Podcasts about community options

During this episode of the Local Matters podcast, discover the Impact of Community Options and Service Groups in the Upper Cumberland as our host George Halford sits down with Meika McClendon And Karen Callahan. They talk all about how Community Options serves the area, how they work with people who have intellectual disabilities, and more! Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Bryan Barrett and State Rep. Mike Sparks talk to guests from Community Options, Inc. They're an organization that supports people here locally with disabilities. They also tal

Welcome back to The A100 podcast! In this episode, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Sean Luechtefeld, Ph.D., CAE, Vice President of Membership & Communications at ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources). Sean returns to the podcast to share valuable insights into the unique challenges and strategies in the world of association management, particularly in the areas of membership and communications. Key Highlights: Balancing Dual Roles: Sean discusses the complexities of balancing his dual roles in membership and communications, offering practical advice on how to prioritize tasks and manage a broad scope of responsibilities in a small-staff environment. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with a talented team and being realistic about what can be achieved. Advocacy and Active Listening: Sean highlights the significance of active listening in advocacy communications. He shares how ANCOR ensures that the voices of their members—organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—are heard at the federal level. By understanding and acting on member feedback, ANCOR effectively supports its members in their advocacy efforts. Adapting Communications in a Changing Landscape: In a rapidly evolving media environment, Sean explains how ANCOR tailors its communications strategy to address ongoing challenges such as workforce recruitment and retention. He discusses the importance of seizing opportunities that arise from challenges and aligning messaging with current events and broader societal issues. Navigating Social Media Channels: Sean dives into the ongoing discussions within ANCOR about the best ways to engage with different social media platforms. He explores the challenges of adapting to changing user behaviors and the importance of focusing on platforms that offer the most value in reaching target audiences, such as members, lawmakers and journalists. Looking Ahead: Sean shares his thoughts on the future of membership engagement and communications within associations. He emphasizes the need to shift from selling membership benefits to promoting the overall experience of membership, creating tailored experiences that resonate with diverse member needs. Join us as Sean Luechtefeld offers actionable strategies and deep insights into effectively managing communications and membership in associations, making this episode a must-listen for association professionals. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode. Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies. Tune in for more episodes packed with actionable insights to help your association thrive!

Community Options empowers individuals with disabilities through innovative programs, person-first language, and meaningful employment opportunities. Learn about the transformative impact of inclusive living environments and the future potential of people with disabilities in the workforce with Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, as he shares insights on disability advocacy and inclusive housing solutions in this enlightening interview. Watch on video!Robert begins by sharing the compelling journey and mission of Community Options, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to developing housing and employment for people with disabilities. Community Options, founded in 1989, arose from the pressing need to provide sustainable living solutions for individuals with disabilities who were either living in institutions or with aging parents unable to care for them. Robert explains, "We saw a need for this because there were so many thousands and thousands of people with disabilities living in institutions and living with mom and dad. And now mom and dad are getting older. They're no longer able to care for them, and they didn't know where to turn." This mission drives the organization's innovative approach of buying small homes and creating inclusive living environments where individuals with disabilities can lead independent lives, equipped with the necessary skills and support. Robert reflects on the progress made over the years in disability advocacy. "I think we've made tremendous progress, but we still have a long way to go," he states. Highlighting the importance of evolving language and societal attitudes, he emphasizes the shift from labels like "the disabled" to "people with disabilities," underscoring the importance of person-first language. The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, digs into the practical aspects of Community Options' work. Robert shares a poignant story of Bernard, an individual who found meaningful employment and a better quality of life through the organization. "Bernard was blind and had intellectual disabilities, but he knew that what he was doing was meaningless," Robert recounts. Community Options provided Bernard with a job as a receptionist, where he thrived, living independently and retiring after a fulfilling career. Looking ahead, Robert envisions a future where people with disabilities play a vital role in the workforce. "We still need somebody to carry our luggage up the stairs. We still need somebody to clean our office. We still need somebody who can help us change the tire on our car. People with disabilities will be those people," he predicts, highlighting the untapped potential of this community. This compelling discussion sheds light on the transformative power of inclusive practices and the ongoing journey toward equality and dignity for all individuals with disabilities. Community Options stands as a testament to the positive impact of dedicated advocacy and innovative solutions in the nonprofit sector.Follow us on the Twitter: @Nonprofit_ShowSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

