Our Parallel Paths: A Future for My Loved One With a Disability... and Me!

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May 2026

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About the show

This podcast series talks about the paths taken – in this case multiple paths – by family members and their loved ones with disabilities as they plan for their respective futures. Let’s talk about creating a promising future for our children as they become adults - and a promising future for ourselves as our role of parent, family member, caregiver, whatever evolves too. There is more than one path being taken here, and more than one future to talk about. And that’s why we’re here! Some very cool people will share their stories with us. I will be listening with you, and I’ll have some questions, too. Join us as we navigate “Our Parallel Paths: A Future for My Loved One With a Disability… and Me!”

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33 recent

May 11, 2026Episode 354 min

S6E3 - William Moved Himself... An Update with Terri Brewer

William Moved Himself... An Update with Terri Brewer Part of Our Parallel Paths Podcast Series _Recording Date: _04/23/2026 Transcript: Download Transcript Here! _Keywords: _Disability, Artist William Brewer, Independence, Advocacy, Dignity of Risk, Our Parallel Paths, Terry Brewer _Episode Summary: _Geralyn revisits Terri Brewer, the mother of artist William Brewer, with an intellectual disability, who recently transitioned from the family home into his own apartment. They discuss how Pennsylvania's housing pilot program, assistive technology, and waiver services made William's dream of independent living a reality, and what that journey looked like for the whole family. This inspiring episode is one you won't want to miss. Topical Index: Opening and Introductions [00:00] Recap of Previous Episode [01:22] William's Classroom Move [03:03] A Day in the Life [06:22] William's Move to Independent Living [06:57] William's Daily Life and Adjustment [19:24] Impacts on Terri and Her Family [37:18] Resources for other Families [42:34] What is Next? [46:35] Closing [51:02] Find out more at https://our-parallel-paths.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/our-parallel-paths/5fa3ad3b-c607-473f-a470-cb8706e40482 This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

January 30, 2026Episode 220 min

S6E2 - Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney - Who Decides Who Decides?

Guardianship vs, Power of Attorney: Who Decides Who Decides? part of the Our Parallel Paths podcast series Recording Date: January 30, 2026 Transcript: Download transcript HERE. Keywords: disability, guardianship, power of attorney, POS, dignity of risk, decision making, choice, presume competence, Gerry Arango Deely, Our Parallel Paths, coming of age, transition Episode summary: This episode of "Our Parallel Paths: A Future for My Loved One With a Disability... and For Me!" explores the critical legal question of "who decides who decides" for adults with intellectual disabilities. Host Dr. Geralyn Arango Deely examines two primary legal tools available to families: Guardianship and Power Of Attorney (POA). Topical Index: Introductions [00:00] The Concern [01:22] Information Gathering [07:20] Defining Guardianship [08:11] Defining Power Of Attorney [10:52] Comparing the Two [12:12] Who Decides Who Decides? [14:04] Closing [19:40] Notes go here Find out more at https://our-parallel-paths.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/our-parallel-paths/4128f1f8-2f15-4dd7-8e55-2530cdb00674 This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

November 25, 2025Episode 152 min

S6E1 - What About the Siblings?

What About the Siblings? part of the Our Parallel Paths podcast series. _Recording Date: _November 18, 2025 Transcript: Download transcript HERE Episode Summary: Gerry interviews two siblings - her daughter, Courtney Arango, & Dr. Meghan Burke, parent, sibling and researcher. They discuss the impact of having a sibling with a disability, and the expectations of caring for those siblings when parents are no longer able to. This important episode is one you won't want to miss. Topical Index: Introductions [00:00] Self-Introductions [04:05] Building family relationships [05:58] Desired futures for our siblings [08:20] Staying connected across a distance [11:33] Our futures roles [15:05] What research has shown [18:37] How can parents help? [23:20] Building a support network [31:35] Supporting the siblings-in-law / spouses [37:43] Other things we need to know [45:21] Closing [51:14] Find out more at https://our-parallel-paths.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/our-parallel-paths/2d1f9baf-bac4-4d0b-b4dd-128a205b842b This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

