Episode 3 of Focus on the Future is about quality of life. In this episode, host Allycia Wolff talks with Tori Hickenbotham-Westeren. Tori is The Arc Minnesota's Chief Planning & Program Officer. In their conversation, Allycia and Tori discuss what makes a good life, and how parents and caregivers can take steps to ensure their child is safe and happy.

Also in this episode, Allycia has a conversation with Dan Hood. Dan is the founder of HoodWave Disability Radio, a podcast by people with disabilities. Allycia and Dan talk about some of the barriers that people with disabilities face in living a good life. Dan also shares his advice on how to build confidence and create community and belonging.

Resources Mentioned in Episode 3

• HoodWave Disability Radio: www.hoodwave.org
• Al Etmanski, A Good Life: www.amazon.com/Good-Life-Al-Etmanski/dp/0968046223
• TED Talk: Robert Waldinger, What Makes a Good Life: Lessons from the longest study on happiness: www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness
• TED Talk: Stella Young, I'm Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much: www.ted.com/talks/stella_young_i_m_not_your_inspiration_thank_you_very_much
• TED Talk: Judith Heumann, Our Fight for Disability Rights and Why We're Not Done Yet:  www.ted.com/talks/judith_heumann_our_fight_for_disability_rights_and_why_we_re_not_done_yet
• TED Talk: Emilie Weight, 3 Things I Learned From My Intellectually Disabled Son:  www.ted.com/talks/emilie_weight_3_things_i_learned_from_my_intellectually_disabled_son
• TED Talk: Elise Roy, When We Design for Disability, We All Benefit: www.ted.com/talks/elise_roy_when_we_design_for_disability_we_all_benefit

About Focus on the Future
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 3 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.

Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.

Support the show