Reluctant eagerness. Yes, those two words capture my dilemma each time I take a break from being a “special needs mom” and caregiver—if there is such a thing. Respite is good for both of us. On one hand, I am eager to leap out of my routine. Since, Mikelle graduated from high school, I have […]
Everyone Needs a Break–The Importance of Respite Read More »
Happy New Year. Either I am getting older, or the world is getting more complicated—or both. This year at The Shining Beautiful Series, we decided to keep our celebrations simple, grabbing for clarity rather than verbosity. On January 2nd, sitting in my favorite coffee shop awaiting the arrival of my delicious latte, I flipped
How Happy is Your New Year? Read More »
While we love our words on Shining Beautiful, it is difficult to string them together in such a way as to capture the camera sees and what are hearts feel during the holiday season. Each year, we have two major events, a holiday party and Mikelle’s birthday party. These celebrations not only connect Mikelle to
Our Shining Beautiful Community Glimmers this Holiday Season Read More »
Some people say that ‘variety is the spice of life’…and I tend to agree with them. Like most folks, I’ve have “chapters” in my life that define who I am and who I am trying to become. These segments are easy to identify because they’re punctuated with a proverbial ‘fork in the road’ and
A Fork in the Road to Shining Beautiful Read More »
For years, now, I have been focused on how the availability of appropriate technology and its use by people with disabilities can impact the lives of those individuals. It has become increasing clear over time that gaining access to universal and assistive technology for individuals with disabilities is essential and critical in supporting their lives,
Families at the Forefront of Technology Read More »
Are You the Employer of Choice? Part 1 Hiring and Managing Caregivers and Personal Support The particulars are hard to pin down and usually open to debate, but with absolute certainty, people with disabilities and their families want more choice, power and control in their lives. The explosive growth of person-centered planning and consumer-directed
Are You an Employer of Choice? Hiring and Training Personal Support and Caregivers. Read More »
Why put on running shoes and hustle out the door AGAIN today? I mean seriously, I ran yesterday, I should be off the hook for today! Well, that means I sit down at the computer for hours on end to work on more career skills, which also does not sound appealing. Maybe I’ll grab the
Mikelle Shows Us All to Set Goals Read More »
From Flab to Fab, Abs Not Included the Mikelle Workout By Taylor Mason (Roommate, Friend and known for her frequent new hair styles) Every day is a new adventure when you’re hanging out with Mikelle. During the summer months there are plenty of road trips, visits with friends, volleyball games in the park and cool
From Flab to Fab; the Mikelle Workout Read More »
#2 Great Ideas The future for both education and adult rehabilitation systems lies in you, in the beautiful grey matter in your head. Questions and challenges lead to problem solving and ideas which then lead to changing systems. People with disabilities left institutional care because groups of parents across the country did not want to
Ideas Change Systems. The #2 Old School Way to Embracing New World Realities Read More »
“I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work.” Pearl S. Buck # 1. Self-reliance My daughter, Mikelle and I serve on several boards, commissions, committees and councils focused on the future on rehabilitation and special education services. We are
What’s the #1 Old School Strategy for Negotiating New World Rehabilitation Realties? Read More »
