186 Preparing for A Supported Internship – Four Tips with Debra Caldow
Release Date: 01/22/2025
208 Shifting The Focus From Difference To Uniqueness with Alison Thomas from Unique & Loved
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
207 Embracing Our Uniqueness with Alison Thomas from Unique & Loved
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
206 Myths Versus Reality: A Guide for Employers with Debra Caldow
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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...
info_outline
205 What Does A Job Coach Actually Do? with Laura Hutt from The Sand Project
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
204 Opening Doors & Educating Employers with Katie Shephard from The Sand Project
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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...
info_outline
203 Behind the Scenes of ArtiSAND: Empowering Creativity and Entrepreneurship with Nicki Rugman from The Sand Project
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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,...
info_outline
202 How to Run a Cafe: Building Independence with Every Order at the East Toast Cafe with Carol Noble from The Sand Project
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
201 Learning By Doing: Transforming Lives at The Sand Project with Marita Bianco
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Power of Sharing Stories and Solutions with Debra Caldow
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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...
info_outline
199 Why Do We Need Hope? with Debra Caldow
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses the concept of hope. She examines the four types of hope: realistic, utopian, chosen, and transcendent. She explores the role hope plays in motivating action and fostering resilience. Debra also talks about the need to have a more active approach to hope, transforming it from passive wishfulness into a driving force for positive change. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outlineIn this episode, host Debra Caldow shares four tips for getting your young person ready for going on a supported internship. Debra talks about the the importance of talking about work early, doing thorough research, building essential skills and attitudes at home, and seeking out work experiences.
Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course