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A podcast Series about: Celebrating  Ability, Embracing Diversity, and Living Inclusively

Navigating Life as we Know It 

Navigating Life as we Know It seeks to build an educational and entertaining way to help people with disabilities and their families experience the most self-determined life possible and how to manage the challenges of an ablest world.

NLAWKI PODCAST

Our goal is to create an informative and entertaining program that connects people across the nation and the world to help overcome the obstacles between them and a truly self determined life. 

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NLAWKI

Navigating Live as we Know It seeks to build an educational and entertaining way to help the people around those with Special Needs better find the way to live their best, most self-determined life possible, and how to manage the challenges of the systems

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The first look at Navigating Life as we Know It. This is a "special" episode where Steve and Kerry talk a little about what can be expected in upcoming episodes. Support the showThank you for

Specials 1. An Introduction to Navigating Life as we Know It

Elizabeth "Liz" Bauer has been fighting for disability rights on the ground from the very beginning. Liz is a legal advocate for disability rights nationally and internationally starting the 1980s.

1. Feisty and Non Compliant Pt 1

Part 2 of our interview with Liz Bauer.This is our interview with a pioneer in disability rights, self-determination and inclusion. Liz Bauer, a woman of uncommon determination and courage,

2. Feisty and Non Compliant Pt 2 - An Advocate for Change

One of our first interviews back in October 2019, Steve's interview with the Center for Independent Futures (CIF) Executive Director Ann Sickon and New Futures Initiative Consultant Jacqueline Eddy

3. CIF - Creating Living Options in your Community

Part two of our interview with Jackie Eddy and Ann Sickon of the Center for Independent Futures is about The Full Life Model®.&nbsp; The tasks of everyday living often leave us exhausted but

4. CIF - The Full Life Model

Steve talks to the Executive Director of the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council Vendella Collins about the Council, what it does, and what that means to you, and for our non-Michigan

5. Michigan's Best Kept Secret - The DD Council

Nearly every special needs parent or caregiver has heard at some point the acronym HCBS or mention of the venerable Olmstead Act, and Michigan DD Council Legislative Liaison Brett Williams is

6. Legislation and You - HCBS And the Olmstead Act

Early in our Podcast journey we had the pleasure of touring the Friendship Circle location in West Bloomfield Michigan, seeing the work done at the Soul Studio, and enjoying a nice lunch at the Soul

7. The Friendship Circle - Seeking the "Secret" to an Inclusive Community

Earlier this year we met with Brett Williams and went over several bills currently moving through various legislative circles that will have an impact on several aspects of life for individuals with

8. Legislation You Should Know About

When discussing Ableism, Media, and how they interact, there are few people as qualified Dr. Beth Haller, so of course we went and got ahold of her and from that comes an episode in a slightly

9. Ableism, The Media, & You with Prof. Beth Haller!

Take a few steps towards understanding Grassroots activism with local organizer, lawyer, and candidate for state legislature Lily Chen Schulting.Support the showThank you for listening to our podcast

10. Grassroots Activism

Part one of a special miniseries that will be aired on key dates, Navigating Life with Lliam is a walk through of the experiences and circumstances that have defined our own journey and eventually

Specials 2. Navigating Life with Lliam

Steve's visit with Attorney Dan Baluw, discussing the various legal aspects of Housing for people with disabilities!Support the showThank you for listening to our podcast and for your continued

11. Creative Housing Options

We take a dive into Michigan Rehabilitation&nbsp; Services programs and offerings with&nbsp; Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Cassaundra Wolf.Support the showThank you for listening to our podcast

12. Workforce Solutions for Individuals with Disabilities

***WARNING***The topics in this episode might not be suitable for everyone. This episode covers the period of time during which one of the twins passes. This is an intense and very raw subject that

Specials 3. Navigating Life with Lliam Part 2

Today NLAWKI Welcomes Micaela Connery, CEO and founder of The Kelsey.&nbsp; Micaela will share their work in advancing disability-forward housing solutions through development, advocacy, and

13. At Home with The Kelsey

Join us for a discussion about ABLE accounts with Sarah Kirkpatrick.If you're dependent on SSI, at this time you are limited to less than $2,000 in significant assets and savings, but we all know

14. What are ABLE accounts and how can they help you?

Visiting with our friends at BRAINS we dived into the first part of their program by trying to understand the Diagnostic Criteria and Mind-Body Connection related to Autism. Check out OUR WEBSITE and

15. Exploring Autism Pt I - Diagnosis and the Mind-Body Connection

Therapeutic Riding can be incredibly helpful for many individuals, but we've always wanted to know more about why horseback riding can be so helpful. Thankfully we have a riding center here in West

16. Getting to know Therapeutic Riding a little better

Join our discussion with Together For Choice national director Amy Kim and board chair Scott Mendel as we delve into the complex choices around housing and the principles of choice for the disability

