welcomed-co

Recently Read: How to Keep House While Drowning

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:00:01 GMT

I’m in the car now more than usual because I have a 30-minute commute each way to drop off and pick up my daughter from preschool. I decided this would be the perfect time to listen to some audiobooks when I’m in the car solo. First up, a book that our incredible leader Cristina Might recommended to me: How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Clean and Organizing by KC Davis, a Licensed Professional Counselor.

You might know Davis as the woman behind the popular TikTok account @domesticblisters . In fact, you may have already read her book. It came out in 2022 to much acclaim and was even an NPR pick for Best Book of 2022. You may have also seen the book mentioned in this post by Kimberly Wright.

It turns out I listened to this book at the right time. I didn’t even make it through the intro before my eyes started welling with tears. I didn’t know how much I needed this book. I have been feeling especially overwhelmed lately—perpetually behind, perpetually failing. Among other things, this book made me realize I’m putting way too much pressure on myself. It helped me reevaluate priorities and let some things go.

I know most of us can probably relate to a constant feeling of overwhelm. Whether you’re taking care of children, tending to aging relatives, slogging through the day with your own stuff—or maybe a mixture of all three—this book can help you shift your perspective about yourself, especially if you feel like you’re never quite measuring up. This self-help book is a compassionate guide to managing what you can manage and letting the rest go.

In case you don’t have the capacity to pick up a book right now or listen to the audiobook, I want to share some of the most revelatory tidbits with you. Here are my top three takeaways from the book:

“Being overwhelmed is not a personal failure.”

Davis discusses how many of us tie our self-worth to our performance—what we can accomplish in a day. Instead of calling all those little to-dos “chores,” a word that’s usually tied to feelings of guilt and shame, Davis suggests calling them “care tasks,” which are morally neutral. She asserts that care tasks are about function, not about your worth. If all the laundry isn’t folded or the dishes sit in the sink, many of us (me included) immediately think of ourselves as failures. Davis says we need a perspective shift. Our capacity to complete tasks is not tied to our worth as human beings.

“Anything worth doing is worth doing half-assed.”

This may be one of my favorite quotes from the book. I am one of those perfectionists who struggles to start something unless I know I can complete it—and complete it perfectly—right then and there. Guess what? That means most things don’t even get started. And they pile up, leaving me feeling bad about myself, and telling myself I can’t get things done because I’m lazy. Davis does away with perfectionism, particularly when it comes to care tasks. She also does away with laziness. “Laziness doesn’t exist,” Davis says.

Do you feel unmotivated? Maybe you actually have a task initiation problem, says Davis. When you feel like you can’t begin a care task, she suggests starting really small. Have a ton of dishes to do? Set a timer for 5 minutes—or even 3 minutes—and tend to as many as you can during that time. She calls this “keeping the on-ramp open.” When the timer goes off, walk away. All of the dishes don’t have to be clean. The more important thing is you were able to do something .

“You need what you need.”

Sometimes, you need to deprioritize one thing so you can prioritize other things. This is not a moral failing. I get really hung up on the waste my family produces and the stuff we accumulate. Inevitably, I have piles of cardboard and plastic to take to the recycling center, piles of outgrown clothes to donate, and of course, piles of trash on garbage day. I felt like a fairy godmother granted me permission to relax when I heard Davis say, it’s okay. It’s okay if you don’t have the bandwidth to tend to those things; sometimes everything just needs to end up in the trash. It’s okay to let your family eat on paper plates if you are too tired or sick to do dishes. It’s okay if you’re using disposable diapers and your garbage can is full every week. “It’s not waste if you need it to function,” Davis says. You need what you need, and that’s okay.

Photo: " Woman Wearing Apron and Reading Book in Kitchen" by pixelshot.

Discouraging Words (or What Not to Say)

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:00:00 GMT

We’ve all been there.

A bad thing happened.

Your child was hospitalized or developed an illness.

Your parent got sick or injured.

Your house flooded or had a fire.

A beloved pet died.

You got into a car accident.

We can’t get through this life without dealing with moments of grief or loss, struggle or strife. But it would be nice if we could get through those difficult moments without what I call discouraging words .

You know the ones. The words that get said when people don’t know what to say. The words that are supposed to comfort you and make you feel better but actually make you feel worse.

“Everything happens for a reason.”

I heard this phrase when I was laid off from my job after just buying a house. When my beloved cousin died after a lifelong illness. When my daughter was born prematurely.

I hate this phrase. I also hate this phrase’s more overtly religious cousins, “It’s God’s will,” “God works in mysterious ways,” and “God only gives you what you can handle.”

