This last episode in the series is right in step with how all good things should conclude and that is with a bit of fun. You are about to listen in on a conversation with plenty of laughter and bad jokes that I had with a man who has been using AAC since the 80’s and who has been living in his own place with hired supports for 20 years. We travel down memory lane recalling accommodations that thankfully have been replaced with better options but also those that have stood the test of time.

Tim Jin is a disability rights advocate with cerebral palsy. He is the Assistant Director of Communication Rights for Disability Voices United, an organization focused on improving education and services for those with developmental disabilities. Jin advocates for improving the accessibility of technology-aided communication for those with speech-related disabilities. Jin has been a member of boards for organizations such as Ability Central Philanthropy, CommunicationFIRST, and the Self-Determination Program Local Advisory Committee for Regional Center of Orange County. Jin has been using an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device since elementary school. He graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication.

To contact Tim regarding AAC training and inclusion for your staff or organization, email tim@jinonline.net

Hannah Foley is the Product & Service Development Intern and an Ambassador at PRC-Saltillo, where she develops training and implementation supports for PRC-Saltillo language systems. She also represents PRC-Saltillo at speaking engagements and other events. Hannah presents at school districts across the country on effective inclusion and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) implementation practices within homes, communities, and schools of those with complex communication needs. She is currently attending the University of Illinois at Chicago to complete her Assistive Technology Certification with a concentration in AAC for education. Hannah aims to pursue a professional career in AAC training and implementation to facilitate collaboration and effective training for implementation of AAC among all members of support teams.

Geege Taylor, who you may know from the reality TV show Leave it to Geege, joins Kim for a reflective chat. They both have been parenting autistic children for over 18 years and have a list of things they feel they did really well as well as a few things they would have done differently. 

About the Guest:

Geege Taylor is an autism advocate and writer who produces and stars in Leave it to Geege, a reality series on The Lifetime Network. The show celebrates autism and follows the zany adventures of her family, including her 19 year old non speaking son, “Pootie,” along with a lively cast which features three other young adults with autism. She makes her home in Athenns, GA with her children and describes herself as a “happy hermit” who loves to get under blankets, eat junk food, and watch TV.

You can connect with Geege on IG @geegetayor or FB @angiegeegedudley

Leave it to Geege can be streamed on your cable network, the lifetime app, or at  mylifetime.com

To hear Geege discuss dignity and hygiene, scroll LOMAH Podcast episodes from Season 3 and find Episode 78: Dignity and Hygiene from June, 2019.

Individuals with disabilities are 7 times more likely to be victims of sexual assault, yet they typically are not taught about their bodies nor boundaries for themselves and others. How can we begin these much needed conversations?

To help us navigate this space is Katie Thune. Katie is an educator, author, and advocate for people with disabilities. She has her Teaching License in Health Education, and Special Education K – 12, as well as her MA in Education and worked as a teacher for Saint Paul Public Schools for 12 years. She has done extensive curriculum writing on relationships and sexuality education that can be found, along with other resources, on the website sexualityforallabilities.com  

In this episode Katie shares foundational things we can be teaching our loved one such as consent, rules and guidelines around some of the grey areas, public vs private spaces, compliance vs appropriate non compliance, and necessary vs exploitive touch. 

Related Episodes:

Episode 69: Self Determination with Complex Communication Needs with guest Karrie Shogren, PhD.

Episode 66: Advocating Against the Sexual Assault Epidemic with guest Julie Neward of Natalie’s Voice

Episode 44: Sexual Assault Risk Reduction with guest Nora Baladerian, PhD, director of the Disability and Abuse Project

As caregivers, we want to be there for our loved ones and we want to be there for many years. Caregiver health is much more important and complicated both physically and emotionally than for the general population. How should we be approaching this important aspect of our role?

Today’s guest, Betsy McNally Laouar not only trains gold medal olympians but is also an autism mom and has been Kim’s personal trainer for over a decade. In this episode Betsy and Kim talk about their complicated journeys toward health and the ways physical fitness is different, and necessary, for caregivers.