In this 166th episode, I share my daily reflection posted on Twitter @bryoncar, from April 8th to 13th, 2024 Check out the WHOLE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST I put together with all the listens mentioned below: >>> bit.ly/FreshAirAtFiveSpotifyPlaylistE166

Jenner School is located an hour north-west of Medicine Hat and is one of our smallest schools with 28 students from K-9. Principal Kirby Stensrud gives an update about how the Prairie Rose Possibilities project benefits her Junior High students - all 6 of them- and tells us about the project that will be the ultimate community contribution and collaboration for 2024. Listen to earlier updates at episodes 1.01, 2.04,  3.01 and 4.10

Shannon Rolandson of Community Options is in the studio to discuss their latest updates and developmental disability services that Community Options has available. For more information on Community Options, visit their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CommunityOptionsInc/ - https://www.communityoptionsnd.com/ or call - 1-800-823-2417   Show is recorded at Grand Forks Best Source. For studio information, visit www.gfbestsource.com – For access to past GFBS Interviews visit https://gfbsinterviews.podbean.com/ #gfbs #gfbestsource.com #grandforksnd #interview #local #grandforks #grandforksbestsource #visitgreatergrandforks @grandforksnd @THECHAMBERGFEGF

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Greg Capogna speaks with Rocky Gencarelli of Miers Insurance about the advantages of an independent insurance company, then welcomes Allyson Pors-Boitz from Community Options to talk about their upcoming Cupid's Chase 5K.

Monday, August 22, 2022 - Community Options helps people with developmental disabilities establish goals, overcome barriers, and become self-sufficient. We visit with Shannon Rolandson, outreach officer in Minot. ~~~ Saturday was National Radio Day. We take the occasion to visit with Bill Thomas, our director of radio. ~~~ Parents across North Dakota have been struggling to find day-care slots for their children. Part of that is caused by staff turnover amid low wages. The state is trying to address the issue by providing incentives for workers. Comments from Kay Larson, director, North Dakota Department of Human Services Early Childhood Division. ~~~ In another episode of TellTale, Dakota Folklife and Stories, we hear from a Fargo resident who experienced the Florence, South Dakota, tornado of 1944.

Host Tricia Pritchard sits down with Tim Hawk to discuss how Community Options works with individuals with significant disabilities through residential services, day programs, social enterprises.Community Options, Inc. (comop.org)

info@podcastone.comd0702a7e-d04f-4023-9c11-42103ce7ccc2Thu, 16 Jun 2022 12:16:39 PDT00:12:22The South Florida Sunday Podcast

info@podcastone.com1323bf92-70cb-4f8a-8f35-d3e930b98fc3Mon, 02 May 2022 12:56:24 PDT00:08:32The South

Host Scott Light continues his conversation with Barbara Merrill, CEO of the America Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), and Chris Wolf, Boundless executive vice president, on the hiring crisis and its impact. How has the pandemic exacerbated the shortage of frontline workers, and what does it mean for the I/DD community and Disability rights?   Listen in to learn how to get involved and advocate for urgent change today. 

