Welcome to the Expanding Worlds Podcast
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Our Focus


Young people with additional needs should have the opportunity to live independently in a way right for them. The podcast is about sharing stories and sharing solutions that enable parents and carers to support them on this path to greater independence.
Independence for most people consists of three things:
1) Having a Purpose for the day – usually paid employment, but possibly a place to go to make a contribution to the world.
2) Having the Daily Living skills for independence – being able to look after ourselves, cooking, shopping.
3) Having Relationships with family, friends and maybe even a partner one day.
There is also an additional consideration that serves as the foundation of all these – Financial. Like it or not money often dictates how we live our lives, and we need to confront the issue of how our children will survive financially when we are gone.
For more information visit redgiraffesolutions.com
All Episodes
191 How Providing More Choices Leads To Better Outcomes with Laura Vallone from Brighton Forward
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Laura Vallone from Brighton Forward about how this project provides a nurturing and secure environment for young people who may have struggled elsewhere. She explains how their 3-year program works by focusing both on...
190 Social Isolation: Barriers and Solutions with Debra Caldow
In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses the social isolation challenges faced by young people with additional needs. Debra explores the barriers that exist, including lack of confidence and lack of social skills, alongside external barriers such as geographic...
189 Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Social and Professional Skills with Bob Etzel from iSocial
In this episode, host Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Bob Etzel from iSocial. Bob explains the different motivators for going on the program as well as the importance of having supportive peers and role models who reflect your experiences. He also talks...