The Expanding Worlds Podcast
The Expanding Worlds podcast Shares Stories and Shares Solutions to expand what people believe is possible. We talk to individuals and organisations who are driving change to enable people with Additional Needs to live the independent lives they aspire to.
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134 Technology- Changing The Future – Identifying the best technologies to provide the right support with Padhraic Dormer from Enable Ireland
09/13/2023
134 Technology- Changing The Future – Identifying the best technologies to provide the right support with Padhraic Dormer from Enable Ireland
What’s the difference between a service user and a service owner? Quite a lot according to Padhraic Dormer from Enable Ireland. Padhraic explains the difference, as well as talking about his role as a virtual service support worker. He also discusses reasons why virtual services have proven to be so valuable in combatting social isolation. Padhraic is an early adopter of smart home technology and shares how he uses this technology to support him to live his life, and why it’s the technology that connects us to other people that is the most valuable. Find out more at Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @expandingworlds
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133 Technology- Changing The Future – Harnessing technology to raise expectations for independent living with Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland
08/30/2023
133 Technology- Changing The Future – Harnessing technology to raise expectations for independent living with Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland
Using technology to support independent living seems an obvious choice. However, it isn’t as this week’s guest Siobhan Long from Enable Ireland explains. What we consider mainstream technology can also be assistive technology, and with this become more accessible and more affordable. Siobhan also discusses the importance of knowledge, not just how to use technology but what’s available to enable people to live independently. She also discusses why progress has been slow when it comes to funding of these technologies and why an Assistive Technology Passport could help with this. Find out more at Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @expandingworlds Visit the podcast website
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132 Technology -Changing The Future - Why It’s About Functionality and Fun with Lee Blemings from Sensory Guru Why Fun Needs Drive
08/16/2023
132 Technology -Changing The Future - Why It’s About Functionality and Fun with Lee Blemings from Sensory Guru Why Fun Needs Drive
Technology is often developed with the focus on what it does rather than how it will be used. This week’s guest Lee Blemings explains why that approach is wrong and why it also needs to be about enjoyment, about fun, and about connecting people in a meaningful way. He also talks about AI, the impact AI has already had on creating technology solutions, and the possibilities that AI will help open up in the future, particularly in terms of smart home technology. So while there is clearly some ethical issues to be addressed, the potential is there for technology to really change how people live their lives. Find out more about Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @expandingworlds Visit the podcast website
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131 Technology - Changing The Future – Digital Inclusion: Why It's About More Than Just Access With Jane Seale
08/02/2023
131 Technology - Changing The Future – Digital Inclusion: Why It's About More Than Just Access With Jane Seale
Even with technology all around us there are still barriers in place which lead to digital exclusion. In this episode with Jane Seale we explore some of the reasons for this and what needs to change. She discusses why attitude is so important in creating digital inclusion and why it’s not just about access to technology, it’s also about use, empowerment and participation. Technology is a great way to break down barriers but only when there is genuine digital inclusion does that become a possibility. Access all the SeeAbility Toolkits here Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @expandingworlds Visit the podcast website
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130 Technology - Changing The Future – Why Asking The Question Is Always The Best Option with Wendy Harkins Davis – PATF
07/19/2023
130 Technology - Changing The Future – Why Asking The Question Is Always The Best Option with Wendy Harkins Davis – PATF
With technology changing so quickly, we are often unsure of what is available and what is possible. In this episode Wendy Harkins Davis of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) explains why no question is ever wrong, and that because with so many options available most questions can be answered in the positive. Wendy and I discuss a variety of topics from what technology is available to the process of identifying, testing, and then funding that technology. Although geographically focused, PATF offers a myriad of information and resources that can help anyone looking for ideas on how to harness technology to support their young people to move towards living more independent lives. Access the resources from PATF at More about Smart Homes: Smart Homes Self Assessment: Smart Homes Made Simple Guide: Alexa’s Video: Funding Guide: Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @expandingworlds Visit the podcast website
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129 Technology - Changing The Future - Using Everyday Technology to Support Independence with Libby Wilkins - The Oaks Specialist College
