Write About It, Part 1: Intro to Journaling

Recording Date: February 5, 2024

Keywords: journaling, writing, keeping a journal, stress reduction, Our Parallel Paths, Gerry Arango, Geralyn Arango-Deeley, benefits of writing

Transcript: Download transcript HERE

Episode Summary: Over the next two episodes Gerry shares her writing journey – journaling. Journaling is a tool Gerry has long used as a means of personal expression, stress reduction, and problem solving. She feels journaling has provided her with a sense of clarity and perspective as she has travelled the Parallel paths of caregiving with her mother and friend, and continues to travel with her son Nic. Join us in this episode as Gerry introduces us to the gift of writing, and some tips on getting started. Gerry follows this up next episode with more tips on journaling as we navigate these Parallel Paths together.

Topical Index:

• Introduction [00:00]
• Holiday Stresses [02:04]
• Ruminating on our stressors [06:06]
• journaling - a long time habit [06:41]
• Caregiving for mom, Nic, and James [07:27]
• Writing as an outlet for emotions [09:07]
• From journal to memoir [10:26]
• Journaling is a story - your story [11:24]
• Benefits of journaling [13:16]
• Journaling is a safe space [16:52]
• More benefits of journaling [17:09]
• Closing [23:11]

Resources:

• Journaling for Emotional Wellness - Rochester Medical Center
• Your journal For Life - the Day One App

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Following Your Lead - an Interview with Teri Brewer

Part of the Our Parallel Paths podcast series with Gerry Arango, Ed.D.

Recording Date: December 5, 2023

Transcript: Download Transcript HERE

Keywords: SAU1, Self-Advocates United as One, Teri Brewer, William Brewer, Disability, independence, supporting independence, self-advocacy, advocacy, transition

Summary: In this episode, Gerry interviews parent Teri Brewer about her journey supporting her son William to live a meaningful life, and her involvement with SAU1 (Self Advocates United as One) with their work in promoting self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

Teri shares her journey of discovering William's abilities and advocating for his needs, and the importance of having a strong support system. The main focus for Teri and William's future is finding way to support William in pursuing his dream to live independently. Teri’s interview emphasizes the importance of following our family members’ lead and celebrating their achievements along the way. Notes go here

Topical Index:

• Introductions [00:00]
• SAU1 (Self Advocates United as One) [03:01]
• How We Got Here [03:40]
• Summer of Tears [04:31]
• One Day At a Time [06:41]
• School Years [06:16]
• First Act of Advocacy [09:27]
• Self-Direction [11:00]
• Mom and Dad take a Vacation [12:51]
• Gaining Confidence [14:07]
• Following Wiliam's Lead [15:30]
• Preparing for a Future Without Us [17:23]
• Early Years - Finding Our Way Alone [18:29]
• Transition [22:17]
• The Importance of a Support System [25:43]
• Never Getting Over the Wonder [27:36]
• SAU1 revisited [30:49]
• Preparing for the Future [34:11]
• Closing [38:53]

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_Siblings’ Perspectives: A Conversation with Emily Holl and Courtney Arango

Recording Date: October 4,2023

Transcript: _Download transcript HERE

Keywords: SibShops, Sib20, SibTeen, Sibling Support Project, Sibling Leadership Network, siblings, Emily Holl, Geralyn Arango-Deely, Courtney Arango, Our Parallel Paths, sandwich generation, peronal futures planning, PATH, end of life planning

Summary: In this episode Gerry talks with two siblings – Emily Holl from the Sibling Support Project, and her own daughter, Courtney Arango – about their experiences growing up with their siblings who have disabilities, and the importance of planning for the inevitable time when parents are no longer in the picture. This important episode explores the many facets of caring for a sibling, the resources available, and the importance of building a network of support around you during this time.

