Podcast providing advice and resources to parents/carers of young people with additional needs to help them develop the skills to live more independently.
In this episode, Debra Caldow's guest is Alison Thomas from Unique & Loved, who shares her journey as a parent. She discusses the challenges of feeling isolated and the societal fears surrounding children with additional needs and why embracing uniqueness has become so fundamental in how she supports her son. Alison also talks about the importance of recognizing the individuality in everyone and why both children and adults need to embrace their uniqueness to help create a more inclusive environment for everyone. https://uniqueandloved.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses some of the myths around employing young people with additional needs. She discusses why the language we use can often reinforce negative perceptions and employer misconceptions. She also talks about the myths around the concept of 'reasonable adjustments' in the workplace, and the reality that these adjustments are often simple and low cost. Debra also explains the role we can all play advocating for our children and fighting for employment opportunities as well as changing societal attitudes. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Laura Hutt from the Sand Project about what a job coach does. She discusses the misconceptions, rewards, and challenges the role brings. Laura explains the importance of job matching and vocational profiling, and why one of the key job coach roles is to work with employers to address any apprehensions they might have. https://www.thesandproject.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow's guest is Katie Shephard, the Work Engagement lead at the Sand Project. She discusses her role encouraging businesses to employ more people with additional needs. Katie talks about how her role encompasses connecting with organizations and working to break down common misconceptions to highlight the positive impact that hiring Sand Project trainees can have on workplace culture, breaking down fears and stereotypes. Katie explains why testimonies, from businesses already employing their trainees, plays a crucial role in building these connections and changing employer attitudes. https://www.thesandproject.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Nicki Rugman from the ArtiSAND Creative Goods Store, part of the Sand Project, about how this enterprise shop and business helps young people build both their creative and business skills. Nicki explains the importance of balancing creativity with market needs and how that guides the shop's product and promotional strategies. She talks about the importance of trainees understanding all facets of the business and shares some success stories of trainees developing their own products. Nicki also talks about the potential for expanding the business, including online sales and trainee led workshops. https://www.thesandproject.co.uk/artisand https://www.thesandproject.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Carol Noble from the East Toast Cafe, part of the Sand Project, about why working in a café offers young people opportunities to enhance communication, self-esteem, and practical work skills. She also highlights the importance of a structured routine and adaptable tasks to ensure that every student can always participate and remain part of the team. Carol also talks about the positive impact this has on the students, both in the cafe and at home. https://www.thesandproject.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Marita Bianco from The Sand Project about how the project started and why it has evolved into a multi pathway enterprise-based organization. Marita discusses how the project supports trainees preparing them for employment and independent living using an experiential approach. She also explains the importance of tailored support including family support which recognizes the individual challenges people may face. https://www.thesandproject.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this milestone episode, host Debra Caldow celebrates the 200th episode of the podcast by focusing on the importance of sharing stories and solutions that support the futures of children with additional needs. Reflecting on the podcast's journey since 2017, Debra talks about the need for letting go of limiting beliefs and building on existing solutions rather than starting from scratch. She discusses the incredible power of shared experiences in creating meaningful change. Debra advocates for a more structured approach to the sharing of knowledge to build a better future for all our children. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses the concept of hope. She examines the four types of hope: realistic, utopian, chosen, and transcendent. She explores the role hope plays in motivating action and fostering resilience. Debra also talks about the need to have a more active approach to hope, transforming it from passive wishfulness into a driving force for positive change. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Laura Wells from Hope North Carolina about the innovative housing model they use that integrates people with and without disabilities. Laura discusses how Hope NC fosters a sense of belonging through their community facilitator role and various community projects. Laura also touches upon the future directions for creating affordable and inclusive housing that responds to a constantly changing external environment. https://www.hopenorthcarolina.org/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Ginny Dropkin from Hope North Carolina about the emotional and logistical challenges of ensuring a good life for our children, even after we're no longer around. Ginny explains why this has been a central issue in her life and how she's become involved in various organizations to address the problems. Ginny talks about how she with two other parents founded Hope North Carolina, which has the central goal of helping address this critical issue of ‘what comes next?' https://www.hopenorthcarolina.org/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses the importance of developing a positive and growth-oriented mindset for us and our children. She explains the practical steps that can lead to developing a positive mindset, including self-talk, embracing challenges, and surrounding ourselves with supportive influences. Debra also talks about how developing a positive mindset requires time and persistence and why it is so fundamental in helping our children unlock their potential to ensure they lead successful and fulfilling lives. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Katherine Jennick from What's Your Strength about how a positive self-perception can have a genuine impact on young people with additional needs. Katherine offers practical strategies that you can adapt at home, and she argues we need more inclusive interview practices and better career discussions rather than focusing on just traditional academic achievements. https://whatsyourstrength.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Katherine Jennick from What's Your Strength about the project she has developed to help young people translate their life experiences into strengths. She discusses how this evolved into packs of cards which are used by both families and professionals. Katherine also talks about why project-based learning is more effective and why everyone has a role to play in preparing young people for their futures in work. https://whatsyourstrength.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow explores the crucial role of choice in the lives of young people with additional needs. She discusses the barriers that exist, such as low expectations, inadequate funding, and social policies that limit young people's choices. Debra also talks about the importance of family support and practical strategies to foster decision-making skills, supporting the shift from making decisions for young people to empowering them to make their own choices. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course - https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow shares conversations she had with students from Brighton Forward. This is the chance to hear first-hand from the young people Brighton Forward works with about the support they receive, what skills they find valuable as well as their individual plans they have for the future. https://brightonforward.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course - https://bit.ly/independentcooking