Find links to Betsy's best selling books and website on the show notes at www.lomah.org/podcastseason3/76

Related Episodes:

#75 - Physical Fitness in the Special Needs Community

#74 - Caregiver Emotional and Mental Health

Maintaining healthy fitness levels is challenging enough for the general population and can be even more complicated for those with disabilities. What can we do about some of the common barriers so our loved one with special needs is on a path toward health?

To talk to us about fitness in the special needs community is Ryan Lockard, founder and CEO of Specialty Athletic Training. Since its launch in 2012 Specialty Athletic Training has exclusively trained individuals with special needs.

Ryan is going to share with us what his learning curve looked like on making fitness fun for his client and some ideas on how to pay for a trainer using available waiver funding. While Ryan is not a registered dietitian, food is certainly a very large piece of the fitness puzzle and we talk about it and a few things that have brought his clients success.

This is the second episode in a twelve part health series. Topics in the series are: caregiver emotional/mental health, medical cannabis, training physicians to treat special needs patients, hygiene tips and tricks, puberty and body awareness/boundaries, dental exams, pelvic exams and menstrual options, caregiver physical fitness, and caregiver spiritual health.

We know caregiver self care is important but we don’t do it. Why? What is the missing link between knowing what we should be doing and actually doing it?

Rose Reif is the owner of Reif Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Qualified Developmental Disability and Mental Health Professional. She is also Board Certified in providing Telemental Health. Her clients are teens and adults with disabilities and caregivers.

In this episode on caregiver mental and emotional health, Kim talks about her own mental and emotional struggles and success the last 15 years as Rose identifies the missing link between knowing the importance of self care and actually taking action.

Links to all items discussed can be found at

Related Episodes:

#51 Aching Joy with Jason Hague

#43 Closet Confessions of a Special Needs Parent

#26 Trauma Indicators in Individuals with Special Needs

The advocacy series ran January 2019 - April 2019. This episode includes a recap and a 60-90 second clip from each episode in the series and 2 things that have changed in the way Kim approaches advocacy as a result of her time speaking with the guests.

Season 3 and a new series will begin mid May 2019 so make sure you have tapped subscribe to ensure these episodes find their way to you once published.

Thank you, guests and listeners, for an amazing Season 2! 

You can find us on Instagram as journey2lomah and on Facebook as LOMAH.

What is your advocacy style? Some of us are outspoken and confident while others of us are timid and slow to react. Often advocacy comes with images of anger and confrontation but what if that is not the way we are wired? Can we still be strong advocates?

Michelle Sullivan discusses her advocacy style and journey. There was a time Michelle did not believe her voice had any power but now she is a leader in the disability community bringing change and also empowering others to do the same, all while staying true to her personality and voice. She is the founder of The LIttlest Warrior and host of the Advocate Like a Mother Podcast.

Links to content mentioned in the show can be found at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/72

“Finding Your Advocacy Style” concludes a 3 month series on advocacy. Episodes in the series include:

• #61 & #62 - Inclusive Housing and Social Change
• #63 & #64 - Inclusive Education: Overcoming the Resistance
• #65 - Inclusion in Faith Based Settings
• #66 - Advocating Against the Sexual Assault Epidemic
• #67 - HCBS Settings Rule, Fair Labor Laws, & Advocating for Choice
• #68 - The Need For Adult Sized Changing Tables
• #69 - Self Determination with Complex Communication Needs
• #70 - Do This Not That: Lessons from a Self Advocate
• #71 - Political Advocacy: Yes You Can

Laura Hatcher is on the leadership team of The Little Lobbyist.

