Love & Hate

I hate that I have to share this resource, but our political climate demands it right now.  

Regardless of your party affiliation, we must all work together to ensure that individuals with disabilities are adequately supported by Medicaid, special education, and ongoing research to cure debilitating diseases and conditions.  Please don't stand on the sidelines.  Leaders need to hear your story and why these supports matter to your child and your family. We need legislators to understand how families rely on HCBS budgets, DME coverage and more.  It's complicated -- and you can help explain it.

Use this call-in line to reach your lawmakers: 866-426-2631.

• Express how your family relies on Medicaid supports to help fund caregivers, durable medical equipment, and even routine medical and dental care.  
• Ask them to oppose Medicaid cuts. Whether it’s work requirements, eligibility changes, or reduced funding, a cut is a cut.
• View this map to learn what percentage of people in your Congressional district rely on Medicaid and share that number with your lawmakers.

Regardless of how busy you might be, this is worth your time and effort.  Medicaid cuts will cause irreparable damage. Please use your voice to help avoid them.

Now, on a much happier note, here are three things I love with related resources to help young people with disabilities grow and thrive:

1. Accessible Travel

As parents, we have tried to instill a love of adventure and curiosity about the world in our children – which isn't always easy when your family includes a wheelchair. Challenges caused by a world that is often inaccessible interrupted countless family adventures. But inaccessibility doesn't have to be the norm.

Increasingly, travel agents are specializing in helping families navigate accessible travel. And there's even more good news. Several big hotel brands now prioritize the special needs of some travelers, including vision impairments, neurodivergence, mobility issues, and asthma/allergies. Places like St. Charlie Resorts and Morgan's Hotel aim to go even further.

I also learned recently about a company called GOMO Travel that provides disabled travelers and their families with specially-trained travel companions offering on-the-road assistance with transportation, nursing services, and more. Founder Kerri Johnson says the company currently focuses on services for seniors but plans to expand future supports so all persons can travel with greater ease and confidence -- and fewer hassles.

2. PBS Positivity

Our son, Andrew, is passionate about his part-time job at Connecticut Public Broadasting. He's proud of his contributions, valued by his colleagues, and challenged in meaningful ways. Research shows that inclusion also benefits his employer.

In addition to his data entry position, Andrew has collaborated with a talented content development team to produce several Emmy-award winning animated shorts, called The Positive Place.  They're educational, enlightening, and very entertaining for viewers of all ages. Andrew’s personality and humor shine through each video and reinforce the importance of a positive attitude and sensitivity to the needs of others:

Helping young people of all abilities discover their passions and apply them to make the world a more “positive place” is so important.  Positivity is a key resilience muscle (which my book explores in detail).  What are you doing to build your positivity muscle?  How are you helping your child build theirs?

3. Science-Based Suggestions

I love science-backed tips for making the most out of life (aka “learning to bloom) and believe they're important for us to teach our loved ones of all abilities. A recent BBC article offers interesting research on how to fill 2025 with more happiness by committing to eight key habits:

• Cultivating strong relationships
• Practicing gratitude
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Spending more time in nature
• Setting meaningful goals
• Practicing mindfulness
• Limiting social media use
• Getting adequate sleep

Each habit has been linked to improvements in mood, stress reduction, and long-term well-being.  How can you commit to these in the coming months?  What might you help your child commit to? What can you work on together?