The more adverse experiences I’ve endured, the more I’ve come to realize that these phrases are just not true. Children aren’t born sick for a reason . Young people don’t die suddenly for a reason . Bad things don’t happen for a reason . Sometimes bad things just happen—period.

When my daughter was born prematurely, I didn’t need to hear any of those statements. I needed to hear this:

You didn’t cause your child’s illness. There’s nothing you could have done to prevent it. And your child didn’t get sick to teach you a lesson.

“Everything happens for a reason” could be—and was, in my case—interpreted to mean the very opposite of those things I needed to hear.

Can we all agree to stop saying this? When in doubt, an “I’m sorry” works wonders. Even “I’m praying for you.” But please, please, please don’t tell me my bad situation happened for a reason.

Photo: "Woman Sitting on a Cliff at Sunset" by StockSnap

The Rose that Survived Hurricane Katrina

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:00:02 GMT

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – William Shakespeare

The story of Hurricane Katrina hits home for me because I was born and raised in New Orleans. I moved away in 1999 because...I was afraid of Hurricanes. When it comes to Katrina, I thought I knew “everything” a non-resident could know based on stories from my family and from the news–stories of struggle, loss, rebuilding, and survival. But I recently learned of a sweet gem of a survival story that reaffirms the strength of the people of Louisiana.

It’s another story about a rose. This rose became a symbol of survival and rebirth.

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall near Buras, Louisiana. Buras is located in Plaquemines Parish, which is southeast of the city of New Orleans. Here, the storm surge flooded most of the parish when “ peak water levels reached 20 feet above mean sea level along the hurricane protection levees. ” Most loss of life was due to the flooding in Plaquemines, other neighboring parishes, and the city of New Orleans–20 feet of flood water in some places.

Peggy Martin’s home in Plaquemines Parish had been submerged under 20 feet of saltwater for two weeks after Hurricane Katrina made landfall. Mrs. Martin was an avid gardener, and when she returned home she inspected her garden and found two surviving plants. One was a rambling rose—a climbing rose started from cuttings passed down from friends and family-friends in New Orleans. This rose had clusters of pink flowers, fragrant with white highlights and golden eyes along the branches. ( Why You Must Know About the Rose That Survived Katrina ; The Peggy Martin rose: A delicate but tough Southern gem )

The Cape Gazette wrote, “Her beloved rose not only survived but thrived.”

Prior to the storm, Texas professor and AgriLife horticulturist, William (Bill) Welch, visited Mrs. Martin where he admired her collection of roses. One in particular caught his eye. He referred to it as the “thornless climber.” He received clippings of the rose, brought them home to Texas and planted them. They bloomed that year (2003) and, to his surprise, the next. ( Aggie Horticulture )

After Katrina devastated the Louisiana Gulf Coast region, Bill heard from a mutual friend about Mrs. Martin’s heartbreaking story– losing her parents, her home and her husband’s fishing boat that helped to provide for their family. He later learned, from Peggy Martin herself, about the surviving, “thornless climber.” After consulting with Peggy, Bill came up with an idea to give back to the vast community affected by Katrina. He worked with six growers to make, what he then named, the “Peggy Martin Rose” widely available. For a short time, $1 from every sale of a Peggy Martin Rose went to a fund created to aid in garden restoration projects in New Orleans, Beaumont, TX and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. ( Aggie Horticulture )

“I am fully convinced that the resilience and fortitude of our friends and neighbors in New Orleans, Beaumont and Mississippi is matched by the beauty and toughness of the "Peggy Martin" rose,” He said on the Aggie Horticulture web site . “This rose is a beautiful symbol of survival on the Gulf Coast.”

Photo Credit: “Rebecca Carlo's Garden” by Rebecca Carlo

The House with the Roses

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 15:00:00 GMT

“ There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence .” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I recently heard a true story about a beautiful lady and the amazing red rose garden outside of her home. For 40 years, she dotingly planted and nurtured these amazing roses. She tended to them with great pride, and won neighborhood recognition for her roses. Her house, known as “The House with the Roses,” was the pride and joy of the block.

Over the years, it had become more difficult for her to tend to her roses. She had trouble descending the outside stairs to reach her garden or to even be out and about in her neighborhood. It was recommended that she use a wheelchair to get around, and she even qualified for assistance in the building of a wheelchair ramp. So, the most straightforward ramp was built for her benefit—to allow her to get outside to her rose garden and continue to be a part of the neighborhood.

The ramp was built to give her the ability to leave her home. Get outside. To still “belong.”

It gave her better mobility than she had without it. It was necessary and–many would say–done out of love.

