Are you ready for the new school year? Back-to-school season can be both exciting and overwhelming for parents, especially those with children who have special needs or medical requirements. From my experience, preparing for a new school year when your child has special needs involves carefully reviewing their IEPs and healthcare plans. It’s really important to go over these and make sure everything’s up to date, and share any progress from summer activities. I’ve learned that building a good re...
Aug 15, 2024•23 min•Ep. 244
Parents naturally want to make sure their child with disabilities is well taken care of, both now and in the future. It's not just about meeting the day-to-day needs but also thinking ahead to their long-term financial security. There's a lot to juggle—from managing medical expenses to planning for their financial future. It can feel pretty overwhelming and complicated. In this episode, host Annette Hines welcomes financial planning expert, James Lange, to discuss the crucial need for specialize...
Aug 08, 2024•39 min
The journey of caregiving is a delicate dance of emotions and responsibilities, especially for parents of disabled children who face societal pressures. Home and community care services provide essential support and respite, allowing families to maintain a safe environment and caregivers to recharge. Self-care, such as meditation or exercise, is critical for caregivers to sustain their well-being and continue their responsibilities. In this episode, host Annette Hines sits with Kelley Coleman as...
Aug 01, 2024•48 min•Ep. 242
Have you ever wondered how Social Security impacts those who are disabled or retired? I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for providing financial stability. Earlier this month we spoke about Social Security and Work. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I want to delve deeper into the basics of the critical topic of social security, public benefits, and financial planning for individuals with disabilities. Did you know that ABLE accounts are revolutionary, allowing you to save money withou...
Jul 31, 2024•57 min•Ep. 241
Imagine navigating a system where your needs are ignored due to your age. This is the reality for many adults with autism facing age discrimination. The fight against this injustice hinges on advocacy, personalization, and accessibility. Advocating for legislative changes ensures equality and fairness. In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Christina Gravina CEO & Founder of BILT (Bridging Independent Living Together, Inc.). Annette and Christina address age discrimination in autism ...
Jul 25, 2024•27 min•Ep. 240
Talking about the challenges of disability can be tough and delicate. For those living with disabilities and their caregivers, every day brings unique hurdles that demand patience, creativity, and resilience. It’s crucial to focus on person-centered planning and get creative to make sure disabled individuals have the support they need to thrive. In this episode, I get into the real challenges of disability and how crucial informed decision-making and proactive planning are for parents and caregi...
Jul 24, 2024•46 min•Ep. 239
Sexuality education is a crucial aspect of personal development, but it often overlooks those with disabilities. These individuals deserve access to information that empowers them to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. Empowerment through education can be a shield against abuse and exploitation. In this episode, Annette Hines dives into a crucial conversation with Katherine McLaughlin, CEO and Lead Trainer at Elevatus Training. They tackle the challenging yet essential ...
Jul 18, 2024•35 min•Ep. 238
How do you navigate the stormy waters of divorce when adult children with disabilities are involved? It's a tough situation that needs careful planning and thought to make sure everyone in the family is okay. In this episode, Annette Hines provides insights into the challenges faced by divorcing parents of adult children with disabilities, emphasizing the need for clear communication and effective guardianship. She advises keeping the adult child out of the divorce process and separating their w...
Jul 17, 2024•36 min•Ep. 237
Preserving family history is like capturing a piece of time in a bottle. It allows us to pass down memories, stories, and experiences to future generations. Whether it's old photographs, letters, or even recipes, archiving family history is a meaningful way to honor our past and ensure that it lives on for years to come. In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Angela Todd, a family history buff who’s passionate about preserving memories, inspired by her journey with her daughters, Elizabe...
Jul 11, 2024•37 min•Ep. 236
Are you missing out on your social security benefits? Social Security updates may not be the most riveting topic, but they’re a lifeline for those who depend on these benefits. Whether you’re already receiving Social Security or planning for the future, keeping up with the latest changes can make navigating the system a whole lot smoother. In this episode, host Annette Hines delves into the intricacies of the recent updates to Social Security benefits, specifically focusing on In-Kind Support an...