The Little Lobbyists are families of children with complex medical needs and disabilities who seek to educate legislators about our community by showing up in-person with our children (and their trachs, ventilators, oxygen tanks, feeding tubes, wheelchairs, all the stuff) so they can see first-hand who is impacted by laws and programs. Most importantly, they want legislatures to see our kids are just KIDS; who go to school, love to play, and deserve access to the health care, education, and community inclusion they need to grow up to live their best lives. The little lobbyists also seek to educate families with complex medical needs about legislation that impacts us and to empower us to be strong advocates.

In this episode, Laura gives us a pep talk to encourage and equip us to be voices for the disability community.

Links to content mentioned can be found in the shownotes at www.lomah.org/podcast2/71

Related Episodes:

#70 - Do This Not That: Lessons From a Self Advocate with Angela West
#69 - Self Determination with Complex Communication Needs with  Dr. Karrie Shogren
#68 - The Need for Adult Sized Changing Tables with Changing Spaces
#67 - HCBS Waiver Settings Rule with Together for Choice
#61 & #62 - Inclusive Housing and Social Change with The Kelsey

How can we best come alongside individuals with differing abilities? Are we unknowingly offensive or even oppressive? Angela West, self advocate, tells us.

Angela is a woman in her 30’s with cerebral palsy. She holds a masters degree, was a Senate Health Education Labor and pensions committee intern, studied at Virginia Partners in Policymaking, and is a former therapeutic recreation activity leader.

Using an augmentative communication device as well as her own voice with an interpreter, Angela answers two questions:

1) What are we unknowingly doing as parents, providers, and supporters of individuals with disabilities that may come across as disrespectful?

2) What types of things did Angela’s parents and supporters do well when she was young to bring her to a place of accomplishment as an adult?

Related Episodes:

Ep. 69: Self Determination with Karrie Shogren from March 2018

Ep. 49 & 50: Person Centered Planning with Erin Sheldon from September 2018

Ep. 28: A Student's Perspective with Jessica from February 2018 

Self determination is the process by which one controls his or her own life. Most would agree it is important but does that mean we know how make it a reality for all individuals with disabilities, especially those with complex communication needs?

Karrie Shogren, Ph.D. is a professor at Kansas University in the Department of Special Education, a Senior Scientist in the Life Span Institute, and Director of the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities. Her research focuses on self-determination and systems of support for students with disabilities and she has a specific interest in the contextual factors that impact student outcomes. She has published over 130 articles in peer-reviewed journals, is the author or co-author of 10 books, and is the lead author of the Self Determination Inventory.

The above inventory can be found on the self determination website created by Dr. Shogren and Kansas University which also contains, guides to the self determination learning model, implementation, supplements, ways to break down learning for those w complex communication needs, utilization strategies for inclusive general education settings, and transition planning. 

Links to this self determination website and all topics discussed in this episode can be found in the shownotes at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/69

Related Episodes:

• #31 - Individualized Transition Plan to Guide IEP Goals with Dana Lattin (March 2018). Dana also works at Kansas University and discusses the transition out of the school system into adult services. She provides a variety of transition planning resources.

• #61 & #62 - Inclusive Housing and Social Change (January 2019) with Micaela Connery of The Kelsey. The issue of self determination for those with complex communication needs is discussed as it relates to housing choice.

Changing Spaces is an advocacy movement bringing adult sized changing tables to public bathrooms. When in need of diapering, individuals with disabilities must either be changed on the floor of a public restroom or return home.

In this episode, Christina Abernethy, coordinator of Changing Spaces Pennsylvania, discusses why the need for adult sized changing tables goes beyond hygiene and dignity but also is an inclusion movement. She shares how you, too, can participate in bringing adult sized changing tables to your local community and beyond.

Links to the content discussed in this episode are at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/68

Our family barely survived and is just now emerging from a hard two years that where spiraling into aggression, self injury, and rapid regression for Miranda. It took intention to make it through to the other side as a caregiver. This episode shares some of the struggles and impact they had on Kim's mental and emotional health.

