202 How to Run a Cafe: Building Independence with Every Order at the East Toast Cafe with Carol Noble from The Sand Project
Release Date: 05/14/2025
213 Tales Of The Unexpected Paths with Ben Simmonds
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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
info_outline
212 The Question We All Want An Answer To with Debra Caldow
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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
info_outline
211 Transforming Care With Shared Values with Tom Roberts from the Brighton and Hove Care Co-operative
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
210 The Future of Care? A Cooperative Approach with Tom Roberts from the Brighton and Hove Care Co-operative
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course
info_outline
209 A Model Approach To Building Independence with Debra Caldow
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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
info_outline
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_outlineIn 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