they choose to live their lives.
157 Raising Expectations: Lifelong Learning and Contribution with Lex Ali from Big Life Adventure
Learning new things, having new experiences and giving back to our community build self-confidence and self-esteem. However, to often people with additional needs aren’t given the opportunity to do any of these things. In this second part of my conversation with Lex Ali, from Big Life Adventure, we talk about the value in lifelong learning and the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to give back to their communities and to society. We talk about how the Big Life Adventure project will help support this continuous learning and enable people to connect with others.
156 The Big Life Adventure with Lex Ali
For most people one of the great things about becoming an adult is getting to make their own life choices, dreaming about what they want to do, and making decisions about how their life will look now and in the future. But for many people with additional needs these opportunities aren’t easily available. In this episode my guest Lex Ali from Big Life Adventure talks about why this is happening and what can be done about. The Big Life Adventure project she discusses is definitely part of the answer.
155 Breaking Down The Barriers To Employment with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward
Breaking down the barriers to inclusive employment opportunities is proving to be a challenge. But progress is being made and what that looks like is one of the things I’m discussing in this week’s episode with my guest Vinny De Falco from Think Forward. We talk about the programs that Think Forward have previously run, what they learned from those and how that information has guided their next program. We also discuss how to engage with employers and the external factors that also impact on the number of opportunities available. To bring about change means acting, learning along the way and changing what does not work and that is exactly what Think Forward is doing.
154 Navigating the Transition Pathway with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward
The transition from education to employment for young people with additional needs requires planning in order to be effective. In this episode with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward we talk about the importance of early transition planning and how a structured and supportive transition program with personalized coaching can help young people develop the skills and confidence they need. We also talk about the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing among everyone, including families, involved in supporting the young person.
153 Great Expectations And Why They Matter
It’s a solo episode this week and I’m talking about the role that expectations have in the way we support and inspire our young people to achieve all they are capable of. Our expectations of them guide their expectations of themselves and can also help them to ignore the low expectations of others.
152 Why The Use Of Technology At Work Is About Mindset with Alex Barker from AbilityNet
The use of technology is embedded into our work lives and for people with additional needs it is often assistive technology that enables them to do their job. But often the right technology is not in place or provided by employers and that is one of the topics discussed in this episode of the podcast with my guest in this week’s episode Alex Barker from AbilityNet.
151 Why We Should Be Using The Assistive Technology In Our Pockets with Alex Barker from AbilityNet
When we think of assistive technology or any technology that can support our young people with additional needs to become more independent, we often start at the point of thinking it could be expensive or complicated to learn to use. But the reality is that today the first bit of assistive technology that our young people should access is their phone or tablet
150 Why Community Gives Us More Than Just Friendship with Sarah Towler from CASPA
When we think of community, we first think about the friendship element of being around other people. But there is more to being part of a community than just that. When we become part of a community, we have the opportunity to learn from those around us. These are the other benefits of being in a community.
149 How Community Can Support And Educate with Sarah Towler from CASPA
Community is defined as people with common interests living in a particular area but in reality, it’s less about location and more about belonging, about connection and feeling part of something. In this episode, my guest is Sarah Towler and the organization we are talking about is CASPA which does all of these things and more. CASPA stands for Community Autistic Support Pride and Advocacy,
148 Why Habits Are The Foundation Of Independence
Every day we all do the same things the same way because it’s these habits that make it easier to live our lives. Habits are just skills we have that we use over and over again and for my daughter with additional needs, all the skills she has built over time are now habits that allow her to live more independently. Those skills she has like cooking going to her job or managing her money, the things she does the same way each time are all her habits.
147 Why Working With Support Works with Adam and Deb
The barriers to employment for young people with additional needs are high but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible as this week’s episode shows. In part 2 of my conversation with Adam and Deb, Adam talks about his experience of work and why his current role is working for him. Adam believes it comes down to the right support at the right time and matching the individual to the job.
146 Making Choices with Adam and Deb
Sharing our stories helps us realize we are not alone. Hearing someone else’s story can also be a great way to learn new ideas we can use in our own family’s lives. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of Adam and his family. My guests are Adam, and his mother Deb. Adam talks about moving schools from a mainstream school to a specialist school as well as the challenges he found around transitioning out of full-time education.
145 Why Risk Is Worth The Risk with Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney
We should all have the right to choose how we live our lives, even if that means taking risks and making mistakes. But too often people with additional needs aren’t being given opportunities to take risks and to learn from their mistakes. My guest this week Carol Smail shares her experiences of the impact this lack of choice has, as well as what can happen when people are given the opportunity to make their own choices.
144 Why Gig Buddies Is Great with Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney
Finding friends with common interests can be difficult for anyone and for young people with additional needs it is often more challenging because their social network is smaller. That is why projects like Gig Buddies are so important as my guest in this episode Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney explains.
143 How Can We Change Society’s Expectations and Accelerate Inclusive Employment Opportunities? with Peter Bacon from Disability Employment Australia
Too often low expectations for people with additional needs have translated into fewer opportunities, particularly when it comes to paid employment. For change to happen, around work, more employers are needed which means employers will need to change their attitude toward employing people with a disability.
142 Does Inclusive Employment Just Happen? with Peter Bacon from Disability Employment Australia
Inclusive employers change the future for our children, but there simply isn’t enough of them. In this episode with Peter Bacon, CEO of Disability Employment Australia, I’m discussing why this is the case, and what actions could be taken to get more employers to become inclusive employers.
141 Financial Future Series - Using a Gradual Financial Independence Approach with Graham Caldow
In this final episode of this Finance Future series, I’m talking to Graham Caldow about the value of giving financial independence gradually and building financial skills over time. We discuss the things that have worked for our family including multiple accounts and tracking spending. Finance is just one part of our legacy to our daughter but in lots of ways it’s the foundation of all the other things she will do in her life.
140 Financial Future Series - Why ABLE Accounts Help Create More Opportunities with Jill Cornfield
Planning for the future is difficult when restrictions exist around how much money you’re allowed to save. In this episode with Jill Cornfield, I’m discussing how ABLE accounts can help mitigate this restriction and enable people to think longer-term and plan their financial future.
139 Financial Future Series - Building Good Money Habits with Karen Hassett from PATF
Managing our own money is challenging. The temptation to spend is never far away and we need tools and techniques that can help us make the right choices most of the time. In this second part of my conversation with Karen Hassett from PATF we are focusing on some ways to help our young people develop those money habits that will help them make better spending decisions.
138 Financial Future Series - Taking The First Small Step with Karen Hassett from PATF
Getting started on developing any plan can be a challenge but when it comes to our finances we can often get stuck at the first step. In this episode with Karen Hassett from PATF we talk about how to get started by thinking about a decision-making process when it comes to money and using simple ideas like tracking spending and identifying priorities to move forward.
137 Financial Future Series - Questions To Consider
The financial future for young people with additional needs can be challenging. They are more likely to have lower incomes, less likely to be employed full time and government assistance can be difficult to get and even more difficult to keep. So planning ahead to create a solid financial platform is essential in this new series – Financial Future I’ll be exploring the challenges, what solutions are out there, and how to plan ahead so that future financial security is achievable.
136 Technology - Changing The Future - The Here And Now And The Next
In this episode I’m looking back over this latest series which has focused on the role that technology plays and will play in the lives of young people with additional needs. I’ll be discussing what assistive technology really means today and talk from my own experience about how technology supports my own daughter to live the life she wants.
135 Technology- Changing The Future – Why the key is connectivity with Ben Wood from CCS Insight
The best technology makes our lives easier and connects us with what we need. But often the different devices we use don’t connect with each other or we don’t see the value in connecting them together. In this episode with Ben Wood, from CCS Insight, we are talking about how that is going to change as companies realise they need to work together.
134 Technology - Identifying the best technologies to provide the right support with Padhraic Dormer from Enable Ireland
What’s the difference between a service user and a service owner? Quite a lot according to Padhraic Dormer from Enable Ireland. Padhraic explains the difference, as well as talking about his role as a virtual service support worker. He also discusses reasons why virtual services have proven to be so valuable in combatting social isolation.
133 Technology- Changing The Future – Harnessing technology to raise expectations for independent living with Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland
Using technology to support independent living seems an obvious choice. However, it isn’t as this week’s guest Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland explains.
132 Technology- Changing The Future – Why It’s About Functionality and Fun with Lee Blemings from Sensory Guru
Technology is often developed with the focus on what it does rather than how it will be used. This week’s guest Lee Blemings explains why that approach is wrong and why it needs to also be about enjoyment, about fun and about connecting people in a meaningful way.
131 Technology - Changing The Future – Digital Inclusion: Why It's About More Than Just Access With Jane Seale
Even with technology all around us there are still barriers in place which lead to digital exclusion. In this episode with Jane Seale we explore some of the reasons for this and what needs to change.
130 Technology - Changing The Future – Why Asking The Question Is Always The Best Option
With technology changing so quickly, we are often unsure of what is available and what is possible. In this episode Wendy Harkins Davis of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) explains why no question is ever wrong, and that because with so many options available most questions can be answered in the positive.
129 Technology - Changing The Future - Using Everyday Technology to Support Independence
Welcome to a new series on Technology – Changing the Future. From assistive technology to help aid communication to smart home devices that help make people safer, technology can change lives. In this first episode of the series, I’m talking to Libby Wilkins, Head of Accessibility and Digital Applications at The Oaks Specialist College.
128 Planning The Journey – Using the VOCAL Method
Planning the future for our children with additional needs is not only challenging, it’s crucial. In this final episode of the Planning the Journey series, I’m talking about how to navigate each of the four lines Daily Living Relationships, Purpose and Financial using the VOCAL method.
127 Planning The Journey - Financial Security - Why Enough Is Enough
Providing financial security for our children with additional needs when we are no longer around is one of our greatest challenges. In this episode I talk about why it is achievable once we decide how much is enough.
126 Planning The Journey - Why Presumption of Purpose Matters
Having a purpose provides meaning and direction to our lives. In this episode I talk about ways to support our children to find purpose and the importance of a Presumption of Purpose.
125 Planning The Journey - Managing Relationships - Using the AAA approach
Relationships matter. Without them our young people can become isolated. We all have our stories of challenging family relationships and friendships lost.
124 Planning The Journey - Building Daily Living Skills
In this series I will be focusing on exploring in more depth the 4 core topics that the podcast has always focused around: daily living, relationships, purpose and financial. In this episode the focus is daily living skills.
123 Housing Options Series: Why Choice and Community Matters
Where will my daughter live when I’m no longer around? It’s a big question, and some of the ideas explored in the Housing Options series just might help answer that question.
122 Housing Options Series - 200 Lives - Finding Out What People Actually Think
It’s difficult to develop better housing options if we don’t know what people want and need. This week’s guests Chris Hatton and Lauren Blood were involved with a research project which will in part help to address this issue.
121 Housing Options Series - Our Stomping Ground - Inclusive Communities
For too long housing solutions for young people with additional needs have failed to consider the importance of inclusion.
120 Housing Options Series - US Autism Homes - Building With Love and Science
Creating a housing model for young adults with additional needs that really works means doing things differently. This is something Lisa Liberatore from US Autism Homes understands.
119 Housing Options Series - Everyone Needs A Community Network
Finding somewhere to live is about more than just about finding a place, it’s about building a life. Community is an important part of that life. How to build communities is the topic of this episode with Kathy Meyer, from Everyone Needs A Community.
118 Housing Options Series - Building A Supported Living Network
Finding Supported Living that works means bringing together many things, from finding a property in the right location with the right access, to identifying a support provider and accessing the right level of support.
117 Housing Options Series - Parent Partnerships to Build Communities
When we imagine where our children might live, when we’re no longer around, it isn’t just the place they will live, it’s the community around them and how they will live their daily lives that we also imagine.
116 Housing Options Series - The Story of Lonely Worm Farm
No matter how alone we sometimes feel there is always someone who understands our journey even if they are taking a different road than us.
115 Housing Options Series - Zetetick Housing - Quality Housing for Supported Living
Continuing with the series on Housing Options, this week the focus is on Supported Living with Jonathan Spencer the CEO of Zetetick Housing.
114 Housing Options Series - Main Street: Bring Your Own Independence
Moving into our own space is part of becoming an adult and embracing the independence that brings.
113 Grace Eyre Profile Series - How The Sum Of The Parts Makes The Whole
112 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Listening To The Voices That Matter Most
Everyone should have the right to decide their own future but too often people with additional needs simply aren’t given a voice.
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111 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Let’s Work Together
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110 Grace Eyre Profile Series - The Travel Buddy Project - Getting Out And About
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109 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Connections For Life
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108 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Shared Lives - Common Goals
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107 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Choosing The Future
Having the right to choose how we live our lives is a fundamental human right and one that in the past many people with additional needs haven’t been given.
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106 Grace Eyre Profile - A Place To Call Home
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105 Grace Eyre Profile - Creating A Roadmap To Navigate The Future
The future can be scary if you really don’t know what your options are. Having a roadmap with ideas of where to start would help and what that involves is the topic of this episode with Tom Conroy, the new business manager at Grace Eyre.
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104 Grace Eyre Profile - Looking Back To Move Forward
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103 Bridging The Gap - The Role of Parents - Things we can do For and things we can do With
The Bridging The Gap series has been all about highlighting some of the organisations that are providing solutions for young people, so they have more options when they want to move from school into employment.
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102 Bridging The Gap - Forward2Employment: Reimagining The Future
In this part 2 of my conversation with the team at Forward2Employment (F2E) the focus is on the role of the job coach as well as hearing from current interns and from graduates of the supported internships program.
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101 Bridging The Gap - Forward2Employment: Building The Foundations For Change
In this episode of the Bridging The Gap series I’m talking to the team at Forward2Employment (F2E) about their supported internships program. This episode is really about getting the foundations in place with Liz Halton, the Head of F2E, explaining why the program came about and how it was created as well as the vision of F2E to change the employment expectations of young people with additional needs.
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100 Celebrating the 100th Episode and the stops on the journey so far
Time for a celebration and to reflect on the journey so far. It all started out with an idea that there had to be more out there for my daughter. I saw that she and other children, with additional needs, need extra support, in specific areas, to build the skills that will enable them to live more independently as adults.
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99 Bridging The Gap - The Oaks Specialist College: The Results
In this the second part of my conversation with staff and students from The Oaks Specialist College it’s all about the results. We hear from Joshua Epstein, the Careers Leader, about his role and the importance of job coaches but also making sure the young people they work with develop skills they can use when any support is removed.
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98 Bridging The Gap - The Oaks Specialist College: The Vision
In this the first episode of a new series on Bridging The Gap I’m talking to two people from The Oaks Specialist College based in the UK. This episode is really about vision. Gordon Tillman, the CEO, discusses why The Oaks came into existence and its role not only in changing the lives of the young people it supports but also changing the perceptions of businesses and communities.
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97 Ways Into Work – Perceptions and Parents: Why Both Matter So Much
In this the final episode of this Ways into Work series I’m doing a solo episode to talk about my learnings from the past 8 episodes. It’s definitely not a recap of the previous episodes but more my ideas around the two things I see as being pivotal in enabling many more young people to get into paid employment.
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96 Ways Into Work – Apprenticeships And Other Ships
In this episode the focus is on Apprenticeships as one of the Ways Into Work. Mark Capper, the Business Development Manager at Mencap UK, discusses the role that supported internships and traineeships play in preparing people for work.Read more
95 Ways Into Work – Changing the Narrative
In this episode of The Ways Into Work series, the focus is on the barriers that prevent many young people, with additional needs, getting and keeping paid employment. Read more
94 Ways Into Work - Supported Employment
The focus of this episode, in the Ways Into Work series, is Supported Employment with David Stenning from The Education People. David talks about the Supported Employment model and putting the young person at the centre but also supporting those around them. Read more
93 Ways Into Work - Inclusive Job Boards Part 2
In this the second part of Ways Into Work – Inclusive Job Boards Jane Hatton from Evenbreak discusses the importance of young people with additional needs learning to truly value the transferable work skills they already have, which have often been developed because of their life experiences.Read more
92 Ways Into Work - Inclusive Job Boards Part 1
In this episode of the Ways Into Work series we are talking to Jane Hatton from Evenbreak about how their inclusive Job Board is connecting employers with premium employees.Read more
91 Ways Into Work - Communities and Networks
Latest episode in the Ways Into Work series. In this episode we discuss with Richard Lamplough from My Employment Passport the role of local communities in providing paid work opportunities for young people with additional needs.Read more
90 Ways Into Work - Supported Internships Part 2
In this episode we continue the series Ways Into Work exploring the role of employers, education providers, government agencies and parents in creating Supported Internship programs that help young people with additional needs find and retain paid work.Read more
89 Ways Into Work - Supported Internships Part 1
In this new series Ways Into Work we start off by looking at Supported Internships how they work and why this model has proved so successful at getting young people with additional needs into long term paid employment.Read more
88 Staying Positive to Move Forward
After speaking to organisations in both the UK and USA, I believe there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic in the future, despite the recent impact of employment opportunities for young people with additional needs due to Covid. It seems to me that we collectively have a stronger sense of community after the…Read more
87 Spectrum Designs: Committed To Making An Even Bigger Impact
The pandemic will have a disproportionate effect on the lives of young people with additional needs. This is true. But whilst there are organisations out there like Spectrum designs then it’s not all bad news. In this episode, the final episode in my series on the impact of the pandemic on employment for young people…Read more
86 The Able Workers: Building Momentum With Community Support
Who opens a coffee shop during a pandemic? Well the guys at Able Coffee Roasters do! In this episode, part of the series on the impact of the pandemic on employment for young people with additional needs, I talk to Adeel and Anthony about exactly how they did this and why community support has helped them do even better…Read more
85 Pure innovations - Looking At What We Can Do Differently
Neil Willows, from Pure Innovations, discusses the impact of Covid and the UK lockdown on the supported internship programs Pure Innovations runs. He talks about the effect it has had on paid employment opportunities and young people’s mental health. But he also outlines the ways they are working to open up job roles…Read more
84 Invictus Enterprises: Embracing The Challenge To Deliver Differently
Alison Berkley from Invictus Enterprises talks about the impact of the pandemic on Invictus and how the way they’ve responded has actually opened up new opportunities. She explains how the pandemic meant that future plans they had for program delivery got accelerated and why the pandemic could be a catalyst for more…Read More
83 Acceptable Enterprises - Showing why social value has an economic value
David Hunter from Acceptable Enterprises talks about the impact of the pandemic on their various businesses. While the online business is growing, other parts haven’t been so lucky. But opportunities to pivot have been found as well the chance to expand other initiatives. Find out why David is also focused on showing…Read more
82 We’re Back and Ready For Change
The podcast is back after a short break with a new name to reflect a renewed passion to promote real change. Find out why we changed the name and what we are doing next including what to look forward to in our first series which is looking at the impact of the Pandemic on work opportunities for people with Additional…Read more
81 Changing Attitudes At WAVE
By changing attitudes we change behaviour, and this is something the guests on this week’s episode are part of making happen. Celia and Maya from WAVE talk about the ethos behind WAVE, and how it aims to bring people together, and by doing that helps change the way they think and their attitudes…Read more
80 Developing Transferable Skills
The average person has between 12-15 jobs in their work life. This makes developing transferable skills an essential part of any employability training. A great example of how to make this happen comes from Sunflower Bakery. This week’s guest Sara Portman Milner, co-founder of Sunflower Bakery, shares their story as…Read more
79 Providing A Compass
Sometimes we need to change direction quickly and find the right information so that we can make an informed decision as to which road we need to take. This week’s guest Kerrie Highcock helps provide that information. Kerrie is the Family Development Manager at North East Autism Society, and her role is not only to…Read more
78 Creative Community at the CO/LAB Theater Group
When we go to the theatre we see a different world than the one we live in. Theatre can broaden our horizons challenge our perceptions and this is exactly what the CO/LAB Theater Group aims to do. CO/LAB provides, people with additional needs, a space to be creative and along the way change their perceptions of…Read more
77 Presumption Of Employment
When we’re young we think we can do anything, be anyone, achieve everything. But as many of us get older we learn to fit into the box of expectations. For young people with additional needs this box can be small, with many assuming that they will not be entering the employment market…Read more
76 Getting Ready For Work
For many young people with additional needs finding a job can be incredibly challenging. It takes planning and for most requires them to go way outside their comfort zone. This week’s guest Dr Michael Reiter runs work readiness workshops and he talks us through the three areas he focuses on to help the emerging…Read more
75 Planning A Future Without You
If not now when? Planning for the future can be scary for anyone but it’s especially hard when that planning is for a young person who we know will face any number of challenges as they navigate towards their ideal life…Read more
74 Managing Mental Health
We all appreciate the importance of good mental health but sometimes lack the toolbox and even the support to consistently achieve it. This is often the case for young people, particularly those with an additional need. In this episode we are talking with Kimmy Obo from Kooth a UK based organisation offering…Read more
73 Learning to Relax
Emotions are part of being human. But for many of us there are times when we wish we had better tools to manage our emotions. This can be especially true for young people with additional needs who often face extra internal and external emotional triggers. In this episode we hear from Dana Bishop a Relax Kids coach on…Read more
72 Attracting The Best Person For The Job At Specialisterne
Everyone has unique skills; everyone is a specialist in something. This is something this week’s guest Thorkil Sonne from Specialisterne understands completely. Specialisterne which translates from Danish as “The Specialists” is an organisation focused on helping young people with additional needs find meaningful…Read more
71 Flipping The Switch At Spotlight Brewing
Sometimes it’s the small ideas that can have the biggest impact and this is certainly the case with this week’s guest Ric Womersley from Spotlight Brewing. Ric founded Spotlight Brewing to make great beer whilst providing genuine employment opportunities for people with additional needs. Not only is Spotlight…Read more
70 Promoting Collaboration At Yoocan
We sometimes feel that we are alone in our journey but often by simply looking around we realise we are not. The focus of this week’s podcast, Yoocan proves this in the way they provide an online space to share stories and to inspire each other. In this interview Moshe Gaon co-founder of Yoocan explains why…Read more
69 Seeing Below The Surface
Accepting ourselves by embracing our strengths and understanding our weaknesses is key to our own happiness. How to do this is the theme of this episode with Alis Rowe founder of The Curly Hair Project…Read more
68 Stay Up Late
One of the best things about becoming an adult is that no one can tell you what to do, when to do it and what time to be home. However, that’s not always the case for young people with additional needs. Often they still have rules in place that don’t apply to their peers. Stay Up Late is all about changing that and…Read more
67 Increasing The Options With Scope
Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? Most of us didn’t but we figured it out along the way because we were given opportunities for part time work or work experience. For many young people with additional needs this doesn’t happen, meaning they don’t always have a clear idea of their options…Read more
66 Taking Off The Mask
It’s fine to be aware and even try and understand autism but actually what matters most is acceptance. This is the view of Kieran Rose, also known as The Autistic Advocate. Kieran has autism so he speaks from personal experiences and explains why he believes that acceptance is what is needed even more than…Read more
65 Finding The Right Fit Into Work
It’s not only about finding work, but it’s also about matching the skills of the person with the job. This is the view of Derek Groves, from Employment Futures, who discusses the idea of vocational matching and the many benefits it brings to a young person with additional needs and employer. He also talks about…Read more
64 The Able Workers
What next? is a question we constantly ask ourselves as we help our young people navigate through the education system. As they get older and age out of the system, this question becomes more urgent and often the answer isn’t as easy to find. This week’s guests Adeel and Anthony asked that exact question and when no…Read more
63 Like Minded People Who Think Differently
Finding a supportive safe space for our children to have a variety of social experiences is so important. In this episode, we hear about CASPA which is providing that space and doing a whole lot more. Helen Dyer from CASPA explains not only how CASPA came about and what it does in terms of providing social experiences… Read more
62 Adding New Dimensions At Spectrum Designs
Only successful organizations can provide sustainable, long term paid employment and expand to provide more job opportunities. This weeks guest Patrick Bardsley and Tim Howe from Spectrum Designs certainly understand this. Spectrum Designs is a social enterprise making custom apparel, such as hats, hoodies, and…Read more
61 Why Reasonable Adjustments Are Just That
We all understand why work is an important step towards independent living, but all to often the employment opportunities are limited for young people with additional needs…Read more
60 Building An Integrated Future On Main Street
For most of us being part of a community is essential for our wellbeing and often starts where we live. This week’s guest is Jillian Copeland from Main Street, an organization not just building a community but actually building the space where that community can grow and thrive…Read more
59 Be More Kind To Yourself
Accepting ourselves and being more kind to ourselves are the themes in this episode. Anna Pinkerton from Kindness Incorporated talks about her personal and professional journeys and how she has combined them to help her daughter build the life she wants…Read more
58 Collaborating For The Future
Any journey is made easier by walking with others. That is the focus of this episode – the impact of collaboration with, in this case, the theater as the space where the collaboration starts…Read more
57 Preparation Is Key on A Curious Journey
Days out and going on holiday are an important part of family life, but when a young person has additional needs they can be much more of a challenge. How to make the process easier is the focus of this podcast episode with Lizzie Murphy, from A Curious Journey, offers some tips and ideas on traveling with children who…Read more
56 Making Reality Easier Using Virtual Reality - Part 2
What might be the future uses of virtual reality, and how do we need to manage this to stop potential dependence on technology? These are the main themes of this episode…Read more
55 Making Reality Easier Using Virtual Reality - Part 1
The use of virtual reality and virtual worlds can be used to change the future for our young people and just how this is happening is the topic of this episode. My guest this week is Dr. Nigel Newbutt who is researching how virtual reality and virtual worlds can be used to help young people with additional needs access…Read more
54 Flying High With Pegasus
All around us are people working in their local communities to make the lives of young people with additional needs better. This week’s podcast guest Sue Clark is one of these people. Sue talks about her work with Pegasus Playscheme which is located on the south coast of England…Read more
53 People Not Profits At Impacting Lives
Getting to know any young person is the essential first step in understanding what they need when it comes to helping them achieve greater independence. This is the core ethos of this week’s podcast guests Trudy and Darren Dzirasa-Payne from Impacting Lives…Read more
52 Exploring All The Possibilities With Mike Sweeney
Rather than waiting until we have to act the better option is to start exploring what is already out there and start actively working towards creating solutions. This is exactly what this week’s podcast guest Mike Sweeney is doing…Read more
51 The Support Group Experience
At some point in all of our journeys, we need support. Some of us find it in family and friends, others look to support groups. In this week’s podcast, Elaine Kelly, who runs a support group, talks about how support groups can help when maybe others around you simply don’t get it…Read more
50th Episode Celebration
This is a celebration episode, celebrating reaching 50 episodes, celebrating all the amazing guests who have been on the podcast and are out there changing the lives of young people and helping ensure that they will have the kind of independent lives they want…Read more
49 Carving Job Opportunities at Pure Innovations
Job carving can help create sustainable employment opportunities according to this week’s podcast guest Neil Willows from Pure Innovations…Read more
48 Tennis As Therapy With Love Serving Autism
Tennis, because of its repetitive nature, is an excellent therapeutic tool which can develop not only physical skills but also builds language and social skills, according to this week’s podcast guest Lisa Pugliese, from Love Serving Autism…Read more
47 Be The Light With Claire Sutton
The job of a parent is to be there whatever and whenever for your child – those are the rules! That certainly applies to Claire Sutton, this week’s podcast guest. Claire shares her truly inspiring, but sometimes heart-breaking, story. Her daughter Jade, who is now 14 years old, has ADHD. The road to getting Jade…Read more
46 Invictus Enterprises: Building The Steps Into Work
What happens to young people with additional needs when they finish full-time education? How will they find employment? How will they cope on their own throughout adulthood?. One organization helping to provide some of the answers to these questions is Invictus Enterprises based in New York. In this week’s podcast,…Read more
45 Team Domenica - Supporting Success In The Workplace
Successful sustainable employment opportunities for young people with additional needs comes when support is provided for not just the young person but also for their employer too. This is the message in this week’s podcast with Lisa Campbell-Squires from Team Domenica. Team Domenica is a social enterprise charity…Read more
44 Using Storytelling To Build Self Worth
To truly learn, it has to be caught rather than taught is the mantra of this week’s podcast with Diane King, author and special needs teacher. One way to do this and at the same time develop childrens’ self-worth is through storytelling and creativity…Read more
