Susan Boyle's Dreams Become a Reality

Dreams are meant to be extravagant and daring. They’re meant to be fun, measurable and achievable. Some dreams are only dreams, but other dreams become reality. With the right amount of belief and support, dreams can be achievable and they can be reality… just ask Susan Boyle.

Boyle, who is Scottish, is the amazing singer that “became famous overnight after her audition for “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2009,” reported CNN. She has awed people with her beautiful voice and now has the opportunity to voice her own opinion as an individual living with a disability. At the age of 52, Boyle hopes that openly discussing her Asperger’s syndrome will help “lead people to understand and treat her better.” She quotes, “I am not strong on my own. When I have the support of people around me I am fine.”

Like Boyle there are many others living with a disability but they don’t let it slow them down. Children and adults with a disability are no different from you and me. Living with a disability is not easy. But through a variety of resources, Easter Seals helps people with all types of abilities get the right care they need, and focus on their abilities, talents, and strengths.

 Find out more about how you can make your dreams become reality and prove to others that you can achieve your dreams. Because at Easter Seals, all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. 

A New National Day of Giving: #GivingTuesday

The holidays are coming soon. So what does that really mean? Presents? Holiday lights? Candles? Tree decorations? To some that may be what the holidays mean, but for the children at the Murray Child Development Center it means receiving a book they can find adventures in or a teddy bear that can keep them safe at night. Giving them the joy and the comfort of the holiday spirit.

At the Altrusa House in Gainesville, members celebrate the holidays by giving their specially-handmade arts and crafts to their loved ones. Giving them independence and enjoyment of the company of their families during the holiday season.

But for some, the holiday season is giving back to the community through volunteerism and helping others during this time of year. Volunteering their time, energy, and laughter. Giving those we serve at Easter Seals Florida the blessings of their monetary donations, in-kind support, or volunteerism.

Join us on #GivingTuesday to really understand the meaning of giving back. Find more information, visit www.fl.easterseals.com/givingtuesday.

Guest Blogger: Margery Pabst- CAREGIVING: 3 Common Mistakes

November is National Caregivers Month, an appropriate time to reflect on our roles as caregivers, and a time to look forward to creating even more quality days and moments for ourselves and our loved ones.

If we work on improving three common mistakes, we can achieve more of those quality moments!

First, don’t avoid your feelings.  Keep in touch with your emotional self as you care for others and communicate those feelings directly and as candidly as possible.  It’s common to stifle your feelings and focus only on the needs and emotions of loved ones and family. 

As a caregiver, the situation you face is emotional and charged with underlying stress.  First get in touch with yourself, and expressing your fears, doubts, and needs is the first step.  Some tips to consider are:  Use statements like, “I am scared about the future” or “I feel so much pressure”, or “I am concerned about making a mistake with the medication.”  Your open acknowledgement will encourage others to be helpful and to be honest with you.  Encouraging your patient/care partner to express open and honest feelings is also healthy and helps you both to forge an even deeper relationship.

Second, don’t avoid dealing with family conflict.  Identifying problems early and dealing with them directly is the best plan.  A family conflict can cost everyone heartache, productivity, and money and rob the family of those quality days.

A strong foundation for dealing with family conflicts will exist if everyone shares feelings, concerns, and needs openly and honestly.  If the caregiver sets the stage for the exchange of ideas, a higher probability for success in saving time, money, and hurt feelings will result.  Some tips for dealing with family conflict:

• keep everyone informed.
• have frequent meetings/gatherings.
• seek common agreements before dealing with disagreements.

Third, don’t do everything yourself.  Build your caregiving community from your network of family, then friends, and then community and professional contacts.

Caregivers, particularly those dealing with chronic illness, can easily wear themselves out and it is a mistake to go it alone.  Other people may complete your tasks in a different way than you might, but let your feelings about “doing everything a certain way” go and roll with the flow.  Some tips for letting others help:

• begin with one trusted person and delegate a few, specific tasks.
• slowly develop a wider circle of friends, family, and community members to take on appropriate roles.
• write down your successes as others help you in your caregiving role.
• make sure to include professionals like attorneys, accountants, and spiritual advisors in your community circle.

