Welcoming 2012 -- UCP's January Newsletter - Related Stories - UCP SmartBrief - I received this from United Cerebral Palsy, www.ucp.org.
Blessings:)
Amy
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Faith the Dog's Official Web Site | Hope and Love on Two Legs and Oct. 2011 Update
Faith'>http://faiththedog.info/">Faith the Dog's Official Web Site Hope and Love on Two Legs
Hi all,
Check out this website for Faith, a dog who is living without his two front legs. What an inspiration and miracle!
(http://faiththedog.info) I first saw Faith this week on an episode of Oprah's Lifeclass on OWN. I'm an admitted self-help junkie but this show is for everyone. I am loving it. You can watch it on OWN or online at www.oprah.com or on Facebook but it is some the best television out there and I've learned some real things that I use each time I watch it. I tape it on the DVR so I can watch it when I have time.
Speaking of miracle dogs, Nick's service dog, Charger, is back home with us now. Thank you to Jenny Barlos and the staff at Assistance Dogs of America (www.adai.orghttp://www.adai.org">www.adai.org>) who helped us this summer with Charger to lost weight so he can be certified to work with Nick. We are obsessed now with making sure he's active every day. Unfortunately, our other two dogs, who we love to death, are older and LAZY. They'll run one lap with Charger around the yard (they're not big dogs like him!) and they quit, while Charger's just warming up. We love having him back and missed him. He's amazing and he and Nick are bonded tightly!
Life has been, well, like it is for most people, good, bad, frustrating lately. A mixture of all things.
The kids are busy with school. Nick is half way through his first semester of college and doing well and Isabella is loving 6th grade. She's in student council and loves that, playing Saxophone, joining Pep band, and taking dance. Greg is busy helping Nick, the usual things, and he's working on some special projects at work right now which he's really liking for a change. He and Nick are loving Fantasy football, going to games, etc. I've been working on healing my feet still (STILL.....such a slow process and tests my patience) and taking care of things at home and with the kids. I am wanting to go back to work once we get things settled with Nick and get him his van so he can get himself to and from school and we have someone to help him with personal care things at school.
We were told about three weeks ago that there is another delay with getting Nick's van at the State of Ohio level (RSC, the Rehabilitation Services Commission, or state vocational rehabilitation agency). Basically, the short version is that we were told there is a delay getting the funding for the modifications for Nick's van (we are buying him a brand new van and the State agreed to pay for the modifications, about $24, 000.oo). We think that is a lot of money and are glad they are willing to help so we knew going in we'd have alot of paperwork and waiting and we'd have to jump through the usual bureaucratic hoops one does when asking for services. We were told that we could "complain or appeal" about the additional possible SIX MONTH delay but if we do, that will just delay the process even further. That is what we were told. So, of course, we don't want it delayed even further as it is putting Nick and us in a real "hold" ourselves and a bind, so we can't "complain" or appeal this. We think this is terrible, and words I can't or shouldn't use in this blog. We're so angry/upset at this and the fact that there is literally no accountability or good customer service at these agencies at the state level in our opinion. Basically, it's made known, if you want help and want services, this is just what you have to put up with. Forget what it does to your life while you wait, they don't care at all. So, needless to say, it's frustrating. We're trying just go keep going and do what we have to do each day to get Nick to school and help him. He should be in school right now and this is the right thing for us to do and we'll do what we can to make that happen for him. At some point, now that he's an adult, he should be able to access the services that adults with disabilities can access. The reason he's eligible or these services at all (besides we pay taxes like everyone else) is that he has a disability and wants to, intends to work and contribute to society. He plans to and is getting a college degree so he can work. He just needs some extra things due to his disability to make that possible, such as a van with a lift so he can get his power wheelchair to and from school and eventually to and from a job. So, we applied for services and are waiting. If we can get help with $24000 worth of modifications he needs for the van lift, etc., we'll do what we have to do to get it for him so he can go to college, work, get to and from places he wants to/needs to go.
