Focus on the Future

Latest Episodes:

Episode 14: Rewriting the Narrative with Andrea Zuber, CEO Apr 10, 2020

In the final episode of season 1 of Focus on the Future, we are joined by Andrea Zuber, CEO of The Arc Minnesota. Andrea has devoted her career to protecting the human rights of people with disabilities. Over the years, she has fostered a vision for the future. Andrea knows that people with disabilities are powerful, capable, wise, and strong. We need our society's narrative to reflect these truths. Together at The Arc Minnesota, we are co-creating a bright future where people with disabilities have true belonging. In this episode, learn more from Andrea about this vision and how we can all be a part of it.
About Andrea Zuber
Andrea Zuber has been CEO of The Arc Minnesota since February, 2019. Prior, she was Director of Social Services for Dakota County. Her 22 years of experience in the disability field includes leadership roles at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Ramsey County, and Arc Great Rivers. She has been actively engaged in partnerships with organizations that support inclusion for people with disabilities including People First Minnesota and the Minnesota Disability Law Center Citizens Advisory Council. She served on the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration Citizens Advisory Council, the Minnesota Employment First Coalition, and was engaged in efforts related to the development and implementation of the Minnesota Olmstead Plan.
About Focus on the Future
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 14 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.

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Episode 13: A person-centered approach for today & tomorrow with Dr. Dan Baker, DHS Mar 31, 2020

In Episode 13, learn what it means to be "person-centered" and why it is so important. Dr. Dan Baker from the Minnesota Department of Human Services joins us. He shares how focusing on someone's strengths, interests, and dreams can change not only the trajectory for their future, but also the here & now.
About Dr. Dan Baker
Dr. Dan Baker is with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, where he serves as the Positive Supports Compliance Specialist with Quality Assurance and Disability Compliance Services. Dr. Baker also provides clinical supervision for the Successful Life Project. Dr. Baker is involved with the design, development, and monitoring of treatment and intervention programs to align with the Positive Supports and a person-centered culture. Dr. Baker's clinical focus is on positive behavior support, models of community and educational support, transition services, and mental health services for persons with disabilities.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode

LOMAH podcast, episode #49: lomah.org/podcast2/49
Arc Guide to Person-Centered Planning: arcminnesota.org/ways-we-can-help/planning-your-future/person-centered-planning
Cornell University Person-Centered Planning: personcenteredplanning.org

About Focus on the Future
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 13 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.

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Episode 12: Self-Advocacy & the Future with Barbara Mar 17, 2020

In episode 12 of Focus on the Future, we are joined by Barbara. Barbara lives in Minnesota and is passionate about martial arts. She is also a self-advocate. Self-advocacy is about using your voice to make your own decisions and be your own advocate. Hear from Barbara as she shares her journey to self-advocacy, why it empowers her, and what she hopes the future looks like for people with disabilities.
About Focus on the Future
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 12 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.

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Episode 11: Supporting & Empowering Siblings with Emily Holl Mar 03, 2020

In Episode 11 of Focus on the Future, learn about the role that siblings play in future planning. Emily Holl of the Sibling Support Project joins us to discuss how siblings can be empowered to be a part of planning for the future. Siblings know each other in ways that parents, teachers, doctors, therapists, and others do not. Their ideas and input are a powerful piece of making plans for the future alongside the sibling with a disability. In this episode, learn what support siblings crave when they think about stepping into a caregiver role over time.
About Emily Holl
Emily Holl is the Director of the Sibling Support Project. Emily is a social worker, writer, trainer, and sibling. Over the past 16 years, she has provided workshops, trainings, and groups for siblings, families, and individuals with disabilities. She has written about her own sibling experiences in blogs, magazines, and books, such as Thicker Than Water. Emily was an author and co-editor of the Sibling Survival Guide, Indispensable information for Adult Brothers and Sisters of People with Disabilities, published by Woodbine House in 2014. Emily earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts, a master of fine arts from Columbia University, and a master of social work from Hunter College at the City University of New York. Emily and her husband, Tom, reside in Greater Seattle and have two young sons. Emily's the primary family support for her brother, and she is grateful for the village of people who help. She can be reached at emilyholl@siblingsupport.org.
About Focus on the Future
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 11 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.