Finally, always keep the goal in mind–creating quality moments and quality days for you and your loved ones.  Have a wonderful November and Happy Caregivers Month!

Margery Pabst is the author of “Words of Care”, her most recent book found on mycaregivingcoach.com, Amazon.com, and eCareDiary.com.  “Words of Care” is her fourth book on life transitions.  Margery is eCareDiary’s caregiving expert and the host of two BlogTalkRadio shows, Caregivers Speak! and Caregiver and Physician Conversations, sponsored by eCareDiary.com

Flight Of A Mom With A Special Needs Child-Guest Blogger Marva Caldwell

When we are about to take off on a flight, the flight attendants instruct us about our seat belts, emergency exits and oxygen masks. Few of us pay attention.  We are busy settling a baby, telling our kids not to kick the seat in front of you and getting the DVD player rigged up. However, we are told if the oxygen mask drops from the compartment above to put your mask on first. Do you remember why? You can’t help your child/children if you don’t help yourself first and pass out from lack of oxygen. So why don’t we apply this in other areas of our lives that have taken flight in a direction we haven’t planned for? Especially if you have boarded the flight of a mom with a special needs child. 

When we become mothers we often neglect ourselves as we care for our children. I am a mom of two little boys and ride the turbulent flight of health and learning problems for each one of my sons. It has taken time and effort to make sure both have proper care, Doctor’s, OT, PT, Speech, Learning Specialists, finding the right school, educating teachers about their needs, researching and being an advocate.

 Maybe your experience began during pregnancy, when your child was born, in the NICU or during his/her first few years of life. You took on the role of being a mom and your child’s care needs are many: appointments, medication, daily functioning, nursing, emotional and social needs. You cope with crisis daily and are well versed in case management. You are struggling to look after your child/children, family and there is no time for you.  As mothers we just put our head down and power through the turbulence… but what about the emotional and physical jet lag we experience? You are a mother, wife/partner, caregiver, advocate and expert on your child and children… but are you an expert on you? 

  

Flight of a Mom with a Special Needs Child: 5 Ways to put your Oxygen Mask on First!

1. Increase your energy….Mom’s Energy formula. You need more energy than other mom’s to navigate the flight plan for your special needs child. Here is a simple formula.  Mom’s Emotional Health + Mom’s Physical health = Energy to Care. We need to be in good form and flight trained emotionally and physically to do what we have too.  
2. Get rid of your guilt. Sounds simple but this is a struggle for most mothers.  Mommy guilt is huge. It can deplete and run you down. Guilt can tell you that you don’t deserve to take time away from your child, to talk to your friend, read a book for 10 minutes, take a nap, go out to dinner with your husband or bring in respite care for your child.  Guilt can shame you into not looking after you. It eventually robs you of your emotional and physical reserves. You need to recharge, don’t feel guilty. You matter and if you are not doing well how can you look after everyone else?
3. Prevent Emotional and Physical Jet Lag or it will catch up with you. Look after you. Moms often neglect the basics of eating, sleeping and getting exercise. I know this is sometimes easier said than done.  Especially, when you have to make calls or go to doctor’s appointments or do physical therapy at home with your child. It is probably hard for you to say, but 10 minutes of you time is just as important as your child’s physical therapy. You can start with small steps: sitting down to eat for one meal a day, enjoying your coffee while chatting with a friend on the phone, going to bed earlier one night a week, a quick 10 minute workout or taking a walk by yourself. If you look after your physical needs it will help you cope emotionally. You will be more tolerant and stand up better under pressure and crisis.          
4. Find something for yourself. Working, volunteering or developing an interest.  You may already do this but having something outside of your caregiver, mom role is very important. It insulates you and keeps you from crashing. If you have a reserve of interests you can tap into it, it will help you stay grounded and see beyond the overwhelming loving tasks you do as a caregiver. It is an investment in you and your ability to do what needs to be done.
5. Ask for help. It is hard for Moms with special needs children to let go. You are the center of care for your child. You are the engine and propeller that makes everything run. To prevent an engine malfunction that sends you careening into the unknown, reach out. You are not alone. Seek respite care or find a camp that specializes in helping you and your child.  Easter Seals Florida looks after the child and family as a whole. They will help you recharge and feel comfortable with the care your child is receiving while being away from you. This is not only a gift for you but your child too.  Your child will gain independence, confidence, increase their social skills have fun and enjoy new experiences.