07/05/2023
129 Technology - Changing The Future - Using Everyday Technology to Support Independence with Libby Wilkins - The Oaks Specialist College
Welcome to a new series on Technology – Changing the Future. From assistive technology to help aid communication to smart home devices that help make people safer, technology can change lives. In this first episode of the series, I’m talking to Libby Wilkins, Head of Accessibility and Digital Applications at The Oaks Specialist College. Libby outlines how they are using technology to support young people to build independence skills as well as support them into employment. Libby also talks about the importance of using technology that is readily available and the role that plays in building confidence and creating inclusion. The Oaks College was recently awarded Microsoft Showcase College status, no doubt in part as recognition of the pioneering role they are playing in utilizing technology to change expectations for young people with additional needs. Find out more about The Oaks Specialist College And how they use technology Follow us on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook @expandingworlds Visit the podcast website
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128 Planning The Journey - Using the VOCAL Method
06/07/2023
128 Planning The Journey - Using the VOCAL Method
Planning the future for our children with additional needs is not only challenging, it's crucial. In this final episode of the Planning the Journey series, I’m talking about how to navigate each of the four lines Daily Living Relationships, Purpose and Financial using the VOCAL method. VOCAL stands for Vision, Options, Create, Assess and Legacy. Using this model helps identify the end goaI, identify the options available, create a plan that gets you started, assess over time what might need changing and, finally, leave a legacy of confidence, ability and self-worth. Building a life plan isn't easy but this model makes it easier to create something that will work. Visit the podcast website More on Microboards For resources to support families to plan a better future for their child visit
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127 Planning The Journey - Financial Security - Why Enough Is Enough
05/24/2023
127 Planning The Journey - Financial Security - Why Enough Is Enough
Providing financial security for our children with additional needs when we are no longer around is one of our greatest challenges. In this episode I talk about why it is achievable once we decide how much is enough. I also discuss the levels of control to consider, the tools available and the factors to consider when thinking about who will support them after you. I also look at some strategies I’ve used to help my own daughter develop money skills so she can control her day-to-day financial life. By providing our children with a financial foundation we create for them the opportunity to live their own lives, find their purpose and develop reciprocal relationships. Visit the podcast website More on Microboards For resources to support families to plan a better future for their child visit
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126 Planning The Journey - Why Presumption of Purpose Matters
05/10/2023
126 Planning The Journey - Why Presumption of Purpose Matters
Having a purpose provides meaning and direction to our lives. In this episode I talk about ways to support our children to find purpose and the importance of a Presumption of Purpose. I also discuss the role of mindset in developing a presumption of purpose for both ourselves and our children. When we support our children to find purpose, paid or unpaid, we are helping them develop their sense of identity, which helps them live a more meaningful and satisfying life. Visit the podcast website Podcasts on Purpose For resources to support families to plan a better future for their child visit
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125 Planning The Journey - Managing Relationships - Using the AAA approach
04/19/2023
125 Planning The Journey - Managing Relationships - Using the AAA approach
Relationships matter. Without them our young people can become isolated. We all have our stories of challenging family relationships and friendships lost. But as our children get older, we need to focus on helping them independently manage the reality of social interactions. In this episode I talk about the difference between dynamic and static relationships and why it matters. I also discuss the AAA approach I’ve used to support my daughter: Ability, Access, Acceptance. These three factors can serve as a structure as you support your child to build their relationship skills. Useful Links Follow us on // @expandingworlds Visit the podcast website For resources to support families to plan a better future for their child visit
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124 Planning The Journey - Building Daily Living Skills
03/29/2023
124 Planning The Journey - Building Daily Living Skills
In this series I will be focusing on exploring in more depth the 4 core topics that the podcast has always focused around: daily living, relationships, purpose and financial. In this episode the focus is daily living skills. I will be sharing some techniques I used to successfully support my own daughter to build these skills. These techniques, which include scaffolding and habit stacking, can be invaluable in helping support young people to build those daily living skills they need as they journey towards greater independence. Follow us on // @expandingworlds Visit the podcast website For resources to support families to plan a better future for their child visit
