Delovely Podcast

We talk with David about his article "Does God Have Enough Hands" that explores the nature of trauma during times of societal crisis, the importance of supporting those who support others and ways of staying healthy. Find out more at the EPISODE PAGE where you can research links to works referenced during the conversation.

Angela Amado has been researching and teaching the value of friendships around the world for many years and has great wisdom to share with us on what we can do during times of isolation. Her books on Friendship for families and agencies are widely read. Join us for a most valuable conversation. Find out more at the episode page HERE.

In the midst of a world pandemic, some communities are exploring ways to protect the most vulnerable friends, family and neighbors through strength-based approaches that leverage communal connections. The Upper Valley Nursing Project is one. In this special "Here's to Your Health" edition of the podcast, we speak with the co-founders about what they are doing and what they hope to accomplish.

Karyn Harvey has worked as a clinician in the field of intellectual disabilities for over 30 years. She has published articles about therapeutic interventions for people with disabilities and two books. Her first was titled Positive Identity Development and her second was Trauma-Informed Behavioral Interventions.

Lawrence Seiler joined us recently to talk about the show that he and his wife Arlene produces called Abled and on Air. They create it in association with ORCA Media. We learn about his journey as a journalist, relocating from Brooklyn NY to Montpelier VT and the help that he received along the way from nonprofits and friends.

Josh believes that an agency's values should be reflected in how it treats employees. We consider a different approach to vacation time, recruitment and training. Direct Support Professionals are clearly near the top of his list in respect and caring.

In this conversation we explore thoughts on what has been the major developments in the effort to advance inclusion of people with all abilities that have served to shape the world that we live in today. Bill shares how having a family member with disabilities changed his views and added to his knowledge of what is important. We also consider trends in the system that are both troubling and promising.

We continue our conversation with Peter Leidy and explore what it means to be a "rule breaker" or an artist when in the role of direct support professional.

We caught up recently with Peter Leidy while he was visiting Vermont and connecting with staff from Senior Solutions and Green Mountain Support Services. Peter shared his experiences in the early years of his career and the important lessons that he's learned about how to provide the best support to others. He has an interest in the power of the direct support role and thinks deeply about ways to help good staff stay.

We continue our conversation with Joe and find out how Upper Valley Services considered ways to support someone through the use of risk profiles and community conversations to foster connection rather than opting for simply staffing for protection purposes.

Joe explores the various ways that we can help others with a disability to be present and participate in community, and most importantly, find connection. In this conversation we discover the dilemma when others view human service agencies as protectors.