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! 

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   

#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. 

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

Great Weekend Outdoor Ideas!

Feeling Fabulous Friday!

Great Weekend Outdoor Ideas:

Are you ready for a fun weekend? It can be easy to lay back and watch television all weekend, but sometimes we all want to get out in the sun. Some studies even show that outdoor environments can improve the attention span of individuals with autism and relieve stress. We've created a list of some fun family weekend activities. We sure hope you enjoy!

1. Have a tasty picnic
2. Walk in the park
3. Enjoy some playground time
4. Visit the zoo
5. Collect leaves and flowers to make a nature collage
6. Volunteer at a local opportunity
7. Do a scavenger hunt
8. Visit the farmers market
9. Visit a local garden
10. Designate a flower pot for each family member and plant away your own unique flowers

Photo Credit: Northfielder 

Thank you for dropping by and have a wonderful weekend.

Think Fabulous… Think Friendly’s

Feeling Fabulous Friday!

We hope you are feeling fabulous on this lovely Friday. Easter Seals Florida is definitely feeling fabulous! We are excited about wonderful things happening in our local communities and feeling grateful for so much support. The Easter Seals mission to help people living with autism and other disabilities live, learn, work and play in our communities is powerful, but the act of implementing this mission is even more amazing. We could not do that without the help of volunteers, donors and sponsors.

Today we are feeling fabulous about ice cream scoops at Friendly’s. Friendly's is again supporting Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s through its annual Valentine Cones for Kids Campaign! From January 14 - February 14, 2013, Friendly’s Restaurants will be offering 5 Valentine Certificates good for FREE kids cones and a buy-one-get-one free adult entree as a thank you gift to restaurant guests who make a $1 donation to Easter Seals.

We have a long history with Friendly’s. Friendly’s has supported Easter Seals since 1981 with more than $27 million through Cones for Kids.

 

 

 

 

With the help of generous consumers, 25 Easter Seals affiliate organizations have benefited from this powerful campaign created by Friendly’s Restaurants up and down the East Coast.

 

Remember to drop by for a scoop and show support. Thank you Friendly’s!

Have an awesome Friday everyone J