Show #34 – Facilitated Decision Making for People with Disabilites with Julia Niimi

Air date: Sunday, June 27, 2010 || 8 to 9 AM, CFRU 93.3 FM in Guelph, Ontario, Canada 

Our theme today is “anything is possible when you continue to follow your dreams and get the support you need to live them” 

Julia Niimi is an exceptional woman who has worked hard to become an advocate and speaker for people with disabilities. She has Down Syndrome. On May 6, 2010, Julia Niimi won the Women of Distinction Turning Point Award. 

Julia Niimi wrote a booklet “The Journey of living with a Disability” and directed a short film “Walking in my Shoes”: a story about being bullied, growing up with a disability, and the support she received along the way. 

You can purchase Julia’s booklet and DVD at:
Staples on Stone Road in Guelph, Ontario
The booklet is $9.99. $5 of every purchase goes to support Ontario Special Olympics.
Julia has raised hundreds of dollars to support one of her favourite charities.
Buy her film for $10.00. $9 of every purchase will go to support Families for a Secure Future. www.familiesforasecurefuture.com 

Julia says this about making a film:
Making a movie has helped me to become a better advocate for people with disabilities. I had pain and suffering and a barrier to tell my story. I couldn’t talk about it until I saw me on film. 

Making a movie can help people to become leaders in their communities.
Everyone, including people with disabilities, has strengths and weaknesses.
Sometimes people can’t speak. A movie can talk for them.

Show # 33 – Blended Families with Emily Bouchard

Air date: Sunday, June 20, 2010 || 8 to 9 AM Eastern on http://www.cfru.ca 93.3 FM in Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Blending Families is not easy. Blended Families (step families) have specific challenges like:  Navigating parenting differences; Guilt around prior relationships not working out and the impact on the children; Struggles with former spouses and expectations; Logistics around coordinating all the different needs and schedules for the children which often depend on custody agreements; and Money – when child support is not paid, and when Dads experience disparity between paying the former wife while also providing for his new family.

Parents in blended families often have a hard time making transitions from one home to another. How do we make those difficult transitions easier?

What do successful families do?

I expect you’ll learn a tip or two even if you don’t live in a blended family.

Along with training in Marital and Family Therapy, Child Development and Adolescence, Emily Bouchard has learned first hand what works and doesn’t work in Blended Families by being a Step-Mom to 2 teenagers. She helps people to be present to what’s in front of them and celebrate strengths so couples can create lasting, fulfilling relationships.

Emily Bouchard: “Bringing peace to the planet one family at a time.” is the Founder of http://www.blended-families.com/ & The Got Heart? Project at www.got-heart.org and Senior Coach for http://www.thewilliamsgroup.org/

Show 32 – Foster Families

Aired Sunday, June 6th, 2010 and Sunday, October 25, 2009
on CFRU 93.3 FM in Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Join us 8 to 9 AM every Sunday morning.

While I’m away for more training, my friends Greg Denton and Kyle Mackie are helping me to re-broadcast our first Family Matters Show. Here is the link:

http://cfrufamily.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/show-1-foster-families/

When you get a chance, listen to Greg’s show on from 7 to 8 AM Sundays: This Ungodly Hour or Kyle’s show from 9 to 10 AM Sundays: Kids’ Time on CFRU 93.3 FM in Guelph.