Is asking for help and letting go your biggest fear? It might be! But finding support could be the parachute you need; it will make the difference in your life, your child’s and your relationship with your spouse/partner. For more information about Easter Seals Florida respite care contact: 

Easter Seals Florida

2010 Mizell Ave.

Winter Park, FL 32792

(407) 629-7881 

info@fl.easterseals.com

If you would like more information about counseling and support for moms with special needs children please contact: 

Orlando Women's Counseling withLife Counseling Solutions. 

Marva Caldwell MA, LMHC,NCC
Women's and Maternal Wellness 

(M) 407-808-6551

(W) 407-622-1770http://www.facebook.com/pages/Life-Counseling-Solutions/215050775186812?ref=hl
 http://lifecounselingsolutions.com/2013/10/flight-of-a-mom-with-a-special-needs-child/

About the Author: Marva Caldwell MA, LMHC, NCC is a mom and licensed women’s counselor at Orlando Women’s Counseling. She recognizes the unique physical and emotional needs of women across their lifespan; from adolescents to menopause. Marva has a strong foundation in Women’s Health, Maternal Mental Health/ Wellness and Parenting.  Marva, at Orlando Women’s Counseling works with women of all ages as a counselor, therapist, educator and communicator.

Pete the Service Dog

Summer is over and everyone is back in the swing of school, but not Pete. This past summer, Pete the service dog came to Easter Seals Camp Challenge to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities and/or special needs. He is the sweetest, kindest two-year-old puppy you’ll ever meet, and is now a permanent part of the Easter Seals Camp Challenge family.

Maggie Denk, Camp Director at Easter Seals Camp Challenge, took Pete in through Pawsitive Action Foundation, an organization that provides affordable veterinary services, behavioral training, and relocation for abandoned dogs and cats. During The Family Café exhibit, Peggy Hoyt, a puppy trainer, saw the connection Pete and Maggie had and knew they would be a good fit for each other.

Before Pete came to Camp Challenge, he served as a therapy and emotional assistance dog. The skills he learned have already been put to good use several times. Maggie says, 

“My son Jay has severe asthma and when he and Pete are playing, Pete will come get me before I've even realized Jay is having a problem and needs his inhaler. It's such a relief knowing Pete keeps an eye on Jay. They are truly best friends.”  

Easter Seals Florida takes in an array of animals with disabilities and abilities and they in turn provide therapy for our children and adults with special needs and/or disabilities. Pete is an addition to our camp that makes it that much better. #EasterSeals  #Summer2013   

Apple Team Makes Moves

It is more than just talking the talk, but also walking the walk. Today more than ever you see children 2-year old and up, playing on iPads and iPhones. It has become a social norm at dinner, turning breaks, etc. We ask ourselves:  why are we so glued to these devices? Are our children utilizing these devices like they should be? Sure, they have their ups and downs, but one thing I think we could all agree on is their Special Education Apps are incredibly beneficial.

 In 2010 Apple created a “Special Education” section in their apps for individuals with special needs, as reported by the DisabilityScoop. These 72 apps range from emotional to developmental to cognitive skills. These different apps will begin to open new possibilities for educational teachers and also for caregivers to help their child or adult develop needed skills.

In our Adult Day Break at the Miller Center in the Winter Park, we have used our iPads to help translate and build cognitive skills. At our Murray Child Development Center in Tampa, we've used iPads for therapy sessions.

Visit Apple’s Special Education section to find what app fits best for your child or adult.  #Caring4Others  #SpecialNeeds

Internships Leads To Jobs

Over my experience as a student entering in to the workforce I realized that school can’t teach you what internships can. Sure you learn the basics in school but it is the internships that really broaden your experiences and societal skills.