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Episode 10: Guardianship, Decision Making, & Other Options Feb 18, 2020

In episode 10 of Focus on the Future, we talk about decision making and guardianship. In Minnesota, there are many options, including supported decision making, full & limited guardianship, authorized representation, and more. Tune in to hear about what each option means, and how it could be a good fit for the person with a disability and you as a caregiver. Guardianship and its other options are an important piece in honoring choice and defining a life that is fulfilling and meaningful to each individual person.
Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Guardianship Options (‘webinar’ on Youtube): youtube.com/watch?v=vla29A4xkEk&t=486s
Arc Guide to Guardianship: arcminnesota.org/resource/arc-guide-to-guardianship
Supported Decision Making: supportmydecision.org
Texas’ Supported Decision Making Agreement: thearcoftexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Supported_Decision_Making_For_Families_UPDATED_Jan_2016.pdf

About Focus on the Future
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 10 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.

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Episode 9: Health Care Directives with Honoring Choices Minnesota Feb 04, 2020

Creating a health care directive is an important step in planning for the future. It's a gift that lets your family know what choices to make regarding your health care if you are unable to voice that choice for yourself. In this podcast episode, Focus on the Future host Allycia Wolff talks with Maggie O'Connor of Honoring Choices Minnesota. Together, they discuss what goes into a health care directive and why it is important to you and your family.
About Honoring Choices Minnesota
Honoring Choices Minnesota is a collaborative, state-wide Advance Care Planning initiative led by Twin Cities Medical Society. Honoring Choices Minnesota’s goal is to spur family conversations about future health care preferences and to assist health care organizations and community partners with the installation of a comprehensive advance care planning program. Learn more at www.honoringchoices.org.
About Focus on the Future
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 9 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.

Support the show

Episode 8: Building Friendships and Community with Angela Amado Jan 21, 2020

Episode 8 of Focus on the Future highlights the importance of building friendship within the community. Guest Angela Amado shares her knowledge on the importance of building lasting friendships and relationships with people with disabilities. Angela suggests that valuing what people with disabilities bring to the table is a great way to form lasting relationships with them. She also stresses the importance of creating friendships between people with disabilities and people without disabilities. In this episode Angela and Allycia have a conversation about how and why to form friendships in and out of the disability community.
About Angela Amado
Angela Amado has promoted person-centered approaches and social inclusion throughout her 40+ year career. She has worked both across the United States and around the world, teaching and training. Most recently, Amado was with the University of Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration (ICI).
About Focus on the Future
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 8 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.

Support the show

Episode 7: Safer Future Planning with Dr. Nancy Fitzsimons Jan 07, 2020

What role does safety play in future planning? Can we really plan for a safer future? In this episode of Focus on the Future, host Allycia Wolff interviews Dr. Nancy Fitzsimons. Dr. Fitzsimons is a professor of social work at Mankato State University. She is also a board member of The Arc Minnesota. In their conversation, Allycia Wolff and Dr. Fitzsimons discuss how we can empower our children and re-think what it means to be safe.
About Dr. Nancy Fitzsimons
Dr. Fitzsimons earned her MSW and PhD from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Jane Addams College of Social Work and her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Mankato State University. Her area of concentration has been in developmental disabilities, disability policy and services, and preparation of social workers for practice with people with disabilities. At Mankato State University, she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in social welfare history, services and policy; social work policy practice, task groups, macro social work practice; and social work practice with people with disabilities and their families. Dr. Fitzsimons serves on the board of The Arc Minnesota. In 2015, Governor Mark Dayton appointed her as a representative to the Minnesota State Council on Disability.
About Focus on the Future
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 7 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.

Support the show

Episode 6: Self-Care as Caregivers with the Thayer Family Dec 17, 2019

As a caregiver, you are often focused on the care of others. But what about caring for yourself? In this episode, join host Allycia Wolff as she talks with the Thayer family about self-care. Brian and Jen Thayer are parents to Roa and Gunner, one of whom has special needs. In this episode, they talk about making time for yourself, communication, and finding the things that make you whole.
Resources mentioned in this episode
Dad's Support Group meets the first Saturday of the month at 5pm at Carbonie's Pizza in White Bear Lake. Contact Brian Thayer at 651.604.2754 for more information.
About Focus on the Future
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 6 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.