17. Together for Choice

Today we're back with our friends at BRAINS to discuss autism between ages 0 and 10 as part of their workshop program.This is the 20th Episode of NLAWKI and the 2nd out of 4 episodes with BRAINS. If

18. Exploring Autism Pt II - What's Going On Between Ages 0 and 10?

Today, Navigating Life As We Know It explores how Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) advocates and DRM lawyers advise individuals with disabilities of their rights and responsibilities while they

19. Let's Talk about Advocacy - Legal Protection and Advocacy with Disability Rights Michigan

Most government benefit programs are infused with a level of complexity that is inappropriate for the faint of heart.&nbsp; Social Security is no exception.,&nbsp; This episode is part 1 of a 2 part

20. Understanding SSA Pt 1 -SSI and SSDI

Few people enjoy walking on a tightrope, but that is what working while depending on SSI for benefits feels, lose your balance and everything falls to the floor.We continue our episode with Hillary

21. Understanding SSA Pt 2 - Work Incentives

&nbsp;Today's episode provides some tips on how to effectively reduce stress and improve communications within families living with ASD and other developmental disabilities. This podcast is based

22. Exploring Autism Pt III - Resources for Families and Overcoming Barriers

Tax Season is here and at the request of a listener we've reached out to the ARC of Oakland County's Executive Director Tom Kendziorski Esq. to go over their incredibly helpful tax guide! Find the

23. Disability And Me - Let's Talk Taxes with the ARC of Michigan!

Join us as we discuss "Charting the Life Course" with Resource Analyst Tracy Vincent in our 2 part series about this wonderful framework that can be applied in everyone's life!We've posted the slides

24. Let's Chart a Life Course Pt 1

We return with our 2nd episode about Charting the life course, a more intensive way to plan for the future that is applicable to ANYONE!Please follow along on OUR BLOG and let us know if you have

25. Let's Chart a Life Course Pt 2

Part 4 of our Exploring Autism Series digs into what happens after 10 years old?&nbsp; As usual our friends at Brains give us plenty of amazing information, and there is a followup powerpoint&nbsp;<a href="http://envisionmediaservices.com/exploring-autism-pt-iv/" rel="nofollow">ON OUR BLOG</a>&nbsp;so stop on by and follow along! This is our last interview with Brains for Season 1, but if there is something you'd like us to investigate, send us an email at Contact@nlawki.com
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/NLAWKI" rel="nofollow">Support the show</a> (https://www.patreon.com/NLAWKI)

Part 4 of our Exploring Autism Series digs into what happens after 10 years old?&nbsp;As usual our friends at Brains give us plenty of amazing information, and there is a followup powerpoint&nbsp;ON

Exploring Autism Pt IV - What's going on age 11 and up?

Part 4 of our Exploring Autism Series digs into what happens after 10 years old? As usual our friends at Brains give us plenty of amazing information, and there is a followup powerpoint ON OUR BLOG

26. Exploring Autism Pt IV - What's going on age 11 and up?

Legal planning is intimidating, but nobody wants to leave others on shaky ground. The key is a Well Laid Foundation, and friend of the show Dan Blauw is here to help us understand some of the

27. You Know You're thinking about it: Legal Planning & Disability

Everyone wants to live a beautiful life, but in every life we are faced with challenges.&nbsp; Many of those challenges involve processing grief over the loss of a loved one, the loss of a

28. Let's Talk About Changing your Dreams...

Our culture places great emphasis on rugged individualism.&nbsp; Our heroes and role models are risk takers who face overwhelming odds and obstacles but, in the end, through grit and determination

29. Let's talk about Disability, Housing, and the Awesome Power of Coalitions

Everyone benefits when all are included!Many of us have experienced challenges obtaining employment. If you have a developmental or intellectual disability those challenges take on a whole new

30. How to Bridge The Gap Between Disability and Employment

Community (Cambridge Dictionary)“all the people who live in a particular area, or a group of people who are considered as a unit because of their shared interests or background.”Vision (Cambridge

31. Finding a Vision for Community's Future

We all seek advice from time to time. Especially when confronted with a challenge that is unique to us. Sometimes that trusted advisor is a friend who has expertise in solving the problem we face, or

32. Nothing About Me Without Me; Understanding the Dignity of Risk Pt 1 

Imagine growing older...but never growing up.&nbsp; Never being allowed to make decisions or choices that influence your future, or bring you happiness.&nbsp; Never being able to "grab the brass

33. Nothing About Me Without Me 2; Finding Strength in Circles

We're back and we've got a new trick! NLAWKI Returns a couple weeks ahead of our OFFICIAL SEASON 2 START DATE with a special release about a new way to learn conversation skills - CHAT CHAINS! Check

Special 4. The Art of Conversation via Chat Chains

Today’s episode is an interview with Annette Downey, the Executive Director of Community Living Services, an organization that provides Independent Support Coordinators, (abbreviated as ISCs) for

34. A Party with a Purpose - Coordinating Goals and Support for a Self Determined Life

"You can't age out of being in a family" according to Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive Director of the Friendship Circle in Bloomfield Michigan. Over the past 27 years as children within the Friendship

