Podcast & Blog

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Empowering families in transition.

I’ve been there. I’ve been in the lonely, overwhelming days just after diagnosis, and the heart-wrenching days when your child isn’t invited to the party, and the mind-numbing, anger-inducing, endless IEP meetings with educators who just want to check boxes when you want to talk about the needs of your precious child. With the years of graduate school behind me, and all the letters after my name, it has become easier intellectually, but at the end of the day, I’m just a mom, holding my child’s hand, hoping someone else will love them as much as I will.

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FEATURED PODCASTS & BLOG POSTS

Bridging the Gap

Empower Podcast
Episode 8: If They’re Not Falling, Keep Pushing
Episode 8: If They’re Not Falling, Keep Pushing

What happens after high school for young adults with disabilities?

In this episode of Together Through It: Wisdom from Unexpected Journeys, Angela sits down with longtime friend Dr. Bridget Lueken, educator, consultant, disability advocate, and mom of eight children, three of whom are autistic.

Angela and Bridget first met nearly 20 years ago in a support group for mothers of children with special needs. What began as a writing group filled with laughter, tears, and shared resources grew into lifelong friendships and a tradition of gathering after meetings for dinner and conversation.

Bridget shares her family's journey through autism, ADHD, diabetes, seizures, and raising children with diverse strengths and challenges. Together, Angela and Bridget discuss one of the most important topics facing families today: the transition from high school to adult life.

For families just beginning their journey, Bridget offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and a powerful reminder that there are no "special" parents. There are simply people doing the best they can, learning as they go, and helping the next family in line.

Looking for individualized guidance on planning for life after high school?

Dr. Lueken is the founder of Empower Consulting, where she helps families navigate the often-overwhelming transition from adolescence to adulthood for individuals with disabilities. Drawing on her experience as an educator, advocate, and parent, Bridget helps families identify goals, understand available resources, and create practical plans for employment, education, independent living, and community engagement.

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