Afleveringen
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This week on the podcast my guest, Amy Chavez, and I have a fascinating conversation about our central nervous system and how it relates to difficult behaviour.
Amy explains that our nervous system seeks to do only two things. Connect or protect. That’s it. End of story. No other options.
Which begs the question, do we want people with disabilities to connect with us or feel they need to protect themselves from us.
Which then leads us to examine how we try to support people who are labelled as having difficult behaviours to stop behaving in distressing ways and how we respond when a situation arises.
This episode is a must listen if you have ever encountered someone whose behaviour is difficult to cope with or if you have ever reacted in a way that didn’t feel good. I’m definitely in that camp. Are you?
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Heather’s Values Of Inclusion are a pattern interrupt that challenge us to stretch and deepen our understanding of what inclusion really means and what it calls on each of us to believe and live out if we want inclusion to exist in our communities.
If you aren’t sure you buy into inclusion for all people then this episode will be thought provoking. If you are sure you do buy into inclusion for all people then this episode will help you reflect and maybe even identify where you need to stretch.
Get to the full shownotes here.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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This week on the podcast, Sarah Buffie helps me better understand difficult behaviour.
Our conversation covers trauma, what happens in our bodies when we are triggered by someone else’s behaviour and what we can do about it.
It is a fascinating conversation and one I hope to continue as I deepen my ability to be with people who are struggling and expressing themselves through behaviour that I find difficult to cope with.
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My new friend, Yeiter, wrote a book call Lessons In Listening and it challenges the popular behaviour modification approaches to supporting people with behaviours that are labelled as difficult.
In addition to his listening skills, ability to empathize and connect with others who are often villainized and ostracized, Yeiter is a lovely storyteller.
In this episode of the podcast, Yeiter tells the story of Michelle. Yeiter’s first job was to put Michelle in an isolation room - until he figured out that connecting with her worked better than forcing her into seclusion.
Yeiter goes on to tell other stories of connection and support that are troubling, heartwarming and deep lessons for all of us on the power of listening deeply.
You can read the full show notes here and download a free copy of Yeiter's book, Lessons In Listening, here courtesy of Yeiter and Inclusion Press.
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Christine Robinson, wife of late author William (Bill) Rush, joins me to talk about Bill’s book, Journey Out Of Silence.
Journey Out Of Silence is an autobiography chronicling Bill’s early life in therapy based segregated programming to his graduation from the University of Nebraska.
Bill, an articulate journalist with cerebral palsy who used a speech generating device, talks about his parents’ efforts and failures, his experience of segregated education, his pursuit of normal intimate relationships and the liberation he experienced when people treated the environment around him as the problem instead of his disability as the problem.
Christine helps bring Bill’s voice to life in this interview.
You won’t want to miss it.
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Have you ever had a moment when you just weren’t sure what to say or do in relation to someone who has a disability? Perhaps you were nervous that you would say or do the wrong thing and offend someone?
There are lots of good people out there - you are probably one of them - who want to address ableism in themselves but are frankly too nervous to put themselves out there are risk messing up.
This week on the podcast I interviewed Emily Ladau. Emily is the author of Demystifying Disability.
Emily says, “the goal of demystifying disability was not to be the definitive encyclopedia or Bible on disability. It wasn't to speak for every single disabled person. It wasn't to say that I am the authority and the expert on disability because I'm none of those things, right?
I'm only one person, but it was just my way of offering an overture, offering a way to bridge the gap for so many people who maybe don't know how to talk about disability, the language to use, maybe don't know about some of the history. Maybe they're not sure about media representation or etiquette. And I wanted to say, Hey, here's a safe place to start.”
Emily’s book might just be what you are looking for. If you don’t need a primer on disability, I’m sure you know someone who does.
Not sure? Listen to the episode here.
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Han Shan, that great and crazy, wonder-filled Chinese poet of a thousand years ago, said:
We're just like bugs in a bowl. All day going around never leaving their bowl.
I say, That's right! Every day climbing up
the steep sides, sliding back.
Over and over again. Around and around.
Up and back down.
Sit in the bottom of the bowl, head in your hands,
cry, moan, feel sorry for yourself.
Or. Look around. See your fellow bugs.
Walk around.
Say, Hey, how you doin'?
Say, Nice Bowl!
~ David Budbill
This week’s podcast is a conversation with Jack Pearpoint and Lynda Kahn. We talk about Inclusion Press, MAPS and PATH planning tools, storytelling and the importance of coming together.
I struggled to write this because I can’t do justice to the quality of Lynda and Jack’s contributions to this episode.
I just hope you listen and ask yourself what kind of bug in a bowl you choose to be today.
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DJ Nicholson runs Inclusiveology - a 12 week program helping schools plan for inclusion.
This week’s podcast episode we hear a little about what kind of planning is important to support the success of inclusion. And, we hear about how terribly far we are from inclusion in some areas. DJ works in Florida and I’m thanking my lucky stars I’m not parenting my son in that school system!
Let me know what it is like in your school system and what questions you think parents can ask that will help improve inclusion in our schools.
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“People coming together to celebrate what they have and what they can do - together.” ~Darryl Answer on what is asset based community development.
So often when we have a need, a service or institution is available with a “fix-it solution.” The solution is determined by the service and we can fit in - or not. Take it or leave it.
Asset-based Community Development (ABCD) is different. ABCD starts with the strengths and contributions of community members.
This week on the podcast Darryl Answer, Stephanie Answer, and April Doner talk about ABCD in their lives and the lives of people with disabilities.
“There is nobody that we don’t need.
The greatest need is to be needed.”
This episode includes vulnerability, strength, power and promise.
You don’t want to miss it.
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Susan Dunnigan is back on the podcast to talk about her book Warrior Angel - the story of her family’s journey with her son Matt.
