Self-Determination

Love in the Crossfire: Navigating Valentine’s Day in a Divided World

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, A Home of My Own, Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting, Uncategorized /

The Lingering Scent of Conflict Conflict smells vague and bitter—like day-old coffee, sulfur before a match ignites, or uncollected trash lingering too long on a sweltering day. It clings to frozen sidewalks on a frosty morning, settling into the cracks of daily life. Left unattended, conflict can shudder a window, shut a door, or close a once-open […]

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Showing Up Matters: Why We Took Our Advocacy to the State Capitol

Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination, The Pursuit of the American Dream /

A few weeks ago, I stood in the halls of the Colorado State Capitol, surrounded by families, advocates, and individuals with disabilities. It wasn’t just another day—it was a day to advocate for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and ensure the voices of those who rely on these essential services were heard loud and clear. Mikelle, as always,

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Persistence. A picture of a worn chewed up number 2 yellow pencil.

Protecting the Dream of Inclusion: Persistence, Passion, and the Courage to Begin Again

Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting /

Many years ago, my teenage son, Kasey, gave me a Christmas gift that I’ve cherished ever since. It wasn’t expensive or elaborate—a simple black frame containing an image of a worn nub of a yellow #2 pencil. Its point was carved roughly with a pen knife, its pink eraser worn, and its surface visibly chewed.

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A Shining Beautiful Christmas: Finding Joy in the Little Things

A Home of My Own, Community, Daily Life, Friends, Self-Determination /

A time of good cheer. The holiday season is always a special time for the Shining Beautiful Team. It’s a chance to gather with our favorite people, share laughter, and celebrate all the moments that make life meaningful. But this year, like so many others, we’ve had to adjust and find new ways to embrace

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red ,white and blue poster with ballto box for voting

Medicaid: How the 2024 Presidential Election Could Reshape Disability Services

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, A Home of My Own, Community, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting, The Pursuit of the American Dream /

As we gear up for the 2024 presidential election, it’s a good time to reflect on how previous battles over healthcare, particularly Medicaid, have shaped the support systems that millions of people rely on today. It feels like déjà vu—just like in 2017, there are concerns that the programs we depend on could be drastically

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Two people with disabilities and in wheelchairs using speech generative devices attending a work meeting in the office.

How Do You Get from Here to There? Celebrating NDEAM with Creativity.

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, Self-Determination, The Pursuit of the American Dream /

In recognition of *National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we continue exploring *creativity* in the workplace and how it can revolutionize job development for people with disabilities. The first part of this series focused on frustration and the desire for improved job development outcomes. In this segment, we zero in on a critical element necessary

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Photo of leaves falling on the ground with the text Hello Change.

New Beginnings: How to Embrace Change and Strengthen Your Caregiving Team

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting /

Change is inevitable, but… Change is an inevitable part of any journey, and it’s with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Abby and Elise. Abby has left us to pursue an exciting new position at a local museum, and Elise is moving on to new opportunities. While we will miss them both, we are

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Siloutees of Mikelle and Katherine look at a golden circular firework in the evening sky.

Independence Day with Mikelle: A Celebration of Freedom and Resilience

A Home of My Own, Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting /

Independence Day is a time for celebration, reflection, and coming together as a community. It represents the freedom and independence that we all cherish. I think Mikelle embodies the true spirit of community, resilience, and the American desire and opportunities to achieve your dreams. For many years, our family has celebrated Denver’s 3rd of July

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Mikelle is in her wheelchair smiling with three of her favorite girlfriends surrounding her with love.

A Tale of Two Celebrations: Mikelle’s Memorable Birthday Bash

A Home of My Own, Daily Life, Family, Friends, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting /

Celebrating Mikelle’s Birthday in the Shadows of Her Grandma’s Home This summer, Mikelle celebrated her birthday at the home of her brother Kasey and his wife Allison, once her beloved Grandma’s house for sixty-two years. Although it marked the second birthday without her Grandma, gathering friends in the revitalized backyard breathed new life into the celebration.

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