Welcome to Accessible Housing Matters!   In today's episode, I welcome Denise Resnik   Denise is the founder and president/CEO of First Place® AZ (established in 2012), co-founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC, established in 1997), and founder and CEO of DRA Collective, a marketing/communications firm (established in 1986) that serves clients in a variety of fields, including real estate, economic development, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Her adult son Matt, who has autism, and others with different abilities inspire her work.   Backed by more than 20 years of research, support from the Urban Land Institute, and more than 100 collaborators from the public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors, First Place AZ is positioned for transformational impact on how society approaches housing and community development for individuals with autism and other neurodiversities.    Denise's leadership has also driven the development of two major studies:  A Place in the World: Fueling Housing and Community Options for Adults with Autism and Other Neurodiversities, offering the universal language for a guiding narrative to research, develop and achieve supportive housing solutions.  Opening Doors: A Discussion of Residential Options for Adults Living with Autism and Related Disorders, the first-ever study to focus on the housing challenges of adults with autism and other neurodiversities.    Listen to find out more about:   [00:01 - 06:05] Opening Segment I welcome Denise Resnik to the Show Bio An introduction to the study “A Place in the World” Watch the full video in the link below!    [06:06 - 13:37] Opening Doors More than a million of adult children with autism and other intellectual developmental disabilities live with their parents aged 60 and older What do we mean by autism and neurodiversity? Lousy Returns on Investments  Best Innovations  at First Place Taking a more innovative approach to gain more successful outcomes “Where we start with this innovation isn't where we end.”   [13:38 - 31:26] A Place in the World The Market Place is a Big Place Denise talks about the impact of the 2009 report in changing views on housing and development Out of the Bubble:  Getting beyond the autism and disability housing marketplace Inclusivity, Services and Housing Support Lots of love for Amazon Web Services The Crisis of Aging Caregivers Why and How Denise has become a leading advocate A Need to Leap Forward Together    [31:27 - 32:36] Closing Segment See links below to know more about Denise Resnik Final word Resources Mentioned: A Place in the World – Short Video  A Place in the World – Complete Report Home Matters to Arizona Tweetable Quote/s:   “When we talk about people who are in need of housing, who have not only the physical support of housing and four walls, they also have the community support, and they also have supports in their homes because of some of the challenges that they face.” - Denise Resnik   “It's expensive to make sure that we provide the adequate supports people need to live their fullest and most independent life possible.” - Denise Resnik   “My being an almost senior doesn't tell you what I need in my housing. Autism doesn't tell you what you need either. But we need to leap forward.” - Denise Resnik To learn more, share feedback, or share guest ideas, please visit our website, or contact us on Facebook and Twitter.    Like what you've heard?  Please review us! That helps let other people know about the podcast.   Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing, and getting conversations going. I'd love to learn more about what's on your mind, and get your feedback about the show. Contact me directly at stephen@accessiblehousingmatters.com to share your thoughts or arrange a call.

Well-Being is back for a second season. To kick things off, host Scott Light sits down with Barbara Merrill, CEO of the America Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), and Chris Wolf, Boundless executive vice president, to talk about the hiring crisis and its cascading impact on health and safety. How did things get this bad and what can we do to change course? Don't miss out on this and other conversations all season long with experts and advocates discussing mental health, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and more.

