The Expanding Worlds Podcast
Self-Improvement
About
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.
Episodes
- 231 Who Needs A Plan? We All Do!
In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses why planning is such an essential part of how we support our children. She addresses why planning is often delayed because of overwhelm. But starting small, moving slowly, and doing something ev…
- 230 The Purpose of Purpose with Debra Caldow
In this episode, host Debra Caldow explores the idea of purpose and engaging with purpose. She discusses why having a day-to-day purpose—something meaningful to engage with, not a single life mission—is especially valuable for people with…
- 229 Beyond Resolutions: Lasting Change Built On Consistent Small Steps with Debra Caldow
In this episode, host Debra Caldow reflects on the value of making New Year's resolutions. She discusses some of the reasons they fail, including the focus on making dramatic changes without considering daily life demands. She suggests tha…
- 228 Effective Financial Planning To Safeguard The Future with Rhiannon Gogh
In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Rhiannon Gogh, a specialist financial planner, discussing the challenges around deciding who will support your child when you are no longer around. She goes on to talk about the…
- 227 Planning with Love: Navigating Special Needs Financial Planning with Rhiannon Gogh
In this episode Debra Caldow talks to Rhiannon Gogh, a specialist financial planner, who talks about the importance of planning for the future of young people with additional needs. She discusses estate planning, including creating trust f…
- 226 Who Are We Without Them? A Parent's Reflection with Debra Caldow
In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses the balance between providing support and fostering independence. Drawing on her personal experience, she reflects on the challenges of co-dependency, the emotional journey of letting go, and th…
- 225 Brewing Opportunities: How Esteamed Coffee Transforms Lives with Julie Walker
In this episode Debra Caldow talks to Julie Walker, from Esteamed Coffee, who explains how they provide employment and social opportunities for young people with additional needs. She discusses why the cafe's physical location and communit…
- 224 Why Independence Isn't Linear with Debra Caldow
In this episode, host Debra Caldow explores the concept of independence and why it might be time to redefine how we see independence and include dignity as a core component. She talks about why focusing on small, achievable goals and adapt…
- 223 Encouraging Independence & Problem Solving with Gwyn McCormack from Positive Eye
In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Gwyn McCormack from Positive Eye talking about practical methods to foster independence. Gwyn discusses the importance of stepping back to avoid "learned helplessness". She also…
- 222 "The Woodiness of the Wooden Spoon": Learning Through Everyday Objects with Gwyn McCormack from Positive Eye
In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Gwyn McCormack from Positive Eye about her innovative approaches to teaching. She discusses why using everyday objects, like wooden spoons, enables a more holistic contextual learning experience. Gwyn…
- 221 The Business Case for Inclusive Hiring: Empowering Employees With Equal Expectations with Debra Caldow
In this episode, host Debra Caldow explains why hiring people with additional needs is not only a socially responsible choice but also a smart business decision. She discusses how inclusive hiring provides companies access to talented empl…
- 220 Transforming Futures: The Power Of Employment with Dave Friedman from AutonomyWorks
In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Dave Friedman, from AutonomyWorks. He discusses the changes required in business recruiting to better match people's talents with business needs. Dave addresses the impact of AI…
- 219 Unlocking Potential: The AutonomyWorks Story with Dave Friedman
In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Dave Friedman from AutonomyWorks. He shares the inspiration and journey behind AutonomyWorks, a company that provides meaningful employment opportunities for adults with autism. Drawing from personal…
- 218 Forging Resilience: The Art of Letting Go with Debra Caldow
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks about the importance of promoting independence in our children with additional needs. She addresses the unintended consequences of doing too much for our children and the value of allowing them to t…
- 217 Building Life Skills For Independence with Claire Wannell from Springboard
In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Claire Wannell from Springboard about teaching essential daily live skills, such as cooking and personal hygiene. She discusses the methods that can be used to make learning these skills accessible an…
- 216 Springboard Into Success: Building Work Ready Skills with Francesca Diana
In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Francesca Diana from Springboard who shares insights on the challenges of finding work experience. She explores potential solutions, such as increasing business support and involving families in build…
- 215 Creating Living Plans: Adapting For Tomorrow with Debra Caldow
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks about the importance of dynamic planning in areas like education, work, housing, and finances. She explains that while planning is important, it needs to change as life changes and sticking too stri…
- 214 Empowering Independence: Lessons From Experience with Ben Simmonds
In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Ben Simmonds as he provides insights into how parents and educators can better support young people with additional needs. He discusses the importance of listening to and unders…