Topical Index:

• Introductions [00:00]
• Siblings’ roles [01:20]
• Our family situation [02:49]
• Introducing Emily Holl – author and advocate [03:43]
• Introducing Courtney [05:23]
• The “sandwich generation’ [05:53]
• Courtney shares childhood perspectives [06:42]
• Courtney’s current thoughts – anticipating change [10:35]
• Emily’s journey [14:01]
• o Change driven by Peter
• o Planning a move to New York
• o Polices and procedures for funding eligibility requirements.
• o Investing in both of our futures
• o Caregiver from afar
• Finding People who share your experiences.
• Sibling Support Project
• o SibNet, Sib20, SibTeen, etc.
• o Understanding and Validating our experiences
• o Who lives my story?
• Friends and acquaintances’ reactions [27:17]
• Facing difficult conversations [28:32]
• o Include everyone
• o Have the conversation
• o Minimize the impact on everyone
• o It’s okay to have your own dreams
• All the pieces of planning [31:19]
• o Live in the moment
• o Have the conversations
• o Use your resources
• o PLANS CHANGE… it’s okay!
• o Re-visit now and then
• o Build in fun and relationships
• o What is the nightmare – confront it head on
• o Celebrate successes / progress

Resources

• ARC Center for Future Planning
• Sibling Support Project
• SIBSHOPS – Sibling Support Project
• The Future is NowCurriculum – Letter of Intent
• Connecting with Other Sibs

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Individuation - What I Want & Why It Matters with Maleita Olson

Part of the Our Parallel Paths podcast series

Recording Date: August 15, 2023

Transcript: Download Transcript HERE

Keywords: Maleita Olson, Gerry Arango-Deely, Our Parallel Paths, Individuation, transition, care-giving, care takers, caretakers, caregiving, adulthood, hover-mother, dignity of risk, independence, interdependence

Summary: Gerry talks with social worker / parent Maleita Olson about the issues faced when "launching" our young adults with disabilities into adulthood. Some topics included are hovering, dignity of risk, comfidence building, and more. This episode also includes a discussion about individuation -- identifying what we want for ourselves in our transition as caregivers, and why it matters that we explore these things.

Topical Index:

• Introduction [00:00]
• Indivdiuation [02:28]
• A shift in parenting: hover-mother [04:11]
• Fear of Failure [05:33]
• Failure to Launch [07:37]
• Who's filling the void> [10:25]
• Tips:
• • We are not responsible if bad things happen [11:28]
• • Risk taking can be good and healthy [12:01]
• • Creating self-worth and confidence in kids [13:00]
• • Teaching resilience [15:47
• Sharing the spotlight / focus [24:02]
• Generational and Cultural shifts [25:36]
• Who are we - what's our identify [28:26]
• Dealing with guilt [22:13]
• What happens when I am gone [34:43]
• Celebrating the launch [42:54]
• Closing [47:14]

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An Update From Gerry...

Part of Our Parallel Paths: A Future For My Loved One With a Disability.... and For Me!

Recording Date: September 6, 2023

Transcript: Download transcript HERE

Keywords: Change, Individuation, remote supports, Our Parallel Paths, Gerry Arango, Geralyn Arango-Deely, navigating crises, dignity of risk, transition, disability, family, supports

Summary: Welcome back to Season 3 of Our Parallel Paths... In this episode Gerry shares a brief update of her, Nic, and their family's continuing journey towards their joint goals and dreams for the future. Gerry also supplies some hints for upcoming episodes. We hope you join us on Our Parallel Paths...

Topical Index:

• Introductions [00:00]
• Why an update? [01:32]
• Family changes [02:45]
• Individuation [04:23]
• Bumps In the Road - Supports and Health [05:37]
• A closer look at the future [10:29]
• Future episodes [12:00]
• Closing [12:25]

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More on Managing Supports - A Conversation with Bradley Beck Part Two

part of the Our Parallel Paths series

Recording Date: May 1, 2023

Transcript: Download transcript here

Keywords: Our Parallel Paths, Managing Supports, Disability, Geralyn Arango, Geralyn Arango-Deely, Gerry Arango, Gerry Arango-Deely, Hiring support staff, Bradley Beck, supports broker

Summary: Gerry continues her discussion of managing the supports for your loved one as roles change. This is part two of Gerry's conversation with Bradley Beck, a support broker, who shares his perspectives from the "outside looking in".

