When I saw the request for volunteers it said something like "this event is the highlight of the year for the attendees, so please come out and help with the Night to Shine." I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I mean, in our house, we try to have a good time all year long! While it is a good time at Night to Shine, and we do look forward to it, it is not the only event of our year. Our daughters love our family vacations, family dinners, holidays, Double H camp and lots more! If you know our girls you know they love life...and many people. Also, if you know our twin daughters, you know they are both very different. One craves crowds with lots of activity and the other prefers one on one time. It’s the latter one I was concerned about as we headed to this prom started by Tim Tebow. As I caught her eye in the rearview mirror I commented to her that she could find quiet places to visit with friends during the evening. I began coaching her on manners and ways to enjoy the night when she interrupted me with "I’m fine tonight, mom!". In my mind I said the words "we’ll Continue Reading
Two Montgomery County outings that provide accessibility, creativity, and fun!
You know how we are always on the hunt to keep the girls occupied? Here's a secret: Sometimes I just get sick and tired of running around. So when I can find a good deal locally, I am thrilled! The girls are always asking what plans we have on the horizon. In fact we have multiple calendars around the house in hopes of taking their anxiety of empty days away...and hoping they will check for themselves. We have white boards, bathroom calendars, and graphics on their iPads. For Christmas we gave them a stack of little boxes, one for each of 6 months, with certificates to mostly local activities. My favorite way to find activities is to check out sites like Groupon, Living Social, and Local Flavor. I was happy to find these two Montgomery County activities that I knew they would enjoy. Front door along Main stret The first one was Scent and Sip in Lansdale, PA. Scent and Sip is right along Main street and accessible through double doors that are even with the pavement. I think the most difficult part of visiting is the parking. If you cannot find a place in the front Continue Reading
How to buy a great gift for friends and family with special needs.
Gifts bought with the receiver in mind is always best! It is inevitable that, as a holiday or celebration approaches, someone asks me to share gift ideas for our daughters. Of course it is a sweet question. The trouble is I am often at a loss myself! And once I come up with the best present it's a big dilemma to share my idea...or not! But if I don't? Well, we have a stack of fleece blankets and a drawer of nail polish to show for it. However, I have finally gotten where I can make some good suggestions to keep everyone happy! But just like my oldest daughters' gift lists would not look the same... or my spouse and I...each person with special needs would have different things that make a great gift FOR THEM. That doesn't mean we are left with wrapping (another) soft blanket and tying on some polish. Instead, there are some good paths we can take to arrive at a great gift that's meaningful for our friend or family who has a disability. You can first begin with the obvious...ask them. Maybe they do have a wish list that they are just hoping to have fulfilled. Continue Reading
5 things items we love for accessible travel to add to your wish list
I have discovered a few things in our travel life that we rely on. Some we have had forever and some are relatively new to us. Some of the links in this article are "affiliate links" and should you click on an affiliate link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. (The price of the item is the same whether or not it is an affiliate link.) I only recommend products or services I find beneficial.By using the affiliate links, you are helping support our Website-thanks for your support. But the thing they have in common is that I don't want to leave home without them! One thing I stumbled upon last year as we packed for our Texas vacation to San Antonio and Morgan's Wonderland. (Part of the trip excitement is the planning and prep work.) So as we browsed through travel accessories we discovered infinity scarves with hidden pockets. We knew right away that they're winners due to their multiple functions. They have the practical application of hanging on the wheelchairs for quick wipe ups AND allow us to stash hotel keys, tickets, cash or Continue Reading
3 tools to increase speech recognition for independence
At it again. Some of the links in this article are "affiliate links" and should you click on an affiliate link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. (The price of the item is the same whether or not it is an affiliate link.) I only recommend products or services I find beneficial.By using the affiliate links, you are helping support our Website-thanks for your support. I get so weary of my daughters and the fighting. Not with each other, mind you, but with Siri. It seems that Siri, while offering a wealth of information, first needs to understand the question. Not always an easy task for someone with a disability. Specifically, Cerebral Palsy. This new age of technology continues to open doors for our daughters! But it also brings some disappointment. It didn't take them long to hone their skills at navigating their iPads. They started with Skyping and moved to Facetiming and calling through Messenger and never looked back. The visual photos allows them to get things right despite the inability to read. Well, almost right. (Sorry to your Continue Reading
Assistive tech month in PA
November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, and to celebrate Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation is hosting its fifth annual photo contest. They want you to Show Us Your Tech! Assistive technology doesn’t have to be complex or expensive to make a difference in your life. Do you have a disability or health condition? Then you’re most likely using assistive technology! It could be as simple as using a weekly pill-box to remind you to take all your medications, or as high-tech as the individualized hand controls in an adapted van. Assistive technology can be as every-day as the grab bars in a bathroom and as commonplace as a hearing aid. This contest is open to all ages. What kind of assistive technology are you using to do the things you want to do? Upload a photo of YOU using your assistive technology and write about it in the caption. Get your friends to vote for your photo for a chance to win! Entries and voting are open November 1 through November 30. Winners will be announced December 5 by 12 p.m. Learn Continue Reading
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