Creating Incredible Ordinary Lives, Not Lives That Are Special

For my blog this week, I am introducing you to Eric Goll.
Eric is a wonderful person making a difference. I’ve included a link to the podcast we did together too. I hope you find this information helpful!
 
The mission of Empowering Ability Podcast:

 At Empowering Ability, we’re about creating equal opportunities for people
with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It is our mission to help you
help your loved ones enjoy life to its fullest, EVERY DAY.

https://www.empoweringability.org/single-post/YvonneHeath
 
 
Eric & Sarah's Story
 
I'm Eric Goll, and this is a picture of my older sister (Sarah), and I.
Sarah was born with a disability that impacts her both intellectually and physically. We grew up with what we both consider typical sibling relationship; 
we played, we laughed, we cried, and we fought with each other.
 
I noticed things were different when I was about 8 years old as I pushed my
big sister's stroller in the mall. As I pushed Sarah, I started to notice people
were staring at us, especially the other kids. As the other kids stared,
I stared back. I stuck out my tongue at them, and on occasion I even gave them
the middle finger (I was a secret bad ass 8 year old). I asked myself why were
they staring? I realized my family was different than theirs.
 
In my 20's, I started to distance myself from my family as my sister sat at home isolated in my parents basement. Tension built as my sister tried to be
her own person, but my parents kept her safeguarded making decisions they thought were best. My sister rebelled, and our family started to fall apart. 

I had a decision to make; keep my head stuck in the sand, or become a contributing and compassionate brother and son. I chose the latter and it has
been a trans-formative experience for me, and my family. I coached with my
sister to design and create the life she wanted for herself. Sarah now lives
with me, directs her own support, and has control over her decisions with
support from her circle of support. 
​
Through this experience with my family I found my purpose: to support
 families in creating their version of their best lives. I firmly believe that our
best lives are ordinary lives (not special), and lived in relationship in our communities. As a coach and a podcast host, my job is to support families to 
live a powerful and joyful life, and to share with you the best tools and
resources available from world class leaders in disability. Be assured, these
tools are much better than the tool I could have taught you when I was 8
years old (giving society the middle finger). If my story resonates with you
and you are supporting someone with a disability to live their best life,
I would love it if you came along on this journey together.

We can stay connected by subscribing to my blog/ podcast or
if you can inquire about working with me!

With Love and Respect,
Eric Goll
 
Here is a link to the podcast with Eric and I.

​
https://www.empoweringability.org/single-post/YvonneHeath
 

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     Stay tuned for Yvonne's TEDx talk in 2019!