Universal LifeStiles


Universal Enhancement:



Overcoming Life's Obstacles



Ultimately, the participant will learn to always ask themselves when supporting an individual with Intellectual and developmental disabilities, is their life “Good Enough for Me? (GEM).”

With humor and compassion, Tom 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 discusses a variety of tools – “new ways of behaving” that may be exercised to support others in empowering 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.



WHAT ATTENDEES ARE SAYING



Thank you. I will change the way I think about things and especially the way I speak. I will be more aware of myself and hope to help others get a life. ARC Ventura County, Ventura, CA


I'm a parent of a 21 year old with a developmental disability. What you have said here has impacted me so much that I will definitely be making changes in my life and helping my son. ARC Ventura County, Ventura, CA


Excellent presenter who holds your interest. Material excellent in that it makes you think that even though we are providing quality services there are always ways to improve and give our consumers a higher quality and enviable life. I feel like I've learned a lot to improve what I'm doing. ACLD, Bethpage, NY


The simple, common sense approach to treating people with intellectual disabilities. I found myself in the category of doing things for my daughter vs supported routines - what an eye opener! I appreciate your opinions and will pass on to my husband to help us improve our daughter's quality of life as well as her things of value. Iowa Valley Community College, Marshalltown, IA


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. It opened my eyes and my heart. Child Serve, Johnston, IA


My head has been spinning with thoughts about things….thanks for all that you have and will continue to contribute to the field. Southeastern Virginia Training Center Richmond, VA


This training was life altering. It should be mandatory at all levels. What a privilege to attend Tom’s training. New Vista Community, Las Vegas, NV


My way of thinking has changed in all areas of my life and I am going to work hard to act out that change. We are direct support professionals not direct care workers. MOSAIC Des Moines, IA


Just this single day of training has completely opened my eyes to ideas and issues I have not even thought of before. This training was more valuable and worth my time than any other presentation I have ever been to. North Star Services, O’Neill, NE



Universal LifeStiles



8126 Wellsbrook Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46278
tpomer@aol.com
(cell) 636.448.2352