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 personal development and work skills. Laura also discusses the need for policy changes and highlights the significance of using the 'language of work' to encourage young people to aspire for more. https://brightonforward.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course - https://bit.ly/independentcooking
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 limitations and societal attitudes. She also talks about possible solutions, like the role of paid work and the importance of empowering young people to advocate for themselves so they become active in finding those social connections that work for them and reduce their social isolation. Find out more about Stay Up Late Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course - https://bit.ly/independentcooking
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 about how iSocial provides a framework that enables individuals to leverage their unique strengths within a workplace. Bob also discusses why integrating neurodiverse individuals into an organisation can be beneficial not only for the bottom line but also provide a strategic advantage to the business. https://www.isocialskills.com/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course - https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Bob Etzel about how the iSocial program works, using a structured approach and the role of moderators in fostering confidence and social skills. He details the transformation of iSocial from a research program using avatars to a Zoom-based, real-world community. Bob also talks about the importance of matching people with common interests to lead to lasting connections and mutual support. https://www.isocialskills.com/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses her experience of supporting her daughter while she was on a supported internship. Debra explains the importance of trusting the internship process and why focusing on creating a supportive home environment provides the support a young person needs. She also talks about the challenge of letting go and learning to respect and trust the young person's growing independence. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow shares four tips for getting your young person ready for going on a supported internship. Debra talks about the the importance of talking about work early, doing thorough research, building essential skills and attitudes at home, and seeking out work experiences. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Ellie Hedley-Dent about the approach Team Domenica takes in engaging with employers to hire young people with additional needs. She discusses the importance of understanding employer preconceptions, maintaining an open conversation, and sharing other employer stories. Ellie also explains the importance of providing bespoke training and providing ongoing support. https://teamdomenica.com/ https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Ellie Hedley Dent, the Employer Partnership Manager at Team Domenica, about their employment program. Ellie explains their initial focus is on building foundational skills and providing work experience to prepare their candidates to move into a Supported Internship. Using an holistic approach, Team Domenica equips young people with the tools they need to succeed in their careers and beyond. https://teamdomenica.com/
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks about the importance of helping our young people to develop the abilities and the skills they need in life. She emphasizes they must also develop those attitudes that make their success in whatever they choose to do much more likely. She also talks about how the type and level of support we give to our children will evolve as we give them the space they need to live their own lives.
In this episode, host Debra Caldow reflects on the challenges faced when supporting young people with additional needs to transition from school to the next stages of life. She discusses two key lessons she learned during the process: the need to plan far ahead beyond the immediate steps and staying open to various options by continuously researching.
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.
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.
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. https://www.youtube.com/@RedGiraffeSolutions
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. https://www.marbridge.org/
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. https://www.marbridge.org/
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 Free Recipe and Introduction to our method
In this episode which is the second part of my conversation with Rosie Barnes from Satsuma Neighbour, we talk more about the vision of how the project will look and why projects like this are so important in enabling independent living with the right kind of support available when it is needed. We also talk about the role that housing plays in reducing segregation, promoting connection, and reducing isolation. https://www.satsumaneighbour.org/
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. https://www.satsumaneighbour.org/
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 the course we have developed based on our experiences visit https://bit.ly/independentcooking
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. https://kenskrew.org/ https://www.facebook.com/kenskrewjobs/
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. https://kenskrew.org/ https://www.facebook.com/kenskrewjobs/
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. https://www.hiddengemservices.co.uk/
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. https://www.hiddengemservices.co.uk/
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.
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. https://www.base-uk.org
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. https://www.base-uk.org/home
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. https://www.littlegate.org.uk/
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. https://www.littlegate.org.uk/
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
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. https://www.webuilt.info/
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. https://www.webuilt.info/
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. https://samee.co.uk/
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. https://samee.co.uk/
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.
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. https://peak15support.co.uk/bl-adventure
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