The Reality And Brutally Honest Truth About Special Needs Planning

In episode #22 we talk about our journey in building a mindful culture in LABBB. It is one of our core values that is posted throughout our collaborative. There is a significant difference between just talking about these practices and actually doing them. We made a commitment to offering mindful practices for all students in all our classrooms every single day. We also believe for us to be successful we need to offer and teach this to our staff as well. We are a community practicing together and this is the only way to get the true benefits. We have been fortunate to have many staff persons who have a myriad of unique mind-body skills to bring into our environments for both students and staff. This initiative started organically back in the early '90s. We realized that these practices have a significant impact on managing the pervasive anxiety symptoms that people are feeling. Our mission was to bring these practices directly into our schools and for staff and students to know they have permission to practice at any time. When one individual is practicing it is benefiting their entire community! Rayne Pratt and Lisa Poirier, LABBB Occupational therapists, join me in this podcast. They are members of our LABBB Mind/Body team and they are also the creators and facilitators of our all-day staff retreat that we offer.

In Episode #21 we have our first guest of the 2020-2021 school year and joining us is Brendan Aylward. Brendan has a degree in special education from Lesley University and is the owner of Unified Health and Performance in Lancaster MA. Many LABBB students work out at his gym and he has created a unique culture in his gym integrating students with special needs with all gym members. Brendan's mission aligns with our mission in LABBB and he has a vision to continue to expand his business and offering more services and inclusive opportunities for students with special needs. He also created AdaptX which is a training program to become a coach for adapted fitness programs for athletes with disabilities and he talks all about it in this podcast. Unified Health and Performance Website: https://unifiedhp.com/

In episode #20 we talk about sibling support with Emily Rubin. Emily is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UMASS Medical School and Director of Sibling Support at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center. She is also Co-founder and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Sibling Support Network (MSSN). Emily is a Licensed Social Worker. This was a special podcast and it was a reflective experience for me as a sibling of a sister with special needs. Emily shares her research on sibling support groups and her perspective and knowledge on this subject is profound. This is a must-listen for families and siblings and there are many resources you can access.   This was a special podcast and it was a reflective experience for me as a sibling of a sister with special needs. Emily shares her research on sibling support groups and her perspective and knowledge on this subject is profound. This is a must listen for families and siblings and there are many resources you can access. See the links below for more infromation. Check out the MSSN website at http://www.masiblingsupport.org! You can sign up for a free membership at https://masiblingsupport.org/get-involved/membership-sponsorship-opportunities/, and you can find us on Facebook, too:  http://www.facebook.com/masiblingsupport.  More information is available on these links: Supporting siblings of youth with mental health needs: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/07/tu/supporting-siblings-2012.pdf MSSN brochure: https://masiblingsupport.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MSSN_brochure__2019-1.pdf   MSSN educational presentations: https://masiblingsupport.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MSSN_EducationalPresentations_2019.png  MSSN research brief on siblings: https://masiblingsupport.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/state_of_siblings.pdf

In this episode, we talk to Camille Grimes, AFC Manager, from Opportunities for Inclusion to learn about an under-utilized resource for parents. Adult family Care (AFC) is a MassHealth funded program for individuals, 16 years old and over, eligible for MassHealth Standard or MassHealth CommonHealth, who have a medical or mental condition and require daily cueing and supervision or physical assistance with at least one activity of daily living skill (ADL) such as bathing, dressing, eating, ambulating or toileting from an AFC caregiver. In addition to providing personal care, an AFC caregiver must live with the individual and provide or arrange for meals, transportation, companionship and ordinary housework. The caregiver also manages medical appointments and medications, if needed. Caregivers receive a tax-free stipend for the care they provide, which ranges from $9,000-$18,000 annually, depending on the level of care necessary. They also receive on-going support from a registered nurse and a care manager. The caregiver may be a friend parent or other relative, but may not be the spouse or legal guardian. To learn more about this program Contact: Barbara Dunker, RN, AFC Program Director, 781-899-1344 x4710 bdunker@oppsforinclusion.org

