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PODCAST

The Expanding Worlds Podcast

Expanding Worlds

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.

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

16:42

207 Embracing Our Uniqueness with Alison Thomas from...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/06/18

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 embracing uniqueness has become so fundamental in how she supports her son. Alison also talks about the importance of recognizing the individuality in everyone and why both children and adults need to embrace their uniqueness to help create a more inclusive

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10:50

206 Myths Versus Reality: A Guide for Employers with...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/06/11

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 about the myths around the concept of 'reasonable adjustments' in the workplace, and the reality that these adjustments are often simple and low cost. Debra also explains the role we can all play advocating for our children and fighting for employment

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12:16

205 What Does A Job Coach Actually Do? with Laura...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/06/04

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 vocational profiling, and why one of the key job coach roles is to work with employers to address any apprehensions they might have. https://www.thesandproject.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking

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16:38

204 Opening Doors & Educating Employers with Katie...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/05/28

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 encompasses connecting with organizations and working to break down common misconceptions to highlight the positive impact that hiring Sand Project trainees can have on workplace culture, breaking down fears and stereotypes. Katie explains why testimonies, from businesses

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15:04

203 Behind the Scenes of ArtiSAND: Empowering...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/05/21

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 explains the importance of balancing creativity with market needs and how that guides the shop's product and promotional strategies. She talks about the importance of trainees understanding all facets of the business and shares some success stories of trainees

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15:34

202 How to Run a Cafe: Building Independence with...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/05/14

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 also highlights the importance of a structured routine and adaptable tasks to ensure that every student can always participate and remain part of the team. Carol also talks about the positive impact this has on the students, both in the cafe and at home.

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22:58

201 Learning By Doing: Transforming Lives at The Sand...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/05/07

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 preparing them for employment and independent living using an experiential approach. She also explains the importance of tailored support including family support which recognizes the individual challenges people may face. https://www.thesandproject.co.uk/ Check

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12:13

Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Power of Sharing...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/04/30

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 journey since 2017, Debra talks about the need for letting go of limiting beliefs and building on existing solutions rather than starting from scratch. She discusses the incredible power of shared experiences in creating meaningful change. Debra advocates for a

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08:32

199 Why Do We Need Hope? with Debra Caldow

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/04/23

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 talks about the need to have a more active approach to hope, transforming it from passive wishfulness into a driving force for positive change. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking

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23:59

198 Building Inclusive Communities for the Future...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/04/16

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 through their community facilitator role and various community projects. Laura also touches upon the future directions for creating affordable and inclusive housing that responds to a constantly changing external environment. https://www.hopenorthcarolina.org/ Check

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26:38

197 Building A Community On The Pillars Of Support...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/04/09

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 a central issue in her life and how she’s become involved in various organizations to address the problems. Ginny talks about how she with two other parents founded Hope North Carolina, which has the central goal of helping address this critical issue of ‘what

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09:21

196 Creating a New Reality: The Role of Mindset in...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/04/02

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, embracing challenges, and surrounding ourselves with supportive influences. Debra also talks about how developing a positive mindset requires time and persistence and why it is so fundamental in helping our children unlock their potential to ensure they lead

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17:24

195 Believe In and Know Your Young Person Has...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/03/26

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 can adapt at home, and she argues we need more inclusive interview practices and better career discussions rather than focusing on just traditional academic achievements. https://whatsyourstrength.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course

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16:47

194 From Self-Awareness to Success with Katherine...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/03/19

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 cards which are used by both families and professionals. Katherine also talks about why project-based learning is more effective and why everyone has a role to play in preparing young people for their futures in work. https://whatsyourstrength.co.uk/ Check out

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08:33

193 Why Making Choices Is A Skill Worth Building with...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/03/12

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 young people's choices. Debra also talks about the importance of family support and practical strategies to foster decision-making skills, supporting the shift from making decisions for young people to empowering them to make their own choices. Check out our

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15:14

192 Sharing Ideas and Plans with Students from...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/03/05

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 find valuable as well as their individual plans they have for the future. https://brightonforward.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course - https://bit.ly/independentcooking

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13:08

191 How Providing More Choices Leads To Better...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/02/26

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 works by focusing both on personal development and work skills. Laura also discusses the need for policy changes and highlights the significance of using the 'language of work' to encourage young people to aspire for more. https://brightonforward.co.uk/ Check

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11:24

190 Social Isolation: Barriers and Solutions with...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/02/19

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 barriers such as geographic limitations and societal attitudes. She also talks about possible solutions, like the role of paid work and the importance of empowering young people to advocate for themselves so they become active in finding those social connections

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15:55

189 Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Social and...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/02/12

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 experiences. He also talks about how iSocial provides a framework that enables individuals to leverage their unique strengths within a workplace. Bob also discusses why integrating neurodiverse individuals into an organisation can be beneficial not only for the

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17:52

188 Creating Connections: The iSocial Approach with...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/02/05

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 research program using avatars to a Zoom-based, real-world community. Bob also talks about the importance of matching people with common interests to lead to lasting connections and mutual support. https://www.isocialskills.com/ Check out our Independent

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228 results

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