43 Yes She Can Inc.
“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right,” according to Henry Ford: this week’s podcast guest Marjorie Madfis clearly believes this to be true. With Yes She Can Inc., Marjorie has not only created employment opportunities for her own daughter, but she has also created a training…Read more
42 Wake Up To Sleep
Do you need more sleep because your child needs more sleep? Maybe this weeks guest can help.Vicki Dawson is the CEO of The Children’s Sleep Charity and helped write the Children and Young People’s Sleep Manifesto presented to the UK government, which argued among other things for quality sleep support to be…Read more
41 Living With Dyspraxia
What is Dyspraxia? If you don’t know or if you do and want to know more this week’s podcast is for you My guest Christine Draper has written a book called My Friend Josh has Dyspraxia to help more people understand dyspraxia and, more importantly, help more people understand what it means for her son Luke who has…Read more
40 The Shed - Providing A Space For Change
Everyone needs a Shed – a place to go, to be. But this Shed is much more than that, it is a space for people with additional needs to build independence and work skills and engage with their local community…Read more
39 Project Search At The Marriott
Work is central to most of our lives. It not only provides a purpose to our day but also makes us feel an integral part of the society we live in. In this week’s podcast we hear about the Project Search program, being run at the Marriott Hotel in Heathrow UK, which provides an innovative approach to help young people…Read more
38 Stepping Back - Part 2
Friendships and purpose are two of the most important things to have in our lives. For young people with additional needs finding these can sometimes be a challenge. In part 2 of Stepping back Milla Johnson, an Occupational Therapist, and Lisa Campbell, a Speech and Language Therapist, discuss how to manage…Read more
37 Stepping Back - Part 1
The challenge of stepping back and letting our children take risks and make mistakes is never easy. How to deal with this challenge is the theme of this week’s podcast where I speak to Lisa Campbell, a Speech and Language Therapist, and Milla Johnson, an Occupational Therapist. Lisa and Milla discuss why…Read more
36 Planning Ahead
Planning ahead helps us reach our goals, and although we can’t prepare for everything, a plan gives us a general direction to travel and can even help us identify a final destination. In this week’s episode, we hear from Laura who has helped her son Jonathon plan ahead. This planning has enabled him to create a…Read more
35 Enterprising Ideas At Acceptable Enterprises
A social enterprise must first achieve success as an enterprise before they can deliver on any of their social objectives, that is the message from this week’s podcast guest David Hunter. David is the CEO of Acceptable Enterprises Ltd (AEL) who are based in Larne, Northern Ireland and provide employment opportunities…Read more
34 Letting Go
The term ‘letting go’ means different things to different people. Sometimes as parents we have to let go of our own expectations of what our children’s lives will look like.This was the case for this week’s guest Fiona who found that once she let of her own expectations it opened up a new world of possibilities…Read more
33 Providing Opportunity Not Charity
One day soon people with additional needs will be valued as contributors to society and not just as passive recipients of social care, this is the vision that Matt and Steve from Skillnet Group share in this episode…Read more
32 Having A Sense Of Control
The best way to boost the self-esteem of our children is to let them have their say, give them a voice and help them to feel a sense of control, according to Soli Lazarus this week’s podcast guest…Read more
31 Friendships Matter
“We all want friends, a misconception about people on the spectrum is that they don’t want friends” Jamie Wheeler tells us in this week’s podcast. Jamie runs Austen’s Autistic Adventures, based in Richardson, Texas, a social group where people over the age of 18 can meet friends and engage in fun activities…Read more
30 It's All About The Beer @ Ignition Brewery
It is possible to create a viable business while employing people with additional needs and this week’s podcast guest proves that. Nick O’Shea is the founder of Ignition Brewery in London, a successful business employing people with additional needs. At Ignition Brewery it’s all about the beer because as Nick has…Read more
29 Seeing Clearly With Antonia Chitty
Being able to see properly can really transform a child’s life according to Antonia Chitty. As a qualified optometrist and author Antonia is passionate about getting all children’s sight checked. She explains that many parents feel daunted at the prospect of taking their child with additional needs for an eye test…Read more
28 Finding A Common Language
Being listened to and being understood are important to us all, but this can be difficult when you struggle to find a common language. Language is the way we communicate and if you can’t communicate with others the impact can be devastating. This week I talk with Veronica, Mum to Emma, who has a speech and…Read more
27 The L'Arche Community
Feeling like you belong to a community and being accepted for who you are is important to all of us. This week we talk to James Cuming, Community Leader, at L’Arche Kent who explains how L’Arche provides both of these for people all over the world, some who have additional needs. James explains the history of…Read more
26 Kiwi - A Step Dad's Story
Being a step parent brings with it some unique challenges. In this episode Rob stepdad to two boys, one, Thomas, who has autism and ADHD, talks about his experiences as a stepdad…Read more
25 Keep Calm and Be Prepared
When faced with a storm the key is to stay calm and get prepared for whatever it might bring. Sometimes dealing with the system and fighting for your child with additional needs is like sailing into a storm. This week Caroline, in part 2 of her interview, talks about her experiences of staying calm and…Read more
24 Making Sense Of It All
Most of us go through our day unaware of how our brain is continuously filtering everything our senses are picking up. This filtering means we are only left with the information we really need and we don’t get sensory overload. This week we talk to Caroline who explains to us what happens when those filters are…Read more
23 Shared Lives
Independence can be reached in many ways. Shared Lives in the UK offers one approach to help people with additional needs develop independence focused skills based on a holistic approach. This week we talk to Karen from Shared Lives who explains how this innovative program works…Read more
22 The Able Label
There’s a solution out there for every challenge, including finding clothing designed to make getting dressed easier. This week we talk to Katie Ellis, from The Able Label, a UK based clothing manufacturer…Read more
21 Hang In There
Not giving up, hanging in there – is the theme of this week’s podcast interview with Carmelina. She shares her journey with her son Dominic with us. Sometimes picking your battles is the key, as small things become your focus when you need to be looking at the bigger picture. We need to decide what will make the…Read more
20 Realising Every Dream (REDinc.)
REDinc offers a model worth replicating when it comes to helping young people achieve their work related dreams according to Mitch Halligan Work and Training Coordinator at REDinc…Read more
19 Be Brave
You need to be brave and a bit terrified at the same time when it comes to building independence skills, according to Robyn in the second part of her son’s story. The key is to not underestimate our children and what they can do, but you will always struggle with your own fears when letting them be more…Read more
18 Get Your Cranky Pants On
You need to focus forward 100%, and not waste your energy looking backwards, according to Robyn. Robyn lives in Sydney with her son Riley, his younger brother and her husband. She talks about the early years, finding out Riley has autism and how their family dealt with this news. As she says Riley is a child with…Read more
17 A Lasting Interest in Sport
Finding an interest as child, such as in sport, can lead to a lifelong passion that lasts right through adolescence and adulthood, and provides a strong connection to a community and a focus for life. This is the opinion of Maire who shares her story in this week’s podcast…Read more
16 At the Beginning
Everyone’s journey is very different but sometimes listening to someone else’s journey can help us on our own way. This week we talk to Carol, mother to Leo, about her and her family’s journey with him. His leaving home is still a way off for them, but there are many small steps to take along the way with which we…Read more
15 Believe
The earlier you know what you’re dealing with the easier it is to seek out the right support and put in place the right plan. This is the opinion of Scarlett, mother to Edith. She believes her daughter Edith will achieve a great deal because her daughter has an in born desire to be independent. Edith’s spirit…Read more
14 When to Take the Stabilisers Off
Knowing when to take the stabilisers off, and not just on a bicycle, is key to moving towards achieving any goal. This is the view of Jackie, mother to Joe who has additional needs, including a speech and language disorder…Read more
13 Happy Holidays
Holidays are a time to relax, rewind and recharge, but more often than not they end up being less about fun and more about stress. Vicki, an experienced travel consultant, shares tips for making travel less stressful. She understands our perspective because she is also a mother to a daughter with additional needs…Read more
12 Building Resilience in the Forest
Laura Ashfield is an outreach worker for the Surrey Wildlife Trust. She believes the forest is a great place to learn about ourselves as well as the rhythms of nature. More than this, she passionately believes the forest is a place that can help us discover our place in the world…Read more
11 Long Term Goals Built On Small Steps
Andy, a father to a son with ASD and ADHD, takes a strategic view of independence, rather like a business plan. Because he does this, he and his wife have a clear vision of what they hope their son will be able to do age 21…Read more
10 Perseverance Pays Off Part II
Success stories inspire us all. Proof that perseverance pays off is shown by Jacob and Sarah as Sarah explains the second part of Jacob’s story: leaving school. Jacob has ambitions to work in the music industry, and is currently holding down a testing job as a barman to save money towards a year long course at Abbey…Read more
09 Perseverance Pays Off Part I
With perseverance many great things can be achieved. Sarah is living proof of this with her son Jacob, who has Asperger’s. In this two part podcast we will hear how Sarah guided Jacob through school and gave him the skills to succeed in quite a demanding job. This really is a success story that is inspiring and one…Read more
08 Finding Fashion That Works
Matching clothes to the occasion is a challenge for us all. This week Elika Gibbs, owner of Practical Princess, is here to help. She professionally advises her clients on fashion and the organisation of wardrobes…Read more
07 Ace That Interview
Preparation and practice: these are the keys to interview success. This is the advice from Sam, an experienced HR director, who this week shares her expertise on how to not only survive the interview but how to succeed. She covers what needs to be included in a CV, and discusses questions you should expect as well as…Read more
06 We Are Family - Sibling Relationships
Sibling relationships are never easy, especially if one sibling has additional needs. This week I talk to Julie, a mother of 2 children, about her experiences and the challenges. She talks about the tactics she uses to make family life work for everyone and her ideas for creating a sibling bond through…Read more
05 House to Rent, No Experience Required
Independent living means having your own place to live. Finding that place isn’t always easy. In this episode Julia, a landlord who is renting out a property to young people with additional needs, tells us why. We hear that finding a place to rent requires perseverance and sometimes a dose of optimism…Read more
04 A Brush with Authority
Ian is an ex-police officer who dealt with incidents where young people with additional needs were involved. He saw how a lack of understanding on both sides could often turn difficult situations into highly stressful experiences for everyone…Read more
03 Building Social Skills and Resilience
Emily Hughes is an Australian social worker currently living in London. She is an expert in developing social skills. In this discussion she shares her tools and tactics for enabling children to develop their social skills, build resilience and independently navigate their way through the challenges they face…Read more
02 Growing Up with Asperger's
A mother shares the strategies and tactics she uses to help her son, who has Asperger’s, develop the skills he needs and prepare him for an independent life…Read more
01 The Ark Project
The Ark Project is a local community project in Southern England which aims to help young adults with additional needs develop practical work skills. The project encompasses a working bakery and small holding with produce sold to local businesses. This interview is with the founder of the project Hester and we learn…Read more
Introduction
Debra Caldow explains the aims and purpose of the podcast and what she hopes listeners will take away from this podcast…Read more
Red Giraffe Guide
173 Independent Cooking – Our Successful Solution with Debra Caldow
In this episode, I’m talking about our approach to supporting our daughter to learn to cook for herself without the need for any support or supervision. Our solution involved discarding conventional cooking techniques that didn’t work and looking for new options. In our case, it’s meant using an air fryer a slow cooker, and five-ingredient recipes. By adapting recipes for the food she wanted to make, this approach has enabled her to cook independently.
To find out more about this course and to purchase it visit https://bit.ly/independentcooking
172 Why The Earlier We Start Transition Planning The Better with Julia Wright from Ken’s Krew
In this second part of my conversation with Julia Wright from Ken’s Krew, we discuss the importance of work experience in transition programs and the improvements that have taken place in these programs which are enabling more young people to be work-ready. She also offers advice to families about how to plan ahead and why planning is so important because it makes that move from education to employment much more likely to happen.
171 Ken’s Krew Empowering Young People Through Employment with Julia Wright
In this episode, we learn about Ken’s Crew, an organization co-founded by parents through a partnership with Home Depot. Julia Wright from Ken’s Krew shares how they facilitate meaningful employment for young adults with additional needs through partnerships with a variety of organizations providing intensive training and ongoing support. Julia also discusses some of the challenges faced, such as communication skills and parental concerns, and the importance of sensitivity training for colleagues.
170 Supporting Young People Into Work: Practical Tips with Mel Simmonds, from Hidden Gem Services
In this second part of a conversation with Mel Simmonds, from Hidden Gem Services, we focus on what we can do at home to help make the transition into paid work smoother for our young people. When they go into their first job, they will have lots of new information to take in and skills to learn. However, the transition will be made easier if we have already helped them build transferable skills they can use at work. Mel provides some practical examples of how to do this as well as explaining the role we can play in developing their confidence by discussing their daily work experiences and encouraging independent decision-making. She also touches on the potential pitfalls of parents acting as job coaches.
169 Supporting Employment: How Job Coaches Make The Difference with Mel Simmonds from Hidden Gem Services
In this episode with Mel Simmonds from Hidden Gem Services, we dive into the world of job coaching, outlining the importance of support, understanding, and adaptability in creating successful employment options for young people with additional needs. Mel discusses the challenges faced, including inconsistencies in job roles and management as well as the positives that come from the cultural shifts that can occur within organizations.
168 From Fear to Trust: My Bumpy Journey with Debra Caldow
In this episode, I share my journey of navigating parental fears and learning to trust my daughter’s abilities. Despite her successful year in her job, my unspoken concerns about her future surfaced, impacting her more than I realized. This episode reflects on how difficult it is not to let our fears limit our children’s potential. I also talk about the importance of giving my daughter the dignity of risk, respecting her independence, and planning for a future where she can thrive, even when I’m not around.
167 Unlocking Potential: The Crucial Role of Families, Schools, and Job Coaches with Laura Davis from BASE
Every journey starts somewhere, and for most of us, it starts at home with those closest to us, encouraging us, and believing in us. In this week’s episode with Laura Davis from BASE we discuss the important role families play in shaping the future outcomes of children. We discuss the challenges of navigating the support available and the role of school in better preparing young people for work. We also talk about the enormous impact that specialized job coaches can have and how employment enhances life expectancy.
166 Transforming Inclusive Employment: The Role of BASE In Changing Attitudes With Laura Davis
Collaboration can speed up change, but it requires coordination and management to make that happen. This week’s guest Laura Davis, Chief Executive of the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) knows all about this. In this episode, she not only shares her personal journey but also discusses the pivotal role BASE plays in championing employment opportunities for everyone. She also talks about the role of BASE in developing best practice standards around supported employment to enable their members to better serve the people they work with. Laura also discusses the need for a systemic change, driven by collaboration between employers, government, and supported employment services to create meaningful employment opportunities and foster inclusive workplaces.
165 Building Employer Relationships That Benefit Everyone with Andrea Randall-Smith from Little Gate
Having more opportunities for paid work for young people with additional needs relies on finding more employers to offer those opportunities. In this episode Andrea Randall-Smith from Little Gate explains the strategies they use to manage the relationships with the employers they work with to ensure more of these opportunities become available. She discusses the value of storytelling and working with other local organisations so that the focus is on what employers need as well as what their future employees need and how the support they provide to employers can help them transform their employment practices.
164 The Little Gate Story: Bridging Aspirations and Employment with Andrea Randall-Smith
When opportunities aren’t available, sometimes we need to create them. That is part of the reason that Little Gate came about. In this episode Andrea Randall-Smith, CEO of Little Gate, shares the history and ethos of the organization and how they work to change the future of the young people they serve by giving them to skills to move into paid work. We also discuss the importance of getting feedback, sharing best practice, and working with other organizations to maximize the opportunities for everyone.
