Encouraging families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and other Invisible Disabilities
Posts
TIWhen we are out and about in public with our Goldendoodle service dog, I am often stopped and asked questions. Ned is nearly a hundred pounds and attracts a lot of attention. If my daughter can tolerate the inquiries, I am happy to oblige and refer families to our agency 4 Paws for Ability. The most frequently asked question is how much does it cost for a service dog. Here...
#sponsored Carmel-by-the-Sea My family embarked on a road trip north from Los Angeles to Carmel-by-the-Sea. I had not taken a road trip to this beautiful coastal area in many years. I was looking forward to photographing the spectacular scenery. We stayed at the Hofsas House Hotel Family-Friendly Lodging. At this time of year, the California coast is usually shrouded in a marine layer otherwise known as June Gloom. We lucked...
Just Like the Families in the News This was a hard post to write. It is hard to read. Every word is the truth. I researched the laws for the time period that restraints and seclusion were inflicted on my child. The evidence was withheld until Mac left his Non-Public School (NPS). He was severely injured twice in less than a month. This is how restraints and seclusion hurt...
We are a Transportation Family My son has always loved transportation vehicles – the bigger the better. Despite having a limited ability to focus, Mac could play with his wooden trains on his train table with laser focus for an hour or more. Thomas the Tank Engine, Toby, Mavis, Percy, and friends were Mac’s favorites and he often incorporated his Matchbox trucks in his play with the trains. Several of...
Guide Dogs and Service Dogs (This post is based on my personal experience with one service dog agency and observations at one Guide Dog agency). I had the opportunity to attend a Guide Dogs of America (GDA) graduation ceremony and tour their facilities in Sylmar California. I am a trained handler for my daughter’s service dog (a three-unit team) and supervise my son while he is handling his service...
Must-Do Activities in New York City My son Mac asked to visit New York City (NYC) for years. Growing up in New Jersey afforded me the opportunity to visit NYC frequently. Unfortunately, visiting NYC with my daughter was not possible due to her anxiety and sensory processing challenges. When the opportunity to visit NYC with my son alone presented itself, we enthusiastically planned a visit. There are at least five must-do...
Special Education is Complicated Updated 11/28/2021 My daughter was placed with me as a newborn from foster care due to prenatal exposure. She qualified for the Early Start Program through the Regional Center in California. The Regional Center provides assistance to children and adults with developmental disabilities and at-risk infants through age three. Here is what special education parents need to know in order to successfully advocate for their child. ...