In this episode we are joined by Lisa Symonds, Adapted Music Instructor, from Amplifi. In 2016, we recorded a podcast with Tom Byrne, Owner, and Heather Luhn, Director of Education, of the Real School of Music. The Real School of Music started a program called Amplifi which brings adaptive music instruction to students with special needs. This was a perfect opportunity for LABBB to be part of this project as we were looking to expand our music program and the collaboration was born. Lisa Symonds was our first instructor and she won over the hearts of LABBB Teachers, Parents, and the staff in the public schools with her passion for to bring music to our students. Lisa is devoted to the Amplifi mission and she is feeling and observing the outcomes of the students response to music. Her dynamic personality is energizing and inspirational and she has led the way to bringing music to all of the LABBB programs in our public schools. We talk about "Then" and "Now," a new Transition program we started this year using the Amplifi methodology, and talk about the future collaboration between LABBB and Amplifi.

In Part 2 of this series I talk about three topics related to planning for the future. 1. "The Master Spreadsheet," I created for my sister which has all of her important information. 2. Group home discussion: "The next 10 Years." 3. Get feedback and learn from the real experts. These are the parents and guardians of an adult with special needs who graduated 5, 10, 15 20...years ago. What would they have done differently that they can share with you now? Will their experiences change the course you are taking in the present?

In this episode, I share my personal story about our family's experience in how we are organizing and planning in caring for our sister with special needs. Many times there are unexpected life events and we are not prepared. When my parents passed away three years ago, within six months of each other, this was a significant unexpected life event. My parents did many things "Right" but I wish we were more prepared to care for my sister. My thinking started to change dramatically about what we are doing in special education to prepare parents and sharing my story was an essential step. I was fortunate to know where to seek the resources I needed to get things done for my sister, but it was still incredibly overwhelming and stressful for many years and it didn't need to be this way. These are difficult family conversations, but they need to happen. My mission is to prepare parents and siblings so they are more prepared in the future and to implore them to start planning now! If we fail to plan now, we are making it significantly more stressful for guardians and caretakers when it is their time to take on the responsibility. This is a two-part series. I will share many more real life stories of how we managed, planned and learned from our mistakes. In many ways, this can brings families closer together, especially the siblings.

In this episode, I interviewed Kathy Murphy. She talks candidly about her life growing up with dyslexia and her mindset of overcoming an obstacle through determination and grit. She didn't know she had dyslexia until she was 21 years old. You will find her story inspiring and also give you a different way to look at obstacles that are thrown at us in life. We also talk about identifying our strengths and focusing our attention on what we are good at rather than trying to spend most of our time trying to fix our weaknesses. Kathy Murphy's Bio: Market Me Too Founder and CEO/CMO, Kathleen E. Murphy is known for radiating enthusiasm, her strategic outlook and positive attitude and energy. Her entrepreneurial and marketing career has spanned over (20) years and has been focused on technology and start-up companies in a variety of industries. She is well-regarded for her extensive global marketing leadership and partnership marketing acumen and has been sought after for her innovative, collaborative and strategic thinking style by companies such as Barracuda Networks, Constant Contact, Dell/EMC, Hitachi, Staples as well as a number of mid-size companies. 1. (Blog) Authenticity sparkle. Do you? 2. www.MarketMeToo.net 3. Dacey’s Diva’s Show: Interview about Kathy's book, Wisdom Whisperer:

In this episode, we were joined by Amanda Scheriff, LABBB Speech Pathologist. Amanda recently completed a workshop series with LABBB parents from our Fox Hill, Francis Wyman, Wellington, and Memorial elementary programs; teaching them skills about modeling for successful communication using AAC. Educators, parents, and anyone in the special education field will find this podcast extremely valuable. Ultimately, our goal is to help our students become independent communicators and using a consistent modeling system in school and at home will give our students the best opportunity in meeting this goal. Amanda talks about the Model as a MASTER Pal program and how she is developing this in the LABBB programs. Amanda's Model as a MASTER Pal Webinar Communication bill of rights information . Users of AAC created by an educator