- 213 Tales Of The Unexpected Paths with Ben Simmonds
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 autis…
- 212 The Question We All Want An Answer To with Debra Caldow
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 ove…
- 211 Transforming Care With Shared Values with Tom Roberts from the Brighton and Hove Care Co-operative
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 be…
- 210 The Future of Care? A Cooperative Approach with Tom Roberts from the Brighton and Hove Care Co-operative
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 cooperative…
- 209 A Model Approach To Building Independence with Debra Caldow
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 sk…
- 208 Shifting The Focus From Difference To Uniqueness with Alison Thomas from Unique & Loved
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. S…
- 207 Embracing Our Uniqueness with Alison Thomas from Unique & Loved
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 embr…
- 206 Myths Versus Reality: A Guide for Employers with Debra Caldow
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…
- 205 What Does A Job Coach Actually Do? with Laura Hutt from The Sand Project
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 vocation…
- 204 Opening Doors & Educating Employers with Katie Shephard from The Sand Project
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 encompass…
- 203 Behind the Scenes of ArtiSAND: Empowering Creativity and Entrepreneurship with Nicki Rugman from The Sand Project
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…
- 202 How to Run a Cafe: Building Independence with Every Order at the East Toast Cafe with Carol Noble from The Sand Project
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…
- 201 Learning By Doing: Transforming Lives at The Sand Project with Marita Bianco
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 pre…
- Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Power of Sharing Stories and Solutions with Debra Caldow
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…
- 199 Why Do We Need Hope? with Debra Caldow
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…
- 198 Building Inclusive Communities for the Future with Laura Wells from HOPE North Carolina
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 thr…
- 197 Building A Community On The Pillars Of Support And Inclusion with Ginny Dropkin from HOPE North Carolina
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…
- 196 Creating a New Reality: The Role of Mindset in Success with Debra Caldow
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,…
- 195 Believe In and Know Your Young Person Has Strengths, with Katherine Jennick from What's Your Strength
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 ca…
- 194 From Self-Awareness to Success with Katherine Jennick from What's Your Strength
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…
- 193 Why Making Choices Is A Skill Worth Building with Debra Caldow
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…
- 192 Sharing Ideas and Plans with Students from Brighton Forward
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 f…
- 191 How Providing More Choices Leads To Better Outcomes with Laura Vallone from Brighton Forward
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 wor…
- 190 Social Isolation: Barriers and Solutions with Debra Caldow
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 ba…
- 189 Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Social and Professional Skills with Bob Etzel from iSocial
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…
- 188 Creating Connections: The iSocial Approach with Bob Etzel
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Bob Etzel about how the iSocial program works, using a structured approach and the role of moderators in fostering confidence and social skills. He details the transformation of iSocial from a re…
- 187 Why Supporting Someone on a Supported Internship Means Trusting the Process and Stepping Back with Debra Caldow
In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses her experience of supporting her daughter while she was on a supported internship. Debra explains the importance of trusting the internship process and why focusing on creating a supportive home…
- 186 Preparing for A Supported Internship – Four Tips with Debra Caldow
In 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 skil…
- 185 Creating Inclusive Workplaces and Engaging Employers with Ellie Hedley-Dent from Team Domenica
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Ellie Hedley-Dent about the approach Team Domenica takes in engaging with employers to hire young people with additional needs. She discusses the importance of understanding employer preconceptio…
- 184 Unlocking Potential: Team Domenica's Path to Employment with Ellie Hedley-Dent
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Ellie Hedley Dent, the Employer Partnership Manager at Team Domenica, about their employment program. Ellie explains their initial focus is on building foundational skills and providing work expe…
- 183 Why Both Attitude And Ability Determine What Happens Next with Debra Caldow
In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks about the importance of helping our young people to develop the abilities and the skills they need in life. She emphasizes they must also develop those attitudes that make their success in whatever…
- 182 Reflecting On The Transition Out Of School: Planning & Research with Debra Caldow
In this episode, host Debra Caldow reflects on the challenges faced when supporting young people with additional needs to transition from school to the next stages of life. She discusses two key lessons she learned during the process: the…