Empowering Ability Podcast

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

Listeners will discover:

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

- The real pros and cons families experience with group homes

- Important safety considerations every family should know

- Practical, hopeful alter...

Whether you're getting ready for your loved one to move out of the family home, OR - just trying to prepare them for independence, There is one important life skill they need to learn. And no, it's not about cooking, cleaning, or handling money... It's about knowing how to ask for help. I remember when I first started to gain more independence. Then when I moved out of my parents home for the first time and went...

There's a cafe a few towns over that hires mostly individuals with developmental disabilities.You may have seen these types of businesses in your area: a cafe, a thrift store, or a packaging facility.The family behind the cafe started it to provide employment for their daughter and to create opportunities for other people with disabilities.A heartwarming story...BUT once you look past the feel-good story, you can see the challenges...

Learn how to help your loved one live an awesome, ordinary life! Register for the Life Plan Workshop now: https://www.empoweringability.org/2024lifeplanworkshop/

To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

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

You might have been told they will never graduate, live independently, or get a job....

Register now to get your spot in the free Life Plan Workshop: https://www.empoweringability.org/2024workshop/

To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

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

My sister, Sarah, finished high school without any good opportunities and ended up in my parent's ...

Learn how to create your loved one's Life Plan. Join the Life Plan Workshop Waitlist now: https://www.empoweringability.org/workshopwaitlist/

The 'Special' plan that others have for your loved one with a developmental disability is not a good one. (i.e. a group home and a day program)

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

Person-centered planning is about building a life plan for your loved one that...

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

To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

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

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

...

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

In this story, I share Gabby's journey from loneliness to empowerment. Just like you, Gabby's mom, Jane, wrestled with the worry of who would be there for her child when she couldn't. 

That's where support circles stepped in.

Come along as we analyze the power of support circles and...

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

To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

As a caregiver, you're the backbone of support for your loved one with a disability. But what happens when you're not there? 

This fear might haunt many families, and we'll tackle this c...

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

Let me share a personal story about my sister, Sarah. Despite initial challenges, she now lives independently. Initially, I thought Sarah was lazy, but I was wrong. She had learned helplessness. So, I shifted from telling her what to do to coaching her through tasks. From making break...

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

To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

Are you looking for ways to get more support for your loved one with a disability? 

You're not alone. 

In this episode, I'll share a heartfelt story and reveal 4 proven strategies to hel...

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

To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll

Ever wonder what it's really like for our loved ones to live in group homes for adults with disabilities?

Let me tell you, it's a tough reality.

In my latest podcast, "What’s It Like to ...

Worried about what's ahead for your loved one with a developmental disability?

It's totally okay to feel unsure, especially when you are trying to plan for their future.

In this episode, I share Jamie's story—a powerful reminder of why just having a Special Needs Trust might not be enough.

Jamie's parents did what they thought was best and set up a special needs trust, but when they were gone, Jamie's life got tough. It took her 3 ...

Download a FREE copy of my “7 Strategies for More Independence” guide to boost your loved one's independence: https://www.empoweringability.org/independence-tips/ To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll As a caregiver, you dream of your loved one leading an independent life, meaning more freedom for your loved one... and for you! In this video, I share insights from...

Download a FREE copy of my “7 Strategies for More Independence” guide to boost your loved one's independence: https://www.empoweringability.org/independence-tips/ To get more videos like this, Subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/YoutubeEricGoll Do you want your loved one with Autism or a developmental disability to have better social skills so that they can have more friends and better relationships with fa...

Looking for more strategies to nurture your loved one’s independence? Download my free “7 Strategies for More Independence” guide: https://www.empoweringability.org/independence-tips/ The holidays can be tough when you have a loved one with a disability, but guess what? I've got your back! 🤍 In this podcast, I'm sharing 3 incredible ways to make this festive season a bit brighter for both you and your loved one. ✨ Key ...

Are you seeking fresh, effective ways to support your loved one with a disability in finding a fulfilling paid job? I've got you covered.​​ In this new podcast episode, Milton Tyree, an Employment Specialist for people with developmental disabilities, teaches us the best practices of customized employment that you can use to support your loved one with a disability to get a job and keep it. There are people with all sorts of di...

“Who’s going to love and care for my loved one with a disability when I can’t?”

I get it. It’s a tough question and it’s overwhelming to think about.

But, I’m having this heart-to-heart with you because if you continue to ignore this question the result is a disaster for your loved one and family in the future.

Don’t worry—I’ve got a way forward for you. It’ll take some effort, but believe me, it’s worth it.

Want to know more? List...

I know you want your loved one with a disability to be safe and well cared for in the future... And... you might be thinking that a group home and/or day program is the answer. But... I want to share something with you that I heard from a conversation with a government agency director that might just shake your entire belief system. In a word: It's dangerous. Curious? Concerned? You should be. Listen to this short ep...