My
daughter Meghann traveled 100 miles round trip when she started
school. She continued riding the bus twice a day until she
graduated. She made friends quickly with her classmates however
it was hard to foster those friendships due to the distance. It was
also challenging for me to connect with her classmates parents.
I
hated the feeling of isolation that came from being a special needs
parent in a small town. It was also frustrating that it was so
difficult for Meghann to have a social life outside of school. Sure,
I took Meghann to the local school games, graduations, prom premiers
and other local activities. We always had fun, and Meghann received a
lot of attention. Yet that didn’t make up for the desire to be a
part of those activities that bond people when their children begin
school.
I believe the
one thing that saved us from being excluded was a support group.
Previous to Meghann's school years I was fortunate to be a
part of a support group for special needs parents. Although the
support group ended I was fortunate to make friendships that have
lasted to this day. The connections that I made in this support group
have helped me in many ways. I was able to share the little steps
that Meghann achieved with other parents. Those parents were the ones
who understood my enthusiasm for Meghann finally being able to hold
a spoon and actually getting some food into her mouth. They
understood how frightening it was to stand by helplessly and watch
your child have test after test. They understood the challenges that
were faced in a inaccessible world. The support group knew how
frustrating it was not to be able to get a wheelchair into family and
friends homes. They understood how sometimes it was easier to stay
home than struggle with the challenges of steps, doorways, bathrooms,
and crowds. For all of these reason and many more I feel it is
important to lend support to other special needs parents/guardians.
I know after 29 years I have resources that I can share with others
to help provide a little easier path for them. I also realize that
even though my daughter is 29 years old we still face challenges that
other experienced parents might be facing too.
I
am starting an online support group for parents, guardian, and care
givers of special needs children and adults. This group will be a
private place to lend support to one another through sharing similar
struggles, experiences and offering suggestions on transitioning with
solutions.
Each
member will need an invitation to join. This will insure the group
will stay private. It will meet once a month on the same day and
time. There will be guest speakers and the group will have input on
topics. Please feel free to pass this information along to anyone
who you think might be interested. I hope to hear from many new and
some past special needs parents, guardians and caregivers. Let's
celebrate the small steps together.
Online
Support Group
Join
special needs parents, guardian and caregivers online every month
Where:
Free safe online meeting place
When:
The first Tuesday of every month starting February 2017
Time:
7 P.M. central
Why:
To lend support to one another through sharing similar struggles,
experiences and offering suggestions on
solutions. The group will have input on guest speakers and topics.
Contact:
Jill Ryan
jillianm1963@hotmail.com
815-866-3776
http://parentingcelebratingsmallsteps.blogspot.com/
This
is a private group and you will need a code to access the
support
group.
Below
is an invitation to the first in-person support group for parents of
special needs individual. I hope to see everyone there in November !!
You
are invited !!
Got
questions about your child’s future?
*
Do you have a family member with an intellectual or other
developmental disability?
*
Are you considering becoming the guardian of that family member but
are unsure how?
*
Do you wish you had a support group where you could share ideas,
joys, and concerns? One that was conveniently online?
*
Are you curious about resources your family member can expect once
school ends?
We
have answers to your questions!
KCCDD
and Jill Ryan (parent) invite you to a free and informal gathering
for a presentation on guardianship, co-guardianship and successors by
attorney Holly Harris. There will be time for questions. There will
also be information on other services that are offered in Knox County
such as case management, advocacy, residential services, and
employment.
Jill
will share information on creating and accessing an online support
group. She leans on her experiences raising a child who is now in her
own home
.
Visit her at: http://parentingcelebratingsmallsteps.blogspot.com/
Time:
November 10rd at 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Place:
KCCDD 2015 Windish Drive, Galesburg, Il 61401
Registration:
Return the form to KCCDD or call 309-344-2600. Deadline is November
4th. (Evening is free but registration is required)
Place:
KCCDD 2015 Windish Drive, Galesburg, Il 61401)
Name:
Address:
Email:
Phone Number:
NOTE:
We know that child care may be an obstacle and we’d like to help if
possible. Please let us know if you absolutely must have child care
in order to attend and we will try and make arrangements on a limited
basis.
☐ Yes
I am interested in care for my child(ren). Number: Ages:
Please
briefly describe any special needs your child may have:
Need
more information? Contact Mark Rudolph at 309-344-2600 or
mrudolph@kccdd.com
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