Welcome to Accessible Housing Matters!   In today's episode, I welcome Desiree Kameka Galloway   Desiree Kameka Galloway is a recognized disability housing expert. As the Director of the Autism Housing Network for the Madison House Autism Foundation, she spent over a decade researching the barriers and identifying unique opportunities to increase residential options for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, has led national advocacy efforts on issues of autism in adulthood and has positively influenced policy development at national and state levels. Having visited over 120 residential opportunities and social enterprises across the USA, and led a network of over 250 organizations, Desiree uses this experience and network to help individuals and local leaders understand supportive housing options, service delivery models, and strategies for neuro-inclusive community development.     Desiree is also the proud co-author and co-editor of the groundbreaking report, A Place in the World: Fueling Housing and Community Options for Adults with Autism and Other Neurodiversities. Her work in housing is included among international academics and professionals. She has been invited to speak on panels at the World Human Rights Cities Forum by UN-Habitat, the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day, Great Minds Coming Together on Autism International Conference, and at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) on Autism After 21 and was an invited member of the IACC Housing Taskforce. She is also a certified cohousing consultant and a Cohousing Solutions 500 Communities Affiliate.   Desiree's vision is that every person with intellectual/developmental disability, autism, or other neurodiversity can access a home in their community that actively fosters relationships and meaningful inclusion. This vision drives her company, Neuro-Inclusive Housing Solutions, LLC to conduct local market analysis, support advocacy efforts and coalition building, connect professionals and provide consulting services to housing developers for data-driven housing solutions across the country.   Listen to find out more about:   [00:01 - 03:06] Opening Segment I welcome Desiree Kameka Galloway to the Show Bio “My job is so exciting!” Desiree shares the joys of her profession A Perfect One Size Fits All?   [03:07 - 27:07] The Invisible Housing Crisis As bad as we think it is We talk about the housing crisis we all know about The American Housing Survey Invisible in the data and displacement The Invisible Group: Over 7-Million Members How to Address an Ongoing Housing Problem Step 1: Making the Invisible Visible Step 2: Local-Level Needs All across the spectrum, “This has to be cross-sector work.” Difference per state The Lanterman Act Medicaid Had to Evolve Medicaid Expansion and Resolving the Homeless Crisis Some points to ponder on  Medicaid Dollars for Housing Support Technology and Remote Support Services Types of technologies for people with IDD and DD So much support, not a lot of resistances Funding, language Top 3 Things You Have to Learn Housing Solutions as Triangles How Desiree got involved in this work In a Stage of Trailblazing   [27:08 - 29:11] Closing Segment See links below to know more about Desiree Kameka Galloway Final word Resources Mentioned:    A Place in the World: Fueling Housing and Community Options for Adults with Autism and other Neurodversities Report  State of Tennessee Enabling Technology Program     Tweetable Quote/s:   “It's so important that local communities think about the diversity of housing options that need to be created to ensure that their citizens are not displaced because of lack of housing.” - Desiree Kameka Galloway   “People with intellectual developmental disabilities should be able to own their home and not rent their whole lives.” - Desiree Kameka Galloway   I“individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are already experiencing homelessness.” - Desiree Kameka Galloway   You can connect with Desiree through desiree@neuroinclusivehousingsolutions.com   Check out the following links: Neuro-Inclusive Housing Solutions, LLC Autism Housing Network Madison House Autism Foundation   To learn more, share feedback, or share guest ideas, please visit our website, or contact us on Facebook and Twitter.    Like what you've heard?  Please review us! That helps let other people know about the podcast.   Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing, and getting conversations going. I'd love to learn more about what's on your mind, and get your feedback about the show. Contact me directly at stephen@accessiblehousingmatters.com to share your thoughts or arrange a call.

A small organisation with a big heart, Community Options for Children and Families works rather quietly in our region, supporting children, adults, and families. In true, "It takes a village" style, COCF Executive Director Kathleen Burton explains who supports them in supporting community. Learn about opportunities on how you can join in this village, as well as a wonderful fundraiser that local business Heirloom Linens is doing to support COCF. Please join us for our Season 2 opener, as we talk about volunteering, tie-dyeing, community, government, planting flowers, not-for-profits, and barbeques and picnics!

Have you ever thought of your parenting role including emotion detective? Dysregulation, better known as a meltdown, is going to happen. Meltdowns are fueled with emotion and are difficult for parents and children alike. Listen to this month's just released podcast episode to learn more about strengthening your curiosity and toolbox of other parenting skills. David Bergesen, MFT shares his wisdom and expertise as an adoptive grandparent and therapist who has worked with trauma exposed youth and their families for over 35 years as founder of COFY, Community Options for Family and Youth in Contra Costa County, serving kids in tbs, probation, and residential programs, many with IEPs and mental health needs.

info@podcastone.com559dd6c5-fc69-4e3b-8952-5a4ce45fed04Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:33:20 PDT00:09:13The South Florida Sunday Podca

