ETB 48: Have you heard about the positive impact of creating a personal network to support you as you care for your loved one with a disability?  Our guest, Jennifer Vincent, brings her experience as a parent and network facilitator to help answer this crucial question. Jennifer shares the importance of personal networks in empowering families and individuals with disabilities. She introduces us to the book, A Good Life for You and Your Relative with a Disability by Al Etmanski, a practical guide to establishing such networks that promote strategic planning, decision-making, and provide vital sustainability resources.

Navigating the journey with Jennifer, you’ll learn firsthand the intricate process of inviting members, defining roles, and fostering qualities essential for a thriving network. The lively discussions are peppered with enlightening insights on the significance of guest speakers, educational components, and the creation of a care notebook. She underlines the importance of the individual’s comfort and active participation as the team members work together to provide support.

We also get an intimate look into Jennifer’s personal journey of crafting a support network for her daughter, Alexandra.  The conversation touches on the role of a facilitator, and the importance of varying support types. Jennifer shares creative solutions to building a support network, like including family members, thinking out of the box to include other members and using Zoom for out-of-state connections.  This conversation is a goldmine for anyone looking to learn more about support networks for the special needs community, so tune in and join the discussion.

Jennifer is a licensed Vocational Nurse, president of GHFEDS: Galveston-Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome, State Medicaid Managed Care Advisory Council Member,  Partner in Policy Making 2018 graduate and a Texas Networks Connection Personal Network Facilitator.

Connect with Jennifer
Email address: Jennifervincent71@com

Texas Parent 2 Parent Website:
https://www.txp2p.org/

Texas Parent 2 Parent Care Notebook:
https://www.txp2p.org/services/family-to-family-health-info/care-notebook

Texas Network Connections:
https://www.txp2p.org/services/texas-network-connections

A Good Life for You and Your Relative with a Disability:
https://www.amazon.com/Good-Life-Your-Relative-Disability/dp/B000W5TBH6

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 47: Ever thought of how daunting the prospect of going on a vacation with special needs children might be? Imagine being a single parent to two wonderful boys on the autism spectrum and deciding to embark on a solo trip. That’s exactly what my guest, Mary Ann Hughes, courageously did. Mary Ann’s incredible journey of managing a cruise vacation with her sons is filled with insightful experiences and practical advice. We talk about the pre-journey preparations, making dining and accommodation comfortable, and special tips and tricks for sensory-sensitive children.

Mary Ann’s accounts are filled with realism and honesty, making it relatable for every parent or guardian navigating through similar paths. One of the highlights of our conversation is Mary Ann’s well-thought-out use of social stories to prepare her boys for the trip. We delve into the details of how she ensured a smoother journey via cruise, considering the comfort of consistency that it offers for her sons and many other families. We also share the importance of headphones and locating quiet spots, making the experience enjoyable for sensory-sensitive children.

Mary Ann talks about her business, Special Family Transitions which was birthed from her personal experience of navigating through the challenges of special needs divorce.  As a certified divorce coach she is able to provide guidance and support to others who find themselves in a similar situation.

Lastly, we shed light on the wealth of resources that are available for families with special needs children in the process of transitioning from school to life after school.. From private to public and church-based programs, we navigate through the sea of options and offer guidance on how to make the most of these resources.

It’s a heartening conversation filled with useful advice, personal anecdotes, and hope for those in the special needs community. Join us for an episode that promises to inspire, educate, and offer a fresh perspective.

Connect with Mary Ann:
Email address: Maryann@specialfamilytransitions.com

Website: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com

Special Family Transitions Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions

Special Family Transitions on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/

Special Family Transitions YouTube channel:
https://youtube.com/@specialfamilytransitions

And here is a low-priced 1-hour course Mary Ann developed for moms of children with disabilities to learn how to plan for success in a special needs divorce:
https://maryannhughes.mastermind.com/masterminds/37115

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/