Joining and contributing to the conversation is Mary Susan McConnell. Kim and Mary Susan swap caregiving stories and strategies that point to the truth that hard seasons are to be expected in the journey so it is important to have strategies that protect our physical, mental, and emotional health. 

Mary Susan's heart beats big for caregivers and she is continually creating and sharing content to help us be our best selves for our kids. She has created a free downloadable book, a podcast, an online corse for entrepreneurs, an online corse to help caregivers reimagine their world, daily words of encouragement delivered to earbuds each morning, downloadables such as a free coloring book, a master folder for the most important caregiving information, and a  list of small things we can do (think twinkle lights!) to bring more joy in the day to day, 1:1 coaching opportunities, and more!

Find all of these things at marysusanmcconnell.com

Ashley Kim is the director and national coordinator of the advocacy coalition Together for Choice. Together for Choice is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to unite, to protect, and advance the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work and thrive in a community or setting of their choice. 

The conversation covers the complexity of the issues surrounding new HCBS waiver rulings and also the Fair Labor Standards Act. This is a must listen to conversation if you plan on utilizing government funding options for quality of life in adulthood.

Show notes with links to mentioned items in this episode can be found at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/67

 Related Episodes:

Episodes #13 & #14: Campus Model of Housing

Episodes #19 & # 20: Independent Apartment Community Model of Housing

Episode #18: 5 Housing Insights

Episode #23: Creating a Housing Community

Episodes #62 & #62: Inclusive Housing

Individuals with disabilities are 7x more likely to be the victim of sexual assault. After learning of her sister’s abuse our guest, Julie Newart, began an advocacy organization called Natalie’s Voice.

Mission

Natalie’s Voice is a family-driven sexual assault prevention advocacy organization aiming to:

1. Raise awareness that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are highly vulnerable to sexual assault.

2. Empower caregivers with effective planning tools.

3. Build a community around response so that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Vision

Each and every non-verbal person with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have their voice be heard, by way of loving care providers, through effective planning, adaptive technology, and a cohesive agency response system, in the face of the sexual assault epidemic.

RELATED EPISODES:

#36 - Trauma Indicators for Individuals with Special Needs - Dr. Hoover

#40 - Cameras in Special Needs Classrooms - Dr. Dusty Columbia Embury 

#44 - Sexual Assult Risk Reduction - Nora Baladerian, Ph.D

Individuals with differing abilities have much to contribute and our communities are lacking without their presence and influence. This is true in faith based settings as well.

Sandra Peoples is a leading voice and encourager in the special needs community via her online groups, 3 published books, a long running blog. and as a contributor and editor at Key Ministry.

Listen in to this conversation as Sandra and I chat about how important it is for individuals with disabilities to be seen and understood in faith based settings. We follow up with encouragement for families, resources for churches, and nudges for everyone to move forward.

Moving away from segregated and toward an inclusive school environment often is met with resistance or even a lack of self awareness. How can parents, educators, therapists, admins, and those wishing to make changes effectively bring to light areas in need of consideration and also come against resistance to change?

The conversation with Dr. Causton continues in part 2 of Inclusive Education. In part 1 we discussed stages schools move through on the journey to inclusive schooling and also common misconceptions that cause resistance to the idea. In this episode, next steps are given for parents, administrators, and teachers who wish to gather a team and move their school away from segregated settings toward inclusive settings. 

The shownotes are packed with amazing (and many free) resources that can be used by teams right away. Find them and everything we discuss at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/63

Related Episodes: 

Episode #57: Pep Talks & Twitter Chats

Episode #56: Accessible Educational Materials

Episode #55: Technology & Teachers

Episode #49: Person Centered Planning

Episode #40: Cameras in Special Needs Classrooms

Episode #34: Non FAPE - 5 Things to Do Before the Next IEP

Episode #31: Individualized Transition Planning to Guide IEP Goals

Episode #25: Think College for Students with Special Needs

Moving from segregated to inclusive school settings is often met with resistance. Does the resistance hold merit and how can educators, students, and parents come against it? What stages do schools pass through when moving toward more inclusive settings?