163 Planning A Better Future For Our Children with Debra Caldow
In this episode, I’m talking about the importance of structured planning for children with additional needs and having short, medium and long-term plans for various aspects of their life around daily living, purpose, relationships, and finance. This ensures not only continuous progress but is also better preparation for their futures. A good plan has clear targets actionable steps, and a realistic timeline. I talk about each of these and how to use the Red Giraffe Route map and the VOCAL method (Vision, Options, Create, Assess, Legacy) to put together a plan that not only supports their future but give you piece of mind as well. I also share personal examples to illustrate how we have supported our daughter to plan her future and develop her own life plan.
Find our more about the Red Giraffe Route Map & VOCAL Method
162 Everybody Needs Good Neighbors with Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT
We all want good neighbors but of course what makes a good neighbor differs for everyone. In this second part of a conversation with Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT we talk about how they have built a neighborhood where people look out for each other when they need to. Ann explains how the focus on choice, predictability and autonomy has helped to reduce challenging behaviors. She also discusses how the WEBUILT community fosters empathy and support among members which in turn transforms lives and, in many cases, helps rebuild family relationships. Plus, we also discuss how other families can build their own communities using the WeBUILT model for ideas and inspiration.
161 WeBUILT Unified Living: Crafting a Supportive Community with Ann Wilkinson
When we live in a place that we like everything else is made just that bit easier. But sometimes finding that place can seem an impossible task. In this episode I’m sharing one family’s journey to find that place for their son. My guest is Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT who shares her story from exploring various options and realizing these didn’t fit his needs to creating WeBUILT. She shares how they built a collaborative community where people have ownership and control over their living arrangements. WeBUILT stands for We Build Unique Independent Lives Together which is exactly what they have done.
160 Real Lives, Real Jobs: Self Employment with Sam Everard from SAMEE
Self-employment is viable option, but it becomes even more so when there is clear evidence of how well it can work. In this episode Sam Everard, founder and CEO of Samee Charity shares some examples of where young people with additional needs have created great businesses based not only on their skills but also on their passions and often, because of their lived experience, an understanding of what others need. Sam also talks the benefits of self-employment in offering flexibility and control, which is not always possible with traditional employment roles.
159 Enabling A Path To Self-Employment with Sam Everard from SAMEE
One way into paid employment is to work for yourself and that’s the focus of this episode with Sam Everard, founder and CEO of Samee Charity. She discusses the organization’s mission to support young people with additional needs into becoming self-employed. Sam also discusses the barriers, how to address these, and what supporting someone into self-employment involves.
158 From Daily Living to Personal Growth with Debra Caldow
In this solo episode, I discuss what independence really means for young people like my daughter. Is it just about having the skills to do more for herself or are there other things that she should have the opportunities to consider? I discuss this using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory as a way to structure my thoughts on whether or not it’s enough to just focus on those daily living skills and relationships for our young people or whether there are more things to consider when it comes to supporting our young people to be truly independent in the way that they choose to live their lives.
157 Raising Expectations: Lifelong Learning and Contribution with Lex Ali from Big Life Adventure
Learning new things, having new experiences and giving back to our community build self-confidence and self-esteem. However, to often people with additional needs aren’t given the opportunity to do any of these things. In this second part of my conversation with Lex Ali, from Big Life Adventure, we talk about the value in lifelong learning and the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to give back to their communities and to society. We talk about how the Big Life Adventure project will help support this continuous learning and enable people to connect with others.
156 The Big Life Adventure with Lex Ali
For most people one of the great things about becoming an adult is getting to make their own life choices, dreaming about what they want to do, and making decisions about how their life will look now and in the future. But for many people with additional needs these opportunities aren’t easily available. In this episode my guest Lex Ali from Big Life Adventure talks about why this is happening and what can be done about. The Big Life Adventure project she discusses is definitely part of the answer.
155 Breaking Down The Barriers To Employment with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward
Breaking down the barriers to inclusive employment opportunities is proving to be a challenge. But progress is being made and what that looks like is one of the things I’m discussing in this week’s episode with my guest Vinny De Falco from Think Forward. We talk about the programs that Think Forward have previously run, what they learned from those and how that information has guided their next program. We also discuss how to engage with employers and the external factors that also impact on the number of opportunities available. To bring about change means acting, learning along the way and changing what does not work and that is exactly what Think Forward is doing.
154 Navigating the Transition Pathway with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward
The transition from education to employment for young people with additional needs requires planning in order to be effective. In this episode with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward we talk about the importance of early transition planning and how a structured and supportive transition program with personalized coaching can help young people develop the skills and confidence they need. We also talk about the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing among everyone, including families, involved in supporting the young person.
153 Great Expectations And Why They Matter
It’s a solo episode this week and I’m talking about the role that expectations have in the way we support and inspire our young people to achieve all they are capable of. Our expectations of them guide their expectations of themselves and can also help them to ignore the low expectations of others.
152 Why The Use Of Technology At Work Is About Mindset with Alex Barker from AbilityNet
The use of technology is embedded into our work lives and for people with additional needs it is often assistive technology that enables them to do their job. But often the right technology is not in place or provided by employers and that is one of the topics discussed in this episode of the podcast with my guest in this week’s episode Alex Barker from AbilityNet.
151 Why We Should Be Using The Assistive Technology In Our Pockets with Alex Barker from AbilityNet
When we think of assistive technology or any technology that can support our young people with additional needs to become more independent, we often start at the point of thinking it could be expensive or complicated to learn to use. But the reality is that today the first bit of assistive technology that our young people should access is their phone or tablet
150 Why Community Gives Us More Than Just Friendship with Sarah Towler from CASPA
When we think of community, we first think about the friendship element of being around other people. But there is more to being part of a community than just that. When we become part of a community, we have the opportunity to learn from those around us. These are the other benefits of being in a community.
149 How Community Can Support And Educate with Sarah Towler from CASPA
Community is defined as people with common interests living in a particular area but in reality, it’s less about location and more about belonging, about connection and feeling part of something. In this episode, my guest is Sarah Towler and the organization we are talking about is CASPA which does all of these things and more. CASPA stands for Community Autistic Support Pride and Advocacy,
148 Why Habits Are The Foundation Of Independence
Every day we all do the same things the same way because it’s these habits that make it easier to live our lives. Habits are just skills we have that we use over and over again and for my daughter with additional needs, all the skills she has built over time are now habits that allow her to live more independently. Those skills she has like cooking going to her job or managing her money, the things she does the same way each time are all her habits.
147 Why Working With Support Works with Adam and Deb
The barriers to employment for young people with additional needs are high but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible as this week’s episode shows. In part 2 of my conversation with Adam and Deb, Adam talks about his experience of work and why his current role is working for him. Adam believes it comes down to the right support at the right time and matching the individual to the job.
146 Making Choices with Adam and Deb
Sharing our stories helps us realize we are not alone. Hearing someone else’s story can also be a great way to learn new ideas we can use in our own family’s lives. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of Adam and his family. My guests are Adam, and his mother Deb. Adam talks about moving schools from a mainstream school to a specialist school as well as the challenges he found around transitioning out of full-time education.
145 Why Risk Is Worth The Risk with Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney
We should all have the right to choose how we live our lives, even if that means taking risks and making mistakes. But too often people with additional needs aren’t being given opportunities to take risks and to learn from their mistakes. My guest this week Carol Smail shares her experiences of the impact this lack of choice has, as well as what can happen when people are given the opportunity to make their own choices.
144 Why Gig Buddies Is Great with Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney
Finding friends with common interests can be difficult for anyone and for young people with additional needs it is often more challenging because their social network is smaller. That is why projects like Gig Buddies are so important as my guest in this episode Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney explains.
143 How Can We Change Society’s Expectations and Accelerate Inclusive Employment Opportunities? with Peter Bacon from Disability Employment Australia
Too often low expectations for people with additional needs have translated into fewer opportunities, particularly when it comes to paid employment. For change to happen, around work, more employers are needed which means employers will need to change their attitude toward employing people with a disability.
142 Does Inclusive Employment Just Happen? with Peter Bacon from Disability Employment Australia
Inclusive employers change the future for our children, but there simply isn’t enough of them. In this episode with Peter Bacon, CEO of Disability Employment Australia, I’m discussing why this is the case, and what actions could be taken to get more employers to become inclusive employers.
141 Financial Future Series - Using a Gradual Financial Independence Approach with Graham Caldow
In this final episode of this Finance Future series, I’m talking to Graham Caldow about the value of giving financial independence gradually and building financial skills over time. We discuss the things that have worked for our family including multiple accounts and tracking spending. Finance is just one part of our legacy to our daughter but in lots of ways it’s the foundation of all the other things she will do in her life.
140 Financial Future Series - Why ABLE Accounts Help Create More Opportunities with Jill Cornfield
Planning for the future is difficult when restrictions exist around how much money you’re allowed to save. In this episode with Jill Cornfield, I’m discussing how ABLE accounts can help mitigate this restriction and enable people to think longer-term and plan their financial future.
139 Financial Future Series - Building Good Money Habits with Karen Hassett from PATF
Managing our own money is challenging. The temptation to spend is never far away and we need tools and techniques that can help us make the right choices most of the time. In this second part of my conversation with Karen Hassett from PATF we are focusing on some ways to help our young people develop those money habits that will help them make better spending decisions.
138 Financial Future Series - Taking The First Small Step with Karen Hassett from PATF
Getting started on developing any plan can be a challenge but when it comes to our finances we can often get stuck at the first step. In this episode with Karen Hassett from PATF we talk about how to get started by thinking about a decision-making process when it comes to money and using simple ideas like tracking spending and identifying priorities to move forward.
137 Financial Future Series - Questions To Consider
The financial future for young people with additional needs can be challenging. They are more likely to have lower incomes, less likely to be employed full time and government assistance can be difficult to get and even more difficult to keep. So planning ahead to create a solid financial platform is essential in this new series – Financial Future I’ll be exploring the challenges, what solutions are out there, and how to plan ahead so that future financial security is achievable.
136 Technology - Changing The Future - The Here And Now And The Next
In this episode I’m looking back over this latest series which has focused on the role that technology plays and will play in the lives of young people with additional needs. I’ll be discussing what assistive technology really means today and talk from my own experience about how technology supports my own daughter to live the life she wants.
135 Technology- Changing The Future – Why the key is connectivity with Ben Wood from CCS Insight
The best technology makes our lives easier and connects us with what we need. But often the different devices we use don’t connect with each other or we don’t see the value in connecting them together. In this episode with Ben Wood, from CCS Insight, we are talking about how that is going to change as companies realise they need to work together.
134 Technology - Identifying the best technologies to provide the right support with Padhraic Dormer from Enable Ireland
What’s the difference between a service user and a service owner? Quite a lot according to Padhraic Dormer from Enable Ireland. Padhraic explains the difference, as well as talking about his role as a virtual service support worker. He also discusses reasons why virtual services have proven to be so valuable in combatting social isolation.
133 Technology- Changing The Future – Harnessing technology to raise expectations for independent living with Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland
Using technology to support independent living seems an obvious choice. However, it isn’t as this week’s guest Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland explains.
132 Technology- Changing The Future – Why It’s About Functionality and Fun with Lee Blemings from Sensory Guru
Technology is often developed with the focus on what it does rather than how it will be used. This week’s guest Lee Blemings explains why that approach is wrong and why it needs to also be about enjoyment, about fun and about connecting people in a meaningful way.
131 Technology - Changing The Future – Digital Inclusion: Why It's About More Than Just Access With Jane Seale
Even with technology all around us there are still barriers in place which lead to digital exclusion. In this episode with Jane Seale we explore some of the reasons for this and what needs to change.
130 Technology - Changing The Future – Why Asking The Question Is Always The Best Option
With technology changing so quickly, we are often unsure of what is available and what is possible. In this episode Wendy Harkins Davis of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) explains why no question is ever wrong, and that because with so many options available most questions can be answered in the positive.
129 Technology - Changing The Future - Using Everyday Technology to Support Independence
Welcome to a new series on Technology – Changing the Future. From assistive technology to help aid communication to smart home devices that help make people safer, technology can change lives. In this first episode of the series, I’m talking to Libby Wilkins, Head of Accessibility and Digital Applications at The Oaks Specialist College.
128 Planning The Journey – Using the VOCAL Method
Planning the future for our children with additional needs is not only challenging, it’s crucial. In this final episode of the Planning the Journey series, I’m talking about how to navigate each of the four lines Daily Living Relationships, Purpose and Financial using the VOCAL method.
127 Planning The Journey - Financial Security - Why Enough Is Enough
Providing financial security for our children with additional needs when we are no longer around is one of our greatest challenges. In this episode I talk about why it is achievable once we decide how much is enough.
126 Planning The Journey - Why Presumption of Purpose Matters
Having a purpose provides meaning and direction to our lives. In this episode I talk about ways to support our children to find purpose and the importance of a Presumption of Purpose.
125 Planning The Journey - Managing Relationships - Using the AAA approach
Relationships matter. Without them our young people can become isolated. We all have our stories of challenging family relationships and friendships lost.
124 Planning The Journey - Building Daily Living Skills
In this series I will be focusing on exploring in more depth the 4 core topics that the podcast has always focused around: daily living, relationships, purpose and financial. In this episode the focus is daily living skills.
123 Housing Options Series: Why Choice and Community Matters
Where will my daughter live when I’m no longer around? It’s a big question, and some of the ideas explored in the Housing Options series just might help answer that question.
122 Housing Options Series - 200 Lives - Finding Out What People Actually Think
It’s difficult to develop better housing options if we don’t know what people want and need. This week’s guests Chris Hatton and Lauren Blood were involved with a research project which will in part help to address this issue.
121 Housing Options Series - Our Stomping Ground - Inclusive Communities
For too long housing solutions for young people with additional needs have failed to consider the importance of inclusion.
120 Housing Options Series - US Autism Homes - Building With Love and Science
Creating a housing model for young adults with additional needs that really works means doing things differently. This is something Lisa Liberatore from US Autism Homes understands.
119 Housing Options Series - Everyone Needs A Community Network
Finding somewhere to live is about more than just about finding a place, it’s about building a life. Community is an important part of that life. How to build communities is the topic of this episode with Kathy Meyer, from Everyone Needs A Community.
118 Housing Options Series - Building A Supported Living Network
Finding Supported Living that works means bringing together many things, from finding a property in the right location with the right access, to identifying a support provider and accessing the right level of support.
117 Housing Options Series - Parent Partnerships to Build Communities
When we imagine where our children might live, when we’re no longer around, it isn’t just the place they will live, it’s the community around them and how they will live their daily lives that we also imagine.
116 Housing Options Series - The Story of Lonely Worm Farm
No matter how alone we sometimes feel there is always someone who understands our journey even if they are taking a different road than us.
115 Housing Options Series - Zetetick Housing - Quality Housing for Supported Living
Continuing with the series on Housing Options, this week the focus is on Supported Living with Jonathan Spencer the CEO of Zetetick Housing.
114 Housing Options Series - Main Street: Bring Your Own Independence
Moving into our own space is part of becoming an adult and embracing the independence that brings.
113 Grace Eyre Profile Series - How The Sum Of The Parts Makes The Whole
112 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Listening To The Voices That Matter Most
Everyone should have the right to decide their own future but too often people with additional needs simply aren’t given a voice.
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111 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Let’s Work Together
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110 Grace Eyre Profile Series - The Travel Buddy Project - Getting Out And About
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109 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Connections For Life
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108 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Shared Lives - Common Goals
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107 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Choosing The Future
Having the right to choose how we live our lives is a fundamental human right and one that in the past many people with additional needs haven’t been given.
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106 Grace Eyre Profile - A Place To Call Home
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105 Grace Eyre Profile - Creating A Roadmap To Navigate The Future
The future can be scary if you really don’t know what your options are. Having a roadmap with ideas of where to start would help and what that involves is the topic of this episode with Tom Conroy, the new business manager at Grace Eyre.
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104 Grace Eyre Profile - Looking Back To Move Forward
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103 Bridging The Gap - The Role of Parents - Things we can do For and things we can do With
The Bridging The Gap series has been all about highlighting some of the organisations that are providing solutions for young people, so they have more options when they want to move from school into employment.
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102 Bridging The Gap - Forward2Employment: Reimagining The Future
In this part 2 of my conversation with the team at Forward2Employment (F2E) the focus is on the role of the job coach as well as hearing from current interns and from graduates of the supported internships program.
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101 Bridging The Gap - Forward2Employment: Building The Foundations For Change
In this episode of the Bridging The Gap series I’m talking to the team at Forward2Employment (F2E) about their supported internships program. This episode is really about getting the foundations in place with Liz Halton, the Head of F2E, explaining why the program came about and how it was created as well as the vision of F2E to change the employment expectations of young people with additional needs.
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100 Celebrating the 100th Episode and the stops on the journey so far
Time for a celebration and to reflect on the journey so far. It all started out with an idea that there had to be more out there for my daughter. I saw that she and other children, with additional needs, need extra support, in specific areas, to build the skills that will enable them to live more independently as adults.
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99 Bridging The Gap - The Oaks Specialist College: The Results
In this the second part of my conversation with staff and students from The Oaks Specialist College it’s all about the results. We hear from Joshua Epstein, the Careers Leader, about his role and the importance of job coaches but also making sure the young people they work with develop skills they can use when any support is removed.
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98 Bridging The Gap - The Oaks Specialist College: The Vision
In this the first episode of a new series on Bridging The Gap I’m talking to two people from The Oaks Specialist College based in the UK. This episode is really about vision. Gordon Tillman, the CEO, discusses why The Oaks came into existence and its role not only in changing the lives of the young people it supports but also changing the perceptions of businesses and communities.
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97 Ways Into Work – Perceptions and Parents: Why Both Matter So Much
In this the final episode of this Ways into Work series I’m doing a solo episode to talk about my learnings from the past 8 episodes. It’s definitely not a recap of the previous episodes but more my ideas around the two things I see as being pivotal in enabling many more young people to get into paid employment.
