So excited to announce that we are putting together the first Beckley Buddy Walk for October 5, at New River Park in Beckley, WV! Details to come! If you would like to be a part of the planning group, We will be meeting May 28th at 6PM at the Harper Road McDonalds. We look forward to working with everyone! If you want more information email : down21wv@gmail.com 
Posted in Uncategorized
Today is World Down Syndrome Day! March 21, because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. Many use this day as an opportunity to educate, or spread awareness of the different challenges that these individuals face. It is a day set apart to celebrate our kids, siblings, cousins, friends, and neighbors with Down syndrome.
Celebrate Down syndrome?
Posted in Uncategorized
This is a huge moment for Belle.. Without sign she blows kisses on voice suggestion and waves goodbye… My baby girl! Xxoo!
Posted in Uncategorized
Attention Families of children with Disabilities!
For a parent to take their child to the movies can be a challenge. But for those parents who have children with special needs, they can face special challenges as well.
We understand that sometimes the idea going to the movies can be overwhelming.
That is why Marquee Cinemas Galleria 14 in Beckley has starting a Monthly Showing Designed just for special needs families!
OUR FEBRUARY FAMILY MOVIE:
February 16 2013
10:30 AM
Escape From Planet Earth
Matinee Pricing Applies
(With Pre-show Valentines cookies and juice provided by Sam’s Club of Beckley)
We understand that some kids have a hard time sitting still, others want to talk during the movie or act out with the action on screen. NOT A PROBLEM, because you will be with families who understand and have their own challenges!Give your children the joy of experiencing movies on the Big Screen!
NEW Family friendly films
Headphones available to those who need them
Handicap accessible
Special Accommodations for families who normally cannot take their little ones to the movies with no worries!!
Posted in Uncategorized
Why and How to Read Your Child’s IEP Form | Individualized Education – NCLD.
A very Insightful article. Click the link above for more
I know few parents who look forward to attending their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting. IEPs are difficult to read. Comprehending the IEP jargon and legalese can be daunting. Many parents are so intimidated by the document and the process surrounding its implementation that they “give up.” This is a mistake. Parents need to be engaged in this educational journey that will continue until their child’s very last day in high school or a post-secondary special education program.
I often ask why it is that only parents of children with special needs have to become experts in how to educate their children. Why do these parents have to understand and synthesize current research-based instruction, data-based decision-making or draft measurable and accountable IEPs? When is the last time that you heard the parents of a healthy, neuro-typical child lament the daily grind of learning how to educate their child or navigate state and federal education laws, rules, and policies?
I am a parent advocate. I have been my son’s advocate for the past twenty-two years, and an educational advocate assisting other parents for almost a decade. I know what it is to sit in an IEP team meeting as both the intimidated parent and as the educational advocate supporting other parents. I have seen parents overwhelmed in a meeting laden with the special education acronyms, rules, regulations, and negotiations that lead to the development of their child’s IEP. In my several decades of on-the-job-training, or “combat duty,” I have come to believe that reading an IEP is nothing short of having to learn and master a foreign language. But it can, and must be done.
Posted in Uncategorized
Attention Families of children with Disabilities!
For a parent to take their child to the movies can be a challenge. But for those parents who have children with special needs, they can face other challenges as well.
We understand that sometimes the idea going to the movies can be overwhelming. That is why Marquee Cinemas Galleria 14 in Beckley is starting a Monthly Showing Designed just for special needs families!
Give your children the joy of experiencing movies on the Big Screen!
NEW Family friendly films
Headphones available to those who need them
Handicap accessible
Special Accommodations for families who normally cannot take their little ones to the movies with no worries!!
OUR FIRST SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY MOVIE SHOWING WILL BE
January 12 2013
10:30 AM
Monsters Inc 2D
Posted in Uncategorized
I am sharing a poem today as a battle cry for 2013. As a working mother of a child with Special Needs, I think that there is no time for us to allow people to feel sorry for us.
Yes we work hard, some harder than others. Not only are we balancing therapy, development, medical needs, and general hustle of life but we are also trying to provide for our families.
Making sure that the money does not fall short of the month.
Fulfilling not only our commitments to our family, but to our employers who may or may not be understanding.
2013 is a new year, a year to try to make things better… and how do we do that is to be there and support each other, not only at the parties and the gatherings, but also in the quiet times. (if there is such a thing)
Those moments when all you want to do is curl up in a ball and quit.
We all have them.
When those who do not understand make insensitive comments.
We worry about treatments, surgeries, schedules and there are those times when ’you don’t see how but you figure out that you just have to make it work.
I have an issue with only one line of this poem. It is in the final stanza … it says “We are selfless, not by choice, you see. Our kids just have more needs.”
We all become selfless when a child is born. Your life shifts focus. from you to your children. I would say that all parents are selfless. (or at least should be)
I do not think that we are looking for special consideration. We want to be included, we want our children to be included, no matter the challenge. We want things to be normal. The reality is that it is not. But this is where we rise to the occasion as parents are supposed to do. As any parent should do. We educate ourselves on medical conditions, treatments and therapies. We probably have learned more on the go than we did in college, applying what we have learned into everyday practice almost immediately We have to be aware of what is working with our child and what is not, and adapt accordingly.
You just do … You take a deep breath and dive in…. Here is a toast to 2013.
We wage the war against ignorance, bringing tolerance and understanding and support to other families who, no matter their challenge are battling right next to us… we are a United Nation of Parents, Allies, and Advocates. And although this title is Special Needs MOM’s , it is not just moms. It is Dad’s, Sisters, brothers, Siblings, extended families, and friends. We are all in this together. – Cheers!
Here is the poem:
Special Needs Moms
You may think us “special moms” must have it pretty rough.
We have no choice. We just manage life when things get really tough.
We’ve made it though the days we thought we’d never make it through.
We’ve even impressed our own selves with all that we can do.
We’ve gained patience beyond measure, love we never dreamed of giving.
We worry about the future, but know this “special” life’s worth living.
We have bad days and hurt sometimes, but we hold our heads up high.
We feel joy and pride and thankfulness more often than we cry.
For our kids we aren’t just supermoms, No, we do so much more.
We are cheerleaders, nurses, and therapists who don’t walk out the door.
We handle rude remarks and unkind stares with dignity and grace.
Even though the pain they bring cannot be erased.
Therapies and treatment routes are a lot for us to digest.
We don’t know what the future holds, but we give our kids our best.
None of us can be replaced, so we don’t have many breaks.
It wears us out, but to help our kids, we’ll do whatever it takes.
We are selfless, not by choice, you see. Our kids just have more needs.
We’re not out to change the world, but want to plant some seeds.
We want our kids accepted. That really is our aim.
When we look at them we just see kids. We hope you’ll do the same.
-April Vernon
Posted in Uncategorized
We had the amazing opportunity to interview Rachel Coleman from Signing Time.
Here is a link to that interview.
She has the most amazing perspective on her children. Their Disability and her reaction to it. It is an honest conversation. I wish I had another hour to visit with her!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWpeZUTe8zE&feature=youtu.be
Posted in Uncategorized