I cannot emphasis how important it is to intern as much as possible during school and even after graduating. But wait; aren’t I supposed to get a job after graduation? Ideally you should be applying for jobs, but sometimes becoming an intern before becoming employed is a foot in the door. 69% of large and 39% of small companies make an offer for a full-time position by the end of the internship.

I initially came to Easter Seals Florida as an intern back in the summer of 2012 during my PR and Advertising program. I stayed in touch with the staff at Easter Seals and helped volunteer for their signature event, A Pair to Remember in 2013. Falling in love with their mission and vision, a position opened up that I couldn't say no to.

Internships.com reported that interns enjoyed learning new things, liked the real-world experience, and enjoyed working with colleagues. Like many other companies and organizations, we too have an internship program. 

Visit www.fl.easterseals.com/volunteering to see our listing of internships that will give you real experience in a team setting. #Orlando, #WestPalmBeach, and #Tampa. 

Our Turn To Care For You

Over the 22 years of my life, I had never had to truly care for someone else other than myself it sounds selfish but it’s true. That all changed as the years flew by and I recently started to realize the aging and memory loss of my grandma. Even though she lives with my parents, she has always taken care of me and practically raised my brother and me when we were kids. It is our turn to care for her as she cared for us.

But what qualifies someone to be a caregiver and how do new caregivers learn what to do? Do they learn their skills from someone else or do they learn as they go?  Well it’s a little of both. Caregivers come in all different shapes and sizes, whether you are a spouse caring for a spouse or a sibling caring for another sibling.

I recently read in a Disability Scoop article that stated, “For those who are the primary caregiver for their brother or sister, three-quarters said the role is a full-time job.” The realistic expectation is that 75% of current caregivers believe this to be true and 55% of future caregivers believe it is a full-time job. Being a caregiver may limit your full potential and attention  or make you feel spread too thin at times, but there are services and resources that help you jump those hurdles…Easter Seals is one of them.

We try to help keep families together and take some of that stress off of caregivers. We give you the time to do the simple tasks you need to get done, like laundry, groceries, house cleaning, etc. It is our turn to care for you because you care for others. #SiblingsMatter #Care4Others +Easter Seals Florida Facebook 

#WhatWeDo Wednesday

Sometimes words can't express #WhatWeDo so I decided to show you through imagery. Hope you enjoy the beautiful faces of Easter Seals Florida. 

10 Tips on Disability Etiquette

Before coming to Easter Seals, I really didn't know how to engage in conversation when talking to an individual with a disability. Would I be sensitive to their emotions? How do I engage in an appropriate conversation?  It was an uncomfortable feeling at first, but then I realized that it was no different than any other individual.

We are never taught in school the “proper protocol”, so where do we learn it from? Easy. Any individual or organization that has expertise or experience with working with children or adults with disabilities, but in case you don’t get the opportunity to do so in the near future, I can give you 10 tips on Disability Etiquette:

1. If you don’t lean or hang on people, then probably best if you didn't on someone’s wheelchair. Wheelchairs are an extension of personal space.
2. When talking with a person in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, place yourself at the wheelchair user's eye level to spare both of you a stiff neck.
3. When you offer to assist someone with a vision impairment, allow the person to take your arm. This will help you to guide, rather than propel or lead, the person.
4. When talking with someone who has a disability, speak directly to him or her, rather than through a companion who may be along.
5. Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions, such as "See you later" or "I've got to run", that seem to relate to the person's disability.
6. To get the attention of a person who has a hearing disability, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly and expressively to establish if the person can read your lips.
7. When greeting a person with a severe loss of vision, always identify yourself and others who may be with you. Say, for example, "On my right is Andy Clark" etc.
8. When directing a person with a visual impairment, use specifics such as "left a hundred feet" or "right two yards".
9. If you would like to help someone with a disability, ask if he or she needs it before you act, and listen to any instructions the person may want to give.
10. Give whole, unhurried attention when you're talking to a person who has difficulty speaking. Keep your manner encouraging rather than correcting, and be patient rather than speak for the person. 