Nick just got over being sick. He was pretty sick for a couple of weeks. We also just got him fitted for a sports wheelchair, a quad-rugby chair, made for wheelchair court sports like football, basketball, quad rugby. Nick is still practicing with the Toledo Crash football team at The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. We're just waiting on a quote for the chair. Insurance won't pay for this chair, but we feel he needs it to participate in sports and is worth it. We were laughing about the fact we may need a shed just to keep his "wheels". He'll have his sports chair, his power wheelchair, his regular manual wheelchair, his Segway, his walker, and his Paralympic hand-peddled bike! That's quite a collection! Then he'll have a brand new van with a lift. This should give people an idea of the expenses people with disabilities have to participate in the world. I have to add of course all of the hearing aids and supplies for that which insurance does NOT cover, because it is not medically necessary to hear of course;) Sometimes I just want to educate people, not to complain, but so they are aware of the stresses that families have. These are things most people don't talk about because we don't talk about money and who wants to think about it all the time? (not us!) But, it's just the reality.
We are really needing some family time alone so we are going to Florida for the holiday break. Nick and Bella only get 2 weeks at Christmas (Nick get a month and Bella gets 2 weeks) and the summer off together now. Their spring breaks are at totally different times. So, family time is limited to those times for vacations and Nick can't take extreme heat in summer, so that limits where we can go if we go on vacation in the summer. We're going to spend Christmas in Clearwater on the beach (even if it's cold, we love the beach!) and plan to go see the dolphin from the movie Dolphin Tale at the aquarium there. Then we're going to Orlando for New Years and plan to check out the Harry Potter theme park, Seaworld, and Disney Epcott (and maybe one other park). We've been to all the Disney Parks and Universal Studios four times now so we wanted to go the parks we haven't been to at all or much. We love Disney and Universal and will never be too old for it. We're always just happy when we're there! We're really looking forward to it.
Isabella is going to be a "Cowgirl" for Halloween tomorrow. We've had a great three day weekend together. Nick doesn't have Friday classes this semester, Bella had Friday off of school (not sure why-a planned day) and Greg took Friday off. We saw the movie 50/50 with our parents this weekend and loved it! We watched some scary movies and carved pumpkins. We're so glad the kids still love to spend time with us and as a family. We NEED it. When things get crazy, we just crave time together to remind ourselves that "everything is OKAY!" We hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!
One final thing....thank you to the people who read this blog and send us encouraging messages. We really love and appreciate the comments, e-mails, etc. :)))))
Blessings:)
Amy
Hi all,
Check out this website for Faith, a dog who is living without his two front legs. What an inspiration and miracle!
(http://faiththedog.info) I first saw Faith this week on an episode of Oprah's Lifeclass on OWN. I'm an admitted self-help junkie but this show is for everyone. I am loving it. You can watch it on OWN or online at www.oprah.com or on Facebook but it is some the best television out there and I've learned some real things that I use each time I watch it. I tape it on the DVR so I can watch it when I have time.
Speaking of miracle dogs, Nick's service dog, Charger, is back home with us now. Thank you to Jenny Barlos and the staff at Assistance Dogs of America (www.adai.orghttp://www.adai.org">www.adai.org>) who helped us this summer with Charger to lost weight so he can be certified to work with Nick. We are obsessed now with making sure he's active every day. Unfortunately, our other two dogs, who we love to death, are older and LAZY. They'll run one lap with Charger around the yard (they're not big dogs like him!) and they quit, while Charger's just warming up. We love having him back and missed him. He's amazing and he and Nick are bonded tightly!
Life has been, well, like it is for most people, good, bad, frustrating lately. A mixture of all things.
The kids are busy with school. Nick is half way through his first semester of college and doing well and Isabella is loving 6th grade. She's in student council and loves that, playing Saxophone, joining Pep band, and taking dance. Greg is busy helping Nick, the usual things, and he's working on some special projects at work right now which he's really liking for a change. He and Nick are loving Fantasy football, going to games, etc. I've been working on healing my feet still (STILL.....such a slow process and tests my patience) and taking care of things at home and with the kids. I am wanting to go back to work once we get things settled with Nick and get him his van so he can get himself to and from school and we have someone to help him with personal care things at school.