Topical Index

• Introduction [00:00]
• Continuing the Conversation [01:04]
• Feedback - Self-assessment. [02:31]
• Providing feedback! [04:45]
• Tying feedback to raises [06:35]
• Building a diverse team [11:02]
• Providing acknowledgement that matters [12:54]
• Training and resources [16:26]
• Team building - an ongoing process [19:49]
• Patience [23:44]
• Closing [25:08]

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More on Managing Supports - A Conversation with Bradley Beck

part of the Our Parallel Paths series

Recording Date: May 1, 2023

Transcript: Download transcript here

Keywords: Our Parallel Paths, Managing Supports, Disability, Geralyn Arango, Geralyn Arango-Deely, Gerry Arango, Gerry Arango-Deely, Hiring support staff, Bradley Beck, supports broker

Summary: Gerry continues her discussion of managing the supports for your loved one as roles change. She invites Bradley Beck, a support broker, to join in the conversation and share his perspectives from the "outside looking in". This conversation spans two episodes. Don't forget to listen to part two as well.

Topical Index

• Introduction [00:00]
• What is a supports broker [02:00]
• Releasing of roles. [03:33]
• Clear expectations! [04:34]
• Giving feedback [11:17]
• Trust and Empowerment [15:44]
• Building relationships [19:05]
• Closing / continuing the conversation [22:34]

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Gerry's Angels - 5 Tips for Managing Supports

part of the Our Parallel Paths series

Recording Date: April 4, 2023

Transcript: Download transcript here

Keywords: Our Parallel Paths, Managing Supports, Disability, Geralyn Arango, Geralyn Arango-Deely, Gerry Arango, Gerry Arango-Deely, letting go, promoting independence

Summary: Gerry discusses the transition of roles all caregivers go through as their loved ones become adults, and their supports are shifted to other caregivers. What are the challenges of managing supports for our adult loved ones while providing room for growth and independence?

Topical Index

• Introduction [00:00]
• Gerry's (aka "Charlie's") Angels [00:55]
• Who's the Boss? [03:32]
• You have to love checklists! [04:02]
• Gerry's Top Five checklist [05:25]
• Communicate [05:55]
• Delegate [09:45]
• Check In [12:30]
• Acknowledge their work [13:27]
• Understand [15:06]
• Closing [16:48]

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Letting Go is Hard to Do...

An update from Gerry and Nick

Recording Date: February 3, 2023

Transcript: Transcript available for download HERE

Keywords: Gerry Arango, Geralyn Arano Deely, dignity of risk, letting go, hover mother, Eric Gall, transition, parallel paths, independence, inter-dependence, adulthood, disability, EmpoweringAbility.org, Ultimate Guide to Independence

Summary: Gerry shares an update as Nick's 25th birthday approaches. Discussed are issues of independence vs. inter-dependence, dignity of risk, letting go, and more.

Topical Index:

• Introduction [00:00]
• Celebrating Milestones [01:01]
• Happy Birthday Prefrontal Cortex! [02:30]
• Hover Mother [03:14]
• Friends along our paths [04:47]
• Ultimate Guide to Independence [05:22]
• -- Believe the Impossible [06:11]
• -- Get Out of the Way [07:48]
• -- Get Comfortable with Broken Plates [08:49]
• -- Look Out for the Hero... or she-ro [09:57]
• Closing [13:40]

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S2, Ep 2 - Interview with Linda Carmona-Bell

Subtitle: Parent / Advocate / Educator

Recording Date: November 15, 2022

Summary: In this episode Gerry interviews Linda Carmona-Bell, a member of PEAC (Pennsylvania Education for All Coalition). Linda serves as president of PEAC, and has worked for over 30 years for the New jersey Department of Education. She has experience in bi-lingual education, educational technologies, and more. Linda shares the journey of her and her daughter, Sienna, as they navigate Sienna's journey through school, to the job search and more.

Keywords: Transition, Disability, Our Parallel Paths, Geralyn Arango=Deely, Linda Carmona-Bell, C2P2, PEAC, PATH, transition planning, personal futures planning

Topical Index:

• Opening [00:00]
• Introductions [01:18]
• Exhaustion, Worry, Pride [02:31]
• Two Visions [03:09]
• Confidence & Competence – Partners in Policy Making (C2P2) [04:04]
• What Do You Need? [06:13]
• the vision drives the planning [09:25]
• Let her be her [10:57]
• Transition planning at age 5 [12:13]
• Customized Employment – schedules and planning [14:29]
• what it looks like for me, the parent [17:24]
• taking care of myself [18:57]
• asking for help [20:46]
• what I wish I knew… [21:31]
• Language matters [22:44]
• We are a team – my voice matters as well [25:30]
• I did/can create change in the system [29:24]
• Good intentions [31:49]
• next steps [34:58]
• closing [38:51

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