Do you have any other tips to share? If so, post them below in our comments sections and share the knowledge. 

Celebrating 23rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Life is about self-fulfillment and achieving goals. Whether it is as simple  as tying your shoe or running for president, we all have different goals in life. What if someone told you that assembling packages is like becoming president? For some individuals it is.

Today marks the 23^rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Without this civil rights legislation, there are many individuals that would not be able “to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services.” Easter Seals’ mission mirrors the ADA and what it stands for: To provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

If the ADA did not exist we wouldn't have our Vocational Services, which offers individuals with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to deliver high quality work to companies in the community.

Today I want to remind you of this significant legislation that allowed people with disabilities to have the equal opportunities of employment. I want to share an article that lists the top 10 inspirational novels about disabilities and reality:

1. “Under the Eye of the Clock,” by Christopher Nolan (Skyhorse, 1987). This autobiographical novel by the late Irish poet Christopher Nolan, who had cerebral palsy, is a gorgeous and insightful book about the expansive life of a man who seemed entirely trapped in his chair. He pecked out this story with a pencil attached to his forehead. My wife and I have given away more copies than we can count.
   
2. “Lark and Termite,” by Jayne Anne Phillips (Vintage, 2009). This powerful, complex novel moves between two stories: the No Gun Ri massacre during the Korean War in 1950 and a devastating flood that confronts a West Virginia family in 1959. Termite, a profoundly and multiply handicapped boy, is cared for by his aunt and his devoted 17-year-old half-sister, Lark. Theirs is one of the most affecting sibling relationships in American literature.

For more novels see article: 10 Books to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act

Dando es como recibimos

It’s better to give than to receive (English). 

Can you image being in another country and you don’t know the language? I must say it was difficult for me to communicate when I was in Hungary four summers ago, and I think the most difficult part was expressing my needs. Have you ever considered how this would feel on a day-to-day base? Sara Osleger does.  

Sara Osleger who is a mother of 3 year old twins and a volunteer at Easter Seals Florida’s Adult Day Break at the Miller Center, gave back to our members by going above and beyond. Upon her volunteering she found the need to break the language barrier between the staff and the clients. Seeing the need, she started a fundraising campaign, which raised the money to purchase four iPads, four iPads cases, and various apps. 

“I might have been the catalyst for this fundraiser but it’s the donors who directly impacted the center and made the difference," said Sara.                                                                

Bert playing a matching game app called Smiley Fruit.

This gave our staff the opportunity to communicate to those who are bilingual. Needless to say this was an amazing gift to our members and to the staff. For over 100 years Easter Seals has had countless volunteers give back to our members and over thousands of volunteer hours logged in. Sara is the definition of volunteerism. Giving back to the community and enriching the lives of others. She said: 

“I try to maintain a balanced life and that is why Easters Seals is a part of it. I’ve always been taught through my family and church how important it is to give back, and there is nothing more gratifying.” 

Whether it be a language barrier, disability, or a special need this could help Easter Seals members feel more involved and listened to because it’s better to give than receive. #VolunTweet  #DoGooder 

Achieving Goals Is What We Do

Orlando City Soccer at Camp Challenge with Kingston the mascot.

Goal!!! The crowd goes wild as Andrew kicks the ball and brushes past Jamie Watson’s legs, two for Easter Seals’ campers and one for the Orlando City Soccer Club. It is a close game but little do the campers know that Jamie has achieved his goals once he saw Andrew crack a smile and yell for joy.

Jamie Watson, a midfielder for Orlando City Soccer Club, became an Easter Seals Florida official spokesperson this past fall. Being a part of the Easter Seals team, he nearly felt at home because he too helped people with disabilities and special needs, more specifically his brother Brett. Brett was born with cerebral palsy and mental and physical delays. Much of Jamie’s life revolved around caring for his older brother and making sure he enjoyed life to the fullest. 

For over the past four weeks Jamie and his soccer team dedicated the same energy to our new accessible soccer clinics at Camp Challenge. I cannot express how thrilled we were and how excited the campers were.  Every Wednesday at 3:00PM is the time that every camper anticipates and every Wednesday at 3:00PM Jamie couldn't wait to put a smile on the campers’ faces.  

