| COURSE OFFERINGS Universal Enhancement - Overcoming Life's Obstacles |
Dr. Tom Pomeranz provides participants with a key to a
world in which all people are allowed to have a valued life.
The springboard for this presentation is founded in the maxim
“an institution is not a place; it is a state of mind.” Tom
explains that individuals who have few valued relationships
and few things of value are living an “institutional life.”
Through the telling of tales, Tom motivates the audience to
look at the lives of people with disabilities through a new set
of lenses. Attendees are urged to ask themselves “How would
I treat myself under the most challenging of circumstances?”
Tom makes the message memorable by delivering the content
with humor and compassion.
Tom introduces the concept of “disabilityism” explaining how
one’s behavior may unwittingly cause one to behave in a
discriminatory manner. To prevent the insidious behavior of
the disabilitist, Tom discusses a variety of tools – “new ways
of behaving” that may be exercised to support others in
improving the quality of their lives. The Universal
Enhancement tools of smiling, giving, sharing of affect,
humor and offering options are but a few of the tools
detailed. This inspiring and motivating presentation explains
the importance in utilizing universal language. Tom provides
participants with specific examples of words and phrases that
are considered sensitive and respectful of one as a person not
someone characterized by their disability.
Tom provides attendees with a Litmus Test that can be utilized
to determine whether an individual has a life of meaning and
value. The impact and outcomes of this session are best
captured by the comment of a recent training participant “I
have had the pleasure and great learning experiences through
attending your trainings here at (our agency). 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., October 12, 2004)
world in which all people are allowed to have a valued life.
The springboard for this presentation is founded in the maxim
“an institution is not a place; it is a state of mind.” Tom
explains that individuals who have few valued relationships
and few things of value are living an “institutional life.”
Through the telling of tales, Tom motivates the audience to
look at the lives of people with disabilities through a new set
of lenses. Attendees are urged to ask themselves “How would
I treat myself under the most challenging of circumstances?”
Tom makes the message memorable by delivering the content
with humor and compassion.
Tom introduces the concept of “disabilityism” explaining how
one’s behavior may unwittingly cause one to behave in a
discriminatory manner. To prevent the insidious behavior of
the disabilitist, Tom discusses a variety of tools – “new ways
of behaving” that may be exercised to support others in
improving the quality of their lives. The Universal
Enhancement tools of smiling, giving, sharing of affect,
humor and offering options are but a few of the tools
detailed. This inspiring and motivating presentation explains
the importance in utilizing universal language. Tom provides
participants with specific examples of words and phrases that
are considered sensitive and respectful of one as a person not
someone characterized by their disability.
Tom provides attendees with a Litmus Test that can be utilized
to determine whether an individual has a life of meaning and
value. The impact and outcomes of this session are best
captured by the comment of a recent training participant “I
have had the pleasure and great learning experiences through
attending your trainings here at (our agency). 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., October 12, 2004)
| ©Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C. 8126 Wellsbrook Drive Indianapolis, IN 46278 Phone: (317) 871-2092 | Fax: (317) 871-2096 tpomer@aol.com |
| ...Overcoming Life's Obstacles |