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123 Housing Options Series - Why Choice and Community Matters
02/15/2023
123 Housing Options Series - Why Choice and Community Matters
Where will my daughter live when I’m no longer around? It’s a big question, and some of the ideas explored in the Housing Options series just might help answer that question. In this episode I discuss some of those ideas, and why we might need to rethink our assumptions around support. I also talk about why choice and community must sit at the center of any of the housing solutions offered to our children. Follow us on // Visit the podcast website For resources to support families to plan a better future for their child visit
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122 Housing Options Series - 200 Lives - Finding Out What People Actually Think
02/01/2023
122 Housing Options Series - 200 Lives - Finding Out What People Actually Think
It’s difficult to develop better housing options if we don’t know what people want and need. This week's guests Chris Hatton and Lauren Blood were involved with a research project which will in part help to address this issue. The 200 Lives project looked at the quality of supported living and residential care in England. Chris and Lauren discuss the research findings and some of the implications which are relevant to anyone, regardless of location, looking for the right housing solution for a young person with additional needs. Read the report: Follow us on // Visit the podcast website For resources to support families to plan a better future for their child visit
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121 Housing Options Series - Our Stomping Ground - Inclusive Communities
01/18/2023
121 Housing Options Series - Our Stomping Ground - Inclusive Communities
For too long housing solutions for young people with additional needs have failed to consider the importance of inclusion. This week's guests Paula Manion and Donna Budway, from Our Stomping Ground, are changing that by developing housing solutions that have inclusive communities at their heart. They discuss how the housing model has evolved, why Our Stomping Ground uses the housing first model, and the impact that has on young people’s lives. Find out more Follow us on // Visit the podcast website For resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child visit
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120 Housing Options Series - US Autism Homes - Building With Love and Science
12/14/2022
120 Housing Options Series - US Autism Homes - Building With Love and Science
Creating a housing model for young adults with additional needs that really works means doing things differently. This is something Lisa Liberatore from US Autism Homes understands. We discuss the three-pillar solution they developed and how that has helped create an inclusive community. Lisa also discusses the important role science can play in helping young people develop the skills to live more independent and, more importantly, happier lives. Find out more Follow us on // Visit the podcast website For resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child visit
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119 Housing Option Series - Everyone Needs A Community
11/30/2022
119 Housing Option Series - Everyone Needs A Community
Finding somewhere to live is about more than just about finding a place, it's about building a life. Community is an important part of that life and how to build communities is the topic of this episode with Kathy Meyer from Everyone Needs A Community. We talk not only about why community matters so much but also about understanding that communities need to be a reflection of where they are and how the people there live their lives. We also discuss microboards and their role in strengthening the community around our children. Find out more at e.n.a.c. on Facebook Microboard Links Follow us on // Visit the podcast website For resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child visit
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118 Housing Options Series - Building A Supported Living Network
11/09/2022
118 Housing Options Series - Building A Supported Living Network
Finding Supported Living that works means bringing together many things, from finding a property in the right location with the right access, to identifying a support provider and accessing the right level of support. This week's guest Lisa Brown is determined to build a network that brings together the different people and organizations involved, so everyone can work together to increase the chances of finding a suitable supported living home for anyone that needs it. Find out more at Lisa’s Facebook group Follow us on // Visit the podcast website For resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child visit
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117 Housing Options Series - Parent Partnerships to Build Communities
10/19/2022
117 Housing Options Series - Parent Partnerships to Build Communities
When we imagine where our children might live, when we’re no longer around, it isn’t just the place they will live, it’s the community around them and how they will live their daily lives that we also imagine. In this week’s episode I’m talking to Mike Sweeney about how he, and other parents, are working together to bring all these things from imagination into reality. Find out more Follow us on // Visit the podcast website For resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child visit
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116 Housing Options Series - The Story of Lonely Worm Farm