Jul 10, 2024•45 min•Ep. 235
Have you ever wondered how to ensure financial security for a disabled loved one after you're gone? Or perhaps you're looking for ways to navigate the complexities of estate planning when it comes to disability benefits. In either case, understanding the ins and outs of Qualified Disability Trusts (QDTs) is a game-changer. In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Mark Worthington, Senior Counsel at Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, P.C.. Annette and Mark discussed the intricacies o...
Jul 04, 2024•46 min•Ep. 234
Having been a caregiver for a disabled loved one, I know firsthand how lonely it can feel. However, our communities are key to dispeling isolation and forging connections during these hard times. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I share my motto 'create the things you wish existed,' and delve into how building a support network has been my lifeline. Getting involved in local organizations, support groups, and advocacy efforts has helped me find valuable resources and work toward a more i...
Jul 03, 2024•14 min•Ep. 233
While living in a society that can sometimes seem overwhelmingly critical and exclusive, creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and acceptance is vital, especially for individuals with disabilities. For a parent to a child with special needs, balancing feelings of guilt, the challenges of self-care, and the importance of fostering acceptance can be difficult. In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Debi Arsenault about her experiences raising her son Carson, who has a clinical diagnosis of...
Jun 27, 2024•45 min•Ep. 232
Mantras and positive affirmations have become powerful tools in helping me find balance, harmony, and peace in my life. In this episode, I share a significant milestone for my family: my daughter Caroline is finishing college after a challenging journey. To celebrate, we're heading to Alaska for a family trip we've long dreamed of and saved for over the years. However, this exciting trip is shadowed by a deep sense of guilt. I grapple with the thought that this wonderful experience is only possi...
Jun 26, 2024•9 min•Ep. 231
In a world where societal norms often dictate limitations based on physical abilities, Ben Lou, 20, an award-winning MIT physics and math wiz, and his mother, Jenny Huang, are beacons of hope in disability advocacy. Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Ben has defied expectations and achieved remarkable success, including acceptance to MIT. With Jenny’s tireless help and support, Ben scored a perfect score on his math SAT, and he now maintains a 5.0 GPA at MIT, where he is studying Math, P...
Jun 20, 2024•35 min•Ep. 230
In the quiet moments of caregiving, my daughter Elizabeth showed me that the essence of success is far deeper than material achievements. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I share the journey of raising my daughter Elizabeth, who taught me the true meaning of success. From navigating her rare mitochondrial disease to founding Special Needs Family Services, this podcast is about finding resilience and building a thriving community for special needs families. In this episode, you will hear:...
Jun 19, 2024•28 min•Ep. 229
Turning a bedroom into a creative studio was a deeply emotional journey for Annette following the loss of her daughter. On this episode of Parenting Impossible, this powerful experience sets the stage for Annette’s conversation with Beatrice Tokayer, an interior designer and mother of three, who brings her personal insights and professional expertise to designing spaces for families with special needs. Beatrice shares her unique method of using design boards, 2D layouts, and realistic 3D renderi...
Jun 13, 2024•31 min•Ep. 228
When Eliza was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, the flood of emotions from anger to isolation was overwhelming. On this episode of Parenting Impossible, join Annette as she opens up about her personal journey and the moments that shaped her path in special needs parenting. Annette welcomes Julie Foge, a fellow special needs mom and founder of the Leaning Into Love website, to share her experiences and insights. Julie and Annette cover advocating for their children amid the chaos of daily re...
Jun 06, 2024•47 min•Ep. 227
It can be difficult for families to find fitness classes oriented toward individuals with different abilities, whether neurodivergence or physical. However, an emerging fitness category is designed for those who need adaptive and inclusive therapy. On this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette sits down with guest Karen Hurley, a physical therapist and strength and condition specialist with more than 20 years of experience. Karen received a bachelor’s degree in educational studies from Brown ...
Apr 18, 2024•30 min•Ep. 226
Navigating the complexities of the special needs community is fraught with challenges, and the current workforce crisis in the disability sector is a cliff we're all facing together. Annette has seen firsthand how the pandemic has eroded the support program landscape as a special needs mom, attorney, and author. It's time we discuss the dire statistics and what they mean for our loved ones. The scarcity of direct support professionals (DSPs) is at a critical point. In this episode of Parenting I...
