| ATTENDEES' COMMENTS Read what conference participants are saying about Dr. Pomeranz's trainings. |
| ©Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C. 8126 Wellsbrook Drive Indianapolis, IN 46278 Phone: (317) 871-2092 | Fax: (317) 871-2096 tpomer@aol.com |
There is a saying that feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it. So, I am
sending you a gift - a big "Thank you!" I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to you for helping me
increase my knowledge and skills about leadership and management. I also want to thank you for helping me
gain a greater understanding of the lives of individuals with disabilities. I must say, you have a profound
understanding of the human mind and behavior. I find your presentations and training most enjoyable. Your
teaching approach is unique and memorable, and audiences love your use of humor and storytelling. Your
presentation and trainings are filled with positive energy and you have a way of engaging audience
participation and making everyone's experience memorable. BN, People's Care, Whittier, CA
Thank you so very much for being so gracious and taking the time to speak with me last week. The
information and suggestions you provided were insightful and valuable. I took three pages of notes! We'll
check back in and let you know how things are going. That a giant in this field is so accessible to a provider
is heartwarming. Thank you! Adult Extended Family Care, Waynesboro, VA
You inspired me, made me mad, made me cry and made me laugh, but especially you made me think!
SM Wall Residence, Floyd, VA
Thank you for educating us, and allowing us to understand how far we have come and where people who
have a disability used to suffer. I will now embrace a new way of thinking. I will try not to allow a
disability diagnosis to define my ability or my potential or my character. I loved your slides on the board.
You spoke on what was real and very much true life. Your class will always be a G.E.M. (Good Enough Me)
to my heart. To a great speaker who held nothing back. Thank you for teaching us. Thank you for being on
our side now. JT, Topeka, KS
Thank you for opening my eyes and helping me reach my epiphany moment at your conference. It helps to
know that a nationally known authority on disabilities, recognizes my strength and wonderful nature. For so
many years, I have felt like a slave to the ignorance of many professionals and staff of the agency that serves
me and at the house at which I currently reside. Now, I have the confidence to voice the injustices that I see
and encounter personally on a daily basis. I am hoping that my voice will in turn make my agency see how
important it is to change. Today, I contacted one of the three people who attended your conference in hopes
of convincing her to speak with the director of my servicing agency to welcome you into their philosophy and
contact you directly. In the meantime, I am going to be a pioneer for myself and others in this area and insist
that the discrimination and segregation of us be stopped in its tracks. You have set me free of many of the
feelings that I have kept bottled up for so long. Thank you for setting me free. I came into your lectures
with a child's mindset and left with a woman's mentality. KT, New York, NY
I was a parent in the audience of an all day seminar in Los Angeles a few years back, (don’t remember the
name of the conference...) and you were the key note speaker. I have a 21 year old son with Down Syndrome,
and your talk gave me the boost I needed to transition in to adult years. Your passion and your words about
the importance of work, and of avoiding the day program...”wait”...mentality are giving me the drive and
direction to help guide Luke’s journey towards independence. Thank you for your message, your “shot in the
arm” being a voice that we need to inspire us as parents. Luke is doing well, it has never been easy.He is
riding the train to Fullerton College, where he takes classes for the disabled in a college setting. Every step
of his journey is full of challenges, it is overwhelming and so worth it. Being that we are in the
Thanksgiving season...please know that I am thankful for you, your work, and your message from a few
years back that continues to give me direction and hope for my adult son Luke! KS, Pasadena, CA
We enjoyed once again having you visit Mountain Lake Services, and appreciate the way you help us inspire
our employees to reach for a higher standard. As always with your trainings the staff response was
overwhelmingly positive and demonstrates some clear changes to mindset of some of the participants. I was
not just speaking rhetorically when I mentioned this at the end of each session: we have seen real changes of
heart and of practice based on your trainings, and that is the ultimate evaluation tool in my estimation.