10/12/2022
116 Housing Options Series - The Story of Lonely Worm Farm
No matter how alone we sometimes feel there is always someone who understands our journey even if they are taking a different road than us. In this episode, as part of the series on Housing Options, my guest is Eliza Factor, author of Strange Beauty, who shares her story, the story of her son Felix and the story of Lonely Worm Farm. Lonely Worm Farm may have started as a place for Felix to live and thrive but it’s also about creating a community that cares about each other and about inspiring people to understand themselves and others better. Like any good story this will get you thinking about and imagining a better world. Visit to find out more about Eliza Follow us on // Visit the podcast website For resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child visit
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115 Housing Options Series - Zetetick Housing - Quality Housing for Supported Living
10/05/2022
115 Housing Options Series - Zetetick Housing - Quality Housing for Supported Living
Continuing with the series on Housing Options, this week the focus is on Supported Living with Jonathan Spencer the CEO of Zetetick Housing. We discuss what supported living involves and the challenges faced in finding the right homes as well as the importance of having a choice in where and who we live. The model of Zetetick is much more than simply finding someone a place to live; it's about supporting people to find somewhere they can be happy. Visit Follow us on // Visit the podcast website For resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child visit
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114 Housing Options Series - Main Street: Bring Your Own Independence
09/28/2022
114 Housing Options Series - Main Street: Bring Your Own Independence
Moving into our own space is part of becoming an adult and embracing the independence that brings. In this new series on Housing Options I’m exploring some of the housing models that are available for people with additional needs. The series starts off with Main Street, an innovative project literally built from the ground up. Jillian Copeland the founder of Main Street talks about why Main street exists and its core values of affordable, inclusive, accessible living. She discusses the impact it has had in transforming the lives of its residents and what the future will look like. The Main Street approach provides a model for how to build inclusive spaces, not just a place to live. Don't forget to subscribe so you can listen to the rest of the Housing Options Series and it would be great if you could leave a review wherever you listen. Visit Follow us on // Visit the podcast website For resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child visit
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113 Grace Eyre Profile Series - How The Sum Of The Parts Makes The Whole
07/06/2022
113 Grace Eyre Profile Series - How The Sum Of The Parts Makes The Whole
Solo episode this week where I talk about what I’ve learnt in the conversations I’ve had as part of the Grace Eyre Profile Series. This has been about acknowledging the past, celebrating the present and focusing on the future. Supporting our children towards a better future needs to be a joined up approach and this is why hearing from organizations like Grace Eyre who offer that more holistic support is a useful resource for all of us as we support our children on their journeys. Thanks for listening to this podcast. If you found it useful please with others you know who would find it useful. If you have a minute then if you could leave a review that would be amazing and I guarantee I read every single one. And don't forget to subscribe too. 🙏 Visit the podcast website Grace Eyre Follow us on // Visit our sponsor site for resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child.
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112 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Listening To The Voices That Matter Most
06/29/2022
112 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Listening To The Voices That Matter Most
Everyone should have the right to decide their own future but too often people with additional needs simply aren't given a voice. In this episode my two guests are Cleo Dibb, the Our Voices Manager and Jenny Good who was involved in the Rethink Disability campaign. Both are discussing the imperative of giving people the opportunity to share their lived experience, be listened to and be actively involved in all the decisions that impact on their lives. Visit the podcast website Grace Eyre Follow on // Please take a minute to review the show on 🙏 Visit our sponsor site for resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child.
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111 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Let’s Work Together
06/15/2022
111 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Let’s Work Together
Getting into paid employment is a major challenge for people with additional needs. Programs that support people to develop their employability skills and enable them to break down the barriers into work play an essential role. In this episode with Evie Halligan and Stuart Leaney we discuss the Work Buddy and Let’s Work Together projects run at Grace Eyre, how these operate, the challenges, the successes and why getting into paid work is so important in enabling people to live more independent lives. Visit the podcast website Grace Eyre Follow on // Please take a minute to review the show on 🙏 Visit our sponsor site for resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child.