Dr. Julie Causton, founder and CEO of Inclusive Schooling joins us for a two part episode. Dr. Causton was a Professor in the Inclusive and Special Education Program in the Department of Teaching and Leadership at Syracuse University for the past 14 years. Dr. Causton’s particular areas of expertise are school reform, inclusive teacher training, collaboration, humanistic behavioral supports, lesson planning, and providing invisible adult supports.  She also provides independent educational evaluations in due process hearings across the nation relying on her legal knowledge and practical experience.

She is published in over 30 academic journals and has written 6 books for school professionals about inclusive education that are widely read by school teams and teacher education programs across the country. Last year she supported schools in the area of inclusive school reform in twelve states and in several parts of Canada.  

Episode #57: Pep Talks & Twitter Chats

Episode #56: Accessible Educational Materials

Episode #55: Technology & Teachers

Episode #49: Person Centered Planning

Episode #40: Cameras in Special Needs Classrooms

Episode #34: Non FAPE - 5 Things to Do Before the Next IEP

Episode #31: Individualized Transition Planning to Guide IEP Goals

Episode #25: Think College for Students with Special Needs

The conversation continues with Micaela Connery, CEO, and founder of The Kelsey which is a mixed ability/mixed income housing model and social change organization for individuals with and without disabilities. 

Part 2 of the interview begins with a conversation about bringing self advocates and other stakeholders to the same table when creating housing solutions. The last half of the conversation begins when Kim poses the question "Does advocating for inclusive models mean advocating against intentional communities?" Micaela shares her thoughts on what is currently a hot topic in disability circles.

Links to items mentioned in the episode can be found at www.lomah.org/podcast2/61

Related Episodes:

• Intentional Communities: The Campus Model on Episodes #13 & #14, Independent Apartment Communities on Episodes #19 & #20
• Peer Advocates on Episodes #49 & #50 (Person Centered Planning)

Micaela Connery is the founder and CEO of a new inclusionary housing development called The Kelsey which is focused on creating an environment of mixed ability and mixed income. The Kelsey aims to be more than a housing development, they aim to be a social change organization expanding inclusion possibilities for individuals with disabilities.

Part 1 of the interview focuses on the logistics of creating The Kelsey and why it is a desirable, yet never before created, model of housing. We are introduced to the term "inclusion natives" and learn why the city of San Jose was chosen as the first Kelsey housing development.

Part 2 is an interesting discussion about how a parents motivation to create housing comes from a different angle and also why, for the future of policy, it is important for inclusionary housing to be an option. The question asked, "Does advocating for inclusionary housing mean advocating against intentional communities/campus models?" led to an interesting discussion. Part 2 of the conversation is the next episode, #62.

Links to The Kelsey and topics discussed in these episodes are at www.lomah.org/podcast2/61

What information will you find on the LOMAH Special Needs Podcast and who is on the other side of your speakers? This quick episode answers these questions.

Show notes with helpful links of each episode can be found on the LOMAH website under the Podcast tab. 

In this episode, Kim shares what she learned and is implementing from guests in the technology series. Along with these lessons are clips from each guest so listeners have a quick reference to find episodes of interest.

Additional episode detail from the series and links can be found at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/59

Episodes in the tech series:

#48 - Augmentative & Alternative Communication

#49 & #50 - Person Centered AAC

#52 - Curated and Reviewed Apps

#53 - Is Technology the Caregiving Solution

#54 - Virtual Reality Social Cognition Training

#55 - Technology & Teachers

#56 - Accessible Educational Materials

#57 - Pep Talks & Twitter Chats

#58 - Easy Technology Solutions

Reasonably priced and easily accessible technology marketed toward able bodied individuals also has the alternative perk of bringing independence and improving quality of life for those with disabilities. Venkat Rao of The Assistive Tech Blog shares several examples in this episode as well as his favorite products just entering the market

Links to mentioned content can be found at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/58

 Related Episodes:

#56: Accessible Educational Materials w/ Luis Perez

#53: Is Technology the Caregiving Solution w/ Simply Home

#52: Curated and Reviewed Apps w/ Bridging Apps

#49 & #50 Person Centered AAC w/ Erin Sheldon

We have set a deadline for Miranda to be independent of us, her parents by the age of 22. While she will always require significant care and continual supervision, we have a 5 year plan to phase those supports to others while at the same time honoring her life as a young adult. We are now 4 years out.

