Universal LifeStiles


Universal Enhancement:



Raising the Bar



In this thought provoking and inspiring presentation, Dr. Tom Pomeranz describes why Universal Enhancement is “universal.” Through lecture and story-telling Tom moves the attendees toward an understanding and acceptance of Universal Enhancement allowing one to gain greater sensitivity to the problems and opportunities for individuals who are isolated and denigrated as a result of being “seen” as different.

As a nationally acclaimed best practice, Universal Enhancement is not a new invention rather it is a discovery. No one can claim exclusive rights to the ideas and visions presented and advocated for in Universal Enhancement. Universal Enhancement is inspired by the valued and meaningful relationships most individuals are fortunate to experience in life. The ways we behave which facilitate the forming of relationships are the “tools” of Universal Enhancement, those tools are many and varied.

Tom details how Universal Enhancement seeks to identify and capture the positive ways people behave that facilitates the realization of meaningful relationships. Additionally Universal Enhancement’s foundation rests on a standard - its bedrock: “how would I treat myself if I were similarly challenged.” It is through one’s increased sensitivity and empathy that those providing support, either as family, friends or paid staff, promote opportunities for a quality life.

Tom provides attendees with the strategies that can be used in supporting people in possessing and experiencing "things" of value in their lives: hobbies, employment, education, religion and leisure pursuits all promote a quality life. Through Universal Enhancement applies to us all, outsiders and people who are the targets of prejudice serve as the primary subjects of the Universal Enhancement discussion. One's intellectual disability, physical disability, psychiatric disability, race or national origin frequently result in being devalued or challenged by society's myths and prejudices. When placed in the right hands the tools of Universal Enhancement will overcome the combined forces of ignorance, arrogance, prejudice and fear which steal the lives of its victims.



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


The Session gave me an epiphany, the idea that we work in segregated environments and not even know it. I can be and will be more intentional about making sure this doesn’t happen.

Envision Unlimited, Chicago, IL



Universal LifeStiles



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