We were told about three weeks ago that there is another delay with getting Nick's van at the State of Ohio level (RSC, the Rehabilitation Services Commission, or state vocational rehabilitation agency). Basically, the short version is that we were told there is a delay getting the funding for the modifications for Nick's van (we are buying him a brand new van and the State agreed to pay for the modifications, about $24, 000.oo). We think that is a lot of money and are glad they are willing to help so we knew going in we'd have alot of paperwork and waiting and we'd have to jump through the usual bureaucratic hoops one does when asking for services. We were told that we could "complain or appeal" about the additional possible SIX MONTH delay but if we do, that will just delay the process even further. That is what we were told. So, of course, we don't want it delayed even further as it is putting Nick and us in a real "hold" ourselves and a bind, so we can't "complain" or appeal this. We think this is terrible, and words I can't or shouldn't use in this blog. We're so angry/upset at this and the fact that there is literally no accountability or good customer service at these agencies at the state level in our opinion. Basically, it's made known, if you want help and want services, this is just what you have to put up with. Forget what it does to your life while you wait, they don't care at all. So, needless to say, it's frustrating. We're trying just go keep going and do what we have to do each day to get Nick to school and help him. He should be in school right now and this is the right thing for us to do and we'll do what we can to make that happen for him. At some point, now that he's an adult, he should be able to access the services that adults with disabilities can access. The reason he's eligible or these services at all (besides we pay taxes like everyone else) is that he has a disability and wants to, intends to work and contribute to society. He plans to and is getting a college degree so he can work. He just needs some extra things due to his disability to make that possible, such as a van with a lift so he can get his power wheelchair to and from school and eventually to and from a job. So, we applied for services and are waiting. If we can get help with $24000 worth of modifications he needs for the van lift, etc., we'll do what we have to do to get it for him so he can go to college, work, get to and from places he wants to/needs to go.
Nick just got over being sick. He was pretty sick for a couple of weeks. We also just got him fitted for a sports wheelchair, a quad-rugby chair, made for wheelchair court sports like football, basketball, quad rugby. Nick is still practicing with the Toledo Crash football team at The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. We're just waiting on a quote for the chair. Insurance won't pay for this chair, but we feel he needs it to participate in sports and is worth it. We were laughing about the fact we may need a shed just to keep his "wheels". He'll have his sports chair, his power wheelchair, his regular manual wheelchair, his Segway, his walker, and his Paralympic hand-peddled bike! That's quite a collection! Then he'll have a brand new van with a lift. This should give people an idea of the expenses people with disabilities have to participate in the world. I have to add of course all of the hearing aids and supplies for that which insurance does NOT cover, because it is not medically necessary to hear of course;) Sometimes I just want to educate people, not to complain, but so they are aware of the stresses that families have. These are things most people don't talk about because we don't talk about money and who wants to think about it all the time? (not us!) But, it's just the reality.
We are really needing some family time alone so we are going to Florida for the holiday break. Nick and Bella only get 2 weeks at Christmas (Nick get a month and Bella gets 2 weeks) and the summer off together now. Their spring breaks are at totally different times. So, family time is limited to those times for vacations and Nick can't take extreme heat in summer, so that limits where we can go if we go on vacation in the summer. We're going to spend Christmas in Clearwater on the beach (even if it's cold, we love the beach!) and plan to go see the dolphin from the movie Dolphin Tale at the aquarium there. Then we're going to Orlando for New Years and plan to check out the Harry Potter theme park, Seaworld, and Disney Epcott (and maybe one other park). We've been to all the Disney Parks and Universal Studios four times now so we wanted to go the parks we haven't been to at all or much. We love Disney and Universal and will never be too old for it. We're always just happy when we're there! We're really looking forward to it.
Isabella is going to be a "Cowgirl" for Halloween tomorrow. We've had a great three day weekend together. Nick doesn't have Friday classes this semester, Bella had Friday off of school (not sure why-a planned day) and Greg took Friday off. We saw the movie 50/50 with our parents this weekend and loved it! We watched some scary movies and carved pumpkins. We're so glad the kids still love to spend time with us and as a family. We NEED it. When things get crazy, we just crave time together to remind ourselves that "everything is OKAY!" We hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!
One final thing....thank you to the people who read this blog and send us encouraging messages. We really love and appreciate the comments, e-mails, etc. :)))))
Blessings:)
Amy
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Building Inclusive Communities Video Includes Nick Hyndman
http://youtu.be/PA0rUsFv8xQ
Hi all,
Nick is included in this video by The Ability Center of Greater Toledo.
Blessings:)
Amy
Hi all,
Nick is included in this video by The Ability Center of Greater Toledo.
Blessings:)
Amy
Special Announcement for Northwest Ohio
Hi all,
I received an e-mail today, as Nick is a graduate of Assistance Dogs of America where he received his service dog, Charger. The announcement is of a partnership for the Northwest Ohio area with The Ability Center of Greater Toledo and Assistance Dogs of America. Here is a copy of the e-mail I received:
Dear ADAI Graduate,
We thank you for your continued support and involvement with Assistance Dogs and we have an exciting update to share.
