When you first discover you'll be parenting a child with disabilities, the road ahead can seem daunting and lonely. Kris Burbank and Linda Hoopes join me to shed light on this path, offering wisdom from their book "Embracing Another Normal." Together, we unpack the resilience necessary for such a journey, sharing personal stories and strategies that resonate not just with parents, but anyone facing adversity.

The podcast unfolds the reality of raising children with unique needs, unwrapping the complexities like the layers of an onion. We discuss the importance of fostering connections and nurturing positivity, even when the isolation feels profound and the challenges insurmountable. Our conversation is filled with genuine experiences and practical advice, aiming to build a lifeline of resilience for families navigating these waters.

Finally, we tackle the notion of strategic decision-making and energy management, with Kris and Linda presenting their framework for resilience that can be applied across life's challenging terrains. Listeners will come away with a sense of empowered grace, learning that it's not about avoiding obstacles, but rather, reframing them into opportunities for growth. Join us for a heartfelt exchange that celebrates the strength found in vulnerability and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of life's unexpected turns on a special hiatus episode of Navigating Life as we Know it!

Use this link to order your own copy of Embracing Another Normal from Amazon: https://a.co/d/5lZFmbK

Thank you for listening to our podcast and for your continued support!

We're taking a break to recharge and plan some exciting new things for the show. We'll be back with a fresh season featuring more in-depth explorations of disability issues, along with new segments and interviews.

If you'd like to learn more about NLAWKI please visit our facebook page and if you'd like to support our program more directly, stop by our Ko-Fi and make a contribution! But the most important way you can help our program is by sharing NLAWKI with someone you know!

Ever wondered how one's mindset shapes their success? Join us as we explore this theme with the remarkable Dr. Temple Grandin, an autism advocate who turned her diagnosis into a testament of resilience. She shares her journey from a non-verbal childhood to becoming a professor at Colorado State University and a celebrated author. Listen in to this riveting conversation and learn about her fervent advocacy for people with disabilities, her views on the value of different thinking styles, and her firm belief in hands-on skills in both education and industry.

In today’s tech-driven world, practical skills are often overlooked. However, they carry immense value, not just in education, but also in industry. This episode highlights the importance of practical skills, the impact of mentorship, and the crucial role of social skills. We discuss the influence of Dr. Grandin's mother, and William Carlock, Temple's grade school science teacher her early educators, who, from an early age, challenged and inspired her. We also examine the impact of technology on practical skills, and Dr. Grandin's views on transitioning young adults with autism into independence.

Our thoughtful conversation goes on to embrace the importance of exposure to a variety of activities for young adults with autism. We delve into the pressing need for policymakers to understand the practical side of things, and we finish off with a profound discussion on social responsibilities. Hear Dr. Grandin's insights on social skills in autism, the significance of responsibility, and the changing dynamics of teaching manners in schools. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode with Dr. Grandin, it promises to provide you with a fresh perspective on success, resilience, and the power of the human mind.

Thank you for listening to our podcast and for your continued support!

We're taking a break to recharge and plan some exciting new things for the show. We'll be back with a fresh season featuring more in-depth explorations of disability issues, along with new segments and interviews.

If you'd like to learn more about NLAWKI please visit our facebook page and if you'd like to support our program more directly, stop by our Ko-Fi and make a contribution! But the most important way you can help our program is by sharing NLAWKI with someone you know!

Navigating the world with a disability can often feel like an uphill battle, especially when it comes to travel. We've experienced it firsthand as we journey with our son Lliam. Our struggles sparked a conversation and led us on a journey to understand more about accessibility. We found ourselves crossing paths with the passionate advocates behind AccessibleGo – a leading accessible travel website in the US that's revolutionizing the game for travelers with disabilities. Today, we're thrilled to bring you a deep dive into this fantastic platform and the people at its helm.

In our chat with AccessibleGo's Program Manager, Patch Epstein she gives us an inside look into how they're breaking down barriers in travel, confirming accessibility for each booking, and generating revenue while doing so. Patch shares the experiences of several clients and the transformative impact AccessibleGo has had on their travels. Plus, we pick her brain on ways we can make our own spaces more welcoming and accessible.

We round off our discussion by delving into the wide array of services AccessibleGo offers to improve travel accessibility, and Patch shares their vision for the future. From booking accommodations to providing a treasure trove of resources for travelers with disabilities - they're truly making a difference. Patch also talks about their inspiring Travel Inspiration blog, a brilliant resource for activity ideas. So, let's explore together and learn about the incredible work AccessibleGo is doing to pave the way for truly accessible travel for all.

Thank you for listening to our podcast and for your continued support!

We're taking a break to recharge and plan some exciting new things for the show. We'll be back with a fresh season featuring more in-depth explorations of disability issues, along with new segments and interviews.

If you'd like to learn more about NLAWKI please visit our facebook page and if you'd like to support our program more directly, stop by our Ko-Fi and make a contribution! But the most important way you can help our program is by sharing NLAWKI with someone you know!