LOMAH Disability Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#17-Housing: Host Home/Foster Model for Adults with Special Needs Oct 03, 2017

Show notes

Integrated Life Choices is a premier example of successfully executing the host home model for adults with special needs. One of Shanda McClaren's many roles with the company is to pair adults utilizing this model with a host home. In this episode, Shanda shares with us who is best suited for this model, what guardians do and do not give up when utilizing this housing model, how long placement takes, and how to proceed should this be your housing model of choice.

#16-Housing: Group Homes (part 2) Sep 26, 2017

Show notes

Our interview with Dana Hooper, executive director of Life Services Alternatives, continues. In #16 we address pros and cons of group homes, the importance of choice, and how being treated with respect and dignity can literally be a matter of life or death. Dana gives tips on what to look for when choosing an organization for our loved one and how the process of being placed in a group home works. We conclude with a discussion on long wait lists and what we can do about it.

#15-Housing: Group Homes (part 1) Sep 19, 2017

Show notes

Group Homes, also referred to as Community Care Facilities, are residential homes within the community housing a number of unrelated individuals with disabilities and/or special needs.

LOMAH speaks with Dana Hooper, executive director of Life Services Alternative (LSA) in episode #15 & #16. LSA has 11 (soon to be 12) group homes in the Silicon Valley area of California and is considered to be one of the best examples in the country of the group home concept.

In this episode, Dana gives us a peek at the business skills necessary to run quality programs that have longevity and stability. Topics covered include the hiring process, rates, financial strategy, and how decisions are made for the organization.

#14-Housing: Campus Model (Part 2) Sep 12, 2017

Show notes

This is the sequel to episode #13 on the campus model of housing for adults with disabilities. Scott McAvoy of Marbridge shares insights on the complexity of emotions parents face when considering moving their adult children out of the family home, including financial barriers. Also discussed is a unique way Marbridge staff focus on abilities rather than disabilities.

#13 - Housing: Campus Model (Part 1) Sep 05, 2017

Show notes

We begin our housing series for adults with disabilities by focusing on the campus model. Marbridge is an exemplary example of the campus model and in the next two episodes, we speak with Scott McAvoy who is the VP of operations. In this episode, we learn how Scott found himself in that role and what it takes to create a community like Marbridge.

If you need a refresher on what the campus model is, listen to minutes 18:30 - 21:30 of episode #11.

#12 - Finding and Hiring Caregivers for Special Needs Individuals Jul 25, 2017

Show notes

Mike is the father of 25-year-old Ben. Through the years, Mike and his wife have applied their experiences with Ben and also their knowledge from the corporate world to create a system of finding, hiring, and keeping quality caregivers for individuals with special needs. Today, Mike shares the beginning stages of the process and a valuable resource to learn more.

#11 Housing Models for Adults with Special Needs / Disabilities Jul 18, 2017

Show notes

If you have a loved one with a disability, you may have begun pondering where s/he will live as an adult. It doesn't take long to realize there are a variety of options but not an abundance of them. Today we go over the models of care, share a must have resource, and suggest next steps to take in planning housing for your adult with special needs.

#10: Dignity in Disability & Special Needs Jul 11, 2017

Show notes

Today's guest, Nicole Feeney, wrote an article which spurred passionate debate. She feels caregivers of individuals with disabilities should put forth extra effort to ensure the dignity of those in our care regardless of the extra effort required. But is that true? Shouldn't society just be more accepting? Take a listen and assess which side of the debate you fall.

#09-The Joey Farm: Planning a Future for Our Special Needs Loved One Jul 02, 2017

Show notes

The Arroya Family has dreams of beginning a farm similar to many currently in existence for adults with special needs. In preparation, they put the family belongings in storage and began an epic road trip to visit 25 farms across the country. Amy Arroya shares with us what they are learning and a simple question serving as the compass for their adventure. Learn what the question is and consider asking it to plan a future for your special needs loved one.

#08-Vacation Hacks: Special Needs / Disability Travel Jun 27, 2017

Show notes

In the last episode, Vacation or Relocation?: Special Needs / Disability Travel, you heard three arguments in favor of travel. While the last episode focused on why go, this episode focuses on what to do upon arrival. Kim tosses out a few vacation hacks that have been helpful for her family. Hopefully, they will be beneficial to you, too!

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