October 9, The Ability Center of Greater Toledo and Assistance Dogs shared an important announcement. The two organizations, with long compatible missions, are forming a strategic partnership to better meet the needs of the disability community. This partnership allows the organizations to:
Ø Create greater operational efficiency by eliminating duplication of functions
Ø Train more dogs to serve a greater number of people
Ø Increase public awareness about the possibilities and value of full accessibility for all
Ø Promote internal discussion and planning about new kinds of service and delivery
Under the new collaboration, Assistance Dogs becomes a dedicated program of the Ability Center and will move its headquarters to the Ability Center campus on Monroe Street in Sylvania next spring. Private funding is being sought to renovate the Ability Center’s current Housing Resource Center for that purpose. The resource center will be relocated to a new facility on the Ability Center Campus on Skelly Road in Sylvania.
Although some things are changing, ADAI graduates will continue to receive the same level of dedicated support, advice and additional training from the Assistance Dogs staff. In fact, our new facility will be fully accessible (and have two accessible bathrooms in the facility!) with more room for brush-up classes and plenty of parking for visiting graduates and their dogs.
Financial gifts will continue to be made payable to Assistance Dogs. All gifts will be designated according to your wishes.
Governance of Assistance Dogs will transfer to the Ability Center Board of Directors this month and ten current staff members of Assistance Dogs will become Ability Center employees. Assistance Dogs board members will continue to play a critical role in this transition, serving for the next year as an Advisory Council.
This is truly an exciting time for both organizations and we’re pleased to share this news with you. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 419-825-3622, ext. 224 or Jenny Barlos at 419-825-3622, ext 236.
Sincerely,
Jan Brown,
Program Director
Assistance Dogs
See this link for another story:
http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2011/10/09/Local-agencies-for-assistance-disabled-link-up.html
Jan Fought Brown
Director
Assistance Dogs
8806 State Route 64
Swanton. OH 43558
419-825-3622 ext 224
Assistance Dogs is a program of The Ability Center
I received an e-mail today, as Nick is a graduate of Assistance Dogs of America where he received his service dog, Charger. The announcement is of a partnership for the Northwest Ohio area with The Ability Center of Greater Toledo and Assistance Dogs of America. Here is a copy of the e-mail I received:
Dear ADAI Graduate,
We thank you for your continued support and involvement with Assistance Dogs and we have an exciting update to share.
October 9, The Ability Center of Greater Toledo and Assistance Dogs shared an important announcement. The two organizations, with long compatible missions, are forming a strategic partnership to better meet the needs of the disability community. This partnership allows the organizations to:
Ø Create greater operational efficiency by eliminating duplication of functions
Ø Train more dogs to serve a greater number of people
Ø Increase public awareness about the possibilities and value of full accessibility for all
Ø Promote internal discussion and planning about new kinds of service and delivery
Under the new collaboration, Assistance Dogs becomes a dedicated program of the Ability Center and will move its headquarters to the Ability Center campus on Monroe Street in Sylvania next spring. Private funding is being sought to renovate the Ability Center’s current Housing Resource Center for that purpose. The resource center will be relocated to a new facility on the Ability Center Campus on Skelly Road in Sylvania.
Although some things are changing, ADAI graduates will continue to receive the same level of dedicated support, advice and additional training from the Assistance Dogs staff. In fact, our new facility will be fully accessible (and have two accessible bathrooms in the facility!) with more room for brush-up classes and plenty of parking for visiting graduates and their dogs.
Financial gifts will continue to be made payable to Assistance Dogs. All gifts will be designated according to your wishes.
Governance of Assistance Dogs will transfer to the Ability Center Board of Directors this month and ten current staff members of Assistance Dogs will become Ability Center employees. Assistance Dogs board members will continue to play a critical role in this transition, serving for the next year as an Advisory Council.
This is truly an exciting time for both organizations and we’re pleased to share this news with you. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 419-825-3622, ext. 224 or Jenny Barlos at 419-825-3622, ext 236.
