4th of July at Easter Seals

July hosts one of our very favorite holidays: 4^th of July. Not only because it revels in our marvelous nation but because it promotes our very favorite word: INDEPENDENCE. At the end of the day our goal is simple: help people with special needs become independent. For nearly 100 years Easter Seals has worked to ensure that these individuals have a place that is both safe and pushes them excel to their full potential. One way we do this is through our employment services. Nationwide, Easter Seals has been able to assist thousands of people with a variety of special needs train, prepare for, and find a job. Because unemployment among the disability community is twelve times that of the average, we take this issue very seriously and it is constantly on our minds. Hearing of a first pay check or the latest friend someone made at work is as exciting for us as it is for them. We hope to shrink the unemployment rate and expand awareness for the equality of all people in the workplace. Independence is for all people, we are here to make sure that message is not forgotten. For more information please log onto our website fl.easterseals.com and see how you can get involved in the quest for independence.

 

Earth Day

  Easter Seals Florida takes pride in the ways that we integrate our programs with mother nature. Our very own Day Break center for adults and seniors is home to a marvelous sensory garden. There, our older adult members are able to plant a variety of different flowers, vegetables and herbs. We like to think that it’s the union of social interactions and nature that keep our members happy.

 

 Camp Challenge also proves this each and every year. Every child and adult that comes our patch of forested fun leaves feeling a new vigor. We have our campers interact with all sorts of life from trees on the zipline, petting zoo animals, nature trails and more. We couldn’t provide all of these things without loving our earth and respecting it in every way possible. We are proud to say that both our campers and our camp counselors are constantly learning about our earth and how to maintain it's impeccable beauty. So here’s to making every day Earth Day!

 If you are interested in helping us keep Camp Challenge the lush, green playground it is visit: http://bit.ly/1mkS0Gv

 

 

Website Launch

Our mission at Easter Seals has always been to promote the independence of people with disabilities to live ordinary lives. We work tirelessly to ensure our community is aware of the challenges they face, but more importantly, we spread the value of treating all people equally. Since 1919 we have been the leader in providing both children and adults with the tools they need to reach their full potential. Because we are ever-growing with services that reach a huge spectrum of people, it’s safe to say that our website hasn’t always been quite caught up. But, all of that is about to change…Easter Seals Florida is delighted to unveil our new and improved website! We decided that it was about time that we had an online presence that was just as beautiful as our mission itself. We’re proud to announce that we’ve surpassed all expectations.

New Features:

·        Live social media feed

·        Mobile friendly formatting

·        New drop down navigation feature

·        Dynamic and appealing web design

·        Content tailored for the user experience

·        New news section replete with client success stories

Most importantly: We designed our website to be accessible for our special needs clients so they can have all the information they need at their fingertips!

Be the first person to Tweet what year our logo began feturing a lily with the hashtag #ESFL and win a free iPhone 5 case! (Hint: it's under "History")

 So, what are you waiting for? Come check us out!

 www.easterseals.com/florida

Valentine's Day According to Easter Seals

Love truly is blind. It doesn't care what ethnicity you are, where you are located or even if you have a disability. It always finds its way into your heart. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching we would like to reflect on the many different kinds of love found in our organization. From the love of a husband and wife to that of two friends who met in one of our programs, Easter Seals has a passion for spreading love and all its beauty. With that said, here are some of the kinds of love you’ll find in our organization:

-          Love of Learning: A child with a disability is just as curious and eager to learn as the rest of us. We get such joy from seeing our young members grow and develop. Their thirst for knowledge is inspirational and their love for books, blocks and all things colorful keep us wanting to teach them all about the world around them.

-          Military Love: We offer respite services to the families of military veterans while they are serving our country. It’s incredible to see how big of an impact these individuals have in the community and we are lucky to be able to work with such honorable citizens. In them we constantly see the love they have for their country and, of course, the love of their families who are anxiously awaiting their arrival.

-          Family Love: The love and support our clients receive from their families never fails to amaze us. Mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters are some of the most incredible people we come across. Their passion for our organization is what drives us and the unconditional love they provide for their family member living with a disability or special need moves us deeply.

-          Summer Love: Our annual summer camp, Camp Challenge, always leaves us feeling like we made our campers truly happy. The entirely accessible campground gives our members the ability to do things such as feed farm animals, ride horses and even zip line! Their love for animals, the outdoors and their freedom keeps us looking forward to another successful summer.

-          Community Love: Our community is a huge support for our mission of awareness and independence for those living with disabilities. We have amazing volunteers and local partners whose devotion is truly treasured. Their constant love and willingness to help is something that we value beyond measure.

-          True Love: We often hear and see happy couples with one of the two dealing with a disability. Their love stories are touching, to say the least. The pure love for one another is often something out of movies and we can’t thank them enough for the generosity of sharing their fairytale endings with us at Easter Seals.

So, now that you know some of the different types of love we are surrounded by, we’d like to wish you a happy and healthy #ValentinesDay and invite you to join conversation by #Valentweeting your love story! 

Calling All Volunteers: Did you know that your volunteer time could be tax deductible?

It’s a New Year and what a better way to spend the year new year than by saving a few bucks?  You may not give big dollars or throw a big fundraising soirée but your volunteer time is valuable to us too.

During this season of giving, we want to let you know how much the giving of your time means to us. Time is such a precious gift, and through the time taken out of your busy schedule, time away from family or friends, you are impacting the lives of our families. As a small way to say thank you, we wanted to share the ways to deduct certain volunteer expenses on your tax returns this year.

Here are a couple of items that the IRS allows volunteers at a nonprofit to deduct from their taxable income (These can be verified through the volunteer coordinator of Easter Seals Florida):

Car and transportation expenses

This includes expenses such as, but not limited to, back and forth from home to office, meetings, or events. This can be recorded as actual gas used or by keeping track of the mileage at the rate of 14 cent per mile.

Travel expenses

This includes expenses such as, but not limited to, airfare, other transportation, accommodations, and meals when preforming services away from home.

Other: Out-of-pocket expenses

Includes expenses such as, but not limited to, supplies for arts and crafts, new books purchased, printed materials for activities, background screening (unreimbursed), etc.

For more information on the limitations of tax deductions please visit, http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/remind-nonprofit-volunteers-tax-deductions-29659.html.

If you would like more information about volunteerism at your local Easter Seals please visit www.fl.easterseals.com/volunteering. Can’t wait to hear how much you saved this year. #SavingBig #TaxBreak

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.

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. 

#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.