Empowering Ability Podcast

In this episode, Eric shares what his family learned when they began looking beyond the group home model for his sister Sarah, and what actually helped her build a safer, more independent life.

You’ll learn:

• Why Eric’s family started looking for alternatives to a group home
• The three things that helped Sarah build more safety and independence
• Why safety is about more than ...

Today, we’ll talk about friendships for adults with developmental disabilities and where to start. Many adults with a disability are surrounded mostly by paid people. What is often missing are freely given relationships, the people who are not paid to be there. In this video, you’ll discover: 🌟 The one question to ask about the people in your loved one’s life

📈 Why freely given relationships make your loved o...

In this episode, Eric Goll dives into the real fears families face when considering community inclusion developmental disabilities and offers compassionate, practical advice to move forward. If you’ve been feeling stuck between the safety of segregated programs and the promise of ordinary community life, this episode is for you.

Listeners will discover:

- The four most common fears families have about inclusion

- The truths ...

In this episode, Eric Goll shares a personal story about his sister Sarah and the challenges of traditional disability-only day programs. He explores why these segregated settings often create isolation rather than connection. Listeners will learn what true community inclusion means and why it matters deeply for the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities.

Discover:

- The hidden realities of day programs and how ...

In this episode, Eric Goll explores the empowering concept of self determination disability and how it can transform the way families support their loved ones with developmental disabilities. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode breaks down the key ideas, benefits, challenges, and practical steps to get started.

Listeners will discover:

- What self determination disability ...

In this episode, Eric Goll dives into one of the most essential yet often overlooked topics for families: teaching safety skills to loved ones with developmental disabilities. Eric shares practical strategies to empower your loved one to recognize danger, set boundaries, and respond confidently to emergencies.

What you’ll discover:

- Why adults with developmental disabilities face higher safety risks

- The five foundational ...

In this episode, Eric Goll tackles the challenging but crucial question that every family member faces: What Will Happen to My Loved One with a Disability When I'm Gone? Rather than avoiding the topic, Eric shares practical insights and real-life stories to help you create a customized Life Plan that protects your loved one’s independence and well-being.

Listeners will discover:

- The common risks families face without a w...

In this episode, Eric Goll shares the powerful 8-step roadmap that transformed his family’s approach to future planning for adults with disabilities. If you’ve felt overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, this episode offers clear guidance to create a customized life plan centered on your loved one's strengths, dreams, and independence.

Listeners will discover:

- Why defining a "good life" must come before legal or housi...

As 2025 ends, many families care deeply about creating a secure, independent future for their loved ones with developmental disabilities. In this episode, Eric Goll shares four essential keys—from persistence to positivity and planning—that families can use to make 2026 their best year yet.

Listeners will discover:

• How to turn persistence into intentional, strategic action
• Why pacing goals to your loved one&rsqu...

In this episode, Eric Goll shares a powerful personal story about his sister Sarah and the mindset shifts that unlocked her potential. Discover why focusing on what your loved one can do, rather than what they can’t, is the most important step you can take.

Listeners will discover:

- How low expectations limit opportunities and how to break that cycle

- The importance of strength-based thinking over deficit-based approaches

...

In this episode, Eric Goll shares heartfelt and practical insights gained from his sister Sarah’s journey to more independent living. Discover how shifting your role from caregiver to coach can unlock your loved one’s potential and build their confidence step by step. Eric breaks down essential life skills into manageable groups and offers actionable guidance to help families support adults with disabilities flourishing...

In this episode, I share the story of my sister Sarah and how we found better alternatives to group homes that gave her a life of independence, dignity, and joy. Many families feel forced to accept group home placements, but there are real options that offer more privacy, control, and community connection.

What you’ll discover:

- What group homes are and why they may not suit everyone

- The ins and outs of Supported Independ...

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 altern...

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 to coll...

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 b...

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 respons...