 “By becoming a spokesperson for Easter Seals, I am dedicating myself to spend time with these amazing children and adults, and to help however I can.” said Jamie Watson. Not only has Jamie been a great advocate for Easter Seals Florida, but also a wonderful supporter. His goal for this season is to raise $5,000 for us and has raised over $3,000 thus far.

 

We all have goals in life whether it is to kick a ball into the net or to make someone smile. The latter is goal that CAN be achieved every day. You too can help by joining us at Easter Seals Appreciation Day, and help us cheer on Jamie Watson as the Orlando City Lions play the Charlotte Eagles. For every ticket purchased $5 will be donated back to Easter Seals Florida. Now, that’s something we can all smile about. #MakingMovesMonday #VolunTweet

Little Girl, Big Heart

It’s Feeling Fabulous Friday!

We are feeling so fabulous this Friday at Easter Seals Florida because of a little girl with a big heart! Five-year-old Mya’s mother, Lisa, wanted to involve her in community volunteering.  Lisa arranged for Mya to help literacy specialist Mayra Alvarado with the new mobile library at Easter Seals' Murray Child Development Center.  For months, Mya read a book to the kids in each classroom at the center and helped them check out books from the mobile library, a small library on wheels that she brought from classroom to classroom.  She even created library cards for each child in the center.

Mya:

Mya went home from her volunteer experience determined to collect more children's books for the children of Easter Seals. She made a flyer that she sent out to friends and family, and soon books were coming in from all over the country...over 500 books were collected in all! But that wasn't enough for Mya. She wanted to be sure that Easter Seals' Murray Child Development Center had its very own library. After many volunteers sorted through and organized books, painted walls and murals, and put the final touches of decorations to the place, it was ready for our children!  The grand opening of the Murray Child Development Center library was held in July of 2011. 

But that’s not all!  Starting last summer, Mya got the itch to create another library at Easter Seals’ Igoe-Amar Child Development Center, the Murray Center’s sister program in West Palm Beach.  She collected once again over 500 more books, and on January 23, 2013 the new Children’s Library and Literacy Center was opened!  Check out pictures from the dedication here: grand opening of their library.

Today we want to thank Mya for her warm heart and drive to make a difference. No matter our location, age or circumstance, Mya’s story is a lesson that we can make a difference when we put our hearts and minds to it.

The Murray Center Library:

The Amar Center Library:

The Amar Center Library Grand Opening:

See even more photos in the grand opening album on our Facebook page.

Care Tips for Cerebral Palsy

Caused by injury or abnormal development, Cerebral Palsy refers to a set of conditions involving the brain and nervous system. Cerebral Palsy is known as the most common motor disability affecting children, according to the CDC. Recently, there have been positive findings working in the direction of a potential cure for the condition, but research still has a long way to go.

If you are weathering day-to-day challenges of caring for a loved one with Cerebral Palsy, don’t feel like you’ve been abandoned. Easter Seals offers services that can help your situation. When a loved one is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, the first thing you need is support and guidance. Easter Seals Florida offers many individuals support through Early Intervention and aims to change lives. Contact us today for support. To get you started, we’ve included a list of Cerebral Palsy caregiving tips.

Cerebral Palsy Caregiving Tips:

1.      Keep surfaces in your home clean and clear of potentially dangerous objects

2.      Remember to pad sharp corners for safety

3.      Side rails for the bed and bathroom are helpful

4.      Install seat belts in chairs

5.      Plug electrical outlets and don’t let chords hang low

6.      Join a support group

7.      Seek guidance for coping

8.      Look at, talk to and even sing to your child often

9.      Use multiple forms of communication (talking, hand gestures, writing, smiling)

10.  Create personalized activities to help develop your child’s skills

11.  Stick to rules to help develop routines

12.  Encourage independence when possible

13.  Play time is important for development of intellectual and motor skills

14.  Help your loved one hold and release objects

15.  Seek professional help