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96 Ways Into Work – Apprenticeships And Other Ships
In this episode the focus is on Apprenticeships as one of the Ways Into Work. Mark Capper, the Business Development Manager at Mencap UK, discusses the role that supported internships and traineeships play in preparing people for work.Read more
95 Ways Into Work – Changing the Narrative
In this episode of The Ways Into Work series, the focus is on the barriers that prevent many young people, with additional needs, getting and keeping paid employment. Read more
94 Ways Into Work - Supported Employment
The focus of this episode, in the Ways Into Work series, is Supported Employment with David Stenning from The Education People. David talks about the Supported Employment model and putting the young person at the centre but also supporting those around them. Read more
93 Ways Into Work - Inclusive Job Boards Part 2
In this the second part of Ways Into Work – Inclusive Job Boards Jane Hatton from Evenbreak discusses the importance of young people with additional needs learning to truly value the transferable work skills they already have, which have often been developed because of their life experiences.Read more
92 Ways Into Work - Inclusive Job Boards Part 1
In this episode of the Ways Into Work series we are talking to Jane Hatton from Evenbreak about how their inclusive Job Board is connecting employers with premium employees.Read more
91 Ways Into Work - Communities and Networks
Latest episode in the Ways Into Work series. In this episode we discuss with Richard Lamplough from My Employment Passport the role of local communities in providing paid work opportunities for young people with additional needs.Read more
90 Ways Into Work - Supported Internships Part 2
In this episode we continue the series Ways Into Work exploring the role of employers, education providers, government agencies and parents in creating Supported Internship programs that help young people with additional needs find and retain paid work.Read more
89 Ways Into Work - Supported Internships Part 1
In this new series Ways Into Work we start off by looking at Supported Internships how they work and why this model has proved so successful at getting young people with additional needs into long term paid employment.Read more
88 Staying Positive to Move Forward
After speaking to organisations in both the UK and USA, I believe there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic in the future, despite the recent impact of employment opportunities for young people with additional needs due to Covid. It seems to me that we collectively have a stronger sense of community after the…Read more
87 Spectrum Designs: Committed To Making An Even Bigger Impact
The pandemic will have a disproportionate effect on the lives of young people with additional needs. This is true. But whilst there are organisations out there like Spectrum designs then it’s not all bad news. In this episode, the final episode in my series on the impact of the pandemic on employment for young people…Read more
86 The Able Workers: Building Momentum With Community Support
Who opens a coffee shop during a pandemic? Well the guys at Able Coffee Roasters do! In this episode, part of the series on the impact of the pandemic on employment for young people with additional needs, I talk to Adeel and Anthony about exactly how they did this and why community support has helped them do even better…Read more
85 Pure innovations - Looking At What We Can Do Differently
Neil Willows, from Pure Innovations, discusses the impact of Covid and the UK lockdown on the supported internship programs Pure Innovations runs. He talks about the effect it has had on paid employment opportunities and young people’s mental health. But he also outlines the ways they are working to open up job roles…Read more
84 Invictus Enterprises: Embracing The Challenge To Deliver Differently
Alison Berkley from Invictus Enterprises talks about the impact of the pandemic on Invictus and how the way they’ve responded has actually opened up new opportunities. She explains how the pandemic meant that future plans they had for program delivery got accelerated and why the pandemic could be a catalyst for more…Read More
83 Acceptable Enterprises - Showing why social value has an economic value
David Hunter from Acceptable Enterprises talks about the impact of the pandemic on their various businesses. While the online business is growing, other parts haven’t been so lucky. But opportunities to pivot have been found as well the chance to expand other initiatives. Find out why David is also focused on showing…Read more
82 We’re Back and Ready For Change
The podcast is back after a short break with a new name to reflect a renewed passion to promote real change. Find out why we changed the name and what we are doing next including what to look forward to in our first series which is looking at the impact of the Pandemic on work opportunities for people with Additional…Read more
81 Changing Attitudes At WAVE
By changing attitudes we change behaviour, and this is something the guests on this week’s episode are part of making happen. Celia and Maya from WAVE talk about the ethos behind WAVE, and how it aims to bring people together, and by doing that helps change the way they think and their attitudes…Read more
80 Developing Transferable Skills
The average person has between 12-15 jobs in their work life. This makes developing transferable skills an essential part of any employability training. A great example of how to make this happen comes from Sunflower Bakery. This week’s guest Sara Portman Milner, co-founder of Sunflower Bakery, shares their story as…Read more
79 Providing A Compass
Sometimes we need to change direction quickly and find the right information so that we can make an informed decision as to which road we need to take. This week’s guest Kerrie Highcock helps provide that information. Kerrie is the Family Development Manager at North East Autism Society, and her role is not only to…Read more
78 Creative Community at the CO/LAB Theater Group
When we go to the theatre we see a different world than the one we live in. Theatre can broaden our horizons challenge our perceptions and this is exactly what the CO/LAB Theater Group aims to do. CO/LAB provides, people with additional needs, a space to be creative and along the way change their perceptions of…Read more
77 Presumption Of Employment
When we’re young we think we can do anything, be anyone, achieve everything. But as many of us get older we learn to fit into the box of expectations. For young people with additional needs this box can be small, with many assuming that they will not be entering the employment market…Read more
76 Getting Ready For Work
For many young people with additional needs finding a job can be incredibly challenging. It takes planning and for most requires them to go way outside their comfort zone. This week’s guest Dr Michael Reiter runs work readiness workshops and he talks us through the three areas he focuses on to help the emerging…Read more
75 Planning A Future Without You
If not now when? Planning for the future can be scary for anyone but it’s especially hard when that planning is for a young person who we know will face any number of challenges as they navigate towards their ideal life…Read more
74 Managing Mental Health
We all appreciate the importance of good mental health but sometimes lack the toolbox and even the support to consistently achieve it. This is often the case for young people, particularly those with an additional need. In this episode we are talking with Kimmy Obo from Kooth a UK based organisation offering…Read more
73 Learning to Relax
Emotions are part of being human. But for many of us there are times when we wish we had better tools to manage our emotions. This can be especially true for young people with additional needs who often face extra internal and external emotional triggers. In this episode we hear from Dana Bishop a Relax Kids coach on…Read more
72 Attracting The Best Person For The Job At Specialisterne
Everyone has unique skills; everyone is a specialist in something. This is something this week’s guest Thorkil Sonne from Specialisterne understands completely. Specialisterne which translates from Danish as “The Specialists” is an organisation focused on helping young people with additional needs find meaningful…Read more
71 Flipping The Switch At Spotlight Brewing
Sometimes it’s the small ideas that can have the biggest impact and this is certainly the case with this week’s guest Ric Womersley from Spotlight Brewing. Ric founded Spotlight Brewing to make great beer whilst providing genuine employment opportunities for people with additional needs. Not only is Spotlight…Read more
70 Promoting Collaboration At Yoocan
We sometimes feel that we are alone in our journey but often by simply looking around we realise we are not. The focus of this week’s podcast, Yoocan proves this in the way they provide an online space to share stories and to inspire each other. In this interview Moshe Gaon co-founder of Yoocan explains why…Read more
69 Seeing Below The Surface
Accepting ourselves by embracing our strengths and understanding our weaknesses is key to our own happiness. How to do this is the theme of this episode with Alis Rowe founder of The Curly Hair Project…Read more
68 Stay Up Late
One of the best things about becoming an adult is that no one can tell you what to do, when to do it and what time to be home. However, that’s not always the case for young people with additional needs. Often they still have rules in place that don’t apply to their peers. Stay Up Late is all about changing that and…Read more
67 Increasing The Options With Scope
Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? Most of us didn’t but we figured it out along the way because we were given opportunities for part time work or work experience. For many young people with additional needs this doesn’t happen, meaning they don’t always have a clear idea of their options…Read more
66 Taking Off The Mask
It’s fine to be aware and even try and understand autism but actually what matters most is acceptance. This is the view of Kieran Rose, also known as The Autistic Advocate. Kieran has autism so he speaks from personal experiences and explains why he believes that acceptance is what is needed even more than…Read more
65 Finding The Right Fit Into Work
It’s not only about finding work, but it’s also about matching the skills of the person with the job. This is the view of Derek Groves, from Employment Futures, who discusses the idea of vocational matching and the many benefits it brings to a young person with additional needs and employer. He also talks about…Read more
64 The Able Workers
What next? is a question we constantly ask ourselves as we help our young people navigate through the education system. As they get older and age out of the system, this question becomes more urgent and often the answer isn’t as easy to find. This week’s guests Adeel and Anthony asked that exact question and when no…Read more
63 Like Minded People Who Think Differently
Finding a supportive safe space for our children to have a variety of social experiences is so important. In this episode, we hear about CASPA which is providing that space and doing a whole lot more. Helen Dyer from CASPA explains not only how CASPA came about and what it does in terms of providing social experiences… Read more
62 Adding New Dimensions At Spectrum Designs
Only successful organizations can provide sustainable, long term paid employment and expand to provide more job opportunities. This weeks guest Patrick Bardsley and Tim Howe from Spectrum Designs certainly understand this. Spectrum Designs is a social enterprise making custom apparel, such as hats, hoodies, and…Read more
61 Why Reasonable Adjustments Are Just That
We all understand why work is an important step towards independent living, but all to often the employment opportunities are limited for young people with additional needs…Read more
60 Building An Integrated Future On Main Street
For most of us being part of a community is essential for our wellbeing and often starts where we live. This week’s guest is Jillian Copeland from Main Street, an organization not just building a community but actually building the space where that community can grow and thrive…Read more
59 Be More Kind To Yourself
Accepting ourselves and being more kind to ourselves are the themes in this episode. Anna Pinkerton from Kindness Incorporated talks about her personal and professional journeys and how she has combined them to help her daughter build the life she wants…Read more
58 Collaborating For The Future
Any journey is made easier by walking with others. That is the focus of this episode – the impact of collaboration with, in this case, the theater as the space where the collaboration starts…Read more
57 Preparation Is Key on A Curious Journey
Days out and going on holiday are an important part of family life, but when a young person has additional needs they can be much more of a challenge. How to make the process easier is the focus of this podcast episode with Lizzie Murphy, from A Curious Journey, offers some tips and ideas on traveling with children who…Read more
56 Making Reality Easier Using Virtual Reality - Part 2
What might be the future uses of virtual reality, and how do we need to manage this to stop potential dependence on technology? These are the main themes of this episode…Read more
55 Making Reality Easier Using Virtual Reality - Part 1
The use of virtual reality and virtual worlds can be used to change the future for our young people and just how this is happening is the topic of this episode. My guest this week is Dr. Nigel Newbutt who is researching how virtual reality and virtual worlds can be used to help young people with additional needs access…Read more
54 Flying High With Pegasus
All around us are people working in their local communities to make the lives of young people with additional needs better. This week’s podcast guest Sue Clark is one of these people. Sue talks about her work with Pegasus Playscheme which is located on the south coast of England…Read more
53 People Not Profits At Impacting Lives
Getting to know any young person is the essential first step in understanding what they need when it comes to helping them achieve greater independence. This is the core ethos of this week’s podcast guests Trudy and Darren Dzirasa-Payne from Impacting Lives…Read more
52 Exploring All The Possibilities With Mike Sweeney
Rather than waiting until we have to act the better option is to start exploring what is already out there and start actively working towards creating solutions. This is exactly what this week’s podcast guest Mike Sweeney is doing…Read more
51 The Support Group Experience
At some point in all of our journeys, we need support. Some of us find it in family and friends, others look to support groups. In this week’s podcast, Elaine Kelly, who runs a support group, talks about how support groups can help when maybe others around you simply don’t get it…Read more
50th Episode Celebration
This is a celebration episode, celebrating reaching 50 episodes, celebrating all the amazing guests who have been on the podcast and are out there changing the lives of young people and helping ensure that they will have the kind of independent lives they want…Read more
49 Carving Job Opportunities at Pure Innovations
Job carving can help create sustainable employment opportunities according to this week’s podcast guest Neil Willows from Pure Innovations…Read more
48 Tennis As Therapy With Love Serving Autism
Tennis, because of its repetitive nature, is an excellent therapeutic tool which can develop not only physical skills but also builds language and social skills, according to this week’s podcast guest Lisa Pugliese, from Love Serving Autism…Read more
47 Be The Light With Claire Sutton
The job of a parent is to be there whatever and whenever for your child – those are the rules! That certainly applies to Claire Sutton, this week’s podcast guest. Claire shares her truly inspiring, but sometimes heart-breaking, story. Her daughter Jade, who is now 14 years old, has ADHD. The road to getting Jade…Read more
46 Invictus Enterprises: Building The Steps Into Work
What happens to young people with additional needs when they finish full-time education? How will they find employment? How will they cope on their own throughout adulthood?. One organization helping to provide some of the answers to these questions is Invictus Enterprises based in New York. In this week’s podcast,…Read more
45 Team Domenica - Supporting Success In The Workplace
Successful sustainable employment opportunities for young people with additional needs comes when support is provided for not just the young person but also for their employer too. This is the message in this week’s podcast with Lisa Campbell-Squires from Team Domenica. Team Domenica is a social enterprise charity…Read more
44 Using Storytelling To Build Self Worth
To truly learn, it has to be caught rather than taught is the mantra of this week’s podcast with Diane King, author and special needs teacher. One way to do this and at the same time develop childrens’ self-worth is through storytelling and creativity…Read more
43 Yes She Can Inc.
“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right,” according to Henry Ford: this week’s podcast guest Marjorie Madfis clearly believes this to be true. With Yes She Can Inc., Marjorie has not only created employment opportunities for her own daughter, but she has also created a training…Read more
42 Wake Up To Sleep
Do you need more sleep because your child needs more sleep? Maybe this weeks guest can help.Vicki Dawson is the CEO of The Children’s Sleep Charity and helped write the Children and Young People’s Sleep Manifesto presented to the UK government, which argued among other things for quality sleep support to be…Read more
41 Living With Dyspraxia
What is Dyspraxia? If you don’t know or if you do and want to know more this week’s podcast is for you My guest Christine Draper has written a book called My Friend Josh has Dyspraxia to help more people understand dyspraxia and, more importantly, help more people understand what it means for her son Luke who has…Read more
40 The Shed - Providing A Space For Change
Everyone needs a Shed – a place to go, to be. But this Shed is much more than that, it is a space for people with additional needs to build independence and work skills and engage with their local community…Read more
39 Project Search At The Marriott
Work is central to most of our lives. It not only provides a purpose to our day but also makes us feel an integral part of the society we live in. In this week’s podcast we hear about the Project Search program, being run at the Marriott Hotel in Heathrow UK, which provides an innovative approach to help young people…Read more
38 Stepping Back - Part 2
Friendships and purpose are two of the most important things to have in our lives. For young people with additional needs finding these can sometimes be a challenge. In part 2 of Stepping back Milla Johnson, an Occupational Therapist, and Lisa Campbell, a Speech and Language Therapist, discuss how to manage…Read more
37 Stepping Back - Part 1
The challenge of stepping back and letting our children take risks and make mistakes is never easy. How to deal with this challenge is the theme of this week’s podcast where I speak to Lisa Campbell, a Speech and Language Therapist, and Milla Johnson, an Occupational Therapist. Lisa and Milla discuss why…Read more
36 Planning Ahead
Planning ahead helps us reach our goals, and although we can’t prepare for everything, a plan gives us a general direction to travel and can even help us identify a final destination. In this week’s episode, we hear from Laura who has helped her son Jonathon plan ahead. This planning has enabled him to create a…Read more
35 Enterprising Ideas At Acceptable Enterprises
A social enterprise must first achieve success as an enterprise before they can deliver on any of their social objectives, that is the message from this week’s podcast guest David Hunter. David is the CEO of Acceptable Enterprises Ltd (AEL) who are based in Larne, Northern Ireland and provide employment opportunities…Read more
34 Letting Go
The term ‘letting go’ means different things to different people. Sometimes as parents we have to let go of our own expectations of what our children’s lives will look like.This was the case for this week’s guest Fiona who found that once she let of her own expectations it opened up a new world of possibilities…Read more
33 Providing Opportunity Not Charity
One day soon people with additional needs will be valued as contributors to society and not just as passive recipients of social care, this is the vision that Matt and Steve from Skillnet Group share in this episode…Read more
32 Having A Sense Of Control
The best way to boost the self-esteem of our children is to let them have their say, give them a voice and help them to feel a sense of control, according to Soli Lazarus this week’s podcast guest…Read more
31 Friendships Matter
“We all want friends, a misconception about people on the spectrum is that they don’t want friends” Jamie Wheeler tells us in this week’s podcast. Jamie runs Austen’s Autistic Adventures, based in Richardson, Texas, a social group where people over the age of 18 can meet friends and engage in fun activities…Read more
30 It's All About The Beer @ Ignition Brewery
It is possible to create a viable business while employing people with additional needs and this week’s podcast guest proves that. Nick O’Shea is the founder of Ignition Brewery in London, a successful business employing people with additional needs. At Ignition Brewery it’s all about the beer because as Nick has…Read more
29 Seeing Clearly With Antonia Chitty
Being able to see properly can really transform a child’s life according to Antonia Chitty. As a qualified optometrist and author Antonia is passionate about getting all children’s sight checked. She explains that many parents feel daunted at the prospect of taking their child with additional needs for an eye test…Read more
28 Finding A Common Language
Being listened to and being understood are important to us all, but this can be difficult when you struggle to find a common language. Language is the way we communicate and if you can’t communicate with others the impact can be devastating. This week I talk with Veronica, Mum to Emma, who has a speech and…Read more
27 The L'Arche Community
Feeling like you belong to a community and being accepted for who you are is important to all of us. This week we talk to James Cuming, Community Leader, at L’Arche Kent who explains how L’Arche provides both of these for people all over the world, some who have additional needs. James explains the history of…Read more
26 Kiwi - A Step Dad's Story
Being a step parent brings with it some unique challenges. In this episode Rob stepdad to two boys, one, Thomas, who has autism and ADHD, talks about his experiences as a stepdad…Read more
25 Keep Calm and Be Prepared
When faced with a storm the key is to stay calm and get prepared for whatever it might bring. Sometimes dealing with the system and fighting for your child with additional needs is like sailing into a storm. This week Caroline, in part 2 of her interview, talks about her experiences of staying calm and…Read more
24 Making Sense Of It All
Most of us go through our day unaware of how our brain is continuously filtering everything our senses are picking up. This filtering means we are only left with the information we really need and we don’t get sensory overload. This week we talk to Caroline who explains to us what happens when those filters are…Read more
23 Shared Lives
Independence can be reached in many ways. Shared Lives in the UK offers one approach to help people with additional needs develop independence focused skills based on a holistic approach. This week we talk to Karen from Shared Lives who explains how this innovative program works…Read more
22 The Able Label
There’s a solution out there for every challenge, including finding clothing designed to make getting dressed easier. This week we talk to Katie Ellis, from The Able Label, a UK based clothing manufacturer…Read more
21 Hang In There
Not giving up, hanging in there – is the theme of this week’s podcast interview with Carmelina. She shares her journey with her son Dominic with us. Sometimes picking your battles is the key, as small things become your focus when you need to be looking at the bigger picture. We need to decide what will make the…Read more
20 Realising Every Dream (REDinc.)
REDinc offers a model worth replicating when it comes to helping young people achieve their work related dreams according to Mitch Halligan Work and Training Coordinator at REDinc…Read more
19 Be Brave
You need to be brave and a bit terrified at the same time when it comes to building independence skills, according to Robyn in the second part of her son’s story. The key is to not underestimate our children and what they can do, but you will always struggle with your own fears when letting them be more…Read more
18 Get Your Cranky Pants On
You need to focus forward 100%, and not waste your energy looking backwards, according to Robyn. Robyn lives in Sydney with her son Riley, his younger brother and her husband. She talks about the early years, finding out Riley has autism and how their family dealt with this news. As she says Riley is a child with…Read more
17 A Lasting Interest in Sport
Finding an interest as child, such as in sport, can lead to a lifelong passion that lasts right through adolescence and adulthood, and provides a strong connection to a community and a focus for life. This is the opinion of Maire who shares her story in this week’s podcast…Read more
16 At the Beginning
Everyone’s journey is very different but sometimes listening to someone else’s journey can help us on our own way. This week we talk to Carol, mother to Leo, about her and her family’s journey with him. His leaving home is still a way off for them, but there are many small steps to take along the way with which we…Read more
15 Believe
The earlier you know what you’re dealing with the easier it is to seek out the right support and put in place the right plan. This is the opinion of Scarlett, mother to Edith. She believes her daughter Edith will achieve a great deal because her daughter has an in born desire to be independent. Edith’s spirit…Read more
14 When to Take the Stabilisers Off
Knowing when to take the stabilisers off, and not just on a bicycle, is key to moving towards achieving any goal. This is the view of Jackie, mother to Joe who has additional needs, including a speech and language disorder…Read more
13 Happy Holidays
Holidays are a time to relax, rewind and recharge, but more often than not they end up being less about fun and more about stress. Vicki, an experienced travel consultant, shares tips for making travel less stressful. She understands our perspective because she is also a mother to a daughter with additional needs…Read more
12 Building Resilience in the Forest
Laura Ashfield is an outreach worker for the Surrey Wildlife Trust. She believes the forest is a great place to learn about ourselves as well as the rhythms of nature. More than this, she passionately believes the forest is a place that can help us discover our place in the world…Read more
11 Long Term Goals Built On Small Steps
Andy, a father to a son with ASD and ADHD, takes a strategic view of independence, rather like a business plan. Because he does this, he and his wife have a clear vision of what they hope their son will be able to do age 21…Read more
10 Perseverance Pays Off Part II
Success stories inspire us all. Proof that perseverance pays off is shown by Jacob and Sarah as Sarah explains the second part of Jacob’s story: leaving school. Jacob has ambitions to work in the music industry, and is currently holding down a testing job as a barman to save money towards a year long course at Abbey…Read more
09 Perseverance Pays Off Part I
With perseverance many great things can be achieved. Sarah is living proof of this with her son Jacob, who has Asperger’s. In this two part podcast we will hear how Sarah guided Jacob through school and gave him the skills to succeed in quite a demanding job. This really is a success story that is inspiring and one…Read more
08 Finding Fashion That Works
Matching clothes to the occasion is a challenge for us all. This week Elika Gibbs, owner of Practical Princess, is here to help. She professionally advises her clients on fashion and the organisation of wardrobes…Read more
07 Ace That Interview
Preparation and practice: these are the keys to interview success. This is the advice from Sam, an experienced HR director, who this week shares her expertise on how to not only survive the interview but how to succeed. She covers what needs to be included in a CV, and discusses questions you should expect as well as…Read more
06 We Are Family - Sibling Relationships
Sibling relationships are never easy, especially if one sibling has additional needs. This week I talk to Julie, a mother of 2 children, about her experiences and the challenges. She talks about the tactics she uses to make family life work for everyone and her ideas for creating a sibling bond through…Read more
05 House to Rent, No Experience Required
Independent living means having your own place to live. Finding that place isn’t always easy. In this episode Julia, a landlord who is renting out a property to young people with additional needs, tells us why. We hear that finding a place to rent requires perseverance and sometimes a dose of optimism…Read more
04 A Brush with Authority
Ian is an ex-police officer who dealt with incidents where young people with additional needs were involved. He saw how a lack of understanding on both sides could often turn difficult situations into highly stressful experiences for everyone…Read more
03 Building Social Skills and Resilience
Emily Hughes is an Australian social worker currently living in London. She is an expert in developing social skills. In this discussion she shares her tools and tactics for enabling children to develop their social skills, build resilience and independently navigate their way through the challenges they face…Read more
02 Growing Up with Asperger's
A mother shares the strategies and tactics she uses to help her son, who has Asperger’s, develop the skills he needs and prepare him for an independent life…Read more
01 The Ark Project
The Ark Project is a local community project in Southern England which aims to help young adults with additional needs develop practical work skills. The project encompasses a working bakery and small holding with produce sold to local businesses. This interview is with the founder of the project Hester and we learn…Read more
Introduction
Debra Caldow explains the aims and purpose of the podcast and what she hopes listeners will take away from this podcast…Read more
Red Giraffe Guide
169 Supporting Employment: How Job Coaches Make The Difference with Mel Simmonds from Hidden Gem Services
In this episode with Mel Simmonds from Hidden Gem Services, we dive into the world of job coaching, outlining the importance of support, understanding, and adaptability in creating successful employment options for young people with additional needs. Mel discusses the challenges faced, including inconsistencies in job roles and management as well as the positives that come from the cultural shifts that can occur within organizations.
168 From Fear to Trust: My Bumpy Journey with Debra Caldow
In this episode, I share my journey of navigating parental fears and learning to trust my daughter’s abilities. Despite her successful year in her job, my unspoken concerns about her future surfaced, impacting her more than I realized. This episode reflects on how difficult it is not to let our fears limit our children’s potential. I also talk about the importance of giving my daughter the dignity of risk, respecting her independence, and planning for a future where she can thrive, even when I’m not around.
167 Unlocking Potential: The Crucial Role of Families, Schools, and Job Coaches with Laura Davis from BASE
Every journey starts somewhere, and for most of us, it starts at home with those closest to us, encouraging us, and believing in us. In this week’s episode with Laura Davis from BASE we discuss the important role families play in shaping the future outcomes of children. We discuss the challenges of navigating the support available and the role of school in better preparing young people for work. We also talk about the enormous impact that specialized job coaches can have and how employment enhances life expectancy.
166 Transforming Inclusive Employment: The Role of BASE In Changing Attitudes With Laura Davis
Collaboration can speed up change, but it requires coordination and management to make that happen. This week’s guest Laura Davis, Chief Executive of the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) knows all about this. In this episode, she not only shares her personal journey but also discusses the pivotal role BASE plays in championing employment opportunities for everyone. She also talks about the role of BASE in developing best practice standards around supported employment to enable their members to better serve the people they work with. Laura also discusses the need for a systemic change, driven by collaboration between employers, government, and supported employment services to create meaningful employment opportunities and foster inclusive workplaces.