Sincerely,
Jan Brown,
Program Director
Assistance Dogs
See this link for another story:
http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2011/10/09/Local-agencies-for-assistance-disabled-link-up.html
Jan Fought Brown
Director
Assistance Dogs
8806 State Route 64
Swanton. OH 43558
419-825-3622 ext 224
Assistance Dogs is a program of The Ability Center
Friday, September 23, 2011
Isabella's 12th Birthday and New Updates
Hi all,
Happy Birthday to our Isabella Grace, who turned 12 last week!
I know, I know, I know........I've been a bad blogger and facebooker (my friends make sure to remind me:) ) the past few months. I have no excuses but the truth is that this year, especially this past six months, has been one of the craziest, busiest times I can remember in years with Nick's graduating, turning 18, and all if the disability stuff/transition stuff that we have to take care of to get him settled into college with the services be needs. I started working on all of this back in March but apparently, that wasn't soon enough.
Let me go back first to say that Isabella is loving Jr. High and the 6th grade, playing the saxophone this year, in student council, and dance. She had the best idea for her birthday. She wanted the family to go out to Port Clinton/Marblehead at the Lighthouse on the water for a picnic. So we did and it was the PERFECT day. The weather was perfect, we had great food and a lot of fun by the water and hanging out with family! We then topped it off with ice cream on the way home and she said it was a perfect day.
Nick is loving college by the way, the freedom of it, and he is "kicking butt and taking names" with his grades so far! We have note takers now for each class. The downsides are, the modified van won't be ready this semester, but we hope by December so we have it for next semester. This is due to Red Tape by RSC/The State of Ohio and nothing ever happens quickly I guess. Anyhow, we feel like we just have to be grateful for their assistance so we can't complain. The issue is, without it, Nick can't get his power chair to and from school or drive himself there, so we need to take him to and from school every day. Not only that, but we don't have a PCA (Personal Care Assistant) to help him with personal care tasks (lunch, restroom, lots of other little things people wouldn't imagine unless they had his disability) so we have to stay with him the entire time he's there, which will probably be the case this entire semester. We had no idea we would be in this place, but we are, so we are a "team" and we're doing what we have to do so Nick can attend college this semester, until we can get all of his services in place. We're so busy doing this, and Greg's work and the usual family/house obligations as well, Isabella's activities, that it's hard to get it all done. The best way to put it is, we are in "survival mode" or "day to day mode". We're working on it. (the van, the PCA, social security, adult services for Nick, all of it.....and have been for the past six months) Hopefully, by the end of the year, we'll have some of these things taken care of finally so Nick can be more independent. It's been a lot for us, but we're happy to do it, it's just hard right now. I'm still trying to heal the second degree burns on my feet I got on the beach in June in Hilton Head. I'm going to the wound care clinic every two weeks and they are about half way healed. It takes longer than I thought and because the burns are on the balls of my feet, where you walk, and I can't be off my feet right now, it's just taking longer. My Dad's been helping us too a couple of days a week.
I am behind on everything! (pictures, paperwork for Nick, house projects and just cleaning in general, and yes, blogging!) If we can just take care of Bella and Nick at this point and do what has to be done, we feel like we're doing pretty well! We've always been a busy family but this period of time has, by far, been busier than any period I can remember in recent years. I'm still committed to this blog and the purpose behind it. I have a lot of ideas and plans for it, I just have to have the time to catch up and then get going on them. And, I WILL get pics up soon! Did I mention that we've had our TWO computers CRASH (first one, then the other) in the past two months??????????? The ones with our pictures on them? We've got our pics up on snapfish but I haven't had time to do anything with them yet. We have two new laptops now finally.
Also, I wanted to say, Nick's party (graduation/18th b-day) was SO fun and a great success. We had the best time with our family and friends and with all of the people who were there to support Nick and us all of these years and that day. THANK you to everyone for making that a special day for Nick and us! There is nothing better than being with family and friends and there were people there who worked with Nick when he was little, up until this year. It was great! We have had a great team of professionals over the years to support us. Now we have to focus on getting services in place and a new team of professionals to support Nick as an adult.