The first time we chatted we talked about Matt’s educational experiences. This time we talk about the trials and tribulations of adulthood.
Susan describes the energy required by advocacy as waves. Sometimes you are carried forward and sometimes you are left with nothing.
Yet, the need to advocate doesn’t ebb and flow like a wave. Or at least, one’s energy levels don’t necessarily match the need.
In this episode, Susan talks about taking risks and not over protecting her son - even if it means he is at risk of run-ins with the police and being taken advantage of by criminals.
Join us for the reflections and the important reckoning we all need to do when it comes to the dignity of risk.
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Cussing alert in this episode.
Nobody lasts long in this world of supporting people with disabilities without finding themselves in a WTF? situation.
There are few or no options.
The only existing options are segregated.
The expectations are abysmally low.
Even good people are unsure how to move forward.
If I’m wrong, and you’ve never been frustrated with a reality like this then reply to this email and tell me.
But I’m guessing that you can relate in some capacity.
Because this is such a common reality, people like the guests on today’s podcast have developed learning institutes, learning journeys, and person centred planning approaches to explore blue space - new space where creative possibilities can be created.
This week on the podcast, Beth Mount, Hanns Meisner and Pamela Mansell discuss what it takes to create new spaces when what exists just won’t do. It takes bravery, finding your people and being willing to journey together.
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David Sharif is a young man in his twenties who has autism and a long list of enviable accomplishments. I am particularly envious of his extensive travel.
David’s journey has not always been easy but he has strong sports hero mentors and a clear vision of the good things in life plus friends and family who are there to support him.
This week on the podcast, David and I discuss his life experiences, aspirations and achievements.
One of David’s goals is to reach a large audience with his story. Check out the podcast so you can be part of his success story.
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Christine Robinson joins me on today's podcast to talk about the remarkable journey that she made with her late husband William Rush. William was a journalist, writer and disability rights advocate. Christine is a therapist.
In this podcast, Christine shares her thoughts about life with Bill including what it is like to be a witness to disability rights advocacy. She also speaks of the importance of their communities of support, giving them hope and encouragement as Bill did the hard work of making societal change.
Check out this week’s podcast here.
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This week on the podcast we hear from Steve Coulson from the Thistle Foundation in Scotland. For many years, Steve has been facilitating the Big Plan - a group person-centred planning process.
To be honest, I told Steve that “group” and “person centred planning” sounded like an oxymoron.
Yet, after speaking with Steve, I can see that it can be helpful to have the voices of others to inspire our own vision and hope.
Check out this week’s podcast here.
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Despite decades of progress, three key myths seem to persist that keep many people from getting involved in disability advocacy at the policy level. But Dave Deuel knows that just about anyone can be an advocate—he’s the parent of an adult with a disability and has a lifetime of successful political advocacy behind him. He joins Genia for this episode to break down these myths and discuss advocacy techniques like storytelling and teamwork, and offers advice on getting past those hard moments when advocating feels like it’s sucking more energy from you than you can take. Advocacy is a lifelong process and it may seem at times like we still have so far to go, but listen now to remind yourself just how far it is we’ve already come—and how much possibility there is for a brighter, more inclusive future.
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The education system’s sole purpose is to help students reach their maximum potential and strive to give them the knowledge they need to succeed. Although, they don’t always have the resources on hand needed to help with each student’s individual needs. In this situation, it can feel difficult for parents to speak up on behalf of their children. After all, not all parents are experts on education, and speaking up can feel like they’re being burdensome. However, it can’t be stressed enough that when faced with this, parents should do the exact opposite. It’s important that parents voice their concerns and ask that other alternatives be presented to help their children. Alpacino Beauchamp joins Genia Stephen to discuss the power of parental advocacy in the educational system.
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For students, the best part about going to school is feeling like a “part of the group”. Feeling like their thoughts, opinions, and contributions matter. Feeling like they matter. Inclusion is crucial in the classroom. There’s no denying the importance that it holds, and it’s equally important that students with disabilities don’t miss out on the incredible opportunities that it offers. Join Genia, Wendy, and Carrie as they discuss the benefits of inclusion, and how parents and educators can help promote inclusivity in the classroom!
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It’s easy for families and service system workers to adopt an “us vs. them” mentality when trying to work alongside each other, or to blame others when things go wrong. However, it takes more effort to look within to find the answers and be willing to make changes. “Turning the beam of inquiry inward” means asking yourselves as parents or service workers if there is anything that you can change about your behaviour to help find solutions. It means swallowing your pride, putting your differences aside, and opening your minds to focus on what really matters: helping the child. This week, New York State’s Systems Advocacy Award winner Chris Liuzzo joins Genia to discuss how turning the beam of inquiry inward can lead to a better working relationship between families and the service system.
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The importance of inclusion is a subject that was discussed on this podcast in the pas, as it offers so much to individuals with disabilities. Although making that transition from exclusion to inclusion in the community can be difficult. It can also be hard to find that courage to keep pushing, but it’s important to keep on trying. Keep moving forward and pushing back; when there’s apparently no room for inclusion, then try and make room. It can be hard to persist, and consistently push for that change, but once it happens it’s incredibly rewarding. Join Kim Southern-Paulsen and guest interviewer Katie Bachmeyer as they discuss how to help make the transition from exclusion to inclusion a reality.
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Friendships are one of the best things that life has to offer. Having people in your corner that will back you up when seeking out support, comfort you when there’s a no, and celebrate with you when there’s a yes can make life’s challenges easier to manage and overall make life better. Although it can be daunting to take that first step when forming friendships, it’s important to not fall into the trap of waiting for others to act. CEO of KFI Barbara Beaulieu joins Genia to discuss the importance of building friendships that last, and how to gather the courage to make that first connection.
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