Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.   ...Overcoming Life's Obstacles

The Principles & Practices of Universal Enhancement (4 Books in 1)

 “Some fortunate workers, in locations across North America who try to support people with developmental disabilities, will be puzzled by these volumes.  This series apparently grew from materials used by the author in his work as a trainer and consultant with direct support workers in residential settings.  Those workers who are puzzled are involved with services that have clearly separated themselves from the institutional past.  Most of us in the developmental disabilities field will, by contrast, be unpuzzled by the circumstances about which Pomeranz writes. The portrait he paints of contemporary services fits like the proverbial old glove.  Readers can profit from the guidance that his new volumes offer.

The entire compilation of these volumes is offered to a field that has not shed its past.  The average community service for people with developmental disabilities daily reflects what Pomeranz helpfully terms “characteristics of the institutional state of mind”  (e.g. lack of privacy, restriction of freedom of movement, group treatment, and portrayal of adults as though they were children).  The volumes that make up this compilation bring these characteristics to life through stories and offer workers guidance about how to replace unfortunate characteristics with more dignifying, more enhancing ways to support people. “

Jack R. Pealer Jr., Editorial Board, American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR); Book Review, Mental Retardation, Volume 40 No. 6: 481-486, December 2002

“Tom’s writing paints a picture, vivid images that tug at your consciousness.  Universal Enhancement makes you reexamine how you view and how you behave toward people who live with disabilities.  I have heard Tom speak on Universal Enhancement since 1993.  I didn’t think written text could capture his dynamic presentation style – but it does – well done!”

Mary Mercer, Community Staff Training Director, Minot State University, North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities, February 2002

“Major Strengths of The Principles and Practices of Universal Enhancement: 1. The books use person first language 2. The books have empowering concepts and strategies that people with disabilities can utilize in every day life 3. The books have learner objectives that promote self-determination.  The books have information in it that you don’t find in a lot of training documents.  The information is presented in a user-friendly approach, I found them very interesting. I have a child with disabilities and I believe some of these concepts will be very useful in his life.”

Elizabeth Janks, MSW ACSW, Associate Director of Community Support, Developmental Disabilities Institute, Detroit, MI, February 2002