165 Building Employer Relationships That Benefit Everyone with Andrea Randall-Smith from Little Gate
Having more opportunities for paid work for young people with additional needs relies on finding more employers to offer those opportunities. In this episode Andrea Randall-Smith from Little Gate explains the strategies they use to manage the relationships with the employers they work with to ensure more of these opportunities become available. She discusses the value of storytelling and working with other local organisations so that the focus is on what employers need as well as what their future employees need and how the support they provide to employers can help them transform their employment practices.
164 The Little Gate Story: Bridging Aspirations and Employment with Andrea Randall-Smith
When opportunities aren’t available, sometimes we need to create them. That is part of the reason that Little Gate came about. In this episode Andrea Randall-Smith, CEO of Little Gate, shares the history and ethos of the organization and how they work to change the future of the young people they serve by giving them to skills to move into paid work. We also discuss the importance of getting feedback, sharing best practice, and working with other organizations to maximize the opportunities for everyone.
163 Planning A Better Future For Our Children with Debra Caldow
In this episode, I’m talking about the importance of structured planning for children with additional needs and having short, medium and long-term plans for various aspects of their life around daily living, purpose, relationships, and finance. This ensures not only continuous progress but is also better preparation for their futures. A good plan has clear targets actionable steps, and a realistic timeline. I talk about each of these and how to use the Red Giraffe Route map and the VOCAL method (Vision, Options, Create, Assess, Legacy) to put together a plan that not only supports their future but give you piece of mind as well. I also share personal examples to illustrate how we have supported our daughter to plan her future and develop her own life plan.
Find our more about the Red Giraffe Route Map & VOCAL Method
162 Everybody Needs Good Neighbors with Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT
We all want good neighbors but of course what makes a good neighbor differs for everyone. In this second part of a conversation with Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT we talk about how they have built a neighborhood where people look out for each other when they need to. Ann explains how the focus on choice, predictability and autonomy has helped to reduce challenging behaviors. She also discusses how the WEBUILT community fosters empathy and support among members which in turn transforms lives and, in many cases, helps rebuild family relationships. Plus, we also discuss how other families can build their own communities using the WeBUILT model for ideas and inspiration.
161 WeBUILT Unified Living: Crafting a Supportive Community with Ann Wilkinson
When we live in a place that we like everything else is made just that bit easier. But sometimes finding that place can seem an impossible task. In this episode I’m sharing one family’s journey to find that place for their son. My guest is Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT who shares her story from exploring various options and realizing these didn’t fit his needs to creating WeBUILT. She shares how they built a collaborative community where people have ownership and control over their living arrangements. WeBUILT stands for We Build Unique Independent Lives Together which is exactly what they have done.
160 Real Lives, Real Jobs: Self Employment with Sam Everard from SAMEE
Self-employment is viable option, but it becomes even more so when there is clear evidence of how well it can work. In this episode Sam Everard, founder and CEO of Samee Charity shares some examples of where young people with additional needs have created great businesses based not only on their skills but also on their passions and often, because of their lived experience, an understanding of what others need. Sam also talks the benefits of self-employment in offering flexibility and control, which is not always possible with traditional employment roles.
159 Enabling A Path To Self-Employment with Sam Everard from SAMEE
One way into paid employment is to work for yourself and that’s the focus of this episode with Sam Everard, founder and CEO of Samee Charity. She discusses the organization’s mission to support young people with additional needs into becoming self-employed. Sam also discusses the barriers, how to address these, and what supporting someone into self-employment involves.
158 From Daily Living to Personal Growth with Debra Caldow
In this solo episode, I discuss what independence really means for young people like my daughter. Is it just about having the skills to do more for herself or are there other things that she should have the opportunities to consider? I discuss this using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory as a way to structure my thoughts on whether or not it’s enough to just focus on those daily living skills and relationships for our young people or whether there are more things to consider when it comes to supporting our young people to be truly independent in the way that they choose to live their lives.
157 Raising Expectations: Lifelong Learning and Contribution with Lex Ali from Big Life Adventure
Learning new things, having new experiences and giving back to our community build self-confidence and self-esteem. However, to often people with additional needs aren’t given the opportunity to do any of these things. In this second part of my conversation with Lex Ali, from Big Life Adventure, we talk about the value in lifelong learning and the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to give back to their communities and to society. We talk about how the Big Life Adventure project will help support this continuous learning and enable people to connect with others.
156 The Big Life Adventure with Lex Ali
For most people one of the great things about becoming an adult is getting to make their own life choices, dreaming about what they want to do, and making decisions about how their life will look now and in the future. But for many people with additional needs these opportunities aren’t easily available. In this episode my guest Lex Ali from Big Life Adventure talks about why this is happening and what can be done about. The Big Life Adventure project she discusses is definitely part of the answer.
155 Breaking Down The Barriers To Employment with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward
Breaking down the barriers to inclusive employment opportunities is proving to be a challenge. But progress is being made and what that looks like is one of the things I’m discussing in this week’s episode with my guest Vinny De Falco from Think Forward. We talk about the programs that Think Forward have previously run, what they learned from those and how that information has guided their next program. We also discuss how to engage with employers and the external factors that also impact on the number of opportunities available. To bring about change means acting, learning along the way and changing what does not work and that is exactly what Think Forward is doing.
154 Navigating the Transition Pathway with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward
The transition from education to employment for young people with additional needs requires planning in order to be effective. In this episode with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward we talk about the importance of early transition planning and how a structured and supportive transition program with personalized coaching can help young people develop the skills and confidence they need. We also talk about the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing among everyone, including families, involved in supporting the young person.
153 Great Expectations And Why They Matter
It’s a solo episode this week and I’m talking about the role that expectations have in the way we support and inspire our young people to achieve all they are capable of. Our expectations of them guide their expectations of themselves and can also help them to ignore the low expectations of others.
152 Why The Use Of Technology At Work Is About Mindset with Alex Barker from AbilityNet
The use of technology is embedded into our work lives and for people with additional needs it is often assistive technology that enables them to do their job. But often the right technology is not in place or provided by employers and that is one of the topics discussed in this episode of the podcast with my guest in this week’s episode Alex Barker from AbilityNet.
151 Why We Should Be Using The Assistive Technology In Our Pockets with Alex Barker from AbilityNet
When we think of assistive technology or any technology that can support our young people with additional needs to become more independent, we often start at the point of thinking it could be expensive or complicated to learn to use. But the reality is that today the first bit of assistive technology that our young people should access is their phone or tablet
150 Why Community Gives Us More Than Just Friendship with Sarah Towler from CASPA
When we think of community, we first think about the friendship element of being around other people. But there is more to being part of a community than just that. When we become part of a community, we have the opportunity to learn from those around us. These are the other benefits of being in a community.
149 How Community Can Support And Educate with Sarah Towler from CASPA
Community is defined as people with common interests living in a particular area but in reality, it’s less about location and more about belonging, about connection and feeling part of something. In this episode, my guest is Sarah Towler and the organization we are talking about is CASPA which does all of these things and more. CASPA stands for Community Autistic Support Pride and Advocacy,
148 Why Habits Are The Foundation Of Independence
Every day we all do the same things the same way because it’s these habits that make it easier to live our lives. Habits are just skills we have that we use over and over again and for my daughter with additional needs, all the skills she has built over time are now habits that allow her to live more independently. Those skills she has like cooking going to her job or managing her money, the things she does the same way each time are all her habits.
147 Why Working With Support Works with Adam and Deb
The barriers to employment for young people with additional needs are high but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible as this week’s episode shows. In part 2 of my conversation with Adam and Deb, Adam talks about his experience of work and why his current role is working for him. Adam believes it comes down to the right support at the right time and matching the individual to the job.
146 Making Choices with Adam and Deb
Sharing our stories helps us realize we are not alone. Hearing someone else’s story can also be a great way to learn new ideas we can use in our own family’s lives. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of Adam and his family. My guests are Adam, and his mother Deb. Adam talks about moving schools from a mainstream school to a specialist school as well as the challenges he found around transitioning out of full-time education.
145 Why Risk Is Worth The Risk with Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney
We should all have the right to choose how we live our lives, even if that means taking risks and making mistakes. But too often people with additional needs aren’t being given opportunities to take risks and to learn from their mistakes. My guest this week Carol Smail shares her experiences of the impact this lack of choice has, as well as what can happen when people are given the opportunity to make their own choices.
144 Why Gig Buddies Is Great with Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney
Finding friends with common interests can be difficult for anyone and for young people with additional needs it is often more challenging because their social network is smaller. That is why projects like Gig Buddies are so important as my guest in this episode Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney explains.
143 How Can We Change Society’s Expectations and Accelerate Inclusive Employment Opportunities? with Peter Bacon from Disability Employment Australia
Too often low expectations for people with additional needs have translated into fewer opportunities, particularly when it comes to paid employment. For change to happen, around work, more employers are needed which means employers will need to change their attitude toward employing people with a disability.
142 Does Inclusive Employment Just Happen? with Peter Bacon from Disability Employment Australia
Inclusive employers change the future for our children, but there simply isn’t enough of them. In this episode with Peter Bacon, CEO of Disability Employment Australia, I’m discussing why this is the case, and what actions could be taken to get more employers to become inclusive employers.
141 Financial Future Series - Using a Gradual Financial Independence Approach with Graham Caldow
In this final episode of this Finance Future series, I’m talking to Graham Caldow about the value of giving financial independence gradually and building financial skills over time. We discuss the things that have worked for our family including multiple accounts and tracking spending. Finance is just one part of our legacy to our daughter but in lots of ways it’s the foundation of all the other things she will do in her life.
140 Financial Future Series - Why ABLE Accounts Help Create More Opportunities with Jill Cornfield
Planning for the future is difficult when restrictions exist around how much money you’re allowed to save. In this episode with Jill Cornfield, I’m discussing how ABLE accounts can help mitigate this restriction and enable people to think longer-term and plan their financial future.
139 Financial Future Series - Building Good Money Habits with Karen Hassett from PATF
Managing our own money is challenging. The temptation to spend is never far away and we need tools and techniques that can help us make the right choices most of the time. In this second part of my conversation with Karen Hassett from PATF we are focusing on some ways to help our young people develop those money habits that will help them make better spending decisions.
138 Financial Future Series - Taking The First Small Step with Karen Hassett from PATF
Getting started on developing any plan can be a challenge but when it comes to our finances we can often get stuck at the first step. In this episode with Karen Hassett from PATF we talk about how to get started by thinking about a decision-making process when it comes to money and using simple ideas like tracking spending and identifying priorities to move forward.
137 Financial Future Series - Questions To Consider
The financial future for young people with additional needs can be challenging. They are more likely to have lower incomes, less likely to be employed full time and government assistance can be difficult to get and even more difficult to keep. So planning ahead to create a solid financial platform is essential in this new series – Financial Future I’ll be exploring the challenges, what solutions are out there, and how to plan ahead so that future financial security is achievable.
136 Technology - Changing The Future - The Here And Now And The Next
In this episode I’m looking back over this latest series which has focused on the role that technology plays and will play in the lives of young people with additional needs. I’ll be discussing what assistive technology really means today and talk from my own experience about how technology supports my own daughter to live the life she wants.
135 Technology- Changing The Future – Why the key is connectivity with Ben Wood from CCS Insight
The best technology makes our lives easier and connects us with what we need. But often the different devices we use don’t connect with each other or we don’t see the value in connecting them together. In this episode with Ben Wood, from CCS Insight, we are talking about how that is going to change as companies realise they need to work together.
134 Technology - Identifying the best technologies to provide the right support with Padhraic Dormer from Enable Ireland
What’s the difference between a service user and a service owner? Quite a lot according to Padhraic Dormer from Enable Ireland. Padhraic explains the difference, as well as talking about his role as a virtual service support worker. He also discusses reasons why virtual services have proven to be so valuable in combatting social isolation.
133 Technology- Changing The Future – Harnessing technology to raise expectations for independent living with Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland
Using technology to support independent living seems an obvious choice. However, it isn’t as this week’s guest Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland explains.
132 Technology- Changing The Future – Why It’s About Functionality and Fun with Lee Blemings from Sensory Guru
Technology is often developed with the focus on what it does rather than how it will be used. This week’s guest Lee Blemings explains why that approach is wrong and why it needs to also be about enjoyment, about fun and about connecting people in a meaningful way.
131 Technology - Changing The Future – Digital Inclusion: Why It's About More Than Just Access With Jane Seale
Even with technology all around us there are still barriers in place which lead to digital exclusion. In this episode with Jane Seale we explore some of the reasons for this and what needs to change.
130 Technology - Changing The Future – Why Asking The Question Is Always The Best Option
With technology changing so quickly, we are often unsure of what is available and what is possible. In this episode Wendy Harkins Davis of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) explains why no question is ever wrong, and that because with so many options available most questions can be answered in the positive.
129 Technology - Changing The Future - Using Everyday Technology to Support Independence
Welcome to a new series on Technology – Changing the Future. From assistive technology to help aid communication to smart home devices that help make people safer, technology can change lives. In this first episode of the series, I’m talking to Libby Wilkins, Head of Accessibility and Digital Applications at The Oaks Specialist College.
128 Planning The Journey – Using the VOCAL Method
Planning the future for our children with additional needs is not only challenging, it’s crucial. In this final episode of the Planning the Journey series, I’m talking about how to navigate each of the four lines Daily Living Relationships, Purpose and Financial using the VOCAL method.
127 Planning The Journey - Financial Security - Why Enough Is Enough
Providing financial security for our children with additional needs when we are no longer around is one of our greatest challenges. In this episode I talk about why it is achievable once we decide how much is enough.
126 Planning The Journey - Why Presumption of Purpose Matters
Having a purpose provides meaning and direction to our lives. In this episode I talk about ways to support our children to find purpose and the importance of a Presumption of Purpose.
125 Planning The Journey - Managing Relationships - Using the AAA approach
Relationships matter. Without them our young people can become isolated. We all have our stories of challenging family relationships and friendships lost.
124 Planning The Journey - Building Daily Living Skills
In this series I will be focusing on exploring in more depth the 4 core topics that the podcast has always focused around: daily living, relationships, purpose and financial. In this episode the focus is daily living skills.
123 Housing Options Series: Why Choice and Community Matters
Where will my daughter live when I’m no longer around? It’s a big question, and some of the ideas explored in the Housing Options series just might help answer that question.
122 Housing Options Series - 200 Lives - Finding Out What People Actually Think
It’s difficult to develop better housing options if we don’t know what people want and need. This week’s guests Chris Hatton and Lauren Blood were involved with a research project which will in part help to address this issue.
121 Housing Options Series - Our Stomping Ground - Inclusive Communities
For too long housing solutions for young people with additional needs have failed to consider the importance of inclusion.
120 Housing Options Series - US Autism Homes - Building With Love and Science
Creating a housing model for young adults with additional needs that really works means doing things differently. This is something Lisa Liberatore from US Autism Homes understands.
119 Housing Options Series - Everyone Needs A Community Network
Finding somewhere to live is about more than just about finding a place, it’s about building a life. Community is an important part of that life. How to build communities is the topic of this episode with Kathy Meyer, from Everyone Needs A Community.
118 Housing Options Series - Building A Supported Living Network
Finding Supported Living that works means bringing together many things, from finding a property in the right location with the right access, to identifying a support provider and accessing the right level of support.
117 Housing Options Series - Parent Partnerships to Build Communities
When we imagine where our children might live, when we’re no longer around, it isn’t just the place they will live, it’s the community around them and how they will live their daily lives that we also imagine.
116 Housing Options Series - The Story of Lonely Worm Farm
No matter how alone we sometimes feel there is always someone who understands our journey even if they are taking a different road than us.
115 Housing Options Series - Zetetick Housing - Quality Housing for Supported Living
Continuing with the series on Housing Options, this week the focus is on Supported Living with Jonathan Spencer the CEO of Zetetick Housing.
114 Housing Options Series - Main Street: Bring Your Own Independence
Moving into our own space is part of becoming an adult and embracing the independence that brings.
113 Grace Eyre Profile Series - How The Sum Of The Parts Makes The Whole
112 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Listening To The Voices That Matter Most
Everyone should have the right to decide their own future but too often people with additional needs simply aren’t given a voice.
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111 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Let’s Work Together
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110 Grace Eyre Profile Series - The Travel Buddy Project - Getting Out And About
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109 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Connections For Life
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108 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Shared Lives - Common Goals
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107 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Choosing The Future
Having the right to choose how we live our lives is a fundamental human right and one that in the past many people with additional needs haven’t been given.
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106 Grace Eyre Profile - A Place To Call Home
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105 Grace Eyre Profile - Creating A Roadmap To Navigate The Future
The future can be scary if you really don’t know what your options are. Having a roadmap with ideas of where to start would help and what that involves is the topic of this episode with Tom Conroy, the new business manager at Grace Eyre.
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104 Grace Eyre Profile - Looking Back To Move Forward
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103 Bridging The Gap - The Role of Parents - Things we can do For and things we can do With
The Bridging The Gap series has been all about highlighting some of the organisations that are providing solutions for young people, so they have more options when they want to move from school into employment.
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102 Bridging The Gap - Forward2Employment: Reimagining The Future
In this part 2 of my conversation with the team at Forward2Employment (F2E) the focus is on the role of the job coach as well as hearing from current interns and from graduates of the supported internships program.
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101 Bridging The Gap - Forward2Employment: Building The Foundations For Change
In this episode of the Bridging The Gap series I’m talking to the team at Forward2Employment (F2E) about their supported internships program. This episode is really about getting the foundations in place with Liz Halton, the Head of F2E, explaining why the program came about and how it was created as well as the vision of F2E to change the employment expectations of young people with additional needs.
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100 Celebrating the 100th Episode and the stops on the journey so far
Time for a celebration and to reflect on the journey so far. It all started out with an idea that there had to be more out there for my daughter. I saw that she and other children, with additional needs, need extra support, in specific areas, to build the skills that will enable them to live more independently as adults.
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99 Bridging The Gap - The Oaks Specialist College: The Results
In this the second part of my conversation with staff and students from The Oaks Specialist College it’s all about the results. We hear from Joshua Epstein, the Careers Leader, about his role and the importance of job coaches but also making sure the young people they work with develop skills they can use when any support is removed.
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98 Bridging The Gap - The Oaks Specialist College: The Vision
In this the first episode of a new series on Bridging The Gap I’m talking to two people from The Oaks Specialist College based in the UK. This episode is really about vision. Gordon Tillman, the CEO, discusses why The Oaks came into existence and its role not only in changing the lives of the young people it supports but also changing the perceptions of businesses and communities.
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97 Ways Into Work – Perceptions and Parents: Why Both Matter So Much
In this the final episode of this Ways into Work series I’m doing a solo episode to talk about my learnings from the past 8 episodes. It’s definitely not a recap of the previous episodes but more my ideas around the two things I see as being pivotal in enabling many more young people to get into paid employment.
