Rose Colored Glasses

Within two days, we have received great news about three things related to Ben:

1. When Ben's old tricycle proved too small for him, we started the process to purchase him a larger one a few months ago. Ben's new case manager, who has been on top of the process, called yesterday to say that it had been approved. By the end of January, Ben will have a new blue bike to ride around on. Woohoo!

2. Yesterday afternoon, Ben brought home a letter about where he will attend middle school next year. I visited the two schools closest to our home and one stood out as the best fit. I wrote a letter requesting this specific school, stating the reasons and also called a few people to let them know our preference. I was prepared for a long appeal process if Ben did not get assigned to this specific school. Looks like I can put down my battle axe - Ben was assigned our school of choice. Hallelujah!

3. Since 2013, I have been working to get an accessible bathroom for Ben. It has been a long road with many many twists and turns. Just this morning, I received an email from someone who has been working hard to get Ben this bathroom. The email confirmed that the bathroom will be built. I am meeting with an experienced designer next week who is donating her talents. She will review our plans from over a year ago and make suggestions. Yipee!

In the midst of all this news, I got my first pair of eyeglasses, which happened to have red frames. As I was driving down the road, sporting my new glasses, everything seemed brighter and more vivid. I am not sure if it was my aided eye sight or the weight of worry lifted off of me, but I felt good. Positive thoughts, forced patience and a teensy weensy bit of letting go seems to have paid off.

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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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