Embrace the Blessing

ETB 58: What if the future of your loved one with a disability could be bright, secure, and filled with choices and alternatives? Envision a world where guardianship isn't the only path, where supported decision-making reigns supreme, and personal rights are preserved. This episode offers a detailed dissection of guardianship and its alternatives, shedding light on the game-changing Right to Make Choices supported-decision making toolkit - a Texas-based initiative. We take you on a journey through the pivotal Jenny Hatch case and the subsequent reform of the Texas guardianship system in 2015, highlighting the importance of considering alternatives to guardianship such as medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney, and more. Hear the ins and outs of these alternatives, and how they can shape a brighter future for your loved ones. So, tune in, soak up the knowledge, and empower yourself to make informed decisions that truly make a difference. Supported Decision-Making Toolkit: https://disabilityrightstx.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Right-to-Make-Choices-SDM-toolkit-jan-2018-1.pdf Supported Decision Making Agreement - see page 89-90 in the link below: https://disabilityrightstx.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Right-to-Make-Choices-SDM-toolkit-jan-2018-1.pdf Guardianship in Texas https://www.hhs.texas.gov/regulations/legal-information/guardianship Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 57: When your child is hospitalized, what means of comfort do you find? As a mother who's been down this road with my son Josiah, I will share how the power of pen helped me through those dark times. Transcribing our story and drawing strength from those lines, I found a way to navigate the painfully frequent hospitalizations. The silver lining we discovered in this storm cloud was the round-the-clock care provided by CNAs. Their gift of caregiving brought the serenity our family needed, and they turned into our lifeline. This episode isn't just about our journey, but also celebrates the CNAs who make a significant difference. Being a parent to a child with medical needs is exhausting, both physically and emotionally. I'll take you through a personal anecdote, where the support of a CNA allowed me a much-needed respite. It's a story that could resonate with many of you out there. Remember, support and help are always available. So, join me and let's walk this path together, find inspiration, share a few laughs, shed a few tears, and above all, help each other through. Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 56: Ready to journey into the heartwarming world of Carlee Ragains, a creative spirit, mother, wife, and mimi? Carlee's story weaves a rich tapestry of love, courage, and perseverance, as she shares the joys, challenges, and unimaginable fulfillment that come from parenting her 16-year-old daughter, Ellen, who was born with Down syndrome. Carlee paints a vibrant portrait of Ellen, a high functioning, verbal, independent, sensitive, and personality-packed young woman - an inspiring beacon of hope and testament to the beauty of embracing uniqueness. Carlee's creativity doesn't stop at parenting; she has harnessed her experiences and channeled them into the creation of a beautiful children's book. Would you believe the ideas for this book started flowing in the shower? This book aims to promote self-advocacy, create connections, and foster understanding about disabilities. Carlee talks about her journey from an initial rejection by a publisher to eventually seeing her labor of love come to life. Carlee dreams big. She envisions a series of books that illuminate different diagnoses and disabilities, engaging readers in an inviting and non-threatening way. This woman's relentless optimism and her dreams for her daughter to thrive are as beautiful as her project. So, if you're ready to be inspired, uplifted and enlightened, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Come, join us on this journey of celebrating uniqueness and potential in all children, regardless of their abilities. Connect with Carlee Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/498c1a387cc6/bqr1oq075o IG: @carleeragainswrites Blog: https://carleeragains.wordpress.com Eleanor's eXtraordinary Dreams Illustrator: Megan Webber Megan's IG: @megan_webber_art Eleanor's eXtraordinary Dreams Publisher: https://unitedhousepublishing.com/ Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 55: Prepare to be deeply moved by the remarkable journey of Josephine Sullivan, founder and CEO of the Christina Sullivan Foundation. This episode offers a powerful narrative of love, faith, and unwavering commitment as Josephine shares the story of her daughter Christina, a vibrant soul who was born with severe brain injury, cerebral palsy, and a seizure disorder. Listen as she chronicles how her unconditional love for Christina spurred the creation of a foundation that has since then sparked hope and positivity to over 247 athletes