Susan B Woods, M.Ed, retired Associate Dean, Student Support Services at Middlesex Community College, BS in Special Education from Boston University M.Ed from Northeastern University in Rehabilitation Administration. Susan has spent the last 27 years at Middlesex Community College managing the Transition Program and Disability Support Services, as well as overseeing the college's Federally funded TRIO student support programs, Counseling and Consultation services and coordinating the Student Assessment Intervention Team with the office of the Dean of Students. Prior to coming to Middlesex, Susan worked at the Department of Mental Retardation and Mental Health—now the Department of Developmental Services—and was involved with the Turning 22 transition planning initiative, and the early stages of development of community-based individual service planning. For the past 9 years, Susan has been an adjunct faculty, an online section of Developmental Disabilities in the Psychology and Education Department at Middlesex Community College. A significant part of her work has included providing professional development and training to college faculty to promote and support their use of teaching strategies and approaches using principles of universal design for instruction. The goal of this work is to create and support inclusive pedagogies and create a welcoming environment to support the success of diverse learners. Susan has also provided workshops and professional development training at local high schools. This training is provided to special educators, transition specialists and guidance department staff, as well as parents and students, on how to prepare and support the transition of individuals with disabilities to post-secondary education. click here for Susans Website:  www.susanbwoods.com

We are very excited to have Dawn Gross as our guest on this episode to talk about the ICEI program at Middlesex Community College. Dawn is the ICEI Coordinator for this partnership with LABBB Collaborative and Bedford Public Schools. The Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (ICEI) Program at Middlesex Community College is a dual enrollment opportunity for high school students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18 to 21. The MCC/LABBB ICEI program is beginning its 5th year. Dawn talks with LABBB Collaborative Executive Director Patric Barbieri about how this initiative started, what we have learned and how it has evolved. Dawn also answers many of the questions that parents and students ask about the ICEI program. For more information please see below. Dawn Gross, Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Program Coordinatorgrossd@middlesex.mass.edu 781-280-3769 Middlesex Community College Webpage ICEI information https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/disabilitysupport/iceiprogram/default.aspx

Special Olympics is celebrating its 50th year (1968-2018) and we had the opportunity to interview Mary Beth McMahon, President and CEO of the Special Olympics Massachusetts. We discuss the past, present and future of the Special Olympics and how this organization is continuing to grow and evolve. LABBB has been involved with the Special Olympics since the late 1970's and we have a long history of bringing the games to our student athletes in collaboration with the Best Buddies organization. Paula Rizzo, LABBB Recreation and Integration Coordinator, joins us for this episode and she talks about her involvement with special since she was in high school as a student leader. We were on location at Special Olympics Headquarters in Marlborough MA for this episode so tune in and learn more about the future of Special Olympics. Please visit the special olympics website for more information: www.specialolympicsma.org

In this episode we talk with Mobility Transfer Systems Inc. owner Thomas Leoutsakos, his wife Dina Leoutsakos, and Stephani DiDonato-Azar. Listen to this amazing story and the opportunity this company gives to our students in LABBB. We feel fortunate to be partnering with such a compassionate and forward thinking organization. Mobility Transfer Systems Inc. is the predominant leader in bringing you unique medical products to improve the quality of life for people who are physically challenged and elderly. We are the manufacturers of The Transfer Handle ™ which is the Safest and Easiest way to get in and out of bed. We also produce an entire line of bed mobility products as well as the SafetySure ™ line of products. MTS is a close knit company that prides itself on providing first class customer service to all of our clients. We supply products to individuals, businesses, doctors and hospitals throughout the United States. Our team is bright, talented, passionate and always willing to help you with whatever you may need. Our mtsmedicalsupply.com website features hundreds of enabling devices that makes life easier to all those who require them. So... Give yourself a grip on INDEPENDENCE today!

In this episode we are joined by 'Omar's World of Comics & Hobbies' Manager Sally Hoops. Omar Masood has been a student in LABBB since middle school and he is graduating this April from the LABBB Lexington High Program. Omar's parents had a vision of creating a business for him when he graduates to keep him connected to the LABBB community. Omar has always had an interest in comics since he was a young boy and this sparked an idea! This vision is now a reality. Omar's World of Comics & Hobbies will be opening in Lexington Center on 30 Waltham Street in the next month. LABBB will be partnering with the Masoods and Sally Hoops to run this business. The store is a short walk from the Lexington High School program and many LABBB students will be involved in the day to day responsibilities of running the store. Kristin Dailey, LABBB Transition Department Supervisor, who has been working with Sally also joins us for this episode. This is an exciting opportunity and we are looking forward to making this a huge success!