Listen to the 5 years out episode published January of 2021 before this one where we are 4 years out.

The 5 years out episode from last year goes into the details of the overall plan and the why's behind those decisions. This episode shares how things are coming along and what will need to be accomplished this year in order to stay on track.

Effectively utilizing assistive technology for individuals with special needs requires more than access to the latest gadgets, apps, and tools. More important is the process leading to the correct gadget, app, and tool.

Mike Marotta is an assistive technology support specialist with an extensive resume spanning 30 years with the special needs population. In this episode, Mike shares the process he uses and gives us the confidence to do so as well. He points us to places our questions can be answered (hint: hashtag!).

Be sure to check out Mike's podcast called Assistive Tech for All.

Links to items mentioned in this episode can be found at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/57

Accessible Educational Materials make it an exciting and promising time for those with print disabilities. Luis Perez points us to the many available resources.

Luis Perez is the technical assistance specialist at the National Center on Accessible Materials at CAST. He has multiple degrees and publications. He is an Apple distinguished educator, a Google certified educator, president elect of the inclusive learning network, and selected as the 2016 outstanding inclusive educator by the International Society for Technology in Education.

Show notes for this episode include several links and can be found at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/56

Dr. Stephanie Talalai is a special education teacher at the A. Harry Moore School which is known for its creative utilization of technology for students with special needs and disabilities. Dr. Talalai is largely responsible for this reputation. Several years ago she saw the need to implement more technology so she both created and filled a position within the school to do so. She is a Google Certified Educator and in this episode gives us ways to share, learn, and implement technology into special education settings even when on a tight budget.

Links to mentioned content at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/55

Related Episodes:

• Secondary and Post Secondary Education Series - Episodes #24 thru #34

• Cameras in Special Education Classrooms - Episode #40

• Lockdown and Crisis Drills in Special Education Classrooms - #46

Social cognition and self advocacy do not always come naturally so may need to be taught. A program at the Center for Brain Health in Dallas Texas called, Charisma, is teaching clients these and other social skills via a game based learning environment. Avatars are created for the client and therapists while real time and customized social situations play out in the virtual world. Therapists are able to offer immediate feedback to the client that research shows carry over into real life social settings.

Tandra Allen, an SLP with the Charisma project, joins us to discuss how the program works and who it is working for.

Shownotes and a video of what the "game" looks like can be found at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/54

Related Episodes

Episode 28: College & High School, A Student's Perspective

Episode 25: College & High School, Think College

Episode 4: The Caregiving, Celebrating Balancing Act

How is the adult special needs community going to receive adequate supports, maximum independence, and safety with the limited budgets available in most states?

Could technology be the answer?

Jason Ray from Simply Home joins us for a discussion on how homes customized with technological adaptations are providing dignity and independence for those with disabilities while saving service providers and families thousands of dollars.

Links to items mentioned in this episode are at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/53

Ipads and smartphones have been game changers for individuals with special needs. Device apps are providing an avenue for communication, learning and independence. BUT, there are over 2 million apps to choose from with over 1000 being added to the store every day. How can we possibly keep up with what is available and know if they are applicable?

This conversation with Cristen Reat, cofounder of Bridging Apps, is going to save you time and money by pointing to an up to date, curated, reviewed, and filtered lists of apps. Some of these apps you may never have considered using in the unique ways suggested for an individual with differing abilities.

