ETB 58: What if the future of your loved one with a disability could be bright, secure, and filled with choices and alternatives? Envision a world where guardianship isn’t the only path, where supported decision-making reigns supreme, and personal rights are preserved. This episode offers a detailed dissection of guardianship and its alternatives, shedding light on the game-changing Right to Make Choices supported-decision making toolkit – a Texas-based initiative.

We take you on a journey through the pivotal Jenny Hatch case and the subsequent reform of the Texas guardianship system in 2015, highlighting the importance of considering alternatives to guardianship such as medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney, and more. Hear the ins and outs of these alternatives, and how they can shape a brighter future for your loved ones. So, tune in, soak up the knowledge, and empower yourself to make informed decisions that truly make a difference.

Supported Decision-Making Toolkit:
https://disabilityrightstx.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Right-to-Make-Choices-SDM-toolkit-jan-2018-1.pdf

Supported Decision Making Agreement – see page 89-90 in the link below:
https://disabilityrightstx.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Right-to-Make-Choices-SDM-toolkit-jan-2018-1.pdf

Guardianship in Texas
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/regulations/legal-information/guardianship

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

ETB 57: When your child is hospitalized, what means of comfort do you find? As a mother who’s been down this road with my son Josiah, I will share how the power of pen helped me through those dark times. Transcribing our story and drawing strength from those lines, I found a way to navigate the painfully frequent hospitalizations. The silver lining we discovered in this storm cloud was the round-the-clock care provided by CNAs. Their gift of caregiving brought the serenity our family needed, and they turned into our lifeline.

This episode isn’t just about our journey, but also celebrates the CNAs who make a significant difference. Being a parent to a child with medical needs is exhausting, both physically and emotionally. I’ll take you through a personal anecdote, where the support of a CNA allowed me a much-needed respite. It’s a story that could resonate with many of you out there. Remember, support and help are always available. So, join me and let’s walk this path together, find inspiration, share a few laughs, shed a few tears, and above all, help each other through.

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

ETB 56: Ready to journey into the heartwarming world of Carlee Ragains, a creative spirit, mother, wife, and mimi?  Carlee’s story weaves a rich tapestry of love, courage, and perseverance, as she shares the joys, challenges, and unimaginable fulfillment that come from parenting her 16-year-old daughter, Ellen, who was born with Down syndrome. Carlee paints a vibrant portrait of Ellen, a high functioning, verbal, independent, sensitive, and personality-packed young woman – an inspiring beacon of hope and testament to the beauty of embracing uniqueness.

Carlee’s creativity doesn’t stop at parenting; she has harnessed her experiences and channeled them into the creation of a beautiful children’s book. Would you believe the ideas for this book started flowing in the shower? This book aims to promote self-advocacy, create connections, and foster understanding about disabilities. Carlee talks about her journey from an initial rejection by a publisher to eventually seeing her labor of love come to life.

Carlee dreams big. She envisions a series of books that illuminate different diagnoses and disabilities, engaging readers in an inviting and non-threatening way. This woman’s relentless optimism and her dreams for her daughter to thrive are as beautiful as her project. So, if you’re ready to be inspired, uplifted and enlightened, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Come, join us on this journey of celebrating uniqueness and potential in all children, regardless of their abilities.

Connect with Carlee
Newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/498c1a387cc6/bqr1oq075o
IG: @carleeragainswrites
Blog: https://carleeragains.wordpress.com

Eleanor’s eXtraordinary Dreams Illustrator:
Megan Webber
Megan’s IG:  @megan_webber_art

Eleanor’s eXtraordinary Dreams Publisher:
https://unitedhousepublishing.com/

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

ETB 55: Prepare to be deeply moved by the remarkable journey of Josephine Sullivan, founder and CEO of the Christina Sullivan Foundation. This episode offers a powerful narrative of love, faith, and unwavering commitment as Josephine shares the story of her daughter Christina, a vibrant soul who was born with severe brain injury, cerebral palsy, and a seizure disorder. Listen as she chronicles how her unconditional love for Christina spurred the creation of a foundation that has since then sparked hope and positivity to over 247 athletes of varying abilities.

As we steer the conversation towards inclusive sports for children and adults with differing abilities, we uncover the deep ties Josephine formed with medical professionals. These resulting collaborations have been instrumental in the growth  of the Christina Sullivan Foundation’s comprehensive adaptive and inclusive activities and sports programs. The Christina Sullivan Foundation is not just about sports, it’s about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment. From adaptive tennis, bowling and bocce ball to choirs and eSports, the foundation aims to offer a wide range of activities that cater to every individual’s unique talents and interests. And, there’s more to come with the upcoming music and art camp pilot program and a chess club.

As we gear up for the upcoming event at Moody Gardens, a collaboration with the Christina Sullivan Foundation, we discuss the exciting array of activities and the celebration of hope and inclusion it promises. This free event is a testament to the foundation’s dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion for people of all abilities and their families. We wrap up our conversation by focusing on adaptive exercises for children with intellectual and physical disabilities, discussing the importance of community support for such initiatives, and uncovering Josephine’s latest creative venture – a café at the foundation. Tune in for a heartening discussion and learn how you can contribute to this noble cause.

Connect with the Christina Sullivan Foundation:
The Christina Sullivan Foundation is dedicated to helping medically dependent children and adults with intellectual and physical challenges and their families. Our intake specialists can help guide your search for necessary resources involving medical, educational, legal, and social networks to assist in caring for your loved one’s health, safety, and well-being. Contact us and let us know how we can help!
https://www.christinasullivanfoundation.org/
http://info@christinasullivanfoundation.org

GriefShare
https://www.griefshare.org/

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

ETB 54: What does it really mean to be a parent of a child with autism? How do you navigate the challenges and celebrate the milestones? Join us on a deeply personal journey with Heather, a resilient mother who opens her heart about her experiences raising her son, Chase, who was diagnosed with autism at a tender age of 2.5 years.

Currently a stay-at-home mom who transitioned to homeschooling Chase after working as a para in schools, Heather offers unique insights into the world of children with special needs. She speaks about the bond she shares with her son, and how she has juggled through the challenges of his adolescence, including medication struggles and the tricky terrain of puberty.

As our conversation unfolds, Heather candidly discusses the aggressive behaviors Chase displays and the strategies she has employed to manage these situations. She underlines the importance of consistency, external intervention and support, a key aspect often overlooked. . This episode is a testament to Heather’s resilient spirit and unconditional love for her son, delivering a message of hope, insight, and valuable experiences for parents facing similar challenges. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Join us to understand the realities, the hardships, and the triumphs of parenting a child with autism – a story told by a mother who has walked the path.

Connect with Heather:
Chase_sam@live.com
Training that Emphasizes Safety, Consistency, and Restraints as a Last Resort
https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/physical-restraints-as-a-last-resort
Christina Sullivan Foundation
https://www.christinasullivanfoundation.org/

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