of varying abilities. As we steer the conversation towards inclusive sports for children and adults with differing abilities, we uncover the deep ties Josephine formed with medical professionals. These resulting collaborations have been instrumental in the growth of the Christina Sullivan Foundation's comprehensive adaptive and inclusive activities and sports programs. The Christina Sullivan Foundation is not just about sports, it's about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment. From adaptive tennis, bowling and bocce ball to choirs and eSports, the foundation aims to offer a wide range of activities that cater to every individual's unique talents and interests. And, there’s more to come with the upcoming music and art camp pilot program and a chess club. As we gear up for the upcoming event at Moody Gardens, a collaboration with the Christina Sullivan Foundation, we discuss the exciting array of activities and the celebration of hope and inclusion it promises. This free event is a testament to the foundation's dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion for people of all abilities and their families. We wrap up our conversation by focusing on adaptive exercises for children with intellectual and physical disabilities, discussing the importance of community support for such initiatives, and uncovering Josephine's latest creative venture – a café at the foundation. Tune in for a heartening discussion and learn how you can contribute to this noble cause. Connect with the Christina Sullivan Foundation: The Christina Sullivan Foundation is dedicated to helping medically dependent children and adults with intellectual and physical challenges and their families. Our intake specialists can help guide your search for necessary resources involving medical, educational, legal, and social networks to assist in caring for your loved one’s health, safety, and well-being. Contact us and let us know how we can help! https://www.christinasullivanfoundation.org/ http://info@christinasullivanfoundation.org GriefShare https://www.griefshare.org/ Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 54: What does it really mean to be a parent of a child with autism? How do you navigate the challenges and celebrate the milestones? Join us on a deeply personal journey with Heather, a resilient mother who opens her heart about her experiences raising her son, Chase, who was diagnosed with autism at a tender age of 2.5 years. Currently a stay-at-home mom who transitioned to homeschooling Chase after working as a para in schools, Heather offers unique insights into the world of children with special needs. She speaks about the bond she shares with her son, and how she has juggled through the challenges of his adolescence, including medication struggles and the tricky terrain of puberty. As our conversation unfolds, Heather candidly discusses the aggressive behaviors Chase displays and the strategies she has employed to manage these situations. She underlines the importance of consistency, external intervention and support, a key aspect often overlooked. . This episode is a testament to Heather's resilient spirit and unconditional love for her son, delivering a message of hope, insight, and valuable experiences for parents facing similar challenges. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. Join us to understand the realities, the hardships, and the triumphs of parenting a child with autism – a story told by a mother who has walked the path. Connect with Heather: Chase_sam@live.com Training that Emphasizes Safety, Consistency, and Restraints as a Last Resort https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/physical-restraints-as-a-last-resort Christina Sullivan Foundation https://www.christinasullivanfoundation.org/ Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 53: What if you could turn the toughest moments of parenting a child with a disability into a source of strength and inspiration? Join me, Sandy Deppisch, as I take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions in the hospital stays that have become an all too frequent part of our lives. You'll learn how to communicate your needs effectively to your support network, and understand the importance of asking for specific help, whether it's a warm blanket or home-cooked meal. Staying awake through the hospital nights, changing pull-ups, feeding, comforting, and dealing with beeping machines - sound familiar? Let's embark on this journey of shared experiences, struggles and strength, as I read a touching blog post, "Going Home," that vividly portrays our fears, tears, and triumphs. Find out how we can all make a difference by reaching out to each other, and remember that there's always a community ready to lend a hand and a heart. Because parents like us, we're not alone on this road less traveled, and together, we create a realm of understanding and support. Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 52: Have you ever wondered what it takes to raise a child with Down syndrome? Embark on an intimate journey with Susan Aguilar, a mother who shares the honest truth about the joys and challenges she's encountered while raising her son, Adrian. From the ease of his younger years to the hurdles of his adulthood, she paints a vivid picture of their undying resilience. We unravel the secrets of her success in homeschooling a child with Down Syndrome, with Susan sharing her experiences of crafting and tweaking curriculums for Adrian. Experience the flexibility of homeschooling firsthand, and appreciate how it has allowed Adrian to hone essential skills. We then shed light on a darker side of their journey, as Susan recounts their struggles with Adrian's anxiety, which ebbs and flows with the weekdays and weekends. Our discussion about the impact behavioral therapist, Josie Avila brought, reveals the coping strategies that have been instrumental in managing Adrian's anxiety. Lastly, we look towards the horizon as we envision Adrian's future. As Susan shares her dreams for Adrian's independence, we talk about the importance of a robust personal support network. Ending on an uplifting note, we introduce you to Adrian's Tasty Treats, a testament to Adrian's entrepreneurial spirit. This endeavor not only helps Adrian manage his anxiety but also enhances his social skills. We invite you to join us as we celebrate love, resilience, and hope in this unparalleled journey of parenting. Adrian's Tasty Treats https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088650903014 The Jet Pac https://www.thejetpac.com/ Swallowing and Speech Services https://www.swallowingandspeechservices.com/ Psychologist https://www.drmgarcia.com/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/michelle-garcia-the-woodlands-tx/77407 A Good Life Book https://www.amazon.com/Good-Life-Your-Relative-Disability/dp/B000W5TBH6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28PO1Q01XYIOA&keywords=a+good+life+by+Al+Etmanski&qid=1693769736&sprefix=a+good+life+by+al+etmanski%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1 Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 51: Have you ever pondered over the therapeutic power of writing in dealing with overpowering emotions? Join me, Sandy Deppish, on this personal journey as I revisit an old blog post titled 'It's Not About Me.' You'll discover how documenting the highs and lows of raising a child with a disability has helped me process my feelings and paved the path for resilience and hope. This episode is also a heartfelt tribute to my son Josiah, and all children living with disabilities - the true heroes of our stories. Their courage, strength, perseverance, and infectious joy in the face of daily struggles are awe-inspiring. I hope my recount of their journey brings you the same inspiration and admiration they bring me every day. Let's embrace the blessings our amazing kids bring to our lives, together! Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 50: Ever tried to trim a child's toenails? Now imagine that child has sensory issues that make the task as perilous and nerve-wracking as a high-wire act. Join me, Sandy Deppisch in this candid discussion on Embrace the Blessing podcast, where we navigate the choppy waters of personal grooming for children with disabilities, specifically, trimming toenails. We share my personal struggle with my son Josiah's toenail trimming, a task that ended with exhaustion and frustration, yet also highlighted the resilience and strength of such special children. In this heartfelt narrative, we unravel the remarkable spirit of children like Josiah who, despite their daily challenges, possess an amazing capacity for joy and happiness. This episode is also a sincere appeal to listeners who might have figured out the remedy for this seemingly mundane but complex task. It's a peek into a day in the life of a parent of a child with disabilities, an opportunity to glean insights on handling similar challenges, and an invitation to marvel at and draw inspiration from the strength and resilience of these special children. Join us as we traverse the joys, the struggles, the victories, and the constant quest for solutions on this extraordinary path less traveled. Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 49: I'm thrilled to introduce you to Darcy, a devoted parent and former teacher who's turned her personal journey into a mission to unlock the potential in children with Down syndrome. Imagine the heartache of knowing your child has thoughts, ideas, dreams locked away in their mind - simply because they struggle to communicate. Darcy, all too familiar with this struggle, has dedicated her life to tearing down these barriers using the unique and highly effective Speller's Method. Darcy's son, Brady, is a loving 20-year-old with Down syndrome and apraxia. Darcy shares the trials, triumphs and transformative power of communication in Brady's world. Overcoming common misconceptions and trauma often associated with Down syndrome, she paints a powerful picture of Brady's