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110 Grace Eyre Profile Series - The Travel Buddy Project - Getting Out And About
06/08/2022
110 Grace Eyre Profile Series - The Travel Buddy Project - Getting Out And About
One of the core skills for an independent life is independent travel. At Grace Eyre the Travel Buddy Project focuses on supporting people to develop the confidence, self awareness and knowledge they need to travel independently. In this episode with Gary Cunningham, the Travel Buddy Team Leader, we are discussing exactly how the scheme works and the impact it has on increasing the opportunities for people with additional needs. Gary also shares some strategies that parents can use to help develop their children’s independent travel skills. Visit the podcast website Grace Eyre Follow on // Please take a minute to review the show on 🙏 Visit our sponsor site for resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child.
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109 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Connections For Life
06/01/2022
109 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Connections For Life
Social interactions are an essential part of being human, providing us with connections and often a purpose. In this episode with Jenny Good from the Friendship Group and Colleen Maytham and Mario Antoon from Active Lives we explore the ways to make and keep these connections and the increasingly important role of technology in helping bring people together to explore common interests and support each other. Visit the podcast website Grace Eyre Follow on // Please take a minute to review the show on 🙏 Visit our sponsor site for resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child.
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108 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Shared Lives - Common Goals
05/25/2022
108 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Shared Lives - Common Goals
Sharing our lives is what we all do but often we don't realize the impact we can have on other people's lives. In this episode with David Matthews – Head of Service Shared Lives we are talking about what the Shared Lives scheme is all about and exactly how it works. We also discuss why it is such an effective way to support people to progress towards more independent living as well as why it offers a powerful way to fight social isolation and promote inclusion. Visit the podcast website Grace Eyre Follow on // Please take a minute to review the show on 🙏 Visit our sponsor site for resources to support parents of children with additional needs to build a better future for their child.
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107 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Choosing The Future
05/18/2022
107 Grace Eyre Profile Series - Choosing The Future
Having the right to choose how we live our lives is a fundamental human right and one that in the past many people with additional needs haven’t been given. In this episode with Paul Barker – Head of Service, Choices Brighton & Hove at Grace Eyre we discuss how to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to choose their own future. We also talk about the importance of expectations and how that is driving change. Visit the podcast website Grace Eyre Follow on // Please take a minute to review the show on 🙏 Visit our sponsor site for resources to support you to build a better future for your child
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106 Grace Eyre Profile Series - A Place To Call Home
05/11/2022
106 Grace Eyre Profile Series - A Place To Call Home
Moving into a place of our own is a major life event. For a person with additional needs it can often be the first significant step on their journey to greater independence. Just what that place might look like and how it all works is the focus of this episode with Chris Hill, Head of Housing & Estates at Grace Eyre. Chris explains the different housing options that are available. He also talks about how housing preferences and the level of support needed will inevitably change over time as well as the importance of finding people the right place to call home, not just a place to live. Visit the podcast website Grace Eyre Follow on // Please take a minute to review the show on 🙏 Visit our sponsor site for resources to support you to build a better future for your child
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105 Grace Eyre Profile - Creating A Roadmap To Navigate The Future
05/04/2022
105 Grace Eyre Profile - Creating A Roadmap To Navigate The Future
The future can be scary if you really don't know what your options are. Having a roadmap with ideas of where to start would help and what that involves is the topic of this episode with Tom Conroy, the new business manager at Grace Eyre. Tom talks about not only his role as the first point of contact and what that can mean from identifying employment opportunities to explaining housing options, but also the challenges of the role. These challenges often occur because people are unaware of their options. Tom explains what a transition roadmap should look like and how having one would make the future not only easier to navigate but might also open up more opportunities that haven't been previously considered. Grace Eyre Visit the podcast website Follow us on // Please take a minute to review the show on 🙏 Visit our sponsor site for resources to support you to build a better future for your child
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