October 22, 2025Episode 618 min

S5E6 - Embracing the Dignity of Risk

Embracing the Dignity of Risk part of the Our Parallel Paths podcast series hosted by Geralyn Arango Deeley Recording Date: October 20, 2025 Transcript: Download transcript here. Keywords: dignity of risk, community living, disability, transition, role release, embracing changes in roles, caregiving, Our Parallel Path, Gerry Arango Deeley, Geralyn Arango Deeley Summary: Gerry discusses the Dignity of Risk as it relates to her relationship with her son Nic, as he learns to navigate living independently. Gerry discusses the challenges of permitting risk, and the necessity of releasing the role of caregiver so our family member can grow and thrive. Topical Index: Introduction of topic [00:00] A little background [02:17] The need for trust [04:51] Dignity of Risk - origins of term [05:43] Mitigating risk [07:00] Importance of staff [09:18] Outcome [12:35] Some thoughts on Dignity of Risk [14:36] Closing [17:26] Find out more at https://our-parallel-paths.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/our-parallel-paths/11b2f2b0-6718-4e5b-9bb0-01dbbdb9cd8e This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

September 17, 2025Episode 523 min

S5E5 - What About the Siblings? (part 1)

What About the Siblings (part 1) Part of the Our Parallel Paths podcast series with Gerry Anderson Arango Recording Date: September 8, 2025 Transcript: Download the episode's transcript. Keywords: disability, Our Parallel Paths, Gerry Anderson Arango, siblings, sandwich generation, caregiving, transition, caregiving for siblings, planning, personal futures planning Episode Summary: Gerry discusses the concern of many parents of children with disabilities... what happens when I am gone? Gerry explores the sometimes overlooked conversation... What About the Siblings? How do we help siblings be prepared, while also helping them as they explore their parallel paths while exploring the impact of changing roles. Topical Index: Introductions: [00:00] nique Sibling challenges [01:15] Our connections / resources as parents [01:54] What to share and when... [10:21] Change happens [11:36] Documentation - The Binder [13:58] Open communication [15:11] Next Steps [16:13] Need for Sibling Resources [17:09] In Closing [19:17] Join the Conversation at The Our Parallel Paths Facebook group Find out more at https://our-parallel-paths.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/our-parallel-paths/265f0c47-4318-4ba8-aab0-0546ae784f53 This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

June 24, 2025Episode 426 min

S5E4 - Safe, Accessible Homes for You & Me with Dawn Heiderscheidt

Safe, Accessible Homes for You & Me with Dawn Heiderscheidt Recording Date: June 9, 2025 Keywords: disability, home safety, accommodations, Assistive Technology, Dawn Heiderscheidt, Aurora Independence, Geralyn Arango Deeley, Gerry Arango Anderson, Our Parallel Paths, aging in place, independence, fall prevention Transcript: Download the transcript for this episode. Summary: This episode of "Our Parallel Paths" focuses on the topic of aging in place and making homes more accessible and safe for our loved ones with intellectual disabilities and others. Our guest, Dawn Heidersheidt, is the founder of Aurora Independence, a company that provides home assessments and recommendations to help people stay independent in their homes as they age. Join our Facebook Group, Our Parallel Paths! Find out more at https://our-parallel-paths.pinecast.co We would love to hear from you,., Leave your comments below in the comments section. https://pinecast.com/feedback/our-parallel-paths/28cdd4ec-fb1f-4dc6-9e47-b1d6f201a920 This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

June 23, 2025Episode 333 min

S5E3 - Ideas for a Strong Marriage with Gerry Arango Deely

# Keeping Your Marriage Strong with gerry Arango Deely\ Recording Date: June 6, 2025 Keywords: disability, Our Parallel Paths, Gerry Arango Deeley, Gerry Anderson Arango, Dr. Geralyn Arango Deeley, marriage, strengthening marriage, communication, strong partnerships, resiliency Transcript: Download the transcript for this episode. Summary: ion this episode of Our Parallel Paths Gerry shares 7 principles for making marriage work, based on her own experiences, and sharing from the research of Drs. John and Julie Gottman. These include enhancing love maps, nurturing fondness and admiration, turning towards each other, letting your partner influence you, solving solvable problems, overcoming gridlock, and creating shared meaning. Gerry shares her personal experiences from her two marriages, and discusses the additional challenges that can arise when supporting a loved one with an intellectual disability or autism. She highlights research showing that uplifts, respite care, and open communication between partners are important for maintaining marital quality in these situations. Topica lIndex: Introductions [00:00] Gerry shares about her marriages [2:18] Dr. John Gottman - Seven Principle for Making Marriage Work [03:07] Commitment [12:08] Applying principles to those on the Parallel Path [12:57] Additional supporting research [16:09] Alexis Irazoque on Expressible.com/ Isler Taylor, Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities [17:34] The Importance of Uplofts [19:02] The importance of Resite [22:08] What About Siblings... does this apply? [24:16] Lee Woodruff, AAQRP article [27:25] Closing [30:20] Find out more at https://our-parallel-paths.pinecast.co We would love to hear from you. Share your comments in the feedback section below. https://pinecast.com/feedback/our-parallel-paths/46157e70-3250-4b2e-b355-1c70942edfc2 This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