I also had my first article published this month! In Exceptional Parent Magazine, September 2011 issue. The magazine has been one of our favorites since Nick was a baby and for the past few years, it's been available online only, not in hard print, as many magazines in this economy. Anyhow, I was contacted by the Editor-in Chief a few months ago and the article was published this month. I'll try to get that on there too. I'm having trouble with the link to it, getting it on blogger, so I'll need Greg's help to figure it out. (www.eparent.com)
Finally, I want to say that my husband, Greg, is the "Dad of the year" in my opinion! He has worked so hard for our family and works a 12-hour swing shift. He usually works 3 days one week and 4 days another, and although he has to work every other weekend and some holidays, his schedule has been GREAT for the family as he can be there for a lot of things for the kids. He has to occasionally work overtime to cover vacations or time off, but most of the time, it's three days one week and four days another. He's going to school part time to finish his degree and has been off and on for years as he has always put us first. If it weren't for Greg, Nick would not be able to go to school right now, because we don't have a modified van or PCA. He spends all of his days off during the week taking Nick as my feet have second degree burns. He never complains and he's always here for our important things when we need him. He's a true family man, and the best Dad I've ever witnessed. He does everything with the kids and I, the day to day hard stuff, the fun stuff, all of it. I think he deserves some recognition for having his priorities straight. I don't know how our family would survive and thrive without him. We love you Greg / Dad!
Until next time........(and I'll make sure it's not so long!)
Blessings:)
Amy
Happy Birthday to our Isabella Grace, who turned 12 last week!
I know, I know, I know........I've been a bad blogger and facebooker (my friends make sure to remind me:) ) the past few months. I have no excuses but the truth is that this year, especially this past six months, has been one of the craziest, busiest times I can remember in years with Nick's graduating, turning 18, and all if the disability stuff/transition stuff that we have to take care of to get him settled into college with the services be needs. I started working on all of this back in March but apparently, that wasn't soon enough.
Let me go back first to say that Isabella is loving Jr. High and the 6th grade, playing the saxophone this year, in student council, and dance. She had the best idea for her birthday. She wanted the family to go out to Port Clinton/Marblehead at the Lighthouse on the water for a picnic. So we did and it was the PERFECT day. The weather was perfect, we had great food and a lot of fun by the water and hanging out with family! We then topped it off with ice cream on the way home and she said it was a perfect day.
Nick is loving college by the way, the freedom of it, and he is "kicking butt and taking names" with his grades so far! We have note takers now for each class. The downsides are, the modified van won't be ready this semester, but we hope by December so we have it for next semester. This is due to Red Tape by RSC/The State of Ohio and nothing ever happens quickly I guess. Anyhow, we feel like we just have to be grateful for their assistance so we can't complain. The issue is, without it, Nick can't get his power chair to and from school or drive himself there, so we need to take him to and from school every day. Not only that, but we don't have a PCA (Personal Care Assistant) to help him with personal care tasks (lunch, restroom, lots of other little things people wouldn't imagine unless they had his disability) so we have to stay with him the entire time he's there, which will probably be the case this entire semester. We had no idea we would be in this place, but we are, so we are a "team" and we're doing what we have to do so Nick can attend college this semester, until we can get all of his services in place. We're so busy doing this, and Greg's work and the usual family/house obligations as well, Isabella's activities, that it's hard to get it all done. The best way to put it is, we are in "survival mode" or "day to day mode". We're working on it. (the van, the PCA, social security, adult services for Nick, all of it.....and have been for the past six months) Hopefully, by the end of the year, we'll have some of these things taken care of finally so Nick can be more independent. It's been a lot for us, but we're happy to do it, it's just hard right now. I'm still trying to heal the second degree burns on my feet I got on the beach in June in Hilton Head. I'm going to the wound care clinic every two weeks and they are about half way healed. It takes longer than I thought and because the burns are on the balls of my feet, where you walk, and I can't be off my feet right now, it's just taking longer. My Dad's been helping us too a couple of days a week.
I am behind on everything! (pictures, paperwork for Nick, house projects and just cleaning in general, and yes, blogging!) If we can just take care of Bella and Nick at this point and do what has to be done, we feel like we're doing pretty well! We've always been a busy family but this period of time has, by far, been busier than any period I can remember in recent years. I'm still committed to this blog and the purpose behind it. I have a lot of ideas and plans for it, I just have to have the time to catch up and then get going on them. And, I WILL get pics up soon! Did I mention that we've had our TWO computers CRASH (first one, then the other) in the past two months??????????? The ones with our pictures on them? We've got our pics up on snapfish but I haven't had time to do anything with them yet. We have two new laptops now finally.
