Claim OwnershipThe Expanding Worlds Podcast
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The Expanding Worlds podcast Shares Stories and Shares Solutions to expand what people believe is possible. We talk to individuals and organisations who are driving change to enable people with Additional Needs to live the independent lives they aspire to.
220 Episodes
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In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Dave Friedman from AutonomyWorks. He shares the inspiration and journey behind AutonomyWorks, a company that provides meaningful employment opportunities for adults with autism. Drawing from personal experience Dave explains the challenges faced by individuals with autism in securing employment, particularly due to structural job design and traditional hiring processes. Dave explains how AutonomyWorks addresses these challenges by matching the specialized skills of individuals with autism to roles that align with their strengths. https://www.autonomy.works/
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks about the importance of promoting independence in our children with additional needs. She addresses the unintended consequences of doing too much for our children and the value of allowing them to try things on their own to build their resilience and confidence. Debra also speaks of her personal experiences and shares successful strategies, such as habit stacking and visual aids, that have helped her daughter become more resilient and confident.
In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Claire Wannell from Springboard about teaching essential daily live skills, such as cooking and personal hygiene. She discusses the methods that can be used to make learning these skills accessible and enjoyable. Claire also talks about the importance of empowering young people to become independent and provides practical tips for families on how to involve young people in daily home activities. https://www.springboardsupport.org/
In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Francesca Diana from Springboard who shares insights on the challenges of finding work experience. She explores potential solutions, such as increasing business support and involving families in building confidence and essential skills. Francesca also addresses the role of volunteering in helping bridge the gap between education and work. https://www.springboardsupport.org/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks about the importance of dynamic planning in areas like education, work, housing, and finances. She explains that while planning is important, it needs to change as life changes and sticking too strictly to one plan can hold people back. She discusses why dynamic planning helps people adjust when needed, giving clear direction while still leaving room for growth, change, and unexpected opportunities. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Ben Simmonds as he provides insights into how parents and educators can better support young people with additional needs. He discusses the importance of listening to and understanding individual perspectives. Ben also talks about the significance of parental belief and involvement in advocating for greater inclusion and supporting the development of independence skills. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, Debra Caldow’s guest is Ben Simmonds, who shares his experiences from being diagnosed with autism, being nonverbal until the age of five, moving through school and university, and then to employment. He discusses how autism impacts his life in multifaceted ways. Ben also touches on the medical and social models of disability and the importance of recognizing both the challenges and abilities associated with neurodiversity. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow addresses the critical question of what happens to our children, when we are no longer around. She outlines some of the challenges family members may face if they are expected or were to assume taking over the role of main support. She also discusses how and why less traditional support models like micro-boards can also offer a personalized and holistic support system. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Tom Roberts from the Brighton and Hove Care Co-operative discussing some of the reasons why the cooperative approach isn’t as popular as it should be. He also talks about the benefits of cooperative care including greater job satisfaction and a more engaged, person-centered approach. Tom also discusses the issues around having a diverse membership and balancing viability as an organization with maintaining the cooperative ethos. https://bhcarecoop.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Tom Roberts, Chair of the Brighton and Hove Care Co-operative, about how the cooperative model offers an alternative approach to providing care and support. He explains the concept of care cooperatives as organizations that are owned and run by both care providers and receivers. Tom also discusses how this model contrasts with traditional charities and for-profit care providers with an emphasis on transparency, participation, and reinvestment of profits. https://bhcarecoop.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, host Debra Caldow explores the impact we can have as role models for our children with additional needs. She talks about the importance of consistent behavior modeling and why it is so effective in teaching a variety of skills. Debra also shares some practical strategies like breaking down tasks, using visual aids, and video modeling to build on what we show them and to support their independent learning. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Alison Thomas from Unique & Loved talking about uniqueness. Alison discusses the pressure to conform and the societal tendency to highlight differences rather than uniqueness. She talks about some strategies for fostering self-acceptance and suggests practical steps for understanding and celebrating individuality. Alison also discusses how celebrating each of our unique attributes helps to promote inclusion and understanding. https://uniqueandloved.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking
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
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