But to make room for the ramp, her roses–her pride and joy–were pulled up and thrown away.

Not one clipping remained.

It was a blow to her self-esteem.

The house with the roses became the house with the big ramp.

Sadly, several months after she lost her roses, she died.

She gained the ABILITY to go outside but lost the WILL to go outside.

Why couldn’t she have both?

At Welcomed Co™, we want to create a world where we can all continue to do the things that bring us joy even as life becomes more challenging. Having the ability, or mobility in this case, is a source of motivation. And motivation, our willingness and reason to do things, is important in staying active especially as we age.

“Gardening can play an important role in creating physical activity opportunities and supporting emotional well-being for both adults and children. Other health benefits of gardening include lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, lowering mortality, better hand function, higher bone density, and better psychological well-being..” ( Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station )

This post wasn't supposed to be about gardening but about the joy it brought one woman, but when I read more about roses, specifically, I learned more about gardening. As an active person, I never considered taking up gardening, but there are so many of all ages who do. The CDC lists light gardening as a “common physical activity.” A person weighing 154 lbs. burns approximately 165-330 calories gardening for 30-60 minutes. ( CDC )

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), "as we get older, regular physical activity is one of the most important things we can do for our health. It can prevent or delay many health problems. It can also help our muscles grow stronger so we can continue doing day-to-day activities while maintaining our independence." ( ODPHP )

The CDC lists light gardening as a “common physical activity.” A person weighing 154 lbs. burns approximately 165-330 calories gardening for 30-60 minutes. ( CDC )

More about gardening:

Findings from a 2019 study, “ What is the evidence for the impact of gardens and gardening on health and well-being ,” showed a link between gardening and improved mental health, increased physical activity and less instances of social isolation. It stated, “Gardens and gardening can improve the health and well-being for people with a range of health and social needs.”

A 2022 study, How Gardening in Detroit Influences Physical and Mental Health , looked at the health impacts of gardening in African American gardeners. Prior to this study, there was no data on the mental and physical effects of gardening in diverse populations. Participants reported how much gardening affected their mood. It made them “happy.” It brought them “joy.” Those words were actually in the study. Some participants even referred to it as “therapeutic.” After the death of her son, one gardener said:

“It woke me up. As I said, after my son passed away I was very depressed. I had to heal mentally and physically. [Gardening] was something that I was able to do. It brought satisfaction to me, when I didn’t feel like eating, sleeping. So, that was something, a new day, that I can look forward to. It’s therapy for me. It’s therapeutic in many ways… with the soul, the body.” ( Detroit Gardening Study )

Findings from this research were consistent with previous research conducted on mostly white participants. All data showed evidence that gardening is beneficial to physical activity, as well as both physical and mental wellbeing. Gardening has the potential to both influence health in diverse groups of people and address health disparities.

“ When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower .” Alexander den Heijer

Photo "Handicap Ramp Suburban Home" by USGirl

The Holidays: You Can Make it Enjoyable

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:47:10 GMT

Change is good. Or is change hard?

Which one are you?

A lot of us say we are open to change, when in actuality we really aren’t.

At least I can speak for myself...I like to say I am open to change, but I don’t deal well with things being “different” than what I’m accustomed to.

In the last blog, I talked about how “ it's not really about the food . ” I, personally, don’t like Thanksgiving food. It’s not because I’m a food snob, but my body doesn’t process the traditional combination of foods the same anymore. Other members of our family don’t love the spread either, so our family’s Thanksgiving celebration looks different. We changed it to make everyone comfortable.

Thanksgiving Day, as a whole, is a departure from the norm–being in someone else’s home, the assortment of unfamiliar people, the sounds, the smells, the mealtime, and of course the meal itself. If you have a child with special needs, this combination can be a disaster waiting to happen. Being home with the people they know (and love) and adhering to their normal life is safe. Trying new things can be trial by fire.

While it may be exciting to think of your child eating Aunt Rosie’s famous pumpkin pie, your child may not be as excited. Spending the day at Aunt Rosie’s might be stressful for them as well. So, here are a few helpful tips to make the holidays more enjoyable.

Prepare Them

Depending on your child, this may have to be done more than once. Meaning two things: you may have to prepare them every year, and/or maybe you will have to prepare them multiple times leading up to the day’s celebration. This can be:

Showing them pictures of those who will be there, the home, and the food.
Preparing or purchasing foods similar to what will be served that day so that they can try or taste. Having them smell the food wouldn't be a bad idea either.
*If these don't work, don’t beat yourself up. You tried. Eat before you go.*

Bring With You What They Need

If you are going to dinner at someone else’s home, but your child doesn’t want to participate because of the crowded room or other reasons mentioned above, pick your battles. Bring them what they need to create a safe space–stuffed animals, puzzles, devices, etc. Give them space to escape if they need it.
Pack snacks or offer to bring a side dish that you know your child will eat that maybe others will eat, as well. Your child may not be the only picky eater!

