Ep 247: Can You Lose Your IO Waiver? Understanding Waiver Usage and Risks
Release Date: 03/08/2025
The Incredible Story of Louis Braille: How One Teen Changed the World Forever
Friends For Life Podcast
Born in France in 1809, Louis Braille lost his sight at the age of three—but that didn’t stop him from leaving a lasting mark on the world. In this inspiring episode, we explore how a tragic childhood accident led to one of the most transformative inventions in history: the Braille writing system. As a student at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, Braille was introduced to a military code called “night writing.” Finding it overly complex, he began developing a simpler, more intuitive system of raised dots. By age 15, he had created the foundation of the tactile writing...
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Training Nurses for Better IDD Care with Michael Sigelman
Friends For Life Podcast
In this insightful episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by nurse educator Michael Sigelman, who brings a wealth of experience and passion to improving healthcare practices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Michael shares how his early experiences shaped his career and how he now plays a crucial role in training registered nurses and direct support professionals across his state. Together, they discuss the importance of structured nurse education, the value of trained medication employees (TMEs), and the essential role of accurate...
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How Megan Bomgaars Is Redefining Down Syndrome Advocacy | Don’t Limit Me Movement
Friends For Life Podcast
Megan Bomgaars is a trailblazing advocate, entrepreneur, and star of the Emmy-winning show Born This Way. Born with Down syndrome, Megan rose to national prominence through her viral video Don't Limit Me, where she passionately called for inclusion, opportunity, and respect for people with developmental disabilities. Her message has inspired millions: see potential, not limitations. In this video, we explore Megan's journey—from public speaking and fashion design to business ownership and national advocacy. Megan continues to challenge stereotypes and redefine what it means to live boldly...
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Ep 256: How to Increase Your Waiver Hours (for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
Friends For Life Podcast
In this episode, Tony Stuart, CEO of Friends for Life, shares practical, experience-based strategies for individuals with developmental disabilities looking to increase their waiver hours. With over 20 years in the field, Tony explains why using your current waiver is essential, how to properly document medical and functional changes, and how incident reports can influence approval for more support. He also discusses the importance of realistic hour requests, the value of waiver add-ons, and the role of agency providers in advocating for increased care. Whether you're a provider or someone...
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Zack Gottsagen’s Groundbreaking Journey: Breaking Barriers for Actors with Down Syndrome in Hollywood
Friends For Life Podcast
Zack Gottsagen is breaking barriers and reshaping Hollywood. In this inspiring video, we explore Zack’s groundbreaking journey as an actor with Down syndrome—from his unforgettable leading role in The Peanut Butter Falcon alongside Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson to making history as the first person with Down syndrome to present at the Academy Awards. Zack's story is more than a personal triumph—it's a cultural milestone. He’s a powerful example of what happens when talent, determination, and true inclusion come together. By pursuing his dream despite all odds, Zack has shown the...
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Nursing, Advocacy & Heart: Patty Haberkorn & Deanna Cox on 35+ Years in DD Care
Friends For Life Podcast
On this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with two remarkable nurses—Patty Haberkorn and Deanna Cox—at the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Nurses Conference. With a combined four decades of experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Patty and Deanna share powerful insights into nursing, advocacy, communication, and the often-overlooked emotional rewards of this career path. Patty, who began her journey as a nurse and now serves as Executive Director at Futures Unlimited, and Deanna, a dedicated nurse who found her...
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Ep 255: Are You Lacking Emotional Intelligence as a DSP?
Friends For Life Podcast
In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, Tony Stuart—CEO of Friends for Life and a veteran Direct Support Professional with over 20 years of experience—explores a critical but often overlooked skill in the field: emotional intelligence. Tony shares personal stories and practical insights on how DSPs can better connect with the individuals they support by being more self-aware, empathetic, and emotionally responsive. From learning to truly listen without reacting, to knowing when to be vulnerable, Tony offers a raw and honest look at what it means to support someone beyond just the...
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Ludwig van Beethoven: A Symphony of Resilience
Friends For Life Podcast
Ludwig van Beethoven's legacy goes far beyond his music—it's a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Though he began to lose his hearing in his late 20s, Beethoven refused to let disability define him. Instead, he found new ways to compose, using vibration, intuition, and innovation to craft some of the most iconic works in classical music history. In this inspiring video, we explore how Beethoven overcame his profound hearing loss to create masterpieces like the Ninth Symphony, whose Ode to Joy remains a global symbol of hope and unity. Beethoven’s life proves that...
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Tony Thomas on Building a Career in Disability Services
Friends For Life Podcast
In this inspiring episode of IDD Health Matters with Dr. Craig Escudé, we welcome Tony Thomas, Executive Director of Welcome House in Cleveland, Ohio. With over 24 years of leadership experience, Tony shares his remarkable journey into the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) — from a life-changing family discovery to a lifelong career dedicated to empowering individuals and advancing health equity. Tony discusses how frontline Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the heart of the disability services field, his innovative initiatives to improve healthcare access for...
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Ep 254: Avoiding Burnout in Direct Support: A Hard-Learned Lesson
Friends For Life Podcast
Are you feeling burnt out as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) or caregiver? You're not alone. In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, Tony Stuart — with over 20 years of experience in the field — opens up about the tough reality of burnout. From working endless hours, juggling personal responsibilities, and striving to serve others, Tony shares how even the most passionate advocates can hit their limits. He discusses his recent health wake-up call, the hidden factors that contribute to burnout, and why self-awareness is crucial for long-term success in the caregiving...
info_outlinen this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, CEO Tony Sttuart tackles an important and often overlooked question: Can you lose your IO waiver? While losing a waiver is uncommon, it can happen—most often due to underutilization of services. Tony breaks down the reasons behind this, the implications for individuals relying on these services, and what can be done to avoid losing access to crucial support.
The discussion delves into the state's perspective on waiver funding and the push for greater independence among individuals with disabilities. With the rise of remote support services, there’s an increasing focus on reducing one-on-one direct care in favor of technology-driven solutions. But what happens when someone becomes too independent and stops using their allocated hours? Tony explains the risks, including the long and difficult process of reapplying for a waiver if it is lost.
Additionally, Tony provides practical advice on selecting the right provider to meet individual needs, covering the key questions to ask during the agency selection process. Not all providers specialize in the same areas—some excel in medical care, others in community outings or behavioral support—so finding the right fit is essential.
Whether you’re a waiver recipient, a caregiver, a DSP, or simply someone looking to understand the ins and outs of waiver services, this episode offers valuable insights to help navigate the system and ensure ongoing access to support.
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