Mountain Lake Services, Port Henry, NY
Just a quick note to thank you for your work. We have recently purchased several sets of the Community
Building DVDs and are using the train all of our staff – current about 350 people) and new hires. We have
made Universal Enhancement the core of our Quality of Life initiative. We find the DVD’s to be interesting,
concise, practical, and they match our training needs (we provide support for people who live in homes
together) very well. Bay Human Services, Standish, MI
Thank you so much for your excellent presentations last week at the TN Disability MegaConference. I have
to say you are one of the best presenters I've seen/heard/hired. Inspiring, thought-provoking, funny,
poignant, engaging, energetic-all the stuff I hope for when bringing a speaker in or when sitting through a
session myself. Thanks for being so good at what you do. Partners in Policymaking, Nashville, TN
I can't tell you how positive the comments were and how much you impressed even me! As a seasoned
presenter myself I can only say that you deserve the Emmy for your presentation! What energy, what
challenges and you don't mince words which is a refreshing thing to hear. Beatrice Developmental Center,
Beatrice, NE
I would like to first thank you for the wonderful seminar. I attended the training at the Dover Delaware
Sheraton entitled Supporting People to have a Quality Life. I have to say I keep my special glasses on all the
time now. Wow I left there feeling like I had been standing behind a dirty window and you took the time to
clean it for me. I can see much better now! I was infected with the GEM disease that I came back to the
office and expressed my emotions to my supervisors, who in turn decided that I should share my experience at
our next general staff meeting. Maybe I can use this opportunity to make some of the changes that I would
like to see. Hopefully this will put us on the road to a Quality Life for everyone at our agency. Thanks
again, and I hope to attend more trainings in the future. Chesapeake Care Resources, North East, MD
I have been around the world three times and back, and I have never had a speaker as powerful as Tom. I
look forward to the day our paths cross again. TRC
I've never had a training so simple, yet so true and human. My life truly starts now, today. Resource Center,
Chautauqua, NY
The manner in which the material is presented allows me to interpret and apply the concepts into the lives of
our consumers. I will remember the concepts and how they made an impact on my life. Frank D. Lanterman
Regional Center, Los Angeles, CA
I can not praise you enough for speaking up for what is RIGHT! Opportunity Living Day Program Center,
Lake City, IA
Excellent session - state of awareness that I wish more people had. Please come give training to everyone in
the agency and assist the agency in change. TRC
Revolutionary thought is always based on the most rational and most human foundations. Thank you for
providing our campus with a common sense and humanness...and for lighting the fire or revolutionary
change this place so earnestly and desperately needed! Beatrice Developmental Center, Beatrice, NE
Am walking out of here with a better understanding of what we all need. A LIFE and teach those who do not
have one. Opportunity Living, Lake City, IA
I was blessed to be a part of this informative training. It touched and gave light to many aspects of my
personal and professional life! The ARC of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, LA
This was one of the more incredible experiences I have ever had. I hate to leave in fact. Tom's presentation
of ways to help those we serve can be used everywhere. DDDS
Thank you for giving us the vision and the encouragement to test the limits. Woodward Resource Center,
Woodward, IA
This training should be for everyone, even if it doesn't relate to their profession. It makes people more
sensitive to others needs and desires no matter who they are. Community Services for the Developmentally
Disabled, Niagara Falls
I appreciate your passion and enthusiasm! Fantastic presentation; wonderful delivery style. Thank you for
inspiring us all!! Metropolitan Human Services District
Of all of the many workshops I have attended, this is the best ever, hands down! Metropolitan Human
Services District
I would like to personally thank you for presenting your inspirational and innovative approach to supporting
people with intellectual disabilities to our agency. Your 2-day presentation kept me at the edge of my seat
not wanting to miss a word of what you were saying. Over the past 18+ years, as a People Inc employee, I
have never attended any kind of conference, workshop, symposium, etc., that comes close to your
presentation. I am truly inspired to implement your philosophy into all aspects of my life. Many Thanks!
People Inc., Williamsville, NY
There have been tears in my eyes on many examples. A lot to learn. Thank you for never making anyone
feel anything less than supportive for any question raised. Twin Valley, Kansas
Fabulous, humorous stories to demonstrate points. Have heard Dr. P many times and hope to have many
more.
Tom is the most motivating speaker I've ever seen!
SUPERB - he taps the humanity in all of us.
Wanted to thank you again for the inspiring "experience" in Claremore (I just can't bring myself to call it
"training"). Your presentation was the perfect boost of adrenaline to refuel my personal and professional
ethics. I have sent my kudos for you to our DDSD State Office staff this morning, recommending you for a
keynote speaker at any future statewide conferences they are planning. I have not been personally moved
emotionally by a training since I heard Lou Brown speak 15 years ago. Thank you for your commitment...it
does start with each one of us...demons be gone...I have work to do! Oklahoma Department of Human
Services, Oklahoma City, OK
Tom is a very effective speaker, he appealed to me more than any other speaker in the field. Have him back!
Jay Nolan Community Services, Riverside, CA
In 25 years in the field, I've never heard anybody address the issues that affect people who work in the field
as he did. That’s wonderful. We need to hear that we need to work on our issues to be able to really help
others. Interhab, Seneca, KS
Excellent! This is the direction I want to see in the field! Thank you so much Tom Pomeranz! ARRM
Conference, St. Paul, MN
This man has a pure awakening into realistic, workable solutions to having a loving and cooperative and
working family. He knows extremely well how to speak to people and with people as valued individuals. I
have begun to implement his techniques into my own family and it works!! Bring him back many times over.
Family Support Conference, Fargo, ND
I have never felt more strongly about a training before. Throughout the training I was thinking of things I
want to change. The whole experience touched me very emotionally. Child Serve, Johnston, IA
I can’t wait to return to work and shake up my agency. As a new supervisor, this training is EXACTLY what
I needed to understand my role thoroughly. The tools will be used!! Anne Carlsen, Jamestown, ND
Probably the first (training) that was directly related to my job and a person who actually knew what the
field is about. Chautauqua, Jamestown, NY
I thank you so much for helping me reassess my standard and reconnect with my professional/personal goals.
