BB at the Special Olympics

On the same day Ben received the Principal's Award, he also brought home the Silver in Basketball at the Special Olympics.

Frankly, I was skeptical about how this was going to transpire, but I left impressed with the program. The focus was on skill building. Ben had two events - catching (photo above) and dribbling. He was given a minute in each event to catch the ball (catching) and then push the ball down (dribbling) as many times as he could.

My biggest surprise was that he seemed to enjoy himself. After witnessing baseball, bowling and boccie ball, I was sure another "B" sport would bomb. He was engaged and happy - two factors that are high on my list for success for anyone.

If you have concerns about how Ben may be handling receiving so many awards in just one day, you can see in this video how he gave up the Silver quicker than almost humanly possible: Medal Ceremony

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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

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities: From Group Home Placement to Discharge

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....

Ben is thriving in his group home in Charlotte. I wrote about what he's been up to in this story in Southpark Magazine: Givers: All together Happy Holidays! Photo Credit Grant Baldwin Photography

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