35. A Proven Recipe for Inclusive Employment

Most of us at one time or another have driven down a dark road and found ahead of us a deer transfixed, staring into our headlights? Have you ever felt like you have something in common with the

36. Charting The Labyrinth of Planning and Services

The Space Shuttle, with over 2.5 million parts, 230 miles of wire and 1,060 plumbing valves was once described as the most complex "machine" ever made by man. For successful results it's mission

37. The Risks of "Integrated Care"

Bridges create opportunities for connection. They empower travel to visit people and places that might otherwise be inaccessible. And they often unite people together to pursue common goals. Some are

38.  A Short Bridge to Inclusion

It's hard to let go of things...and I have a garage filled with items I should have let go of years ago. But I keep thinking, maybe I'll find a use for this "thing." But I hardly if ever do. It is

39. Letting Go and Letting Grow

Remember Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz? She had an impossible task. First retrieve the broom stick of the Wicked Witch and deliver it to the Wizard of Oz who would grant her wish to return to her home

40. Finding The Emerald City

Everyone has heard the phrase "forgive and forget." &nbsp; That isn't always possible, or even advisable.&nbsp; It is important to remember. To recall emotional pain that has played a destructive

41. Forgiveness: The Pathway from Emotional Pain to Growth

"There's no place like home!" In the Wizard of Oz Dorothy said these words and clicked the heels of her ruby slippers three times. Instantly she was transported back to her farm home in Kansas. This

42. The Right Place To Land - Finding the Best Nest

I'm probably showing my age...but some of you might remember the routine of "defragging" your computer to allow it to work more quickly and efficiently. It was once described to be as allowing your

Being Here Now, an introduction to NLAWKI's Mindful Moments

Growing up can be hard. Especially the teenage years. And even more so if the teenager in question has social skill deficits. As humans we are all "hard wired" for relationships with other humans.

43. Navigating The Risks/Rewards of Relationships

Our show today is “The Different Flavors of Medicaid Waivers” …. but you are also going to hear a lot of discussion about person-centered-planning (PCP) and the proper use of two assessment tools

44. The Many Flavors of Medicaid Waivers

Imagine yourself on a vacation to a country where your native language is not spoken. Let's say Portugal. You do not know how to speak or read Portuguese, but you are given a map to help you get

45. The Many Flavors of Medicaid Waivers 201

When you have a child with a developmental or intellectual disability your life gets complex.&nbsp; Often it becomes overwhelming.&nbsp; Navigating a path to find the right resources is

46. The Many Flavors of Medicaid Waivers 301 - Children's Waivers & Independent Facilitation

It is not ever comfortable discussion what happens after someone dies. But when it comes to the death of care providing parents conversations need to happen and plans must be made. Legal, financial

47.  Caring About and Beyond

Family, Faith, and the Seed of Self AdvocacyMost movements for social change are identified with a few prominent and well-known leaders.&nbsp; For instance, people like Martin Luther King, John F

48. Faith, Love & Courage Pt 1

Episode 2 - Love and the Audacity of Change&nbsp;Most movements for social change are identified with a few prominent and well-known leaders.&nbsp; For instance, people like Martin Luther King, John

49. Faith, Love & Courage Pt 2

Episode 3 - Life together and Changing the WorldMost movements for social change are identified with a few prominent and well-known leaders.&nbsp; For instance, people like Martin Luther King, John F

50. Faith Love & Courage Pt 3

Imagine engaging an architect to create plans for the perfect house to fill all your needs.... You are excited about turning this dream into a reality…but then discovering there is no one to do the

51. It's BROKEN - Let's Fix It: Support the NADSP

Affordable, accessible housing, transportation and internet availability are serious issues for people with disabilities in just about every state in the USA.&nbsp; It is especially problematic in

52. Advocacy and Education for Independence

There is a gulf between changing a world and changing THE world, and the difference is the people who help build the steam needed to bring about true and lasting change to the way a society

53. A Deep Dive into Courage

If you set out to climb the Himalayas it would be wise to hire a sherpa. Why, you ask? Because the climb may be treacherous and your mistakes very costly! A sherpa has been on the path many times and

54. Vitalxchange - The Uber of Diability Resources

In this new book, Tracee offers you the tips she remembers, stories of adversity and success, to document her personal battles with self and others in a position to grant or deny life-saving tools,

 55. An Anecdotal Field Guide for The Rest of Us 

Voting is a constitutional right for an overwhelming majority of Americans, but the reality is people with disabilities, racial minorities and economically challenged individuals face far more

56. Barriers to the Ballot

"The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry!" is an old and unfortunately true statement. And "best laid plans" often "go awry" for two reasons. 1) poor planning...or no planning, and 2)

57. Collaborating and Trust, some help with planning for the future

Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families often find themselves dealing with complexity and even intentional obfuscation as they navigate the path of

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