June 9, 2025Episode 233 min

S5E2 - $$$... with Mark Solomon, Financial Guidance for Special Needs Families

$$$ with Mark Solomon, Financial Guidance for Special Needs Families Recording Date: June 2, 2025 Keywords: financial planning, special needs trusts, trusts, special needs planning, Mark Solomon, Financial Guidance for Special Needs Families, Geralyn Anderson Arango, Gerry Arango Deeley, Our Parallel Paths, disability, transition Transcripts: Download transcript for this episode. Summary: Gerry talks with Mark Solomon, Financial Guidance for Special Needs Families, about the differences families of special needs children / adults face when planning for the future. Mark offers practical advice, and resources for families that can alleviate stress, and encourage thoughtful planning. Resources: Website - snfguidance.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpecialNeedsFam/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SNFGuidance Email - ConsultWithMark@yahoo.com Topical Index: Introductions [00:00] About Mark & Suzanne Solomon [02:55] Toolkit for families [04:37] Jugging Balls; Spinning Plates [05:42] How planning for special need children is different [06:37] Asset management vs. Financial Guidance [10:03] Medicaid - fears vs. reality [13:35] Siblings, trusts, and financial planning [17:22] Circles of Support [22:07] Contact information [23:23] The Parallel Path - retirement for your [24:22] Closing [32:09] Find out more at https://our-parallel-paths.pinecast.co We would've to hear from you. Please leave your feedback in the comments section. https://pinecast.com/feedback/our-parallel-paths/e7792fc4-c4ca-4f66-a391-84dba4b4be6b

April 7, 2025Episode 122 min

S5E1 - 3 Steps to Turn Worry Into Action

3 Ways to Turn Worry Into Action Part of the Our Parallel Paths podcast series with Gerry Arango Deeley Recording Date: March 18, 2025 Transcript: Download transcript for this episode. Keywords: worry, action, advocacy, medicaid, medicare, benefits, funding, disability, Our Parallel Paths, Gerry Arango Deeley, self-care, caregivers, supporters Summary: In today’s episode Gerry shares strategies for turning the potentially self-defeating emotions of worry into action steps that lead to taking charge of situations, and leading to problem solving. Gerry encourages caregivers / advocates, recognizing the frustration often felt, and the need to be well-informed. Topical Index: Introductions [00:00] Confronting worry [01:12] Some quotes about worry [02:10] The strategy - I am concerned about; I want to do something about; I need to learn about [04:25] About advocacy and resource [05:36] -- All Things Social Security -- Dr. Ed Weir, PhD, Former Social Security Manager The problem [08:43] One - Scream If You Must [11:17] Two - Get Focused and Get On The Phone [12:35] Three - Get Over the Guilt [13:51] The Resolution?? [[17:00] Closing [20:03] Find out more at https://our-parallel-paths.pinecast.co We would love to hear from you. Please leave your feedback in teh comments section. https://pinecast.com/feedback/our-parallel-paths/33e1872b-8ea6-475d-bcfc-205a0217e867

February 24, 2025Episode 620 min

S4E6 - Caregiving on the PATH!

Caregiving on the PATH! Part of the Our Parallel Paths podcast series with Geralyn Arango, Deeley, Ed.D. Recording Date: January 23, 2025 Transcripts: Download the transcript for this episode, Keywords: caregiving, What Would Nola Do? Gerry Anderson Arango, Geralyn Arango Deeley, disability, support, independence, transition, Our Parallel Paths Episode Summary: Host Geralyn Arango Deeley, shares her journey as a caregiver, including the publication of her memoir "What Would Nola Do?", which explores the lessons she learned from caring for her son with Down Syndrome, her mother with dementia, and a friend with a traumatic brain injury. Gerry shares six key caregiving lessons that she continues to apply in her life, including the importance of respecting privacy and personal control, recognizing that disability is a constant, thoughtful advocacy, combating loneliness, redefining "normal", and appreciating the support her son provides to her. Gerry announces the release of the 10th anniversary edition of her memoir in January of 2025, and encourages listeners to check it out as it may provide helpful insights for their own caregiving journeys. Topical Index: Find out more at https://our-parallel-paths.pinecast.co We would love to hear from you. Leave your comments in the feedback section. https://pinecast.com/feedback/our-parallel-paths/d2c0dc75-57fa-4e54-9b46-5ec8a261130f

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