Jan 18, 2024•18 min•Ep. 225
As the clock struck midnight, marking the start of a new year, Annette found herself immersed in a flood of memories and significant events. On this episode of Parenting Impossible, carrying the weight of sorrow from the loss of her beloved daughter Elizabeth but strengthened by ten years of affection and the development of the Special Needs Law Group, Annette extends an invitation to you to partake in a personal journey of transformation and the intricate process of decision-making that defines...
Jan 10, 2024•18 min•Ep. 224
Sometimes, it’s essential to step back and assess the path we're on - that's exactly what I did this year. After years of fighting the impacts of a global crisis on both my personal and professional life, I made the radical decision to take a sabbatical year. A year to disconnect from “extracurriculars” and focus on my business, my team, and myself. A year to reflect on what truly brings me joy, and rediscover the activities and people I truly missed. Join me as I recount the unanticipated benef...
Nov 23, 2023•15 min•Ep. 223
Ever felt the pangs of frustration trying to navigate public spaces with a disability or care for someone who does? This frustration fueled the journey of an extraordinary parent advocating for change, Jayme Betts who serves as the Massachusetts Chapter Leader of the Changing Spaces Campaign . She shares an illuminating exploration of her mission to make public spaces more accessible for people with disabilities, inspired by her own experiences with her daughter, Sophia, who has Soto Syndrome. J...
Oct 11, 2023•52 min
What's one of the biggest issues most special needs families worry about? Housing . This episode unlocks the complexities of the intricate world of housing for those with some form of intellectual or developmental disability or (IDD) with the help of special guest, Pam Blanton , founder and CEO of Partners4Housing . Tune in to discover how Partners4Housing is changing the lives of families in Washington state by empowering families to create housing solutions that meet the unique needs of their ...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 13 min
What happens when a mother’s fierce love for her special needs child intertwines with her passion for photography? Magic! Join us on this heartwarming journey with Marcie Randall , a dedicated mother, and an exceptional photographer, as she turns her struggles and triumphs navigating the healthcare system for her medically fragile son into a beacon of hope for other families. Marcie's inspiring story combines advocacy, photography, and parenting in a way that's as enlightening as it is moving. C...
Sep 21, 2023•55 min
Could you imagine being a mom and an Assistive Technology Specialist, honeycombing through multiple strategies to craft tools that best support your special needs child? Well, meet Cheryl Farley. A passionate mother and a specialist who's spent years perfecting this very craft. She's graced us with her story, detailing the educational journey of her son, Liam, and the unique challenges they faced in his smaller classroom setting. Listen in as she shares the creative routes they took to find job ...
Sep 12, 2023•31 min
The intensity of grief can feel like an insurmountable mountain. A profound loss, the passing of Host Annette Hines' beloved daughter, Elizabeth, led her down a path of unimaginable pain, reshaping her identity as a mother and her life. Through the waves of grief, Annette discovered a lifeline in a local grief group, offering a haven where she could share, cry, and heal. This episode serves as an open invitation to join in Annette's journey of remembrance, honoring suicide prevention month , and...
Sep 07, 2023•28 min
Are you ready to uncover the mysteries of Sensory Processing Disorder? We're elated to have certified occupational therapist assistants, Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, founders of Harkla Co in Boise, ID , on our show today. These remarkable women have recently become Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialists, demonstrating their relentless pursuit of knowledge in the field of primitive reflexes. They're here to share insightful perspectives on what it means to be a COTA (Certified Occ...
Aug 31, 2023•38 min
Have you ever wondered about the unique life experiences of siblings of special needs children? We promise to enlighten you on this rarely discussed topic, as we welcome two individuals who've lived this reality -- Hillary Dunn Stanisz , a senior attorney at the Disability Law Center in Boston, and Alexandria Nadworny , a special needs financial planning specialist. Through a candid conversation, they share their personal journeys growing up alongside a special needs sibling, deciphering the bal...
Aug 29, 2023•49 min
In an emotionally charged conversation with Eric Jorgensen of True North Disability Planning, we venture deep into the heart of community and its indispensable role in special needs parenting. Through recounting her own journey with her daughter Elizabeth, born with a mitochondrial defect, Host Annette Hines unveils how community acted as their family lifeline, providing a shared belief system and collective elasticity to push forward. Eric, embodying his Navy ethos, emphasizes the value of a su...
Aug 24, 2023•39 min
