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ETB 27:  In this episode I talk with Vivecca Hartman, mother of 2 and new grandmother, about life with her 24 year old son Christopher, born with a rare genetic mutation, Leber Congenital Amaurosis. Physically healthy in every other way, his vision and hearing was all that was affected at birth.  Very curious, physically fit and funny, Christopher likes to stay active and keep busy.  He communicates with tactile sign language.  As long as he feels safe, Christopher is a very happy person, very independent within his home.

Vivecca is cofounder of Touch Base: Center for the Deafblind, a nonprofit organization that benefits deafblind people after they graduate from school. Currently, Touch Base is located in Houston, Texas. It is a small organization with a board consisting of parents of deafblind children, experienced staff from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and other dedicated professionals.  The purpose of Touch Base is to provide deafblind men and women with a day habilitation facility where they can participate in organized, meaningful, and purposeful activities.

Vivecca is also a long standing board member for the Lighthouse for the Blind, having served 10+ years.  The Lighthouse of Houston serves 5,000 individuals annually through health and community programs, independent living centers and assisted living facilities.  Of those they employ, nearly 40% are blind or visually impaired. Employees are trained to work in their service or products division.  Their programs and services provide individuals with the ability to live independently and to reach their full emotional, social and educational potential.

Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DMBD) Medicaid Waiver
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/deaf-blind-multiple-disabilities-dbmd

Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas (DBMAT)   
https://dbmat-tx.org/

Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/community-living-assistance-support-services-class.

Texas Medicaid Waiver Programs for Children with Disabilities
https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/insurance-financial-help/texas-medicaid-waiver-programs-for-children-with-disabilities
Phone Number: 1-877-438-5658 

Lighthouse for the Blind
https://www.houstonlighthouse.org/

PPCD
https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/education-schools/what-is-ppcd

Touch Base Center for the Deafblind
https://www.touchbasecenter.org/about-touch-base

Touch Base: Center for the Deafblind Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/TouchBaseCenter

Connect with Vivecca Hartman
hartmanfam28@sbcglobal.net
1-713- 231-7508

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

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EBT 22:  In this episode I talk with Cynthia Rodriguez, amazing mom, grandma, and special needs advocate who loves to reach out and help others.  If you have a child with a disability and happen to  cross Cynthia’s path somewhere out in the world,  more than likely she will strike up a conversation to check in with you to see how things are going.  She’ll offer suggestions and resources and may even accompany you to the right agency to get you the help you may need.   That’s just who she is.

Yet, 24 years ago when her son Victor was born with Down syndrome, Cynthia didn’t even want to hold him for the first few days.   Life took an abrupt turn at that point and it took Cynthia a little while to accept all the changes.  From initial reluctancy to totally embracing her new journey, Cynthia is a source of love and laughter, drawing others in with her joy and making a positive difference for so many.

In addition, Cynthia does Court monitoring visits for people who have guardianships to make sure they are being treated properly and have everything they need.

GHFEDS
http://ghfeds.org/

HCS – Home and Community Based Services
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/home-community-based-services-hcs

Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/health-insurance-premium-payment-hipp-program

Side by Side Parent Support Team: League City
https://www.facebook.com/groups/155613631266509

STAP – Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP)
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing/stap-services

Swallowing and Speech Services
https://www.swallowingandspeechservices.com/

Texas Medicaid Waivers
https://texasmedicaidwaivers.com/

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

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In this episode I talk with Angela Bishop, owner of Brewed Blessings, a community coffee shop where special needs adults can gain meaningful employment and education in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.  Angela sees everybody as an individual.  Since God loves us all she believes we should love each other for who we are no matter what our differences are.

Five years ago, Angela had a dream of opening a coffee shop that employs individuals with special needs.   She knows God definitely called her to this.  No matter how many times she tried to ignore it, the dreams kept coming back.

It wasn’t until she had the same dream multiple times that Angela decided it was time to act on it.   With encouragement and support from her husband Jim, Angela moved forward, filing the necessary paperwork for a non profit business.   God is working out all the details and sending the right people to help Angela make Brewed Blessings a reality.

Angela knows that anyone who works at, volunteers at, or visits Brewed Blessings will walk out blessed and walk away knowing they are making a difference in someone’s life.

Brewed Blessings
https://www.brewedblessings.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070764337143
IG: https://www.instagram.com/brewedblessings/

Connect with Angela Bishop
Email: angela@brewedblessings.com

Dr. Grilli ~ Pediatric and Family Dentistry
https://www.dcadentist.com/

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

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In this episode I talk with Kim Lindquist about life with Cowboy,  her 23 year old son who has Autism.  Kim shares how her faith helped her through early dark days of behavior challenges, anxiety and discouragement.  She encourages parents to seek help if they begin to notice signs of anxiety or depression.  Kim recommends Biomedical intervention and proposes it can work in conjunction with traditional medicine to bring about positive outcomes.  She believes that taking care of ourselves better equips us to care for others. Kim is a gifted writer, who injects humor into her stories of life with Autism.  Her desire is to help others have joy and most of all hope.

Connect with Kim:
https://www.kimlindquistauthor.com/

Autism Support: autismsocietytxgulfcoast@gmail.com

Connect with a Bible Study for Caregivers:
https://www.sagemontchurch.org/women/#/

Connect with Imagine Enterprises:
https://www.imagine-enterprises.org/

Medicaid Waivers Website:
http://texasmedicaidwaivers.com

HIPP – Texas Medicaid program that helps families pay for employer-sponsored health insurance premiums:
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/health-insurance-premium-payment-hipp-program

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