journey. You'll be inspired hearing how he has learned to express himself by spelling, sharing his dreams, and even using mathematical equations to make sense of his world. Communication is more than just words. It's a lifeline for individuals like Brady who face unique challenges due to Down syndrome and apraxia. Listen in as we delve into the importance of repetition, coaching, and purposeful motor skills in helping these children unlock their full potential. With Darcy's insights, we hope to inspire parents, educators, and anyone touched by special needs, offering hope and strategies to foster communication and inclusivity. Lets celebrate Brady's story - it's a testament to the power of patience, love, and the right strategies. It's proof that where there is a will, there is way - a way to unlock potential and give voice to beautiful minds. Connect with Darcy: https://brandnewday.life/ Email: darcy@brandnewday.life Brady, Darcy's son is part of The Army of Spellers that is giving hope to new SPELLERS. https://spellers.com/an-army-of-spellers/brady-mohr UNDERESTIMATED https://a.co/d/ioga9Xg Spellers Movie https://spellersthemovie.com/ Website for SPELLERS https://spellers.com/about-spellers-method FB: Darcy Day (you can find me with a picture of my son on a 26 letter board) https://www.facebook.com/darcy.mohr.12 Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 48: Have you heard about the positive impact of creating a personal network to support you as you care for your loved one with a disability? Our guest, Jennifer Vincent, brings her experience as a parent and network facilitator to help answer this crucial question. Jennifer shares the importance of personal networks in empowering families and individuals with disabilities. She introduces us to the book, A Good Life for You and Your Relative with a Disability by Al Etmanski, a practical guide to establishing such networks that promote strategic planning, decision-making, and provide vital sustainability resources. Navigating the journey with Jennifer, you'll learn firsthand the intricate process of inviting members, defining roles, and fostering qualities essential for a thriving network. The lively discussions are peppered with enlightening insights on the significance of guest speakers, educational components, and the creation of a care notebook. She underlines the importance of the individual's comfort and active participation as the team members work together to provide support. We also get an intimate look into Jennifer's personal journey of crafting a support network for her daughter, Alexandra. The conversation touches on the role of a facilitator, and the importance of varying support types. Jennifer shares creative solutions to building a support network, like including family members, thinking out of the box to include other members and using Zoom for out-of-state connections. This conversation is a goldmine for anyone looking to learn more about support networks for the special needs community, so tune in and join the discussion. Jennifer is a licensed Vocational Nurse, president of GHFEDS: Galveston-Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome, State Medicaid Managed Care Advisory Council Member, Partner in Policy Making 2018 graduate and a Texas Networks Connection Personal Network Facilitator. Connect with Jennifer Email address: Jennifervincent71@com Texas Parent 2 Parent Website: https://www.txp2p.org/ Texas Parent 2 Parent Care Notebook: https://www.txp2p.org/services/family-to-family-health-info/care-notebook Texas Network Connections: https://www.txp2p.org/services/texas-network-connections A Good Life for You and Your Relative with a Disability: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Life-Your-Relative-Disability/dp/B000W5TBH6 Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 47: Ever thought of how daunting the prospect of going on a vacation with special needs children might be? Imagine being a single parent to two wonderful boys on the autism spectrum and deciding to embark on a solo trip. That's exactly what my guest, Mary Ann Hughes, courageously did. Mary Ann's incredible journey of managing a cruise vacation with her sons is filled with insightful experiences and practical advice. We talk about the pre-journey preparations, making dining and accommodation comfortable, and special tips and tricks for sensory-sensitive children. Mary Ann's accounts are filled with realism and honesty, making it relatable for every parent or guardian navigating through similar paths. One of the highlights of our conversation is Mary Ann's well-thought-out use of social stories to prepare her boys for the trip. We delve into the details of how she ensured a smoother journey via cruise, considering the comfort of consistency that it offers for her sons and many other families. We also share the importance of headphones and locating quiet spots, making the experience enjoyable for sensory-sensitive children. Mary Ann talks about her business, Special Family Transitions which was birthed