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96 Ways Into Work – Apprenticeships And Other Ships
In this episode the focus is on Apprenticeships as one of the Ways Into Work. Mark Capper, the Business Development Manager at Mencap UK, discusses the role that supported internships and traineeships play in preparing people for work.Read more
95 Ways Into Work – Changing the Narrative
In this episode of The Ways Into Work series, the focus is on the barriers that prevent many young people, with additional needs, getting and keeping paid employment. Read more
94 Ways Into Work - Supported Employment
The focus of this episode, in the Ways Into Work series, is Supported Employment with David Stenning from The Education People. David talks about the Supported Employment model and putting the young person at the centre but also supporting those around them. Read more
93 Ways Into Work - Inclusive Job Boards Part 2
In this the second part of Ways Into Work – Inclusive Job Boards Jane Hatton from Evenbreak discusses the importance of young people with additional needs learning to truly value the transferable work skills they already have, which have often been developed because of their life experiences.Read more
92 Ways Into Work - Inclusive Job Boards Part 1
In this episode of the Ways Into Work series we are talking to Jane Hatton from Evenbreak about how their inclusive Job Board is connecting employers with premium employees.Read more
91 Ways Into Work - Communities and Networks
Latest episode in the Ways Into Work series. In this episode we discuss with Richard Lamplough from My Employment Passport the role of local communities in providing paid work opportunities for young people with additional needs.Read more
90 Ways Into Work - Supported Internships Part 2
In this episode we continue the series Ways Into Work exploring the role of employers, education providers, government agencies and parents in creating Supported Internship programs that help young people with additional needs find and retain paid work.Read more
89 Ways Into Work - Supported Internships Part 1
In this new series Ways Into Work we start off by looking at Supported Internships how they work and why this model has proved so successful at getting young people with additional needs into long term paid employment.Read more
88 Staying Positive to Move Forward
After speaking to organisations in both the UK and USA, I believe there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic in the future, despite the recent impact of employment opportunities for young people with additional needs due to Covid. It seems to me that we collectively have a stronger sense of community after the…Read more
87 Spectrum Designs: Committed To Making An Even Bigger Impact
The pandemic will have a disproportionate effect on the lives of young people with additional needs. This is true. But whilst there are organisations out there like Spectrum designs then it’s not all bad news. In this episode, the final episode in my series on the impact of the pandemic on employment for young people…Read more
86 The Able Workers: Building Momentum With Community Support
Who opens a coffee shop during a pandemic? Well the guys at Able Coffee Roasters do! In this episode, part of the series on the impact of the pandemic on employment for young people with additional needs, I talk to Adeel and Anthony about exactly how they did this and why community support has helped them do even better…Read more
85 Pure innovations - Looking At What We Can Do Differently
Neil Willows, from Pure Innovations, discusses the impact of Covid and the UK lockdown on the supported internship programs Pure Innovations runs. He talks about the effect it has had on paid employment opportunities and young people’s mental health. But he also outlines the ways they are working to open up job roles…Read more
84 Invictus Enterprises: Embracing The Challenge To Deliver Differently
Alison Berkley from Invictus Enterprises talks about the impact of the pandemic on Invictus and how the way they’ve responded has actually opened up new opportunities. She explains how the pandemic meant that future plans they had for program delivery got accelerated and why the pandemic could be a catalyst for more…Read More
83 Acceptable Enterprises - Showing why social value has an economic value
David Hunter from Acceptable Enterprises talks about the impact of the pandemic on their various businesses. While the online business is growing, other parts haven’t been so lucky. But opportunities to pivot have been found as well the chance to expand other initiatives. Find out why David is also focused on showing…Read more
82 We’re Back and Ready For Change
The podcast is back after a short break with a new name to reflect a renewed passion to promote real change. Find out why we changed the name and what we are doing next including what to look forward to in our first series which is looking at the impact of the Pandemic on work opportunities for people with Additional…Read more
81 Changing Attitudes At WAVE
By changing attitudes we change behaviour, and this is something the guests on this week’s episode are part of making happen. Celia and Maya from WAVE talk about the ethos behind WAVE, and how it aims to bring people together, and by doing that helps change the way they think and their attitudes…Read more
80 Developing Transferable Skills
The average person has between 12-15 jobs in their work life. This makes developing transferable skills an essential part of any employability training. A great example of how to make this happen comes from Sunflower Bakery. This week’s guest Sara Portman Milner, co-founder of Sunflower Bakery, shares their story as…Read more
79 Providing A Compass
Sometimes we need to change direction quickly and find the right information so that we can make an informed decision as to which road we need to take. This week’s guest Kerrie Highcock helps provide that information. Kerrie is the Family Development Manager at North East Autism Society, and her role is not only to…Read more
78 Creative Community at the CO/LAB Theater Group
When we go to the theatre we see a different world than the one we live in. Theatre can broaden our horizons challenge our perceptions and this is exactly what the CO/LAB Theater Group aims to do. CO/LAB provides, people with additional needs, a space to be creative and along the way change their perceptions of…Read more
77 Presumption Of Employment
When we’re young we think we can do anything, be anyone, achieve everything. But as many of us get older we learn to fit into the box of expectations. For young people with additional needs this box can be small, with many assuming that they will not be entering the employment market…Read more
76 Getting Ready For Work
For many young people with additional needs finding a job can be incredibly challenging. It takes planning and for most requires them to go way outside their comfort zone. This week’s guest Dr Michael Reiter runs work readiness workshops and he talks us through the three areas he focuses on to help the emerging…Read more
75 Planning A Future Without You
If not now when? Planning for the future can be scary for anyone but it’s especially hard when that planning is for a young person who we know will face any number of challenges as they navigate towards their ideal life…Read more
74 Managing Mental Health
We all appreciate the importance of good mental health but sometimes lack the toolbox and even the support to consistently achieve it. This is often the case for young people, particularly those with an additional need. In this episode we are talking with Kimmy Obo from Kooth a UK based organisation offering…Read more
73 Learning to Relax
Emotions are part of being human. But for many of us there are times when we wish we had better tools to manage our emotions. This can be especially true for young people with additional needs who often face extra internal and external emotional triggers. In this episode we hear from Dana Bishop a Relax Kids coach on…Read more
72 Attracting The Best Person For The Job At Specialisterne
Everyone has unique skills; everyone is a specialist in something. This is something this week’s guest Thorkil Sonne from Specialisterne understands completely. Specialisterne which translates from Danish as “The Specialists” is an organisation focused on helping young people with additional needs find meaningful…Read more
71 Flipping The Switch At Spotlight Brewing
Sometimes it’s the small ideas that can have the biggest impact and this is certainly the case with this week’s guest Ric Womersley from Spotlight Brewing. Ric founded Spotlight Brewing to make great beer whilst providing genuine employment opportunities for people with additional needs. Not only is Spotlight…Read more
70 Promoting Collaboration At Yoocan
We sometimes feel that we are alone in our journey but often by simply looking around we realise we are not. The focus of this week’s podcast, Yoocan proves this in the way they provide an online space to share stories and to inspire each other. In this interview Moshe Gaon co-founder of Yoocan explains why…Read more
69 Seeing Below The Surface
Accepting ourselves by embracing our strengths and understanding our weaknesses is key to our own happiness. How to do this is the theme of this episode with Alis Rowe founder of The Curly Hair Project…Read more
68 Stay Up Late
One of the best things about becoming an adult is that no one can tell you what to do, when to do it and what time to be home. However, that’s not always the case for young people with additional needs. Often they still have rules in place that don’t apply to their peers. Stay Up Late is all about changing that and…Read more
67 Increasing The Options With Scope
Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? Most of us didn’t but we figured it out along the way because we were given opportunities for part time work or work experience. For many young people with additional needs this doesn’t happen, meaning they don’t always have a clear idea of their options…Read more
66 Taking Off The Mask
It’s fine to be aware and even try and understand autism but actually what matters most is acceptance. This is the view of Kieran Rose, also known as The Autistic Advocate. Kieran has autism so he speaks from personal experiences and explains why he believes that acceptance is what is needed even more than…Read more
65 Finding The Right Fit Into Work
It’s not only about finding work, but it’s also about matching the skills of the person with the job. This is the view of Derek Groves, from Employment Futures, who discusses the idea of vocational matching and the many benefits it brings to a young person with additional needs and employer. He also talks about…Read more
64 The Able Workers
What next? is a question we constantly ask ourselves as we help our young people navigate through the education system. As they get older and age out of the system, this question becomes more urgent and often the answer isn’t as easy to find. This week’s guests Adeel and Anthony asked that exact question and when no…Read more
63 Like Minded People Who Think Differently
Finding a supportive safe space for our children to have a variety of social experiences is so important. In this episode, we hear about CASPA which is providing that space and doing a whole lot more. Helen Dyer from CASPA explains not only how CASPA came about and what it does in terms of providing social experiences… Read more
62 Adding New Dimensions At Spectrum Designs
Only successful organizations can provide sustainable, long term paid employment and expand to provide more job opportunities. This weeks guest Patrick Bardsley and Tim Howe from Spectrum Designs certainly understand this. Spectrum Designs is a social enterprise making custom apparel, such as hats, hoodies, and…Read more
61 Why Reasonable Adjustments Are Just That
We all understand why work is an important step towards independent living, but all to often the employment opportunities are limited for young people with additional needs…Read more
60 Building An Integrated Future On Main Street
For most of us being part of a community is essential for our wellbeing and often starts where we live. This week’s guest is Jillian Copeland from Main Street, an organization not just building a community but actually building the space where that community can grow and thrive…Read more
59 Be More Kind To Yourself
Accepting ourselves and being more kind to ourselves are the themes in this episode. Anna Pinkerton from Kindness Incorporated talks about her personal and professional journeys and how she has combined them to help her daughter build the life she wants…Read more
58 Collaborating For The Future
Any journey is made easier by walking with others. That is the focus of this episode – the impact of collaboration with, in this case, the theater as the space where the collaboration starts…Read more
57 Preparation Is Key on A Curious Journey
Days out and going on holiday are an important part of family life, but when a young person has additional needs they can be much more of a challenge. How to make the process easier is the focus of this podcast episode with Lizzie Murphy, from A Curious Journey, offers some tips and ideas on traveling with children who…Read more
56 Making Reality Easier Using Virtual Reality - Part 2
What might be the future uses of virtual reality, and how do we need to manage this to stop potential dependence on technology? These are the main themes of this episode…Read more
55 Making Reality Easier Using Virtual Reality - Part 1
The use of virtual reality and virtual worlds can be used to change the future for our young people and just how this is happening is the topic of this episode. My guest this week is Dr. Nigel Newbutt who is researching how virtual reality and virtual worlds can be used to help young people with additional needs access…Read more
54 Flying High With Pegasus
All around us are people working in their local communities to make the lives of young people with additional needs better. This week’s podcast guest Sue Clark is one of these people. Sue talks about her work with Pegasus Playscheme which is located on the south coast of England…Read more
53 People Not Profits At Impacting Lives
Getting to know any young person is the essential first step in understanding what they need when it comes to helping them achieve greater independence. This is the core ethos of this week’s podcast guests Trudy and Darren Dzirasa-Payne from Impacting Lives…Read more
52 Exploring All The Possibilities With Mike Sweeney
Rather than waiting until we have to act the better option is to start exploring what is already out there and start actively working towards creating solutions. This is exactly what this week’s podcast guest Mike Sweeney is doing…Read more
51 The Support Group Experience
At some point in all of our journeys, we need support. Some of us find it in family and friends, others look to support groups. In this week’s podcast, Elaine Kelly, who runs a support group, talks about how support groups can help when maybe others around you simply don’t get it…Read more
50th Episode Celebration
This is a celebration episode, celebrating reaching 50 episodes, celebrating all the amazing guests who have been on the podcast and are out there changing the lives of young people and helping ensure that they will have the kind of independent lives they want…Read more
49 Carving Job Opportunities at Pure Innovations
Job carving can help create sustainable employment opportunities according to this week’s podcast guest Neil Willows from Pure Innovations…Read more
48 Tennis As Therapy With Love Serving Autism
Tennis, because of its repetitive nature, is an excellent therapeutic tool which can develop not only physical skills but also builds language and social skills, according to this week’s podcast guest Lisa Pugliese, from Love Serving Autism…Read more
47 Be The Light With Claire Sutton
The job of a parent is to be there whatever and whenever for your child – those are the rules! That certainly applies to Claire Sutton, this week’s podcast guest. Claire shares her truly inspiring, but sometimes heart-breaking, story. Her daughter Jade, who is now 14 years old, has ADHD. The road to getting Jade…Read more
46 Invictus Enterprises: Building The Steps Into Work
What happens to young people with additional needs when they finish full-time education? How will they find employment? How will they cope on their own throughout adulthood?. One organization helping to provide some of the answers to these questions is Invictus Enterprises based in New York. In this week’s podcast,…Read more
45 Team Domenica - Supporting Success In The Workplace
Successful sustainable employment opportunities for young people with additional needs comes when support is provided for not just the young person but also for their employer too. This is the message in this week’s podcast with Lisa Campbell-Squires from Team Domenica. Team Domenica is a social enterprise charity…Read more
44 Using Storytelling To Build Self Worth
To truly learn, it has to be caught rather than taught is the mantra of this week’s podcast with Diane King, author and special needs teacher. One way to do this and at the same time develop childrens’ self-worth is through storytelling and creativity…Read more
43 Yes She Can Inc.
“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right,” according to Henry Ford: this week’s podcast guest Marjorie Madfis clearly believes this to be true. With Yes She Can Inc., Marjorie has not only created employment opportunities for her own daughter, but she has also created a training…Read more
42 Wake Up To Sleep
Do you need more sleep because your child needs more sleep? Maybe this weeks guest can help.Vicki Dawson is the CEO of The Children’s Sleep Charity and helped write the Children and Young People’s Sleep Manifesto presented to the UK government, which argued among other things for quality sleep support to be…Read more
41 Living With Dyspraxia
What is Dyspraxia? If you don’t know or if you do and want to know more this week’s podcast is for you My guest Christine Draper has written a book called My Friend Josh has Dyspraxia to help more people understand dyspraxia and, more importantly, help more people understand what it means for her son Luke who has…Read more
40 The Shed - Providing A Space For Change
Everyone needs a Shed – a place to go, to be. But this Shed is much more than that, it is a space for people with additional needs to build independence and work skills and engage with their local community…Read more
39 Project Search At The Marriott
Work is central to most of our lives. It not only provides a purpose to our day but also makes us feel an integral part of the society we live in. In this week’s podcast we hear about the Project Search program, being run at the Marriott Hotel in Heathrow UK, which provides an innovative approach to help young people…Read more
38 Stepping Back - Part 2
Friendships and purpose are two of the most important things to have in our lives. For young people with additional needs finding these can sometimes be a challenge. In part 2 of Stepping back Milla Johnson, an Occupational Therapist, and Lisa Campbell, a Speech and Language Therapist, discuss how to manage…Read more
37 Stepping Back - Part 1
The challenge of stepping back and letting our children take risks and make mistakes is never easy. How to deal with this challenge is the theme of this week’s podcast where I speak to Lisa Campbell, a Speech and Language Therapist, and Milla Johnson, an Occupational Therapist. Lisa and Milla discuss why…Read more
36 Planning Ahead
Planning ahead helps us reach our goals, and although we can’t prepare for everything, a plan gives us a general direction to travel and can even help us identify a final destination. In this week’s episode, we hear from Laura who has helped her son Jonathon plan ahead. This planning has enabled him to create a…Read more
35 Enterprising Ideas At Acceptable Enterprises
A social enterprise must first achieve success as an enterprise before they can deliver on any of their social objectives, that is the message from this week’s podcast guest David Hunter. David is the CEO of Acceptable Enterprises Ltd (AEL) who are based in Larne, Northern Ireland and provide employment opportunities…Read more
34 Letting Go
The term ‘letting go’ means different things to different people. Sometimes as parents we have to let go of our own expectations of what our children’s lives will look like.This was the case for this week’s guest Fiona who found that once she let of her own expectations it opened up a new world of possibilities…Read more
33 Providing Opportunity Not Charity
One day soon people with additional needs will be valued as contributors to society and not just as passive recipients of social care, this is the vision that Matt and Steve from Skillnet Group share in this episode…Read more
32 Having A Sense Of Control
The best way to boost the self-esteem of our children is to let them have their say, give them a voice and help them to feel a sense of control, according to Soli Lazarus this week’s podcast guest…Read more
31 Friendships Matter
“We all want friends, a misconception about people on the spectrum is that they don’t want friends” Jamie Wheeler tells us in this week’s podcast. Jamie runs Austen’s Autistic Adventures, based in Richardson, Texas, a social group where people over the age of 18 can meet friends and engage in fun activities…Read more
30 It's All About The Beer @ Ignition Brewery
It is possible to create a viable business while employing people with additional needs and this week’s podcast guest proves that. Nick O’Shea is the founder of Ignition Brewery in London, a successful business employing people with additional needs. At Ignition Brewery it’s all about the beer because as Nick has…Read more
29 Seeing Clearly With Antonia Chitty
Being able to see properly can really transform a child’s life according to Antonia Chitty. As a qualified optometrist and author Antonia is passionate about getting all children’s sight checked. She explains that many parents feel daunted at the prospect of taking their child with additional needs for an eye test…Read more
28 Finding A Common Language
Being listened to and being understood are important to us all, but this can be difficult when you struggle to find a common language. Language is the way we communicate and if you can’t communicate with others the impact can be devastating. This week I talk with Veronica, Mum to Emma, who has a speech and…Read more
27 The L'Arche Community
Feeling like you belong to a community and being accepted for who you are is important to all of us. This week we talk to James Cuming, Community Leader, at L’Arche Kent who explains how L’Arche provides both of these for people all over the world, some who have additional needs. James explains the history of…Read more
26 Kiwi - A Step Dad's Story
Being a step parent brings with it some unique challenges. In this episode Rob stepdad to two boys, one, Thomas, who has autism and ADHD, talks about his experiences as a stepdad…Read more
25 Keep Calm and Be Prepared
When faced with a storm the key is to stay calm and get prepared for whatever it might bring. Sometimes dealing with the system and fighting for your child with additional needs is like sailing into a storm. This week Caroline, in part 2 of her interview, talks about her experiences of staying calm and…Read more
24 Making Sense Of It All
Most of us go through our day unaware of how our brain is continuously filtering everything our senses are picking up. This filtering means we are only left with the information we really need and we don’t get sensory overload. This week we talk to Caroline who explains to us what happens when those filters are…Read more
23 Shared Lives
Independence can be reached in many ways. Shared Lives in the UK offers one approach to help people with additional needs develop independence focused skills based on a holistic approach. This week we talk to Karen from Shared Lives who explains how this innovative program works…Read more
22 The Able Label
There’s a solution out there for every challenge, including finding clothing designed to make getting dressed easier. This week we talk to Katie Ellis, from The Able Label, a UK based clothing manufacturer…Read more
21 Hang In There
Not giving up, hanging in there – is the theme of this week’s podcast interview with Carmelina. She shares her journey with her son Dominic with us. Sometimes picking your battles is the key, as small things become your focus when you need to be looking at the bigger picture. We need to decide what will make the…Read more
20 Realising Every Dream (REDinc.)
REDinc offers a model worth replicating when it comes to helping young people achieve their work related dreams according to Mitch Halligan Work and Training Coordinator at REDinc…Read more
19 Be Brave
You need to be brave and a bit terrified at the same time when it comes to building independence skills, according to Robyn in the second part of her son’s story. The key is to not underestimate our children and what they can do, but you will always struggle with your own fears when letting them be more…Read more
18 Get Your Cranky Pants On
You need to focus forward 100%, and not waste your energy looking backwards, according to Robyn. Robyn lives in Sydney with her son Riley, his younger brother and her husband. She talks about the early years, finding out Riley has autism and how their family dealt with this news. As she says Riley is a child with…Read more
17 A Lasting Interest in Sport
Finding an interest as child, such as in sport, can lead to a lifelong passion that lasts right through adolescence and adulthood, and provides a strong connection to a community and a focus for life. This is the opinion of Maire who shares her story in this week’s podcast…Read more
16 At the Beginning
Everyone’s journey is very different but sometimes listening to someone else’s journey can help us on our own way. This week we talk to Carol, mother to Leo, about her and her family’s journey with him. His leaving home is still a way off for them, but there are many small steps to take along the way with which we…Read more
15 Believe
The earlier you know what you’re dealing with the easier it is to seek out the right support and put in place the right plan. This is the opinion of Scarlett, mother to Edith. She believes her daughter Edith will achieve a great deal because her daughter has an in born desire to be independent. Edith’s spirit…Read more
14 When to Take the Stabilisers Off
Knowing when to take the stabilisers off, and not just on a bicycle, is key to moving towards achieving any goal. This is the view of Jackie, mother to Joe who has additional needs, including a speech and language disorder…Read more
13 Happy Holidays
Holidays are a time to relax, rewind and recharge, but more often than not they end up being less about fun and more about stress. Vicki, an experienced travel consultant, shares tips for making travel less stressful. She understands our perspective because she is also a mother to a daughter with additional needs…Read more
12 Building Resilience in the Forest
Laura Ashfield is an outreach worker for the Surrey Wildlife Trust. She believes the forest is a great place to learn about ourselves as well as the rhythms of nature. More than this, she passionately believes the forest is a place that can help us discover our place in the world…Read more
11 Long Term Goals Built On Small Steps
Andy, a father to a son with ASD and ADHD, takes a strategic view of independence, rather like a business plan. Because he does this, he and his wife have a clear vision of what they hope their son will be able to do age 21…Read more
10 Perseverance Pays Off Part II
Success stories inspire us all. Proof that perseverance pays off is shown by Jacob and Sarah as Sarah explains the second part of Jacob’s story: leaving school. Jacob has ambitions to work in the music industry, and is currently holding down a testing job as a barman to save money towards a year long course at Abbey…Read more
09 Perseverance Pays Off Part I
With perseverance many great things can be achieved. Sarah is living proof of this with her son Jacob, who has Asperger’s. In this two part podcast we will hear how Sarah guided Jacob through school and gave him the skills to succeed in quite a demanding job. This really is a success story that is inspiring and one…Read more
08 Finding Fashion That Works
Matching clothes to the occasion is a challenge for us all. This week Elika Gibbs, owner of Practical Princess, is here to help. She professionally advises her clients on fashion and the organisation of wardrobes…Read more
07 Ace That Interview
Preparation and practice: these are the keys to interview success. This is the advice from Sam, an experienced HR director, who this week shares her expertise on how to not only survive the interview but how to succeed. She covers what needs to be included in a CV, and discusses questions you should expect as well as…Read more
06 We Are Family - Sibling Relationships
Sibling relationships are never easy, especially if one sibling has additional needs. This week I talk to Julie, a mother of 2 children, about her experiences and the challenges. She talks about the tactics she uses to make family life work for everyone and her ideas for creating a sibling bond through…Read more
05 House to Rent, No Experience Required
Independent living means having your own place to live. Finding that place isn’t always easy. In this episode Julia, a landlord who is renting out a property to young people with additional needs, tells us why. We hear that finding a place to rent requires perseverance and sometimes a dose of optimism…Read more
04 A Brush with Authority
Ian is an ex-police officer who dealt with incidents where young people with additional needs were involved. He saw how a lack of understanding on both sides could often turn difficult situations into highly stressful experiences for everyone…Read more
03 Building Social Skills and Resilience
Emily Hughes is an Australian social worker currently living in London. She is an expert in developing social skills. In this discussion she shares her tools and tactics for enabling children to develop their social skills, build resilience and independently navigate their way through the challenges they face…Read more
02 Growing Up with Asperger's
A mother shares the strategies and tactics she uses to help her son, who has Asperger’s, develop the skills he needs and prepare him for an independent life…Read more
01 The Ark Project
The Ark Project is a local community project in Southern England which aims to help young adults with additional needs develop practical work skills. The project encompasses a working bakery and small holding with produce sold to local businesses. This interview is with the founder of the project Hester and we learn…Read more
Introduction
Debra Caldow explains the aims and purpose of the podcast and what she hopes listeners will take away from this podcast…Read more
Red Giraffe Guide
169 Supporting Employment: How Job Coaches Make The Difference with Mel Simmonds from Hidden Gem Services
In this episode with Mel Simmonds from Hidden Gem Services, we dive into the world of job coaching, outlining the importance of support, understanding, and adaptability in creating successful employment options for young people with additional needs. Mel discusses the challenges faced, including inconsistencies in job roles and management as well as the positives that come from the cultural shifts that can occur within organizations.
168 From Fear to Trust: My Bumpy Journey with Debra Caldow
In this episode, I share my journey of navigating parental fears and learning to trust my daughter’s abilities. Despite her successful year in her job, my unspoken concerns about her future surfaced, impacting her more than I realized. This episode reflects on how difficult it is not to let our fears limit our children’s potential. I also talk about the importance of giving my daughter the dignity of risk, respecting her independence, and planning for a future where she can thrive, even when I’m not around.