 Elaine Katz oversees Kessler Foundation's comprehensive grant making program and its communications department. During her tenure, the Foundation has awarded $49 million for national and community-based employment programs. Katz works with non-profit organizations in board development, fundraising, marketing, and business development. She serves on the boards of JESPY House, New Jersey Association of People Supporting Employment First, Essex/Newark Disabilities Issues Committee, and program committee of the Council of NJ Grantmakers. She is an appointed member of Empower NYC Advisory Board, Workforce Matters National Steering Committee, ReelAbilities NY Advisory & Council, ReelAbilities 2020 Selection Committee and the NJ Veterans and Community Collaborative Network (VCCN). Elaine served as a member of the Human and Children Services Transition Advisory Committee for Governor-elect Phil Murphy. Elaine received the Community Access Unlimited 2019 Humanitarian Award, 2016 GI Go Fund Jackson Drysdale Civilian of the Year Award and the 2015 Betty Pendler Award from Community Options, Inc. 

info@podcastone.comeb84fc42-ebed-4b4d-97f1-ed4e63e6ce04Tue, 27 Apr 2021 12:40:56 PDT00:11:06The South Florida Sunday Podcast

Oral argument argued before the Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on or about 04/13/2021

GFBS interview: Lindsay Schuh with Community Options  #gfbestsource.com #gfbs #local #grandforksnd #RaiseTheForks #SimplyGraND #GFisCooler #grandforksbestsource #visitgreatergrandforks @grandforksnd

info@podcastone.com1b3e1017-8e4d-46e1-ad1b-34d517aadd77Mon, 03 Aug 2020 11:41:14 PDT00:10:1

In this episode I sit down with Dan Main, LMFT to discuss EMDR and Trauma. Dan Main, LMFT became licensed in 2015 and EMDR Trained in 2016. In addition to running a part time private practice in Walnut Creek (now via Telehealth in CA), he is a Program Supervisor at Community Options for Families and Youth in the Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) department. He is currently pursuing his certification in EMDR and participates in ongoing consultation with an EMDRIA Certified Trainer. In his private practice he provides individual psychotherapy for ages 14 and up who are looking for help with symptoms of trauma, depression, and anxiety. You can find more information on Dan Main LMFT @ http://www.danmaincounseling.com/ I should clarify that the book I talked about, "High on Arrival" is not as much a book that explains EMDR, but a narrative of one individual's journey and how her childhood trauma has affected her. I think it would be helpful for those who want more understanding of that form of trauma. Here is the link to find an EMDR therapist: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/find-an-emdr-therapist/ Here is a video by EMDRIA that could be useful for those just learning about EMDR for the first time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkfln-ZtWeY&feature=youtu.be Nadine Burk Harris (First ever Surgeon General of CA) has a great Ted Talk on Childhood trauma that might be cool to in notes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ovIJ3dsNk&list=PLDYaByOmmF513Issx2ne3_w0iwyg-Ifor&index=939 Recommended Books; High on Arrival Awakening the Tiger-Peter Levine Mindsight: Daniel Siegel Intro Song: Someone up there likes you-Brett Chance Break Song: There is no childhood as such-Brett Chance Outro Song: Fresh Air-by Charmer and Klay

info@podcastone.coma71ab807-3ebf-4f77-b14a-bcf32879bfa4Tue, 11 Feb 2020 22:00:00 PST00:07:49The South Florida Sunday P

Community Options: a Nonprofit Like No Other, with Robert Stack Robert Stack is the Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Options. According to the New Jersey Business Journal's Book of Lists for 2018, Community Options is ranked as the 3rd largest non-profit in New Jersey. He has an M.B.A. and is a graduate of the University of Dayton. Robert also attended the University in Friborg, Switzerland, University of Rome and the University of London. He also taught at Kent State University where he received the Graduate Student Teaching Award. He is an Adjunct Professor for the graduate school at Kean University. He is the author of two books: I Matter-So Does Your Cause – Starting a Nonprofit and Meaningful Day: Day Program Services Curriculum and Staff Guidebook. Robert has extensive international experience in entrepreneurial business development and non-profit management. He has spoken throughout the world on employment for persons with disabilities using a social entrepreneurial model. He was a keynote at the Yale Goldman-Sachs School of Management and has given the plenary session at the National Council of Negro Women USAID conference in Cairo, Egypt, and at Perspectiva in Moscow, Russia on entrepreneurial management, business development and advocacy. In 2015, Stack was the keynote speaker at the University of Oxford Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine Dietzmann, Assistant Director, Community Options

