Category Archives: Uncategorized

#givingTuesday

One of the more recent traditions added to the Black Friday Weekend is Giving Tuesday, celebrated the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Giving Tuesday was initiated in 2012, marking a day after Black Friday and Cyber Monday that shifts the focus from … Continue reading

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Gratitude

Thanksgiving is about gratitude. It’s about gathering. It’s not about wrapping and/or unwrapping presents. It’s about being present in our loved ones’ lives. It’s also such a uniquely American holiday. I’ve often had people at my table who weren’t born … Continue reading

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November is Epilepsy Awareness Month!

Epilepsy is the 4th most common neurological disease after migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, affecting about 2 million people in the United States. Characterized by recurrent and unprovoked seizures, epilepsy remains misunderstood and discriminated against by the general public, and … Continue reading

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Talking Past

A mistake that is made by many who are not familiar with children and adults with disabilities is to discuss their challenges in front of them. The perception is that if someone doesn’t speak, or if someone has intellectual disabilities, … Continue reading

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Grow Up Great… with Sesame Street!

Last week was my annual PNC Grow Up Great meeting in Detriot, MI. I am honored to serve on the advisory board of this great initiative. It’s truly amazing what they have accomplished: More than $109 million in grants awarded … Continue reading

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End Bullying!

October is an important month – it is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. While it is encouraging to see communities take a stand against bullying and to make people aware of the issue, the unfortunate reality is that one out … Continue reading

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World Mental Health Day

Did you realize that yesterday was World Mental Health day? I did not until an email came across my desk. The overall objective of the day is, perhaps to no surprise, raising awareness of mental health issues around the world. … Continue reading

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Positive Mind = Positive Life

It’s too easy to be a negative thinker these days. The headlines of the newspapers often focus on controversy and conflict in the United States and overseas. Page after page of troubling stories can make you think, “There’s nothing happy … Continue reading

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Are You Prepared?

As I read that September is National Preparedness month, I began thinking about what parents of children with disabilities should be thinking about and planning for in the event of an emergency. Certainly, there are lots of different types of … Continue reading

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Who are Direct Service Professionals?

National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, September 11th – 17th, 2016. You’re probably wondering who that person is, as it is not a commonly heard job description. However, the persons in this role make a critical difference in the lives … Continue reading

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