World Champion Swimmers

I am sure I know who was happiest getting their photo taken with these two world champion swimmers - his smile is hiding behind Ben.

The YMCA offers a program every spring break called YSplash, a free national program to help teach children to swim. Our Y's aquatic coordinator was able to get Josh Schneider and Nick Thoman to begin the program, sign autographs and be available for intense questions from inquisitive dads.

This was Ben's first year participating in this program. Ben had one staff person dedicated to him while he was in the water. It was a tough week because of seizure activity, but I still think Ben had some fun.

Check out when the YSplash is scheduled in your area.

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Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities

"Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities" is a series on eSpeciallyBen. As Ben approached 18, it was clear our role changed as parents. We needed to help Ben transition into adulthood. These stories are meant to assist other families who face, or will face, some of the same challenges. Talking About the Future Guest Post - Matt Wilson Legal Guardianship, Medicaid and SSI Researching Group Homes Questions to Ask at a Group Home Visit Referral Packet for Group Homes Getting Assistance from a Care Manager From Group Home Placement to Discharge Reaching for Independence

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Last August, we moved Ben into an alternative family living (AFL) placement, about 90 minutes from our home in Charlotte. It was a three-bedroom house and Ben was given the largest bedroom with its own bathroom. A typical AFL in North Carolina operates like this: a person with disabilities, the client, moves in with another family, couple or an individual. The client lives in the family’s home and the family receives payment in return for housing, feeding and caring for the client. Ben’s AFL was unusual: A couple with extensive caregiving experience wanted to run a three-bed group home but needed to apply for the license through the state. They were willing to take Ben as the first resident in a house, separate from the one they lived in. The plan, according to the couple, was to get approval for the group home within a couple of months. We ordered Ben a double bed, headboard, 54-inch television, new sheets, towels and blankets. Friends helped us move him in....

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