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ETB 25:  In this episode I talk with Teresa Trent,  author of  3 different mystery series, whose 29 year old son Andrew has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism.   He’s  also non verbal, has a seizure disorder and from that he’s developed a need for a  Peg tube.   Andrew is a sweetheart, greatly loved and never in a bad mood.

It’s no mystery that accepting your child’s diagnosis can be challenging.  When Andrew was born, it was very difficult for Teresa.  She had a hard time accepting it and did not have the best reaction.  It took her about 2 years to just truly accept it and be at peace with it. Though she loved her precious baby all the way through, something  just didn’t click for her initially.

If that rings true in your case, Teresa encourages you to reset your mind and focus on going day to day, milestone to milestone, living in the present and just enjoying your child.

Teresa started writing at age 49.  She believes you are never too old or too young to begin writing.  Her Pecan Bayou series includes a character with Down syndrome named Danny.

You can find Teresa’s website and all her books at the links below.

Connect with Teresa Trent
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/teresatrentmysterywriter
Twitter:   https://twitter.com/ttrent_cozymys
Blog:   https://teresatrent.blog/     (Books to the Ceiling)
Website:   http://teresatrent.com
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5219581.Teresa_Trent
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/teresatrent_cozymys/
Bookbub:      https://www.bookbub.com/profile/teresa-trent
Teresa’s Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/Teresa-Trent/e/B005O7FIE2/

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 23:  In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to 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.

If you haven’t heard the first half of Cynthia’s interview,  be sure to listen to it in its entirety.  You won’t want to miss any of her inspiring perspective.

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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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 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Sandra Weber, special needs preschool teacher and mother of 8.  Though life has come at her full force, Sandra’s outlook in the midst of numerous difficult circumstances is truly remarkable.  She faces challenges with a positive perspective and staunch determination; enduring overwhelming hardship.  She is most definitely a pillar of strength for her family and an inspiration to others.

Sandra discusses the unique situations her family has faced, including the birth of triplets born at 32 weeks; 2 of whom have Down syndrome, while a 7 year old sibling was battling brain cancer and their 20 month old sibling passed away from an accidental drowning.

If you haven’t heard the first half of Sandra’s interview,  be sure to listen to it in its entirety.  You won’t want to miss any of this incredible conversation.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Special Olympics:
https://www.specialolympics.org/

Teslong Digital Otoscope:
https://www.amazon.com/Otoscope-Teslong-Microscope-Inspection-Adjustable/dp/B07PHLG4C2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=273P8VKK659J&keywords=teslong+digital+otoscope+with+ear+wax+remover&qid=1644004963&sprefix=teslong+digit%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-3

Connect with Sandra:
sandraw1121@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/sandradw

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 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum.  Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical  child in the family shaped the person she is today.   From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to become the ‘glue’ that helped hold the family together.   Her sisters made her a better person and influenced and directed Brianna’s purpose and passion in life.  Service and Teaching are at the heart of who she is and Brianna has aspirations to make lasting positive changes for all people with disabilities.

  • Brianna is the eldest sibling to two younger sisters with Autism on vastly different sides of the spectrum
  • For the past 13 years, Brianna has been a tireless advocate for individuals, much like her siblings, winning the Sibling Scholarship from Knapps and Roberts law firm, the Rose Award from disAbility Connections, Inc., and Advocate of the Year award from the Arc of the Gulf Coast which granted her the opportunity to speak on the experiences of being a sibling at district-wide conferences.
  • Brianna is a Partner in the Texas Partners in Policymaking Program, a Marketing Advisor & Sensitivity Panelist for Disability Book Week, and the Director of Marketing and Sales for Neural Divergence, LLC.
  • Brianna is the co-founder of Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse and Harm), which is an organization that armors parents, families, and allies of loved ones of students in the Texas Public School System who have endured abuse with educational, legislative advocacy training to foster macro-level change.

If you haven’t heard the first half of Brianna’s interview,  be sure to listen to it in its entirety.  You won’t want to miss any of this awe-inspiring conversation.

Connect with Brianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriannashley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briashten
Project LEAH Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4127855043987645/

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