Links to everything mentioned in the episode can be found on the show notes at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/52

Related Episodes:

#48-Augmentative & Alternative Communication (communication apps)

Show notes available at https://www.lomah.org/podcast2/51 which include links to Jason's work and also the 2 videos we mention in the episode.

Part 2 of our conversation with Erin Sheldon, CEO of Integration Action for Inclusion, focuses on how to stay person centered with augmentative & alternative communication device users.

Related Episodes:

#49: Person Centered Planning

#48: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

#34 - Non FAPE? 5 Things to Do Before the IEP Meeting

#33 - Homeschooling With a Twist

#29 - College of Adaptive Arts

#28 - College & High School: A Student’s Perspective

Person centered planning is not a system or policy but rather a way of thinking. It asks that we momentarily put aside what is currently offered and focus on what is important to an individual with special needs before thinking about what is important for them to fit in the existing system.

Our guest is Erin Sheldon who is the CEO of Integration Action for Inclusion, an organization supporting and empowering inclusion advocates.

Related Episodes:

#33 - Homeschooling With a Twist

#34- Non-FAPE? 5 Things to Do Before the Next IEP Meeting

#29 - College of Adaptive Arts

#21 - College & High School - A Student's Perspective

BONUS MATERIAL IN SHOWNOTES***developing literacy skills in nonverbal learners***portable carrying cases***compatible AAC software***links to everything mentioned in the show

SHOWNOTES AT www.lomah.org/podcast2/48

In this first episode of year/season 6, the first 10 minutes lay out what is to come in the new mini series. The last 15 minutes are spent sharing personal situations that have impacted the family.

In this episode, you will get to hear snippets from each guest in the 12 part safety series and the three big takeaways from the host.

1. Know bad things can and do happen.
2. Know how to tell if something bad is happening.
3. Know what to do.

This episode is a quick listen and one to use if you are just finding the safety series and want to hear from each guest prior to choosing what to listen to next. 

The safety series includes episodes #36 - #47

Would your loved one with disabilities have the support necessary to stay safe in the event of an on campus crisis? Are you a special educator? Would you have all you need to keep your students safe? 

needs. Combining her background as a special educator and mother to a son with disabilities, Dr. Laura Clarke and her colleague created one of the first and only crisis preparedness models for students with disabilities.

This is an episode you are going to want to share with administrators or anyone responsible for the safety of children with special needs in a crisis situation. 

 Related Episodes:

#37 Emergency Responder Training

#40 Cameras in the Classroom

Dr. Lauren Moskowitz is known for her work with self-injurious behavior in individuals with special needs. In this episode, she helps us understand why SIB is happening and discusses ABA as a method of treatment.

Links to items discussed at www.lomah.org/podcast2/45

Related Episodes: #36 Trauma Indicators, #37 Emergency Responder Preparation, #39 Restraint & Seclusion

As parents, we need to be aware there is a heightened risk of sexual abuse for our loved ones with disabilities.

Nora Baladerian is the director of the Disability and Abuse Project and the recipient of many distinguished awards. She conducts seminars and training across the country and is often consulted by attorneys litigating cases of assault on a victim with disabilities.

Dr. Baladerian educates us on who the perpetrators are and why they target those with special needs. She teaches us 10 things to do when abuse is suspected, as well as tools to utilize before, during, and after sexual assault.

Links to items mentioned in this episode, including the Risk Reduction book, can be found at www.lomah.org/podcast2/44

The kids were in danger and didn’t even care. This is a raw and real look at how stress impacts our physical and mental capabilities to parent. (Please don’t judge.)

Related Episodes:  

• #36 - Trauma Indicators 
• #12 - Finding and Hiring Caregivers
• #08 - Vacation or Relocation?
• #07 - Vacation Hacks
• #04 - The Caregiving, Celebrating Balancing Act

What is the connection between autism and epilepsy? Does one cause the other or are other factors at play? When is the first seizure most likely to happen? Are they harmful? Can they be missed? When do we need to call 911?  