Also, I wanted to say, Nick's party (graduation/18th b-day) was SO fun and a great success. We had the best time with our family and friends and with all of the people who were there to support Nick and us all of these years and that day. THANK you to everyone for making that a special day for Nick and us! There is nothing better than being with family and friends and there were people there who worked with Nick when he was little, up until this year. It was great! We have had a great team of professionals over the years to support us. Now we have to focus on getting services in place and a new team of professionals to support Nick as an adult.
I also had my first article published this month! In Exceptional Parent Magazine, September 2011 issue. The magazine has been one of our favorites since Nick was a baby and for the past few years, it's been available online only, not in hard print, as many magazines in this economy. Anyhow, I was contacted by the Editor-in Chief a few months ago and the article was published this month. I'll try to get that on there too. I'm having trouble with the link to it, getting it on blogger, so I'll need Greg's help to figure it out. (www.eparent.com)
Finally, I want to say that my husband, Greg, is the "Dad of the year" in my opinion! He has worked so hard for our family and works a 12-hour swing shift. He usually works 3 days one week and 4 days another, and although he has to work every other weekend and some holidays, his schedule has been GREAT for the family as he can be there for a lot of things for the kids. He has to occasionally work overtime to cover vacations or time off, but most of the time, it's three days one week and four days another. He's going to school part time to finish his degree and has been off and on for years as he has always put us first. If it weren't for Greg, Nick would not be able to go to school right now, because we don't have a modified van or PCA. He spends all of his days off during the week taking Nick as my feet have second degree burns. He never complains and he's always here for our important things when we need him. He's a true family man, and the best Dad I've ever witnessed. He does everything with the kids and I, the day to day hard stuff, the fun stuff, all of it. I think he deserves some recognition for having his priorities straight. I don't know how our family would survive and thrive without him. We love you Greg / Dad!
Until next time........(and I'll make sure it's not so long!)
Blessings:)
Amy
Monday, August 22, 2011
Useful Info. In Columbus Dispatch
Hi all,
A contact forwarded this info. to me and I thought a lot of people / parents may find this of interest and hopefully useful. Please share this information with anyone you know who may be interested. Thank you!
Blessings:)
Amy
FBI app to ID kids has parents’ thumbs-up
Free cellphone aid stores photos, more in case of emergency
By Stephanie Czekalinski
The Columbus Dispatch Sunday August 21, 2011 7:08 AM
The FBI introduced a smartphone application this month to help parents and law-enforcement agencies find a child who disappears.
The application stores basic information — photo, a physical description and contact information — on iPhones and iPads, making it possible for parents to quickly email that information to police, friends and relatives in an emergency.
“This is handy,” said Renee Crighton, 32, who reviewed the app at Cafe Brioso Downtown last week while her 4-year-old son had a cookie and a glass of milk.
Having the information on your phone makes it more accessible if your child disappears while you’re out with him or her — for example, in a crowded shopping mall. You wouldn’t have to run home to get a photo, Crighton pointed out.
That was the FBI’s goal when it decided to create the app, said FBI spokesman Paul Bresson.
The app takes the CDs and folders that parents have been using for years to store pictures, physical descriptions, fingerprints and DNA a step further, he said.
It also includes advice for families on what to do in the first hours after a child disappears.
The information is housed on the phone only and cannot be shared with other devices, and the FBI cannot access the information remotely, Bresson said. “It doesn’t leave the phone unless you email it.”
The app isn’t a replacement for the childID kits that some parents keep at home, with fingerprints and DNA samples, said Kenny Hansmire, executive director of the National Child Identification Program. The program has provided 30 million kits since 1998 in a partnership with the American Football Coaches Association and the FBI, he said.
The app can’t store fingerprints or DNA samples.
Fingerprints and DNA don’t change over time, but children grow and can change a lot in a short time, Hansmire said, so parents should update their physical descriptions every six months in both the kits and on their phones.
Crighton, who lives in Akron, keeps a packet with her son’s fingerprints at home, but she said she’ll download the app when one becomes available for her cellphone. It would give her peace of mind, she said, to have the basic information that law-enforcement agencies would need if her son disappeared.
The app is available only for iPhones and iPads, but the FBI said there are plans to develop it soon for other mobile devices.
Parents and others can download the app free from the app store on iTunes.
sczekalinski@dispatch.com
A contact forwarded this info. to me and I thought a lot of people / parents may find this of interest and hopefully useful. Please share this information with anyone you know who may be interested. Thank you!