In this conversation with Dr. Margaret Newbury Jones, here out referred to as Margaret, of SHADE Consulting and Counselling we dive into the topic of sexuality and disability. We discuss what self-advocates, families, and supporters need to know about sexuality and Intellectual/developmental disability (IDD). She answers the questions; Why is knowing the language of our bodies so important? Where do I go to find a partner?, What is the role of a paid supporter, and Should we be allowed to have sex and watch porn in the group home?. Margaret’s career has focused on working with folks of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and other disabilities for 25+ years. She worked as a public-school special educator for 15 years before beginning to work as a consultant and counsellor focusing on trauma, sexual health and folks with IDD. She works directly with clients with IDD as well as their families and supporters and is known for providing engaging workshops for families, self-advocates, front line workers, and other professionals. She is most importantly a family member of a sibling with IDD, her best teacher.   Why is it so important for us to talk about sexuality for people with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD)? Margaret: “Everyone is a sexual being; it doesn’t matter if you have a disability or not.” Eric: Other than sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, general health are there other reasons we need to be talking about sexuality for people that have an IDD? Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares; “Safety. People with IDDs are much more vulnerable to being abused and taken advantage of. Also, a lot of it is about autonomy and making informed decisions and not feeling like someone else gets to make those choices for you. We don’t have to allow others to make those decisions, that is a person’s right [to make those decisions] when they are an adult.   In terms of statistics, now big of a problem is sexual abuse? Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares, “There aren’t any good solid stats – the research you referenced is from the 80s and 90s. [Eric referenced stat – 83% of women, 35% of men with IDD are sexually abused] The stats can vary from 2 percent to 60 percent. But what we do know, is that rates of sexual abuse for people with IDDs higher than the general population. Also, just like the general population, people with IDDs don’t report, don’t know how to report, [or don’t have the language to know they were sexually abused as we discuss below].”   What do self-advocates need to know about sexual health? Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares: “Language – if folks don’t have the right language to tell us that something happened, how can they tell us? If you don’t know the language of your body, how can you tell somebody when something goes wrong?” Margaret shares a story sex educator Meg Hickling’shttps://www.amazon.ca/Books-Meg-Hickling/s?rh=n%3A916520%2Cp_27%3AMeg+Hickling work where Meg was going into prisons and working with inmates and teaching them sexual health. When she had the opportunity, she spoke to sex offenders and asked them how they looked for their victims. The sex offenders told her that they look for people that don’t have the right language for their bodies. They said to her that if they do have the right language, they are more likely to tell. If they don’t have the language, they are less likely to tell because they aren’t having those conversations. We also go deeper into the topic of consent on the podcast. Margaret also shares that it is important that people that have an IDD know the basics of sexuality, sexual health, healthy relationships. On the podcast, she answers one of the most common questions she is asked by her clients with an IDD, “Where do you meet or find a partner?”   What do families need to know about sexual health? Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares; 1) Make sure they have the language of their body. 2) Role of a supporter is a bridge to relationships, not to be the relationship. 3) As families, we need to let the person grow up and not be a perpetual child. If you are 50, you still have 50 years of life experience. 4) Recognize that puberty can be one of the most normalizing things that has or will happen to a person with an IDD. What comes up in your work around menstruation? Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares; People are put on birth control to manage menstrual periods because families and caregivers feel like it is challenging to manage menstruation. We can teach menstrual management. Families will also say that the person is protected if someone abuses them. Margaret’s response is, “Does that make abuse okay?” We should be keeping them safe from the get-go. We also discuss the issue of consent and menstrual management on the podcast. Margaret shares, “We tend to do things that are timely. We don’t take the time to make sure that people fully understand, fully consent, and fully process what is going on.”   What do supporters and organizations need to know about sexual health? Paraphrasing from the podcast, Margaret shares; 1) Define the role of the supporter as a bridge to a relationship, not being the relationship. 2) Organizations need to have a sexual health policy. Everything is then dealt with similarly, and it addresses the individual sets of values that people delivering the support have. 3) Supporters need to be aware of their own beliefs and values. We also get into interesting questions of: Should people with disabilities be able to have sex in the group home? Should people with disabilities be able to watch porn? To hear these answers, you need to listen to the podcast! I thank Margaret for the engaging conversation and for sharing her wealth of knowledge on sexual health. Margaret has also provided us with a library of resources on sexuality and disability below. Love & Respect, Eric   Resources: Sunny Hill Education Resource Centre (SHERC) – This is a lending library with many sexual health-related materials. Email: sherc@cw.bc.ca Website: www.bcchildrens.ca/sherc Sexuality Education for People with Developmental Disabilities (2018) – Elevatus Training – www.elevatustraining.com Life Cycle – How We Grow and Change: A Human Development and Sexuality Education Curriculum. Varicheck, S.M. & Tolle, R.K. (2008). Life Cycle Education Consultants. www.lifecycleeducation.com www.real-talk.org   Websites (these are a combination of safe sexuality websites as well as websites addressing trauma/self-regulation): www.beaconhouse.org.uk www.safehandsthinkingminds.co.uk www.self-reg.ca www.northstarpaths.com www.booksbeyondwords.co.uk www.tascalberta.com www.teachingsexualhealth.ca www.safehealthschools.org www.urbandictionary.com www.pflagcanada.ca www.advocatesforyouth.org www.sexualityandu.ca www.planetahead.ca www.plannedparenthood.org/info-for-teens www.wontgetweird.com www.teenhealthsource.com www.goaskalice.columbia.edu www.teengrowth.com     Books Asperger’s Syndrome and Sexuality: From Adolescence through Adulthood – Henault, I (2006). Jessica Kingsley Publisher Autism-Asperger’s and Sexuality – Puberty and Beyond – Newport, J & Newport, M. (2002). Future Horizons Boys, Girls, and Body Science – Hickling, M. Harbour Publishing A Five is Against the Law! Social Boundaries: Stright UP! An Honest Guide for Teen and Young Adults – Dunn Buron, K. (2007). Autism Asperger Publishing Co. It’s Perfectly Normal: A Book About Changing Bodies, Growing UP, Sex and Sexual Health – Harri, R. (1994). Candlewick Press Protocol for Personal Care (Adult or child) – Available at Community Options http://communityoptions.bc.ca/about-us/protocol-books/ Sex, Sexuality and the Autism Spectrum – Lawson, W. (2005). Jessica Kingsley Publishers   Dr. Margaret Newbury Jones Contact Information www.shadeconsulting.ca 778-215-0132 info@shadeconsulting.ca