from her personal experience of navigating through the challenges of special needs divorce. As a certified divorce coach she is able to provide guidance and support to others who find themselves in a similar situation. Lastly, we shed light on the wealth of resources that are available for families with special needs children in the process of transitioning from school to life after school.. From private to public and church-based programs, we navigate through the sea of options and offer guidance on how to make the most of these resources. It's a heartening conversation filled with useful advice, personal anecdotes, and hope for those in the special needs community. Join us for an episode that promises to inspire, educate, and offer a fresh perspective. Connect with Mary Ann: Email address: Maryann@specialfamilytransitions.com Website: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com Special Family Transitions Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions Special Family Transitions on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/ Special Family Transitions YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@specialfamilytransitions And here is a low-priced 1-hour course Mary Ann developed for moms of children with disabilities to learn how to plan for success in a special needs divorce: https://maryannhughes.mastermind.com/masterminds/37115 Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 45: This is Part 2 of a 2 part interview. In this episode I talk with Victoria De La Garza and her mother Jennifer Gongora about their business, VK Girl Creations. Victoria started in her High School Life Skills class learning to knit beanie hats on a round knitting loom. She held her first pop up market at age 18, selling beanies to her fellow classmates. Now, at age 24, Victoria's hobby has blossomed into a growing business. She currently sells handcrafted beanies, bracelets and T-shirts online and at local vendor markets. The motto that Victoria and Jennifer live by is, "If you believe it, you can achieve it!". Be sure to catch the Part 1 of this inspiring interview, ETB 44. VK Girl Creations: https://www.vkgirlcreations.com/ Victoria's Photography Portfolio https://intro2photographyg4.wixsite.com/victoria-de-la-garza J.J. Watt Dream Big, Work Hard Award Winner - Victoria De La Garza http://jjwfoundation.org/dbwh-winners/ Connect with Victoria and Jennifer: IG: https://www.instagram.com/vkgirl_creations/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VKGirlCreations Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 44: In this episode I talk with Victoria De La Garza and her mother Jennifer Gongora about their business, VK Girl Creations. Victoria started in her High School Life Skills class learning to knit beanie hats on a round knitting loom. She held her first pop up market at age 18, selling beanies to her fellow classmates. Now, at age 24, Victoria's hobby has blossomed into a growing business. She currently sells handcrafted beanies, bracelets and T-shirts online and at local vendor markets. The motto that Victoria and Jennifer live by is, "If you believe it, you can achieve it!". Be sure to catch the 2nd part of this inspiring interview next Wednesday, September 21, 2022. VK Girl Creations: https://www.vkgirlcreations.com/ Victoria's Photography Portfolio https://intro2photographyg4.wixsite.com/victoria-de-la-garza J.J. Watt Dream Big, Work Hard Award Winner - Victoria De La Garza http://jjwfoundation.org/dbwh-winners/ Connect with Victoria and Jennifer: IG: https://www.instagram.com/vkgirl_creations/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VKGirlCreations Connect with Sandy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 43: If you have a child with a disability who likes to disrobe at night, I have just the thing for you! For years we would wake in the wee hours of the morning to find our son undressed and sometimes enjoying finger paining fun with the contents of his full pull up! When we discovered THIS product, it was a game changer! I have 8 of these in larger sizes looking for a good home. Reach out to me if they would make a difference in your life too and they are yours! Little Keeper Sleeper https://littlekeepersleeper.com/ Connect with Sandy IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 42: In this episode I talk with Kathryn Kane-Neilson about her 19 year old son, Clark who has Down syndrome. She talks about her experiences raising Clark, through life in NYC, through divorce, through medical misadventures and fresh beginnings in Texas. Kathryn shared, " At 22 years old, I was aware of the fact that I was carrying a child with Down syndrome and it absolutely changed my paradigm. it changed my brain. Clark is the joy of my life. He gave me purpose." GHFEDS - Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome http://ghfeds.org/ Connect with Heather - frequently mentioned on this podcast! Medicaid Resources Website: http://texasmedicaidwaivers.com Connect with Sandy IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 