Blessings:)
Amy
FBI app to ID kids has parents’ thumbs-up
Free cellphone aid stores photos, more in case of emergency
By Stephanie Czekalinski
The Columbus Dispatch Sunday August 21, 2011 7:08 AM
The FBI introduced a smartphone application this month to help parents and law-enforcement agencies find a child who disappears.
The application stores basic information — photo, a physical description and contact information — on iPhones and iPads, making it possible for parents to quickly email that information to police, friends and relatives in an emergency.
“This is handy,” said Renee Crighton, 32, who reviewed the app at Cafe Brioso Downtown last week while her 4-year-old son had a cookie and a glass of milk.
Having the information on your phone makes it more accessible if your child disappears while you’re out with him or her — for example, in a crowded shopping mall. You wouldn’t have to run home to get a photo, Crighton pointed out.
That was the FBI’s goal when it decided to create the app, said FBI spokesman Paul Bresson.
The app takes the CDs and folders that parents have been using for years to store pictures, physical descriptions, fingerprints and DNA a step further, he said.
It also includes advice for families on what to do in the first hours after a child disappears.
The information is housed on the phone only and cannot be shared with other devices, and the FBI cannot access the information remotely, Bresson said. “It doesn’t leave the phone unless you email it.”
The app isn’t a replacement for the childID kits that some parents keep at home, with fingerprints and DNA samples, said Kenny Hansmire, executive director of the National Child Identification Program. The program has provided 30 million kits since 1998 in a partnership with the American Football Coaches Association and the FBI, he said.
The app can’t store fingerprints or DNA samples.
Fingerprints and DNA don’t change over time, but children grow and can change a lot in a short time, Hansmire said, so parents should update their physical descriptions every six months in both the kits and on their phones.
Crighton, who lives in Akron, keeps a packet with her son’s fingerprints at home, but she said she’ll download the app when one becomes available for her cellphone. It would give her peace of mind, she said, to have the basic information that law-enforcement agencies would need if her son disappeared.
The app is available only for iPhones and iPads, but the FBI said there are plans to develop it soon for other mobile devices.
Parents and others can download the app free from the app store on iTunes.
sczekalinski@dispatch.com
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Happy 18th Birthday Nick!
Hi all,
Today Team Hyndman is celebrating Nick's 18th birthday! We are so grateful for the day he was born, his life, and he is the best son anyone could ever ask for (and big brother!). Happy 18th Birthday Nick! We can't wait to see what you do next.
We are having a party to celebrate Nick's 18th birthday, graduation, and starting college this Saturday and can't wait to see our family and friends! There are so many of you who have been there for us from the beginning and are always there for us and we're grateful!
Nick starts at The University of Toledo on Monday August 22nd. We've had a lot of "bumps in the road" and some things are still being worked on but we are hoping he gets off to a great start. I PROMISE to update the blog after we get Nick and Isabella settled into school next week. I have so much to post about that has been going on with us and also, I'm learning so much information about college for individuals with disabilities that I want to share and will. So, until then, we'll be busy celebrating and getting the kids started in school. Isabella had her orientation for Jr. High this week and starts 6th grade at the Jr. High next week too! She was nervous about her locker, getting to classes, the bigger building, all normal things kids worry about. We practiced and she was able to do it all like a pro! We're so excited for her and Nick both!
Blessings:)
Amy
Today Team Hyndman is celebrating Nick's 18th birthday! We are so grateful for the day he was born, his life, and he is the best son anyone could ever ask for (and big brother!). Happy 18th Birthday Nick! We can't wait to see what you do next.
We are having a party to celebrate Nick's 18th birthday, graduation, and starting college this Saturday and can't wait to see our family and friends! There are so many of you who have been there for us from the beginning and are always there for us and we're grateful!
Nick starts at The University of Toledo on Monday August 22nd. We've had a lot of "bumps in the road" and some things are still being worked on but we are hoping he gets off to a great start. I PROMISE to update the blog after we get Nick and Isabella settled into school next week. I have so much to post about that has been going on with us and also, I'm learning so much information about college for individuals with disabilities that I want to share and will. So, until then, we'll be busy celebrating and getting the kids started in school. Isabella had her orientation for Jr. High this week and starts 6th grade at the Jr. High next week too! She was nervous about her locker, getting to classes, the bigger building, all normal things kids worry about. We practiced and she was able to do it all like a pro! We're so excited for her and Nick both!
Blessings:)
Amy
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