The Transition and Access Program (TAP) at the University of Cincinnati is an example of a program offering opportunities for college students with disabilities as discussed in episode #25. Diane Clouse, director of TAP, answers our tough questions: Do the benefits of these programs outweigh the cost? When does Vocational Rehabilitation come into the picture? Will out of state students loose benefit eligibility from their home state? How can college be funded? Access the show notes with links to...
Jan 30, 2018•36 min•Ep. 27
3 programs for individuals w special needs exist on the campus of the University of Cincinnati collectively known as Advancement and Transition Services (ATS). The 3 programs serve a wide range of ages, from 14 to mid-adulthood, and also a wide range of abilities from minimal supports to high support needs. Christina Carnahan, director of ATS joins us to discuss: CEES - A program for high school students age 14-21 to develop vocational and social skills for increased independence IMPACT INNOVATI...
Jan 23, 2018•37 min
Think College is funded by the US Department of Education as a national coordinator for transition and post-secondary options for students with intellectual disabilities. Cate Weir is the program director of the organization and will discuss college as a transition option for individuals with special needs as well as who is and is not eligible, program curriculum, on campus supports, IEP goals to prepare for college, and where to find resources. Shownotes with links to resources mentioned in the...
Jan 16, 2018•35 min
High school and college education for teens and young adults with special needs and/or disabilities will be the focus of the next several episodes. Experts will be answering questions regarding options, supports, and what we should be doing to prepare for the transition from high school to college and/or employment. This introductory episode gives the backstory of why Kim is asking a lot of questions on the topic and 3 action plans for her daughter. Show notes can be found at www.lomah.org/podca...
Jan 09, 2018•22 min
Desiree Kameka from the Madison House Autism Foundation joins us again this week with inspiring stories of special needs housing communities that have formed and are forming as well as tools for YOU to use should you want to create something similar. Links to items mentioned in this episode are available on the show notes at www.lomah.org/podcast/22
Nov 14, 2017•31 min•Ep. 23
Desiree Kameka works for the Madison House Autism Foundation where she serves as the director of community engagement and also is the director of a branch of the foundation called the Autism Housing Network. She is the national coordinator for the advocacy group Coalition for Community Choice and she also serves as a host home provider. Desiree will be with us for episode #22 and #23. In this episode, she shares ways in which we can begin to educate ourselves on housing issues, offers tips for e...
Nov 07, 2017•36 min•Ep. 22
The Family Home is the most common housing model for adults with disabilities. Often this model "happens" rather than being chosen and planned. However, intentionally choosing the Family Home Model and putting forth the same amount of planning and work as any other model can make it a highly desirable option. Today we are speaking with John and Susan Nadworny, who have spent several active decades in the special needs world bringing about policy change and creating opportunities for teens and ad...
Oct 31, 2017•37 min•Ep. 21
This is part 2 of our conversation with Aaron Vorell, the executive director of an IAC called Casa de Amma. In this episode, we discuss the need for more housing, the IAC symposium, finding a core group to partner with in creating housing, talent necessary on a board of directors, public vs private funding, low income tax credits, and HCBS waivers.
Oct 24, 2017•36 min•Ep. 20
Independent Apartment Communities are a new(ish) housing model for adults with disabilities. IACs are similar to the traditional apartment model in the freedom of choice that comes with living and maintaining one's apartment with or without roommates. The difference, as the name indicates, is the community piece. IAC's are staffed to provide around the clock supports, meaningful social opportunities, and both scheduled and non scheduled social outings and activities. They are a smaller community...
Oct 17, 2017•40 min•Ep. 19
We are at the halfway point of our housing model series. Our guests have helped us understand the campus model (Episodes #13), the group home model (Episodes #15), and the host home model (Episode #17). This week we pause and reflect. Thus far, Kim has had 5 a-ha moments. Utilize a variety of models rather than just one Organizations providing housing need to have business savvy The state you live in makes a BIG difference Our adult children might do better with another caregiver Money matters...
Oct 10, 2017•29 min•Ep. 18
Integrated Life Choices is a premier example of successfully executing the host home model for adults with special needs. One of Shanda McClaren's many roles with the company is to pair adults utilizing this model with a host home. In this episode, Shanda shares with us who is best suited for this model, what guardians do and do not give up when utilizing this housing model, how long placement takes, and how to proceed should this be your housing model of choice.
Oct 03, 2017•37 min•Ep. 17
Our interview with Dana Hooper, executive director of Life Services Alternatives, continues. In #16 we address pros and cons of group homes, the importance of choice, and how being treated with respect and dignity can literally be a matter of life or death. Dana gives tips on what to look for when choosing an organization for our loved one and how the process of being placed in a group home works. We conclude with a discussion on long wait lists and what we can do about it.