41- In this episode I talk with Beverly Parrish about her daughter Hannah, age 28, who has Down syndrome. Beverly and her husband Chris learned that Hannah had Down syndrome in utero. Feeling a bit overwhelmed at their lack of knowledge about Trisomy 21 they began to research, trusting that God had his perfect plan in place. Beverly is a mother of 7 with 9 grandchildren and has been married for 40 years. She homeschooled the kids for 30 years and currently works with dyslexic children and adults as a facilitator in the Davis Dyslexia program. Beverly also tutors struggling readers. In her free time, she published a book, Beyond the Diploma - Homeschooling with the End in Mind. See link below. As the only girl, sandwiched between 6 brothers, Hannah is a cheerful, engaging young lady who brings joy and seems unaffected by circumstances that impact many of us. Beverly believes in embracing the uncertainty. Instead of having your expectations dashed or unmet all the time, she recommends just embracing the idea that you don't know. It's not a race and it's not a competition. Embrace the uncertainty and don't compare your situation. Davis Dyslexia Program https://https://learnyourway.biz/ Beyond the Diploma - Homeschooling with the End in Mind by Beverly Parrish https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Diploma-Homeschooling-End-Mind/dp/1946629456 The Gift of Dyslexia https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Dyslexia-Smartest-Revised-Expanded/dp/0399535667 Welcome to Holland https://www.dsasc.ca/uploads/8/5/3/9/8539131/welcome_to_holland.pdf Connect with Beverly beverlyparrish.com www.beverlyparrish.com www.learnyourway.biz 281-638-0297 Connect with Sandy IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 40 - In this episode I talk with Gerrie Bourque, mother of 3 whose 26 year old son Tyler has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, is medically complex and has rare disorders. Gerrie shares the various caregiving options they have explored over the years. Tyler has a Texas Medicaid Waiver which provides services for him including a support staff to care for him as needed. Initially, Gerrie's husband/Tyler's dad was the first paid caregiver. They have also hired staff from Care.com, enrolled Tyler in Day hab a couple days a week and had a family member as his primary caregiver. Each waiver offers varied options for care with the ability to try different ones to find which works best for each individual. Families are able to alter the caregiving situation as circumstances and support needs change. Currently, Tyler is attending Day hab 5 days a week and thriving! No matter which avenue you take to find support for your child, remember often times your child is the best barometer for who is a good fit. Tyler's story: Recovering from intestinal malrotation: https://www.texaschildrens.org/blog/tylers-story-recovering-intestinal-malrotation Verne Cox Adaptive Recreation Center https://www.pasadenatx.gov/189/Adaptive-Recreation Next Step Transition Center https://www.nextsteptransitioncenter.org/ Care.com https://www.care.com/ Connect with Gerrie gerriebeauticontrol@yahoo.com Connect with Sandy IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 39 - In this episode I talk with Mary Ann Hughes, mother of 2 young adults with Autism about finding quality care for loved ones with special needs. As a single mother managing her company, Special Family Transitions, Mary Ann has had to stretch her comfort zone most recently when she sent both of her boys for the very first time to a week long summer camp. Mary Ann believes as special needs moms and parents we don't spend enough time taking care of ourselves. She notes there is so much stress involved with having special. needs children it can take a toll on the family and sometimes the marriage. Mary Ann encourages you to take time for yourself so you can be the best parent you can be for your kids. To help you find quality caregivers you can trust, Mary Ann shares an abundance of possibilities for securing respite care, some of which you may not have ever considered. Connect with Mary Ann: Email address: Maryann@specialfamilytransitions.com Website: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/ Special Family Transitions YouTube channel (please subscribe ) https://youtube.com/channel/UChI4BaUMGf50O2yPE_YnjFA Special Family Transitions Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions Private Facebook group: Divorce Journey Support for Moms of Children with Autism & Special Needs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/309739357366936/ Special Family Transitions on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/ Respite Resources: Take Time Texas https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/taketimetexas/search.cfm Texas State Information on Respite Providers or Programs https://archrespite.org/respite-locator-service-state-information/176-texas-info Connect with Sandy IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/