TRIUMPH!

BY KIMBERLEE RUTAN MCCAFFERTY I no longer regret the more traditional trappings of the life I’d envisioned for my son. Over the past few years I’ve begun to see that needing those traditional milestones to achieve happiness is my disability, not his. He nearly stumbled over the stroller, the elderly man with the kind eyes who apologized, then bent down to speak to my son Justin. “Hi there buddy!” he said exuberantly, then put up […]

Eight Tips for Taming Kids’ Tech Obsession

BY MICHELE KAMBOLIS Technology is changing childhood, with as many opinions on healthy usage as there are gadgets to distract us. While technology holds possibilities and benefits, there are known drawbacks associated with over-usage. According to the latest release from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average eight to 10 year old may be in front of a screen up to eight hours a day. Teens top the list as excessive tech users, with many […]

The Olmstead Right Of Individual Choice And The Duty Of Guardians: Whose Choice Is It?

BY JILL BARKER It is the legal process that protects an individual from unnecessary guardianship and from abusive guardians. Legal guardians are charged by a court to advance the individuals’, not the guardians’, best interests. Without question, the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead decision requires that community placement not be imposed on individuals who do not desire it. The Olmstead right of individual choice is clear, but what about situations where the individual with an […]

Toys For Tots

EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHRISTMAS The Marine Toys for Tots (or simply Toys for Tots), a 68-yearold charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, helps provide happiness and hope to disadvantaged children who might otherwise be overlooked during the Christmas holiday season. Their gifts offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory that will last them for a lifetime. It is such experiences that may motivate them to become responsible and caring […]

A GPS for Families of People with Special Needs – Part II

BY LAUREN AGORATUS INTRODUCTION I wrote this manual to help other families of individuals with special needs and the professionals who work with them. My daughter now has five life-threatening conditions, and autism just to keep things interesting. We have been through everything from early intervention to currently going through transition to adult care. I hope this helps you on your journey. Part II follows; to review Part I, see the September issue of EP […]