Sep 26, 2017•38 min•Ep. 16
Group Homes, also referred to as Community Care Facilities, are residential homes within the community housing a number of unrelated individuals with disabilities and/or special needs. LOMAH speaks with Dana Hooper, executive director of Life Services Alternative (LSA) in episode #15 & #16. LSA has 11 (soon to be 12) group homes in the Silicon Valley area of California and is considered to be one of the best examples in the country of the group home concept. In this episode, Dana gives us a ...
Sep 19, 2017•32 min•Ep. 15
This is the sequel to episode #13 on the campus model of housing for adults with disabilities. Scott McAvoy of Marbridge shares insights on the complexity of emotions parents face when considering moving their adult children out of the family home, including financial barriers. Also discussed is a unique way Marbridge staff focus on abilities rather than disabilities.
Sep 12, 2017•37 min•Ep. 14
We begin our housing series for adults with disabilities by focusing on the campus model. Marbridge is an exemplary example of the campus model and in the next two episodes, we speak with Scott McAvoy who is the VP of operations. In this episode, we learn how Scott found himself in that role and what it takes to create a community like Marbridge. If you need a refresher on what the campus model is, listen to minutes 18:30 - 21:30 of episode #11.
Sep 05, 2017•36 min•Ep. 13
Mike is the father of 25-year-old Ben. Through the years, Mike and his wife have applied their experiences with Ben and also their knowledge from the corporate world to create a system of finding, hiring, and keeping quality caregivers for individuals with special needs. Today, Mike shares the beginning stages of the process and a valuable resource to learn more.
Jul 25, 2017•37 min
If you have a loved one with a disability, you may have begun pondering where s/he will live as an adult. It doesn’t take long to realize there are a variety of options but not an abundance of them. Today we go over the models of care, share a must have resource, and suggest next steps to take in planning housing for your adult with special needs.
Jul 18, 2017•36 min
Today's guest, Nicole Feeney, wrote an article which spurred passionate debate. She feels caregivers of individuals with disabilities should put forth extra effort to ensure the dignity of those in our care regardless of the extra effort required. But is that true? Shouldn't society just be more accepting? Take a listen and assess which side of the debate you fall.
Jul 11, 2017•38 min
The Arroya Family has dreams of beginning a farm similar to many currently in existence for adults with special needs. In preparation, they put the family belongings in storage and began an epic road trip to visit 25 farms across the country. Amy Arroya shares with us what they are learning and a simple question serving as the compass for their adventure. Learn what the question is and consider asking it to plan a future for your special needs loved one.
Jul 02, 2017•37 min
In the last episode, Vacation or Relocation?: Special Needs / Disability Travel , you heard three arguments in favor of travel. While the last episode focused on why go, this episode focuses on what to do upon arrival. Kim tosses out a few vacation hacks that have been helpful for her family. Hopefully, they will be beneficial to you, too!
Jun 27, 2017•25 min
Vacations can feel more like relocations because the demands we have at home exist regardless of location. Is it worth it to go through the planning and hassle, especially when traveling with someone who has special needs / disabilities?
Jun 20, 2017•26 min
Episode #6 dives into cultivating friendships for our special needs children, especially as they enter the preteen and teen years. You will walk away with 3 unique nuggets of wisdom & application from our guest, Stacey Martin, who seems to have cracked the friendship formula for her (soon to be) 17-year-old daughter.
Jun 13, 2017•39 min
Alex Krem, Sr. was the founder of Camping Unlimited. This year marks 60 years of providing camping opportunities for children, teens, and adults with special needs. It is now run by his granddaughter, Christina Krem, along with Katie Giampa Today, we are chatting with the middle generation, Alex Krem, Jr., about the unique objective of Camping Unlimited as well as his vision to carry things over into long-term living solutions for adults with special needs.
Jun 06, 2017•34 min
Special needs parents do a lot of caregiving and a lot of advocacy. But, do we do enough celebrating? How do we even know the answer and what happens when the scales are tipping too heavily to one side? This is where we are headed today BUT just when it seems we have things figured out...a guest will join us to put breaks on the whole thing forcing us to stop and rewind a bit.
May 30, 2017•39 min
Are we expecting too much? Are we expecting too little? Does the team agree on realistic goals? What about your spouse? Is there disagreement over the capabilities of your child? Episode #3 looks at behavior, education, independence, and receptive communication. When is the tendency to overestimate our special needs loved one and when is the tendency to underestimate? How do we know which voice to follow?
May 23, 2017•18 min
At least twice a year, Kim travels across the country via airplane with her special needs daughter. After dozens of flights ranging from nightmarish to dreamy, she has learned a few things. This episode tosses out 10 tips from the obvious (utilize TSA cares) to the unconventional (choose a seating pattern in an L shape rather than straight across). If you are about to board the plane with your special needs loved one, this episode should be part of your travel preparations....
May 18, 2017•30 min
Many terms circulate in the special needs circle. When Kim's daughter became a teenager, she started to hear grumblings about what was around the corner. The terms "aging out" and "falling off of the cliff" were used interchangeably. What do these terms mean? When does it happen? What are parents doing about it? What does it mean for our special needs loved ones?
May 18, 2017•20 min