167 Unlocking Potential: The Crucial Role of Families, Schools, and Job Coaches with Laura Davis from BASE
Every journey starts somewhere, and for most of us, it starts at home with those closest to us, encouraging us, and believing in us. In this week’s episode with Laura Davis from BASE we discuss the important role families play in shaping the future outcomes of children. We discuss the challenges of navigating the support available and the role of school in better preparing young people for work. We also talk about the enormous impact that specialized job coaches can have and how employment enhances life expectancy.
166 Transforming Inclusive Employment: The Role of BASE In Changing Attitudes With Laura Davis
Collaboration can speed up change, but it requires coordination and management to make that happen. This week’s guest Laura Davis, Chief Executive of the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) knows all about this. In this episode, she not only shares her personal journey but also discusses the pivotal role BASE plays in championing employment opportunities for everyone. She also talks about the role of BASE in developing best practice standards around supported employment to enable their members to better serve the people they work with. Laura also discusses the need for a systemic change, driven by collaboration between employers, government, and supported employment services to create meaningful employment opportunities and foster inclusive workplaces.
165 Building Employer Relationships That Benefit Everyone with Andrea Randall-Smith from Little Gate
Having more opportunities for paid work for young people with additional needs relies on finding more employers to offer those opportunities. In this episode Andrea Randall-Smith from Little Gate explains the strategies they use to manage the relationships with the employers they work with to ensure more of these opportunities become available. She discusses the value of storytelling and working with other local organisations so that the focus is on what employers need as well as what their future employees need and how the support they provide to employers can help them transform their employment practices.
164 The Little Gate Story: Bridging Aspirations and Employment with Andrea Randall-Smith
When opportunities aren’t available, sometimes we need to create them. That is part of the reason that Little Gate came about. In this episode Andrea Randall-Smith, CEO of Little Gate, shares the history and ethos of the organization and how they work to change the future of the young people they serve by giving them to skills to move into paid work. We also discuss the importance of getting feedback, sharing best practice, and working with other organizations to maximize the opportunities for everyone.
163 Planning A Better Future For Our Children with Debra Caldow
In this episode, I’m talking about the importance of structured planning for children with additional needs and having short, medium and long-term plans for various aspects of their life around daily living, purpose, relationships, and finance. This ensures not only continuous progress but is also better preparation for their futures. A good plan has clear targets actionable steps, and a realistic timeline. I talk about each of these and how to use the Red Giraffe Route map and the VOCAL method (Vision, Options, Create, Assess, Legacy) to put together a plan that not only supports their future but give you piece of mind as well. I also share personal examples to illustrate how we have supported our daughter to plan her future and develop her own life plan.
Find our more about the Red Giraffe Route Map & VOCAL Method
162 Everybody Needs Good Neighbors with Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT
We all want good neighbors but of course what makes a good neighbor differs for everyone. In this second part of a conversation with Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT we talk about how they have built a neighborhood where people look out for each other when they need to. Ann explains how the focus on choice, predictability and autonomy has helped to reduce challenging behaviors. She also discusses how the WEBUILT community fosters empathy and support among members which in turn transforms lives and, in many cases, helps rebuild family relationships. Plus, we also discuss how other families can build their own communities using the WeBUILT model for ideas and inspiration.
161 WeBUILT Unified Living: Crafting a Supportive Community with Ann Wilkinson
When we live in a place that we like everything else is made just that bit easier. But sometimes finding that place can seem an impossible task. In this episode I’m sharing one family’s journey to find that place for their son. My guest is Ann Wilkinson from WeBUILT who shares her story from exploring various options and realizing these didn’t fit his needs to creating WeBUILT. She shares how they built a collaborative community where people have ownership and control over their living arrangements. WeBUILT stands for We Build Unique Independent Lives Together which is exactly what they have done.
160 Real Lives, Real Jobs: Self Employment with Sam Everard from SAMEE
Self-employment is viable option, but it becomes even more so when there is clear evidence of how well it can work. In this episode Sam Everard, founder and CEO of Samee Charity shares some examples of where young people with additional needs have created great businesses based not only on their skills but also on their passions and often, because of their lived experience, an understanding of what others need. Sam also talks the benefits of self-employment in offering flexibility and control, which is not always possible with traditional employment roles.
159 Enabling A Path To Self-Employment with Sam Everard from SAMEE
One way into paid employment is to work for yourself and that’s the focus of this episode with Sam Everard, founder and CEO of Samee Charity. She discusses the organization’s mission to support young people with additional needs into becoming self-employed. Sam also discusses the barriers, how to address these, and what supporting someone into self-employment involves.
158 From Daily Living to Personal Growth with Debra Caldow
In this solo episode, I discuss what independence really means for young people like my daughter. Is it just about having the skills to do more for herself or are there other things that she should have the opportunities to consider? I discuss this using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory as a way to structure my thoughts on whether or not it’s enough to just focus on those daily living skills and relationships for our young people or whether there are more things to consider when it comes to supporting our young people to be truly independent in the way that they choose to live their lives.
157 Raising Expectations: Lifelong Learning and Contribution with Lex Ali from Big Life Adventure
Learning new things, having new experiences and giving back to our community build self-confidence and self-esteem. However, to often people with additional needs aren’t given the opportunity to do any of these things. In this second part of my conversation with Lex Ali, from Big Life Adventure, we talk about the value in lifelong learning and the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to give back to their communities and to society. We talk about how the Big Life Adventure project will help support this continuous learning and enable people to connect with others.
156 The Big Life Adventure with Lex Ali
For most people one of the great things about becoming an adult is getting to make their own life choices, dreaming about what they want to do, and making decisions about how their life will look now and in the future. But for many people with additional needs these opportunities aren’t easily available. In this episode my guest Lex Ali from Big Life Adventure talks about why this is happening and what can be done about. The Big Life Adventure project she discusses is definitely part of the answer.
155 Breaking Down The Barriers To Employment with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward
Breaking down the barriers to inclusive employment opportunities is proving to be a challenge. But progress is being made and what that looks like is one of the things I’m discussing in this week’s episode with my guest Vinny De Falco from Think Forward. We talk about the programs that Think Forward have previously run, what they learned from those and how that information has guided their next program. We also discuss how to engage with employers and the external factors that also impact on the number of opportunities available. To bring about change means acting, learning along the way and changing what does not work and that is exactly what Think Forward is doing.
154 Navigating the Transition Pathway with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward
The transition from education to employment for young people with additional needs requires planning in order to be effective. In this episode with Vinny De Falco from Think Forward we talk about the importance of early transition planning and how a structured and supportive transition program with personalized coaching can help young people develop the skills and confidence they need. We also talk about the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing among everyone, including families, involved in supporting the young person.
153 Great Expectations And Why They Matter
It’s a solo episode this week and I’m talking about the role that expectations have in the way we support and inspire our young people to achieve all they are capable of. Our expectations of them guide their expectations of themselves and can also help them to ignore the low expectations of others.
152 Why The Use Of Technology At Work Is About Mindset with Alex Barker from AbilityNet
The use of technology is embedded into our work lives and for people with additional needs it is often assistive technology that enables them to do their job. But often the right technology is not in place or provided by employers and that is one of the topics discussed in this episode of the podcast with my guest in this week’s episode Alex Barker from AbilityNet.
151 Why We Should Be Using The Assistive Technology In Our Pockets with Alex Barker from AbilityNet
When we think of assistive technology or any technology that can support our young people with additional needs to become more independent, we often start at the point of thinking it could be expensive or complicated to learn to use. But the reality is that today the first bit of assistive technology that our young people should access is their phone or tablet
150 Why Community Gives Us More Than Just Friendship with Sarah Towler from CASPA
When we think of community, we first think about the friendship element of being around other people. But there is more to being part of a community than just that. When we become part of a community, we have the opportunity to learn from those around us. These are the other benefits of being in a community.
149 How Community Can Support And Educate with Sarah Towler from CASPA
Community is defined as people with common interests living in a particular area but in reality, it’s less about location and more about belonging, about connection and feeling part of something. In this episode, my guest is Sarah Towler and the organization we are talking about is CASPA which does all of these things and more. CASPA stands for Community Autistic Support Pride and Advocacy,
148 Why Habits Are The Foundation Of Independence
Every day we all do the same things the same way because it’s these habits that make it easier to live our lives. Habits are just skills we have that we use over and over again and for my daughter with additional needs, all the skills she has built over time are now habits that allow her to live more independently. Those skills she has like cooking going to her job or managing her money, the things she does the same way each time are all her habits.
147 Why Working With Support Works with Adam and Deb
The barriers to employment for young people with additional needs are high but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible as this week’s episode shows. In part 2 of my conversation with Adam and Deb, Adam talks about his experience of work and why his current role is working for him. Adam believes it comes down to the right support at the right time and matching the individual to the job.
146 Making Choices with Adam and Deb
Sharing our stories helps us realize we are not alone. Hearing someone else’s story can also be a great way to learn new ideas we can use in our own family’s lives. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of Adam and his family. My guests are Adam, and his mother Deb. Adam talks about moving schools from a mainstream school to a specialist school as well as the challenges he found around transitioning out of full-time education.
145 Why Risk Is Worth The Risk with Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney
We should all have the right to choose how we live our lives, even if that means taking risks and making mistakes. But too often people with additional needs aren’t being given opportunities to take risks and to learn from their mistakes. My guest this week Carol Smail shares her experiences of the impact this lack of choice has, as well as what can happen when people are given the opportunity to make their own choices.
144 Why Gig Buddies Is Great with Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney
Finding friends with common interests can be difficult for anyone and for young people with additional needs it is often more challenging because their social network is smaller. That is why projects like Gig Buddies are so important as my guest in this episode Carol Smail from Gig Buddies Sydney explains.
143 How Can We Change Society’s Expectations and Accelerate Inclusive Employment Opportunities? with Peter Bacon from Disability Employment Australia
Too often low expectations for people with additional needs have translated into fewer opportunities, particularly when it comes to paid employment. For change to happen, around work, more employers are needed which means employers will need to change their attitude toward employing people with a disability.
142 Does Inclusive Employment Just Happen? with Peter Bacon from Disability Employment Australia
Inclusive employers change the future for our children, but there simply isn’t enough of them. In this episode with Peter Bacon, CEO of Disability Employment Australia, I’m discussing why this is the case, and what actions could be taken to get more employers to become inclusive employers.
141 Financial Future Series - Using a Gradual Financial Independence Approach with Graham Caldow
In this final episode of this Finance Future series, I’m talking to Graham Caldow about the value of giving financial independence gradually and building financial skills over time. We discuss the things that have worked for our family including multiple accounts and tracking spending. Finance is just one part of our legacy to our daughter but in lots of ways it’s the foundation of all the other things she will do in her life.
140 Financial Future Series - Why ABLE Accounts Help Create More Opportunities with Jill Cornfield
Planning for the future is difficult when restrictions exist around how much money you’re allowed to save. In this episode with Jill Cornfield, I’m discussing how ABLE accounts can help mitigate this restriction and enable people to think longer-term and plan their financial future.
139 Financial Future Series - Building Good Money Habits with Karen Hassett from PATF
Managing our own money is challenging. The temptation to spend is never far away and we need tools and techniques that can help us make the right choices most of the time. In this second part of my conversation with Karen Hassett from PATF we are focusing on some ways to help our young people develop those money habits that will help them make better spending decisions.
138 Financial Future Series - Taking The First Small Step with Karen Hassett from PATF
Getting started on developing any plan can be a challenge but when it comes to our finances we can often get stuck at the first step. In this episode with Karen Hassett from PATF we talk about how to get started by thinking about a decision-making process when it comes to money and using simple ideas like tracking spending and identifying priorities to move forward.
137 Financial Future Series - Questions To Consider
The financial future for young people with additional needs can be challenging. They are more likely to have lower incomes, less likely to be employed full time and government assistance can be difficult to get and even more difficult to keep. So planning ahead to create a solid financial platform is essential in this new series – Financial Future I’ll be exploring the challenges, what solutions are out there, and how to plan ahead so that future financial security is achievable.
136 Technology - Changing The Future - The Here And Now And The Next
In this episode I’m looking back over this latest series which has focused on the role that technology plays and will play in the lives of young people with additional needs. I’ll be discussing what assistive technology really means today and talk from my own experience about how technology supports my own daughter to live the life she wants.
135 Technology- Changing The Future – Why the key is connectivity with Ben Wood from CCS Insight
The best technology makes our lives easier and connects us with what we need. But often the different devices we use don’t connect with each other or we don’t see the value in connecting them together. In this episode with Ben Wood, from CCS Insight, we are talking about how that is going to change as companies realise they need to work together.
134 Technology - Identifying the best technologies to provide the right support with Padhraic Dormer from Enable Ireland
What’s the difference between a service user and a service owner? Quite a lot according to Padhraic Dormer from Enable Ireland. Padhraic explains the difference, as well as talking about his role as a virtual service support worker. He also discusses reasons why virtual services have proven to be so valuable in combatting social isolation.
133 Technology- Changing The Future – Harnessing technology to raise expectations for independent living with Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland
Using technology to support independent living seems an obvious choice. However, it isn’t as this week’s guest Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland explains.
132 Technology- Changing The Future – Why It’s About Functionality and Fun with Lee Blemings from Sensory Guru
Technology is often developed with the focus on what it does rather than how it will be used. This week’s guest Lee Blemings explains why that approach is wrong and why it needs to also be about enjoyment, about fun and about connecting people in a meaningful way.
131 Technology - Changing The Future – Digital Inclusion: Why It's About More Than Just Access With Jane Seale
Even with technology all around us there are still barriers in place which lead to digital exclusion. In this episode with Jane Seale we explore some of the reasons for this and what needs to change.
130 Technology - Changing The Future – Why Asking The Question Is Always The Best Option
With technology changing so quickly, we are often unsure of what is available and what is possible. In this episode Wendy Harkins Davis of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) explains why no question is ever wrong, and that because with so many options available most questions can be answered in the positive.
129 Technology - Changing The Future - Using Everyday Technology to Support Independence
Welcome to a new series on Technology – Changing the Future. From assistive technology to help aid communication to smart home devices that help make people safer, technology can change lives. In this first episode of the series, I’m talking to Libby Wilkins, Head of Accessibility and Digital Applications at The Oaks Specialist College.
128 Planning The Journey – Using the VOCAL Method
Planning the future for our children with additional needs is not only challenging, it’s crucial. In this final episode of the Planning the Journey series, I’m talking about how to navigate each of the four lines Daily Living Relationships, Purpose and Financial using the VOCAL method.
127 Planning The Journey - Financial Security - Why Enough Is Enough
Providing financial security for our children with additional needs when we are no longer around is one of our greatest challenges. In this episode I talk about why it is achievable once we decide how much is enough.
126 Planning The Journey - Why Presumption of Purpose Matters
Having a purpose provides meaning and direction to our lives. In this episode I talk about ways to support our children to find purpose and the importance of a Presumption of Purpose.
125 Planning The Journey - Managing Relationships - Using the AAA approach
Relationships matter. Without them our young people can become isolated. We all have our stories of challenging family relationships and friendships lost.
124 Planning The Journey - Building Daily Living Skills
In this series I will be focusing on exploring in more depth the 4 core topics that the podcast has always focused around: daily living, relationships, purpose and financial. In this episode the focus is daily living skills.
123 Housing Options Series: Why Choice and Community Matters
Where will my daughter live when I’m no longer around? It’s a big question, and some of the ideas explored in the Housing Options series just might help answer that question.
122 Housing Options Series - 200 Lives - Finding Out What People Actually Think
It’s difficult to develop better housing options if we don’t know what people want and need. This week’s guests Chris Hatton and Lauren Blood were involved with a research project which will in part help to address this issue.
121 Housing Options Series - Our Stomping Ground - Inclusive Communities
For too long housing solutions for young people with additional needs have failed to consider the importance of inclusion.
120 Housing Options Series - US Autism Homes - Building With Love and Science
Creating a housing model for young adults with additional needs that really works means doing things differently. This is something Lisa Liberatore from US Autism Homes understands.
119 Housing Options Series - Everyone Needs A Community Network
Finding somewhere to live is about more than just about finding a place, it’s about building a life. Community is an important part of that life. How to build communities is the topic of this episode with Kathy Meyer, from Everyone Needs A Community.
118 Housing Options Series - Building A Supported Living Network
Finding Supported Living that works means bringing together many things, from finding a property in the right location with the right access, to identifying a support provider and accessing the right level of support.
117 Housing Options Series - Parent Partnerships to Build Communities
When we imagine where our children might live, when we’re no longer around, it isn’t just the place they will live, it’s the community around them and how they will live their daily lives that we also imagine.
116 Housing Options Series - The Story of Lonely Worm Farm
No matter how alone we sometimes feel there is always someone who understands our journey even if they are taking a different road than us.
115 Housing Options Series - Zetetick Housing - Quality Housing for Supported Living
Continuing with the series on Housing Options, this week the focus is on Supported Living with Jonathan Spencer the CEO of Zetetick Housing.
114 Housing Options Series - Main Street: Bring Your Own Independence
Moving into our own space is part of becoming an adult and embracing the independence that brings.
113 Grace Eyre Profile Series - How The Sum Of The Parts Makes The Whole
112 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Listening To The Voices That Matter Most
Everyone should have the right to decide their own future but too often people with additional needs simply aren’t given a voice.
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111 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Let’s Work Together
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110 Grace Eyre Profile Series - The Travel Buddy Project - Getting Out And About
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109 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Connections For Life
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108 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Shared Lives - Common Goals
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107 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Choosing The Future
Having the right to choose how we live our lives is a fundamental human right and one that in the past many people with additional needs haven’t been given.
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106 Grace Eyre Profile - A Place To Call Home
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105 Grace Eyre Profile - Creating A Roadmap To Navigate The Future
The future can be scary if you really don’t know what your options are. Having a roadmap with ideas of where to start would help and what that involves is the topic of this episode with Tom Conroy, the new business manager at Grace Eyre.
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104 Grace Eyre Profile - Looking Back To Move Forward
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103 Bridging The Gap - The Role of Parents - Things we can do For and things we can do With
The Bridging The Gap series has been all about highlighting some of the organisations that are providing solutions for young people, so they have more options when they want to move from school into employment.
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102 Bridging The Gap - Forward2Employment: Reimagining The Future
In this part 2 of my conversation with the team at Forward2Employment (F2E) the focus is on the role of the job coach as well as hearing from current interns and from graduates of the supported internships program.
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101 Bridging The Gap - Forward2Employment: Building The Foundations For Change
In this episode of the Bridging The Gap series I’m talking to the team at Forward2Employment (F2E) about their supported internships program. This episode is really about getting the foundations in place with Liz Halton, the Head of F2E, explaining why the program came about and how it was created as well as the vision of F2E to change the employment expectations of young people with additional needs.
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100 Celebrating the 100th Episode and the stops on the journey so far
Time for a celebration and to reflect on the journey so far. It all started out with an idea that there had to be more out there for my daughter. I saw that she and other children, with additional needs, need extra support, in specific areas, to build the skills that will enable them to live more independently as adults.
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99 Bridging The Gap - The Oaks Specialist College: The Results
In this the second part of my conversation with staff and students from The Oaks Specialist College it’s all about the results. We hear from Joshua Epstein, the Careers Leader, about his role and the importance of job coaches but also making sure the young people they work with develop skills they can use when any support is removed.
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98 Bridging The Gap - The Oaks Specialist College: The Vision
In this the first episode of a new series on Bridging The Gap I’m talking to two people from The Oaks Specialist College based in the UK. This episode is really about vision. Gordon Tillman, the CEO, discusses why The Oaks came into existence and its role not only in changing the lives of the young people it supports but also changing the perceptions of businesses and communities.
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97 Ways Into Work – Perceptions and Parents: Why Both Matter So Much
In this the final episode of this Ways into Work series I’m doing a solo episode to talk about my learnings from the past 8 episodes. It’s definitely not a recap of the previous episodes but more my ideas around the two things I see as being pivotal in enabling many more young people to get into paid employment.