Michael Weiner is a financial advisor. He is intimately familiar with available benefits and supports, and provides families guidance regarding how to integrate those supports into their unique circumstances, and create a sound financial solution to help provide the resources their children and families need throughout their lives. He is currently the Treasurer, and board member, at the Federation for Children with Special Needs, and sits on his local Department of Developmental Services advisory council. Michael resides in Medfield, MA with Susan, his wife of more than thirty years. Their eldest son, Ben, lives in Washington D.C., and their youngest, Zack, currently resides in Brookline with a roommate and adult caregiver. Although Zack has an intellectual disability and requires significant support, he is working a full time job, and is an active participant in his community.

In this episode we are joined by Assistive Technology Specialist Rachel Kuberry. We have known and worked with Rachel for many years in LABBB. Tune in to listen to Rachel talk about her approach to assistive technology for students with special needs. Rachel adds a fresh perspective on AT and gives us some insight into how she collaborates with students, parents and teachers. Rachel has a unique style of communication to talk about the brutally honest truth about AT. She brings a blend of personal experience, humor, research and data which makes conversation with Rachel fun and engaging. We have met many professionals who have built a rapport with Rachel and everyone has been inspired by her knowledge and passion of AT. In the end, these professionals have been more successful at 'implementation' which is the ultimate goal of using assistive technology tools.

In this episode, Patric and Trish interview two LABBB staff persons: Caroline Brown, Teacher, and Marina Simons, Speech Pathologist. Both Caroline and Marina have a brother with special needs. We discuss growing with a sibling with special needs; how we first became aware that we had a sibling who has special needs; what impact did it have on our families; what are our biggest fears; how does a sibling advocate for themselves and many other topics. This was an informative discussion as we shared many stories and we reflected on our experiences. Each family experience is unique and you will listen to three different perspectives which have many similarities and differences. For families raising a child with special needs, and who also have other typically developing children, this is a must listen.

After we concluded our podcast with Jenna Kotler, Trish and I continued our discussion with her about ADHD. Jenna was sharing some strategies that her family was using with her and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to have her share these strategies on our podcast. We turned the recorder back on and asked Jenna to talk about what she shared with us after the show. Please listen to these strategies that were an important part of helping Jenna cope with ADHD as a child and an adult.

Jennifer Kotler, Harvard University PH.D candidate, joined us on this podcast to tell her story about growing up with ADHD, and life as an adult with ADHD. Jenna talks very candidly about her struggles, how this impacted her family, and what you need to know about a child with ADHD. Jenna also shares the positive aspects of having ADHD and how this has helped her get to where she is. We were excited to do this podcast with Jenna and you will enjoy how she brings humor to her life and the future of how she will be coping with ADHD. This episode is a very refreshing dialogue about a person who wants to share her story, with a mission of helping others. Lastly, Jenna shared her insight on being a female with ADHD and ways in which that might be different from the typical young, white, male experience. Jenna, is very open to answering any of your questions, you can contact her via email at: jkotler@fas.harvard.edu

In August of 2016, LABBB collaborated with Amplifi, an adapted music program that is part of the Real School of Music. LABBB is committed to bringing more music to our students and Amplifi was a perfect fit for our new core value. LABBB has a set of core values that have been developed over the past few years and we added, music, art and theater. We believe that music, art, and theater are healthy forms of expression and an important part of our students' education. Thomas Byrne, CEO, of Burlington Real School of Music; Kelly Surette, Founding Director of Amplifi, and Heather Luhn, Director of Education for Amplifi join us for this podast. In this episode, the Amplifi team talk about their unique approach to bringing adapted music to students with special needs. They also discuss how their music teachers are learning and using Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Tom, Kelly and Heather also share their vision for the future in working with LABBB and spreading their mission to the world.