198 Building Inclusive Communities for the Future with Laura Wells from HOPE North Carolina
Release Date: 04/16/2025
198 Building Inclusive Communities for the Future with Laura Wells from HOPE North Carolina
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Laura Wells from Hope North Carolina about the innovative housing model they use that integrates people with and without disabilities. Laura discusses how Hope NC fosters a sense of belonging through their community facilitator role and various community projects. Laura also touches upon the future directions for creating affordable and inclusive housing that responds to a constantly changing external environment. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
197 Building A Community On The Pillars Of Support And Inclusion with Ginny Dropkin from HOPE North Carolina
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Ginny Dropkin from Hope North Carolina about the emotional and logistical challenges of ensuring a good life for our children, even after we're no longer around. Ginny explains why this has been a central issue in her life and how she’s become involved in various organizations to address the problems. Ginny talks about how she with two other parents founded Hope North Carolina, which has the central goal of helping address this critical issue of ‘what comes next?’ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
196 Creating a New Reality: The Role of Mindset in Success with Debra Caldow
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses the importance of developing a positive and growth-oriented mindset for us and our children. She explains the practical steps that can lead to developing a positive mindset, including self-talk, embracing challenges, and surrounding ourselves with supportive influences. Debra also talks about how developing a positive mindset requires time and persistence and why it is so fundamental in helping our children unlock their potential to ensure they lead successful and fulfilling lives. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
195 Believe In and Know Your Young Person Has Strengths, with Katherine Jennick from What’s Your Strength
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Katherine Jennick from What’s Your Strength about how a positive self-perception can have a genuine impact on young people with additional needs. Katherine offers practical strategies that you can adapt at home, and she argues we need more inclusive interview practices and better career discussions rather than focusing on just traditional academic achievements. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
194 From Self-Awareness to Success with Katherine Jennick from What’s Your Strength
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Katherine Jennick from What’s Your Strength about the project she has developed to help young people translate their life experiences into strengths. She discusses how this evolved into packs of cards which are used by both families and professionals. Katherine also talks about why project-based learning is more effective and why everyone has a role to play in preparing young people for their futures in work. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
193 Why Making Choices Is A Skill Worth Building with Debra Caldow
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
In this episode, host Debra Caldow explores the crucial role of choice in the lives of young people with additional needs. She discusses the barriers that exist, such as low expectations, inadequate funding, and social policies that limit young people's choices. Debra also talks about the importance of family support and practical strategies to foster decision-making skills, supporting the shift from making decisions for young people to empowering them to make their own choices. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course -
info_outline
192 Sharing Ideas and Plans with Students from Brighton Forward
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
In this episode, host Debra Caldow shares conversations she had with students from Brighton Forward. This is the chance to hear first-hand from the young people Brighton Forward works with about the support they receive, what skills they find valuable as well as their individual plans they have for the future. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course -
info_outline
191 How Providing More Choices Leads To Better Outcomes with Laura Vallone from Brighton Forward
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Laura Vallone from Brighton Forward about how this project provides a nurturing and secure environment for young people who may have struggled elsewhere. She explains how their 3-year program works by focusing both on personal development and work skills. Laura also discusses the need for policy changes and highlights the significance of using the 'language of work' to encourage young people to aspire for more. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course -
info_outline
190 Social Isolation: Barriers and Solutions with Debra Caldow
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses the social isolation challenges faced by young people with additional needs. Debra explores the barriers that exist, including lack of confidence and lack of social skills, alongside external barriers such as geographic limitations and societal attitudes. She also talks about possible solutions, like the role of paid work and the importance of empowering young people to advocate for themselves so they become active in finding those social connections that work for them and reduce their social isolation. Find out more about Check out our...
info_outline
189 Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Social and Professional Skills with Bob Etzel from iSocial
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
In this episode, host Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Bob Etzel from iSocial. Bob explains the different motivators for going on the program as well as the importance of having supportive peers and role models who reflect your experiences. He also talks about how iSocial provides a framework that enables individuals to leverage their unique strengths within a workplace. Bob also discusses why integrating neurodiverse individuals into an organisation can be beneficial not only for the bottom line but also provide a strategic advantage to the business. ...
info_outlineIn this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Laura Wells from Hope North Carolina about the innovative housing model they use that integrates people with and without disabilities. Laura discusses how Hope NC fosters a sense of belonging through their community facilitator role and various community projects. Laura also touches upon the future directions for creating affordable and inclusive housing that responds to a constantly changing external environment.
https://www.hopenorthcarolina.org/
Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course