 Our expert guest, Dr. Roberto Tuchman, is chief of the neurology department at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, Florida. He has explored the autism/epilepsy connection for decades and is a highly sought after resource on the topic. 

 In Episode 42, Dr. Tuchman shares what he is discovering regarding the autism and epilepsy connection and also speaks to us as a practitioner who has much experience guiding caregivers who have a loved one with autism and/or epilepsy. 

Related Episodes: 41 - Assistance Dogs

Have you considered adding an assistance dog to your team of support? Assistance dogs can bring independence, safety, comfort, dignity, companionship, (and cuteness) to the special needs team. The process is quite lengthy and choosing the right organization is important.

Paws with a Cause has been training assistance dogs for those with disabilities since 1979 and is considered one of the best programs in the country. Deb Davis has been working with Paws with a Cause for 25 years and in this episode helps us understand the difference between assistance, service and therapy dogs. She tells us what to look for when choosing an organization including a long list of questions to ask. We learn the red flags that should give us "paws". We also will learn more about what to expect during and after the application process as well as volunteer opportunities. 

Links to items discussed in the episode can be found in the show notes. Click here. 

We have seen too many stories on the news of cameras and other recording devices documenting poor treatment or abuse of special needs individuals. Would placement of recording devices in the spaces individuals with disabilities are receiving services help protect this vulnerable population? If, yes, then why isn't it being done and how can that change?

Dr. Dusty Columbia Embury of Eastern Kentucky University leads the discussion on the topic from her perspective as a classroom educator, researcher, and mom of a child with special needs. 

Content to items discussed in this episode can be found here.

Related Episodes:

#36 - Trauma Indicators of Individuals with Special Needs

#39 - Restraint and Seclusion of Individuals with Special Needs

This episode is a must listen from beginning to end for parents, educators, and providers of individuals with disabilities.

Restraining someone against their will or placing them in an area of seclusion where they can not get out are still widely used methods in the special needs community.

Why?

Today’s episode addresses this question.

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Wandering and elopement are stressful and scary scenarios that, unfortunately, can end tragically. Emily Diamond, a professor, and researcher at the Wright Institute in Berkeley joins us to provide ways parents can take a proactive approach of putting plans in place so that our loved one with disabilities can be found quickly should he or she go missing.

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The therapy series included 10 interviews challenging us to consider the why and how behind therapy choices. This episode offers snippets from each conversation.

Thus concludes our 5th year and 5th season. The LOMAH Podcast will return in January with a life update about the many big changes taking place as we march closer and closer to Miranda's adult years. There is a lot happening!

Late January or early February will bring the start of a new series.

Be sure you have tapped subscribe and/or follow on your podcast app so those episodes find their way to you. Wishing you the happiest of holidays! 

When 911 is called and an individual with special needs is on the scene, it can be at best confusing and at worse fatal.  It is important for caregivers and providers to prepare in advance.

Dennis Debbbaudt has spent over 25 years providing training for first responders who may come into contact with individuals who have autism and disabilities. He has since produced over 40 related books, reports and training videos. He has and is creating a training curriculum for departments around the US and globally.

On today's show, Dennis shares with us what we can be doing as parents and/or care providers to prepare for an emergency and the potential interaction of our loved one with special needs and the first responders. 

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Identifying and recovering from trauma can be complicated for our loved one with special needs. There are only a handful of professionals in the country providing therapy for individuals with disabilities who have experienced trauma. Dr. Daniel Hoover of the Kennedy Krieger Institute (a partner of John Hopkins School of Medicine) is one of them. In this episode, he shares 3 red flags indicating trauma may be happening or may have happened and 3 things parents can do in partnering with the doctors to begin the recovery process.

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Season #1 of the LOMAH podcast has come to an end. Before moving along to season #2, we share lessons from the last year and follow up on past guests.

Shownotes at https://www.lomah.org/podcast/35