Support the show

Episode 5: Reach Financial Goals with ABLE Dec 02, 2019

In 2014, President Obama signed into law the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, better known as ABLE. The ABLE Act allows for people with disabilities to save money without disrupting their benefits. On Episode 5 of Focus on the Future, host Allycia Wolff chats with Katie McDermott about ABLE Accounts. Katie is the Self-Advocate Associate at The Arc Minnesota. In their conversation, they talk about how ABLE can keep you financially secure and living the life that you choose.
About ABLE
The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act was signed into law in 2014 by President Obama after receiving broad support. ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save up to $15,000 per year, or $100,000 throughout a lifetime, without disrupting benefits. ABLE funds can be used in any way that promotes quality of life for people with disabilities. Learn more at savewithable.com.
Resources mentioned in this episode
The Arc Minnesota's webinar, "Understanding Trusts & ABLE Accounts" is available at https://youtu.be/gNjL55XwQfw.
About Focus on the Future
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 5 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.

Support the show

Episode 3: The Power of Choice in a Good Life Nov 05, 2019

Episode 3 of Focus on the Future is about quality of life. In this episode, host Allycia Wolff talks with Tori Hickenbotham-Westeren. Tori is The Arc Minnesota's Chief Planning & Program Officer. In their conversation, Allycia and Tori discuss what makes a good life, and how parents and caregivers can take steps to ensure their child is safe and happy.

Also in this episode, Allycia has a conversation with Dan Hood. Dan is the founder of HoodWave Disability Radio, a podcast by people with disabilities. Allycia and Dan talk about some of the barriers that people with disabilities face in living a good life. Dan also shares his advice on how to build confidence and create community and belonging.
Resources Mentioned in Episode 3

HoodWave Disability Radio: www.hoodwave.org
Al Etmanski, A Good Life: www.amazon.com/Good-Life-Al-Etmanski/dp/0968046223
TED Talk: Robert Waldinger, What Makes a Good Life: Lessons from the longest study on happiness: www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness
TED Talk: Stella Young, I'm Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much: www.ted.com/talks/stella_young_i_m_not_your_inspiration_thank_you_very_much
TED Talk: Judith Heumann, Our Fight for Disability Rights and Why We're Not Done Yet: www.ted.com/talks/judith_heumann_our_fight_for_disability_rights_and_why_we_re_not_done_yet
TED Talk: Emilie Weight, 3 Things I Learned From My Intellectually Disabled Son: www.ted.com/talks/emilie_weight_3_things_i_learned_from_my_intellectually_disabled_son
TED Talk: Elise Roy, When We Design for Disability, We All Benefit: www.ted.com/talks/elise_roy_when_we_design_for_disability_we_all_benefit

About Focus on the Future
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 3 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.

Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.

Support the show

Episode 2: Understanding Special Needs Legal Planning with Jason Schellack Oct 22, 2019

In Episode 2, host Allycia Wolff talks with attorney Jason Schellack. As Executive Director of the Autism Advocacy & Law Center, Jason shares his expertise on special needs estate planning. In this episode, Allycia and Jason dive into the various trusts and wills that financially and legally prepare you for the future.
About the Autism Advocacy & Law Center
Since 2009, the Autism Advocacy & Law Center has provided high-quality, cost-effective legal services to individuals with disabilities and their families. Serving the state of Minnesota, they help with guardianship, estate planning, trusts, family law, special education, criminal defense, medical assistance, and social security. Learn more at autismlawcenter.com.
Questions?
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 2 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.
About Focus on the Future
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future helps to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.

Support the show

Episode 1: Starting Future Planning with the Kadwell Family Oct 22, 2019

In Episode 1, host Allycia Wolff interviews the Kadwell family from New Brighton, MN. Worried about what it would mean when their son Micah became a legal adult, Nicole and Frank came to The Arc Minnesota during Micah’s senior year of high school. They developed a person-centered plan through our FutureLife Options program. In this episode, the Kadwell family talks about the planning process and the emotions and fears they overcame.

Questions?
You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode 1 inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.
About Focus on the Future
Focus on the Future is a podcast for caregivers and families supporting people with disabilities. In each episode, a conversation about the journey of discovering our best life and how to achieve it. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, Focus on the Future helps to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.

Support the show

Episode 0: One Small Step Towards Future Planning Sep 12, 2019

“My hope is that this podcast will give people the information that they need to take that step forward … Because future planning doesn’t have to be scary and paralyzing. It can be hopeful and can have forward progress.”
Episode Zero of Focus on the Future is an introductory episode. In this episode, our host Allycia Wolff introduces herself and The Arc Minnesota, and shares her hopes for the podcast. She also explains what future planning is and why it is important to you. At the end of the episode, you begin future planning with one small, easy step.

You can find more information about Focus on the Future at arcminnesota.org/podcast. If Episode Zero inspired a question for an Arc Advocate, call The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494.

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