Suzanne Horstman is the director of Home and Community Options in Winona MN, providing services to developmentally disabled citizens. She’s heading up an organization doing amazing work, and joins Brett to talk about the mission and the passions behind her 27 years of working with HCO.

Suzanne Horstman is the director of Home and Community Options in Winona MN, providing services to developmentally disabled citizens. She's heading up an organization doing amazing work, and joins Brett to talk about the mission and the passions behind her 27 years of working with HCO.

Joyce welcomes Barbara Merrill, CEO of ANCOR, which is the American Network of Community Options and Resources headquartered in Alexandria, VA. Ms. Merrill will discuss the ANCOR Foundation and its mission. ANCOR is conducting a three-year national public awareness campaign to convey the value and importance of community services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, highlight the support networks that enable them to succeed, and shine a positive light on the successes of community integration and the role of providers in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be active, valued, and contributing members of their communities.

Click below to listen to the audio podcast: Labor Overtime Rule and the New Administration. http://dayinwashington.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Labor-Overtime-Rule-and-the-New-Administration_edit.mp3 The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA or Act) guarantees a minimum wage for 40 hours in a workweek and one and one-half times the employee's regular rate of pay for any hours worked over that 40. But there are exceptions. In the past you had to make less than $23,660 to get that mandatory overtime pay.  The Department of Labor published a rule on May 23, 2016 that increases that amount to $47,476. For people with disabilities who rely on personal assistance services, most of which are funded by Medicaid, this had immense consequences. The key component is money. Many people who provide those services would now fall within the purview of the rule and so would have to be paid time-and-a-half for their hours over 40.  The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), an association of over 1000 agencies that often provide this kind of in-home service gave an estimate that this would add over $1 billion in costs for agencies serving those with disabilities in the first year alone. State Medicaid rates do not take into account overtime. In addition, in recent years, time and again, efforts have been made limit Medicaid. Block grants, per capita caps etc. Efforts to push the cost onto States and unfortunately States aren't or cannot pick up the difference. That means either workers are not paid adequately (which this rule's enforcement will address) or there is a decrease in quality (and amount) of services available to people with disabilities. For many, this makes the difference of whether they can live independently at all. Obviously, there was significant pushback from the disability community as well as agencies providing services, including Congressional hearings and legal action. The Overtime Final Rule became effective on December 1, 2016. However, the Department of Labor is implementing a limited non-enforcement policy for providers of Medicaid-funded services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in residential homes and facilities with 15 or fewer beds. This non-enforcement period will last until March 17, 2019. The idea is to give agencies (like DOL and HHS) and federal and state agencies and policymakers to better coordinate and understand the potential unintended consequences and ensure that the lives of people with disabilities and their ability to live independently are not harmed. Of course, it isn't over. This is merely a delay of implementation.  Also, on the legal front, on November 22, a federal district court judge issued a preliminary injunction (State of Nevada v. United States Department of Labor (E.D. Tex., No. 4:16-CV-00731)). On December 8, the US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit granted the Department of Labor's request for an expedited hearing of its overtime rule appeal. Of course in judicial time expedited means that the case won't even be heard for several months, and it'll take even more time beyond that for the case itself.  What that means is that the Trump Administration and Congress could choose to repeal the rule, or at the very least, direct the Department of Labor to drop its legal appeal.   Resources USDOL Overtime Rule: https://www.dol.gov/whd/overtime/final2016/index.htm Time Limited Non-Enforcement Policy for a Subset of Medicaid-Funded Providers : https://www.dol.gov/whd/overtime/final2016/nonenforcement-faq.htm Federal Register Announcement for Non-Enforcement: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/05/23/2016-11753/defining-and-delimiting-the-exemptions-for-executive-administrative-professional-outside-sales-and Disability Rights and Labor: https://arineeman.com/2016/05/25/labor-and-disability-rights-a-chicken-and-egg-problem/  

Peter Shankman, Internet entrepreneur and founder of Help-A-Reporter-Out (HARO), has recorded a public service announcement urging participation in the 2012 Cupid's Chase 5K Run sponsored by Community Options Inc., a Princeton, NJ based national nonprofit organization that develops innovative housing and employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Shankman recorded the announcement through the Professional Podcast studios of Lubetkin Global Communications, a Cherry Hill based Internet audio and video production company. Community Options operates in 37 cities across 10 states supporting thousands of people and their families with the help of more than 2,500 employees. The public service announcement is available through the download link below for use on radio stations around the country.

Cyrus Webb welcomes Robert Stack of Community Options to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss the organization's purpose and how others can assist throughout the year. Joining Stack will be two of this year's ambassadors, recording artists Jacki-O and Tray Chaney, to talk about why they wanted to get involved with Community Options.

Special 90-minute show with three CEOs explaining their approaches to praise. Invited guests include Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options; Mitch Pisik, President and CEO of Breckwell Products; and Bob Fishman, CEO of Resources for Human...Read more ›

Special 90-minute show with three CEOs explaining their approaches to praise. Invited guests include Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options; Mitch Pisik, President and CEO of Breckwell Products; and Bob Fishman, CEO of Resources for Human...Read more ›