I will always remind myself to treat others the way I would like to be treated. You are a truly remarkable
individual! IAHD, Bronx, NY
I just wanted to leave you a note to say “Thank You.” I never imagined yesterday’s meeting to be so
inspiring. You and Dr. Phil are #1 on my list!!! NorthStar, O’Neill, NE
I have had the pleasure and great learning experiences through attending your trainings here at COC. I use
your video and trainings in all new hires and on-going staff meetings. Universal Enhancement has really
made a difference in the lives of our people supported and also brings a new awareness to the staff.
Christian Opportunity Center, Pella, IA, Clinical Consultation
I have been to other leadership training seminars (Franklin, Covey – 7 Habits, Tom Danley’s Course) this
was by far the best. Covered a vast array of topics. Thank you. Nebraska Dept of Health and Human
Services, North Platte, NE
I have been a staff here for many years, and you have turned on a lot of lights for me in these last two days.
In all the classes I have taken, this is the best and most informational class I have ever been to. Thank you.
Opportunity Village, Mason City, IA Universal Enhancement
Very motivational and upbeat, positive and humorous. I left (the) training feeling great about myself and
this affects my behavior with the clients. Fairbanks Resource Agency, Fairbanks, Alaska, Universal
Enhancement
You brought new energy and enthusiasm to our employees and helped us see a promising future. Thank you
again for an outstanding job. Fairbanks Resource Agency, Fairbanks, Alaska, Universal Enhancement
Your attitude reminds me of another speaker the late, Leo Buscaglia (sp.?) author of the book “The Fall of
Freddie the Leaf” Thank you for your experience. Direct support staff, Fairbanks Resource Agency,
Fairbanks, Alaska, Universal Enhancement
I applaud your courage, stamina and staying power. Thank goodness for your energy. We are all hearing
you and are growing everyday. Can’t wait to hear more! Heritage Christian Home, Universal Enhancement
I think you would be pleased to know that your name has become a standard term here at Exceptional
Persons Inc. I frequently hear “According to Tom Pomeranz we should…” or “How would Tom Pomeranz
handle this?” You have given us much to think about and a positive direction as we live each day. Thank
you Tom! Exceptional Persons, Inc., Universal Enhancement
Let me take a moment to thank you for the training and the inspirational and passionate way you present
your material. I can always tell from your presentations (that) this is your desire and dream for people with
disabilities. It is nice to know there are people in the world who care as much as you and gives strength and
determination to others. Rauch, Inc., New Albany, IN, Universal Enhancement
Keep up the good work! We need more people like Dr. Tom Pomeranz. Wow! I thought I knew what my job
duties were as a RSS. I know now that it’s not a job. It’s an opportunity to have a relationship with someone
(s). New Hope Village, Carroll, IA Universal Enhancement
This is the second time I have had the privilege of hearing Dr. Pomeranz. Each time I am inspired to do
better. It is a moving experience-he is the Martin Luther King of disabilities. New Hope Village, Carroll, IA,
Universal Enhancement
Tom gave me strength to make a change. I had an epiphany (I’m not sure how to spell it) but something
happened inside of me today. Alpha, Bismarck, ND, Universal Enhancement
Honest, up-beat, hard-hitting approach. This workshop reminds us that there is still much to be done to help
people with disabilities to be free. Pride, Inc., Bismarck, ND, Universal Enhancement
So relative to life in general, thought provoking, so helpful in my own life situation – makes me want to
make everyone’s life better by improving my own behavior. Tom’s passion is contagious, and encouraging.
Pride, Inc., Bismarck, ND, Universal Enhancement
Our staff learned a great deal. Your philosophy and methods are regularly incorporated into team
discussions and changes are occurring as a direct result of your seminar. Working Organization for Retarded
Children and Adults, Inc. Lake Success, NY
You are an inspiration to all those who have the pleasure of hearing you speak. You are a brilliant speaker
and I am looking forward to reading all your materials! Independent Group Home Living, East Moriches, NY
I loved the training! (Coaching). You touched on all the areas that I deal with on a daily basis – identified
problems that I see every day and the best thing is – how to fix it! Cardinal Center, Warsaw, IN
Above any other training I've ever had – I’ve never experienced anything like this. We need this man in all
of our lives. Staff member, The John F. Murphy Homes, Auburn, ME
Outstanding, to say the least! In these 7 hours today, I learned more that I have learned in my 15 years of
education. I’m walking away from this meeting a completely changed person. Staff member, EduCare
Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
I cried a couple of times. Literally. I feel that if there are people out there who have no compassion for
people with intellectual disabilities and they attend this session they will have a change of heart. Staff
member, EduCare Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
| ...Overcoming Life's Obstacles |