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96 Ways Into Work – Apprenticeships And Other Ships
In this episode the focus is on Apprenticeships as one of the Ways Into Work. Mark Capper, the Business Development Manager at Mencap UK, discusses the role that supported internships and traineeships play in preparing people for work.Read more
95 Ways Into Work – Changing the Narrative
In this episode of The Ways Into Work series, the focus is on the barriers that prevent many young people, with additional needs, getting and keeping paid employment. Read more
94 Ways Into Work - Supported Employment
The focus of this episode, in the Ways Into Work series, is Supported Employment with David Stenning from The Education People. David talks about the Supported Employment model and putting the young person at the centre but also supporting those around them. Read more
93 Ways Into Work - Inclusive Job Boards Part 2
In this the second part of Ways Into Work – Inclusive Job Boards Jane Hatton from Evenbreak discusses the importance of young people with additional needs learning to truly value the transferable work skills they already have, which have often been developed because of their life experiences.Read more
92 Ways Into Work - Inclusive Job Boards Part 1
In this episode of the Ways Into Work series we are talking to Jane Hatton from Evenbreak about how their inclusive Job Board is connecting employers with premium employees.Read more
91 Ways Into Work - Communities and Networks
Latest episode in the Ways Into Work series. In this episode we discuss with Richard Lamplough from My Employment Passport the role of local communities in providing paid work opportunities for young people with additional needs.Read more
90 Ways Into Work - Supported Internships Part 2
In this episode we continue the series Ways Into Work exploring the role of employers, education providers, government agencies and parents in creating Supported Internship programs that help young people with additional needs find and retain paid work.Read more
89 Ways Into Work - Supported Internships Part 1
In this new series Ways Into Work we start off by looking at Supported Internships how they work and why this model has proved so successful at getting young people with additional needs into long term paid employment.Read more
88 Staying Positive to Move Forward
After speaking to organisations in both the UK and USA, I believe there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic in the future, despite the recent impact of employment opportunities for young people with additional needs due to Covid. It seems to me that we collectively have a stronger sense of community after the…Read more
87 Spectrum Designs: Committed To Making An Even Bigger Impact
The pandemic will have a disproportionate effect on the lives of young people with additional needs. This is true. But whilst there are organisations out there like Spectrum designs then it’s not all bad news. In this episode, the final episode in my series on the impact of the pandemic on employment for young people…Read more
86 The Able Workers: Building Momentum With Community Support
Who opens a coffee shop during a pandemic? Well the guys at Able Coffee Roasters do! In this episode, part of the series on the impact of the pandemic on employment for young people with additional needs, I talk to Adeel and Anthony about exactly how they did this and why community support has helped them do even better…Read more
85 Pure innovations - Looking At What We Can Do Differently
Neil Willows, from Pure Innovations, discusses the impact of Covid and the UK lockdown on the supported internship programs Pure Innovations runs. He talks about the effect it has had on paid employment opportunities and young people’s mental health. But he also outlines the ways they are working to open up job roles…Read more
84 Invictus Enterprises: Embracing The Challenge To Deliver Differently
Alison Berkley from Invictus Enterprises talks about the impact of the pandemic on Invictus and how the way they’ve responded has actually opened up new opportunities. She explains how the pandemic meant that future plans they had for program delivery got accelerated and why the pandemic could be a catalyst for more…Read More
83 Acceptable Enterprises - Showing why social value has an economic value
David Hunter from Acceptable Enterprises talks about the impact of the pandemic on their various businesses. While the online business is growing, other parts haven’t been so lucky. But opportunities to pivot have been found as well the chance to expand other initiatives. Find out why David is also focused on showing…Read more
82 We’re Back and Ready For Change
The podcast is back after a short break with a new name to reflect a renewed passion to promote real change. Find out why we changed the name and what we are doing next including what to look forward to in our first series which is looking at the impact of the Pandemic on work opportunities for people with Additional…Read more
81 Changing Attitudes At WAVE
By changing attitudes we change behaviour, and this is something the guests on this week’s episode are part of making happen. Celia and Maya from WAVE talk about the ethos behind WAVE, and how it aims to bring people together, and by doing that helps change the way they think and their attitudes…Read more
80 Developing Transferable Skills
The average person has between 12-15 jobs in their work life. This makes developing transferable skills an essential part of any employability training. A great example of how to make this happen comes from Sunflower Bakery. This week’s guest Sara Portman Milner, co-founder of Sunflower Bakery, shares their story as…Read more
79 Providing A Compass
Sometimes we need to change direction quickly and find the right information so that we can make an informed decision as to which road we need to take. This week’s guest Kerrie Highcock helps provide that information. Kerrie is the Family Development Manager at North East Autism Society, and her role is not only to…Read more
78 Creative Community at the CO/LAB Theater Group
When we go to the theatre we see a different world than the one we live in. Theatre can broaden our horizons challenge our perceptions and this is exactly what the CO/LAB Theater Group aims to do. CO/LAB provides, people with additional needs, a space to be creative and along the way change their perceptions of…Read more
77 Presumption Of Employment
When we’re young we think we can do anything, be anyone, achieve everything. But as many of us get older we learn to fit into the box of expectations. For young people with additional needs this box can be small, with many assuming that they will not be entering the employment market…Read more
76 Getting Ready For Work
For many young people with additional needs finding a job can be incredibly challenging. It takes planning and for most requires them to go way outside their comfort zone. This week’s guest Dr Michael Reiter runs work readiness workshops and he talks us through the three areas he focuses on to help the emerging…Read more
75 Planning A Future Without You
If not now when? Planning for the future can be scary for anyone but it’s especially hard when that planning is for a young person who we know will face any number of challenges as they navigate towards their ideal life…Read more
74 Managing Mental Health
We all appreciate the importance of good mental health but sometimes lack the toolbox and even the support to consistently achieve it. This is often the case for young people, particularly those with an additional need. In this episode we are talking with Kimmy Obo from Kooth a UK based organisation offering…Read more
73 Learning to Relax
Emotions are part of being human. But for many of us there are times when we wish we had better tools to manage our emotions. This can be especially true for young people with additional needs who often face extra internal and external emotional triggers. In this episode we hear from Dana Bishop a Relax Kids coach on…Read more
72 Attracting The Best Person For The Job At Specialisterne
Everyone has unique skills; everyone is a specialist in something. This is something this week’s guest Thorkil Sonne from Specialisterne understands completely. Specialisterne which translates from Danish as “The Specialists” is an organisation focused on helping young people with additional needs find meaningful…Read more
71 Flipping The Switch At Spotlight Brewing
Sometimes it’s the small ideas that can have the biggest impact and this is certainly the case with this week’s guest Ric Womersley from Spotlight Brewing. Ric founded Spotlight Brewing to make great beer whilst providing genuine employment opportunities for people with additional needs. Not only is Spotlight…Read more
70 Promoting Collaboration At Yoocan
We sometimes feel that we are alone in our journey but often by simply looking around we realise we are not. The focus of this week’s podcast, Yoocan proves this in the way they provide an online space to share stories and to inspire each other. In this interview Moshe Gaon co-founder of Yoocan explains why…Read more
69 Seeing Below The Surface
Accepting ourselves by embracing our strengths and understanding our weaknesses is key to our own happiness. How to do this is the theme of this episode with Alis Rowe founder of The Curly Hair Project…Read more
68 Stay Up Late
One of the best things about becoming an adult is that no one can tell you what to do, when to do it and what time to be home. However, that’s not always the case for young people with additional needs. Often they still have rules in place that don’t apply to their peers. Stay Up Late is all about changing that and…Read more
67 Increasing The Options With Scope
Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? Most of us didn’t but we figured it out along the way because we were given opportunities for part time work or work experience. For many young people with additional needs this doesn’t happen, meaning they don’t always have a clear idea of their options…Read more
66 Taking Off The Mask
It’s fine to be aware and even try and understand autism but actually what matters most is acceptance. This is the view of Kieran Rose, also known as The Autistic Advocate. Kieran has autism so he speaks from personal experiences and explains why he believes that acceptance is what is needed even more than…Read more
65 Finding The Right Fit Into Work
It’s not only about finding work, but it’s also about matching the skills of the person with the job. This is the view of Derek Groves, from Employment Futures, who discusses the idea of vocational matching and the many benefits it brings to a young person with additional needs and employer. He also talks about…Read more
64 The Able Workers
What next? is a question we constantly ask ourselves as we help our young people navigate through the education system. As they get older and age out of the system, this question becomes more urgent and often the answer isn’t as easy to find. This week’s guests Adeel and Anthony asked that exact question and when no…Read more
63 Like Minded People Who Think Differently
Finding a supportive safe space for our children to have a variety of social experiences is so important. In this episode, we hear about CASPA which is providing that space and doing a whole lot more. Helen Dyer from CASPA explains not only how CASPA came about and what it does in terms of providing social experiences… Read more
62 Adding New Dimensions At Spectrum Designs
Only successful organizations can provide sustainable, long term paid employment and expand to provide more job opportunities. This weeks guest Patrick Bardsley and Tim Howe from Spectrum Designs certainly understand this. Spectrum Designs is a social enterprise making custom apparel, such as hats, hoodies, and…Read more
61 Why Reasonable Adjustments Are Just That
We all understand why work is an important step towards independent living, but all to often the employment opportunities are limited for young people with additional needs…Read more
60 Building An Integrated Future On Main Street
For most of us being part of a community is essential for our wellbeing and often starts where we live. This week’s guest is Jillian Copeland from Main Street, an organization not just building a community but actually building the space where that community can grow and thrive…Read more
59 Be More Kind To Yourself
Accepting ourselves and being more kind to ourselves are the themes in this episode. Anna Pinkerton from Kindness Incorporated talks about her personal and professional journeys and how she has combined them to help her daughter build the life she wants…Read more
58 Collaborating For The Future
Any journey is made easier by walking with others. That is the focus of this episode – the impact of collaboration with, in this case, the theater as the space where the collaboration starts…Read more
57 Preparation Is Key on A Curious Journey
Days out and going on holiday are an important part of family life, but when a young person has additional needs they can be much more of a challenge. How to make the process easier is the focus of this podcast episode with Lizzie Murphy, from A Curious Journey, offers some tips and ideas on traveling with children who…Read more
56 Making Reality Easier Using Virtual Reality - Part 2
What might be the future uses of virtual reality, and how do we need to manage this to stop potential dependence on technology? These are the main themes of this episode…Read more
55 Making Reality Easier Using Virtual Reality - Part 1
The use of virtual reality and virtual worlds can be used to change the future for our young people and just how this is happening is the topic of this episode. My guest this week is Dr. Nigel Newbutt who is researching how virtual reality and virtual worlds can be used to help young people with additional needs access…Read more
54 Flying High With Pegasus
All around us are people working in their local communities to make the lives of young people with additional needs better. This week’s podcast guest Sue Clark is one of these people. Sue talks about her work with Pegasus Playscheme which is located on the south coast of England…Read more
53 People Not Profits At Impacting Lives
Getting to know any young person is the essential first step in understanding what they need when it comes to helping them achieve greater independence. This is the core ethos of this week’s podcast guests Trudy and Darren Dzirasa-Payne from Impacting Lives…Read more
52 Exploring All The Possibilities With Mike Sweeney
Rather than waiting until we have to act the better option is to start exploring what is already out there and start actively working towards creating solutions. This is exactly what this week’s podcast guest Mike Sweeney is doing…Read more
51 The Support Group Experience
At some point in all of our journeys, we need support. Some of us find it in family and friends, others look to support groups. In this week’s podcast, Elaine Kelly, who runs a support group, talks about how support groups can help when maybe others around you simply don’t get it…Read more
50th Episode Celebration
This is a celebration episode, celebrating reaching 50 episodes, celebrating all the amazing guests who have been on the podcast and are out there changing the lives of young people and helping ensure that they will have the kind of independent lives they want…Read more
49 Carving Job Opportunities at Pure Innovations
Job carving can help create sustainable employment opportunities according to this week’s podcast guest Neil Willows from Pure Innovations…Read more
48 Tennis As Therapy With Love Serving Autism
Tennis, because of its repetitive nature, is an excellent therapeutic tool which can develop not only physical skills but also builds language and social skills, according to this week’s podcast guest Lisa Pugliese, from Love Serving Autism…Read more
47 Be The Light With Claire Sutton
The job of a parent is to be there whatever and whenever for your child – those are the rules! That certainly applies to Claire Sutton, this week’s podcast guest. Claire shares her truly inspiring, but sometimes heart-breaking, story. Her daughter Jade, who is now 14 years old, has ADHD. The road to getting Jade…Read more
46 Invictus Enterprises: Building The Steps Into Work
What happens to young people with additional needs when they finish full-time education? How will they find employment? How will they cope on their own throughout adulthood?. One organization helping to provide some of the answers to these questions is Invictus Enterprises based in New York. In this week’s podcast,…Read more
45 Team Domenica - Supporting Success In The Workplace
Successful sustainable employment opportunities for young people with additional needs comes when support is provided for not just the young person but also for their employer too. This is the message in this week’s podcast with Lisa Campbell-Squires from Team Domenica. Team Domenica is a social enterprise charity…Read more
44 Using Storytelling To Build Self Worth
To truly learn, it has to be caught rather than taught is the mantra of this week’s podcast with Diane King, author and special needs teacher. One way to do this and at the same time develop childrens’ self-worth is through storytelling and creativity…Read more
43 Yes She Can Inc.
“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right,” according to Henry Ford: this week’s podcast guest Marjorie Madfis clearly believes this to be true. With Yes She Can Inc., Marjorie has not only created employment opportunities for her own daughter, but she has also created a training…Read more
42 Wake Up To Sleep
Do you need more sleep because your child needs more sleep? Maybe this weeks guest can help.Vicki Dawson is the CEO of The Children’s Sleep Charity and helped write the Children and Young People’s Sleep Manifesto presented to the UK government, which argued among other things for quality sleep support to be…Read more
41 Living With Dyspraxia
What is Dyspraxia? If you don’t know or if you do and want to know more this week’s podcast is for you My guest Christine Draper has written a book called My Friend Josh has Dyspraxia to help more people understand dyspraxia and, more importantly, help more people understand what it means for her son Luke who has…Read more
40 The Shed - Providing A Space For Change
Everyone needs a Shed – a place to go, to be. But this Shed is much more than that, it is a space for people with additional needs to build independence and work skills and engage with their local community…Read more
39 Project Search At The Marriott
Work is central to most of our lives. It not only provides a purpose to our day but also makes us feel an integral part of the society we live in. In this week’s podcast we hear about the Project Search program, being run at the Marriott Hotel in Heathrow UK, which provides an innovative approach to help young people…Read more
38 Stepping Back - Part 2
Friendships and purpose are two of the most important things to have in our lives. For young people with additional needs finding these can sometimes be a challenge. In part 2 of Stepping back Milla Johnson, an Occupational Therapist, and Lisa Campbell, a Speech and Language Therapist, discuss how to manage…Read more
37 Stepping Back - Part 1
The challenge of stepping back and letting our children take risks and make mistakes is never easy. How to deal with this challenge is the theme of this week’s podcast where I speak to Lisa Campbell, a Speech and Language Therapist, and Milla Johnson, an Occupational Therapist. Lisa and Milla discuss why…Read more
36 Planning Ahead
Planning ahead helps us reach our goals, and although we can’t prepare for everything, a plan gives us a general direction to travel and can even help us identify a final destination. In this week’s episode, we hear from Laura who has helped her son Jonathon plan ahead. This planning has enabled him to create a…Read more
35 Enterprising Ideas At Acceptable Enterprises
A social enterprise must first achieve success as an enterprise before they can deliver on any of their social objectives, that is the message from this week’s podcast guest David Hunter. David is the CEO of Acceptable Enterprises Ltd (AEL) who are based in Larne, Northern Ireland and provide employment opportunities…Read more
34 Letting Go
The term ‘letting go’ means different things to different people. Sometimes as parents we have to let go of our own expectations of what our children’s lives will look like.This was the case for this week’s guest Fiona who found that once she let of her own expectations it opened up a new world of possibilities…Read more
33 Providing Opportunity Not Charity
One day soon people with additional needs will be valued as contributors to society and not just as passive recipients of social care, this is the vision that Matt and Steve from Skillnet Group share in this episode…Read more
32 Having A Sense Of Control
The best way to boost the self-esteem of our children is to let them have their say, give them a voice and help them to feel a sense of control, according to Soli Lazarus this week’s podcast guest…Read more
31 Friendships Matter
“We all want friends, a misconception about people on the spectrum is that they don’t want friends” Jamie Wheeler tells us in this week’s podcast. Jamie runs Austen’s Autistic Adventures, based in Richardson, Texas, a social group where people over the age of 18 can meet friends and engage in fun activities…Read more
30 It's All About The Beer @ Ignition Brewery
It is possible to create a viable business while employing people with additional needs and this week’s podcast guest proves that. Nick O’Shea is the founder of Ignition Brewery in London, a successful business employing people with additional needs. At Ignition Brewery it’s all about the beer because as Nick has…Read more
29 Seeing Clearly With Antonia Chitty
Being able to see properly can really transform a child’s life according to Antonia Chitty. As a qualified optometrist and author Antonia is passionate about getting all children’s sight checked. She explains that many parents feel daunted at the prospect of taking their child with additional needs for an eye test…Read more
28 Finding A Common Language
Being listened to and being understood are important to us all, but this can be difficult when you struggle to find a common language. Language is the way we communicate and if you can’t communicate with others the impact can be devastating. This week I talk with Veronica, Mum to Emma, who has a speech and…Read more
27 The L'Arche Community
Feeling like you belong to a community and being accepted for who you are is important to all of us. This week we talk to James Cuming, Community Leader, at L’Arche Kent who explains how L’Arche provides both of these for people all over the world, some who have additional needs. James explains the history of…Read more
26 Kiwi - A Step Dad's Story
Being a step parent brings with it some unique challenges. In this episode Rob stepdad to two boys, one, Thomas, who has autism and ADHD, talks about his experiences as a stepdad…Read more
25 Keep Calm and Be Prepared
When faced with a storm the key is to stay calm and get prepared for whatever it might bring. Sometimes dealing with the system and fighting for your child with additional needs is like sailing into a storm. This week Caroline, in part 2 of her interview, talks about her experiences of staying calm and…Read more
24 Making Sense Of It All
Most of us go through our day unaware of how our brain is continuously filtering everything our senses are picking up. This filtering means we are only left with the information we really need and we don’t get sensory overload. This week we talk to Caroline who explains to us what happens when those filters are…Read more
23 Shared Lives
Independence can be reached in many ways. Shared Lives in the UK offers one approach to help people with additional needs develop independence focused skills based on a holistic approach. This week we talk to Karen from Shared Lives who explains how this innovative program works…Read more
22 The Able Label
There’s a solution out there for every challenge, including finding clothing designed to make getting dressed easier. This week we talk to Katie Ellis, from The Able Label, a UK based clothing manufacturer…Read more
21 Hang In There
Not giving up, hanging in there – is the theme of this week’s podcast interview with Carmelina. She shares her journey with her son Dominic with us. Sometimes picking your battles is the key, as small things become your focus when you need to be looking at the bigger picture. We need to decide what will make the…Read more
20 Realising Every Dream (REDinc.)
REDinc offers a model worth replicating when it comes to helping young people achieve their work related dreams according to Mitch Halligan Work and Training Coordinator at REDinc…Read more
19 Be Brave
You need to be brave and a bit terrified at the same time when it comes to building independence skills, according to Robyn in the second part of her son’s story. The key is to not underestimate our children and what they can do, but you will always struggle with your own fears when letting them be more…Read more
18 Get Your Cranky Pants On
You need to focus forward 100%, and not waste your energy looking backwards, according to Robyn. Robyn lives in Sydney with her son Riley, his younger brother and her husband. She talks about the early years, finding out Riley has autism and how their family dealt with this news. As she says Riley is a child with…Read more
17 A Lasting Interest in Sport
Finding an interest as child, such as in sport, can lead to a lifelong passion that lasts right through adolescence and adulthood, and provides a strong connection to a community and a focus for life. This is the opinion of Maire who shares her story in this week’s podcast…Read more
16 At the Beginning
Everyone’s journey is very different but sometimes listening to someone else’s journey can help us on our own way. This week we talk to Carol, mother to Leo, about her and her family’s journey with him. His leaving home is still a way off for them, but there are many small steps to take along the way with which we…Read more
15 Believe
The earlier you know what you’re dealing with the easier it is to seek out the right support and put in place the right plan. This is the opinion of Scarlett, mother to Edith. She believes her daughter Edith will achieve a great deal because her daughter has an in born desire to be independent. Edith’s spirit…Read more
14 When to Take the Stabilisers Off
Knowing when to take the stabilisers off, and not just on a bicycle, is key to moving towards achieving any goal. This is the view of Jackie, mother to Joe who has additional needs, including a speech and language disorder…Read more
13 Happy Holidays
Holidays are a time to relax, rewind and recharge, but more often than not they end up being less about fun and more about stress. Vicki, an experienced travel consultant, shares tips for making travel less stressful. She understands our perspective because she is also a mother to a daughter with additional needs…Read more
12 Building Resilience in the Forest
Laura Ashfield is an outreach worker for the Surrey Wildlife Trust. She believes the forest is a great place to learn about ourselves as well as the rhythms of nature. More than this, she passionately believes the forest is a place that can help us discover our place in the world…Read more
11 Long Term Goals Built On Small Steps
Andy, a father to a son with ASD and ADHD, takes a strategic view of independence, rather like a business plan. Because he does this, he and his wife have a clear vision of what they hope their son will be able to do age 21…Read more
10 Perseverance Pays Off Part II
Success stories inspire us all. Proof that perseverance pays off is shown by Jacob and Sarah as Sarah explains the second part of Jacob’s story: leaving school. Jacob has ambitions to work in the music industry, and is currently holding down a testing job as a barman to save money towards a year long course at Abbey…Read more
09 Perseverance Pays Off Part I
With perseverance many great things can be achieved. Sarah is living proof of this with her son Jacob, who has Asperger’s. In this two part podcast we will hear how Sarah guided Jacob through school and gave him the skills to succeed in quite a demanding job. This really is a success story that is inspiring and one…Read more
08 Finding Fashion That Works
Matching clothes to the occasion is a challenge for us all. This week Elika Gibbs, owner of Practical Princess, is here to help. She professionally advises her clients on fashion and the organisation of wardrobes…Read more
07 Ace That Interview
Preparation and practice: these are the keys to interview success. This is the advice from Sam, an experienced HR director, who this week shares her expertise on how to not only survive the interview but how to succeed. She covers what needs to be included in a CV, and discusses questions you should expect as well as…Read more
06 We Are Family - Sibling Relationships
Sibling relationships are never easy, especially if one sibling has additional needs. This week I talk to Julie, a mother of 2 children, about her experiences and the challenges. She talks about the tactics she uses to make family life work for everyone and her ideas for creating a sibling bond through…Read more
05 House to Rent, No Experience Required
Independent living means having your own place to live. Finding that place isn’t always easy. In this episode Julia, a landlord who is renting out a property to young people with additional needs, tells us why. We hear that finding a place to rent requires perseverance and sometimes a dose of optimism…Read more
04 A Brush with Authority
Ian is an ex-police officer who dealt with incidents where young people with additional needs were involved. He saw how a lack of understanding on both sides could often turn difficult situations into highly stressful experiences for everyone…Read more
03 Building Social Skills and Resilience
Emily Hughes is an Australian social worker currently living in London. She is an expert in developing social skills. In this discussion she shares her tools and tactics for enabling children to develop their social skills, build resilience and independently navigate their way through the challenges they face…Read more
02 Growing Up with Asperger's
A mother shares the strategies and tactics she uses to help her son, who has Asperger’s, develop the skills he needs and prepare him for an independent life…Read more
01 The Ark Project
The Ark Project is a local community project in Southern England which aims to help young adults with additional needs develop practical work skills. The project encompasses a working bakery and small holding with produce sold to local businesses. This interview is with the founder of the project Hester and we learn…Read more
Introduction
Debra Caldow explains the aims and purpose of the podcast and what she hopes listeners will take away from this podcast…Read more