Go Later

If what works best for your family is to skip the larger holiday meal, then yes, you can skip the holiday meal. You can have your meal at home and join the larger gathering later. This allows you to keep the normal meal schedule and keep some of the peace. No one is focused on what’s different, who is or isn’t eating or another’s behavior. And when you come together with the larger group, you can focus solely on being thankful for one another.

Photo: “Happy black family communicating during Thanksgiving meal in dining room” by skynesher

The Holidays: Is it Really About the Food?

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:30:00 GMT

‘Tis the season!

Cue the Mariah Carey BUT NOT before you watch “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.”

I’m a serious “Thanksgiving before Christmas” person.

Here in Alabama, the weather recently changed overnight to reflect that of the holiday season; however, by Thanksgiving, it could literally be 80 degrees.

When I think about the holidays, I think about pumpkin spice, family gatherings, turkey, mac and cheese, dressing, cranberry sauce, and pie. Most families center their Thanksgiving gatherings around a table of food, and this can complicate lots of things. Food is personal.

In 2014, Huffpost described this perfectly , “The smells and tastes of certain foods activate memories that anchor a past time in our lives, both positive and negative. Holiday foods have the power to transport us to a different time and place. We make certain emotional connections to the dessert grandma once made…”

That being said, I have to be fully transparent.

I don’t like Thanksgiving food.

Yes, my memories are of all of the things Thanksgiving meals are made of, but I don’t want those things…well, maybe the pie but nothing else. I think when I realized I didn’t have to eat the food, I stopped. It does bring forth memories of a time when I had to eat it and had no choice. The last time I cooked it for my family, it was at a time when I struggled with what food worked for my body post colon surgery . Thanksgiving food did not work, and that changed the actual taste and my feelings around it. Is food traumatic? Maybe.

But I also have picky eaters. My oldest will eat some of the Thanksgiving meal, but my youngest will only eat the turkey. The dressing, the jelly cranberry sauce are all a little too texture weird for him. My husband is all about the Thanksgiving meal. So, how do we navigate this?

Well, I don’t cook on Thanksgiving. Our family tradition is to travel away for the week and eat out on Thanksgiving Day. Last year, we found a restaurant that served both the traditional Thanksgiving meal but also their regular menu. On Thanksgiving, I ate seafood. My kids had hamburgers and fries, and my husband had Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone was happy. We have the memories and the pictures to prove it.

I initially titled this blog, “It’s not just about the food,” but thus far, it’s been about the food. I guess I meant the actual “Thanksgiving food.” If I think about attending a large family gathering and decline the meal, would I be ruining the meal or the gathering? Lots of people (those who cook it), take pride in their daily, weeks long labor in preparing a large meal for this day. Saying “no thank you” to the turkey and dressing or bringing in my own food, can be seen as insulting.

What I love about our small, family celebration is there’s no commentary about my “rejection” plate (it’s full…but not full of the traditional meal). It’s my personal decision to eat shrimp for Thanksgiving because it makes me feel better. And it tastes better (to me). And everyone can eat whatever they want. And no one judges anyone for their choices. After all, everyone is differentl different and no one way of eating is best for everyone.

At the end of the day, the holidays are about connecting with the ones we love. The people make the holidays memorable. And while the holiday table brings us together for a moment, what’s on the table doesn’t necessarily matter. But what does matter is how you feel in the moment. So, if what’s on that table makes you feel like disconnecting, then it’s not serving you. If you find something that works for you (or like me you’ve decided some things don’t), just know you’re not being difficult by listening to your body and doing what is right for you.

Once the food is no longer an issue, you can connect and laugh and feel the warmth and joy of the season.

Photo: Christmas family dinner by Vasyl Dolmatov

When a Friend Is Struggling: Be a Yelena

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 14:00:01 GMT

You might see a friend struggling and know they’re in a particularly difficult season of life. You might wish you could help, but you don’t know how. You probably won’t ask that friend because you don’t want to bother them. And even though you’re well intentioned, you might end up doing nothing at all, simply because you don’t know what to do.

Or you might be the struggling friend. You might wonder when that village is going to show up—the one that’s supposed to help you when you need it. You might feel isolated and alone. You might wonder why friends don’t reach out. You might be afraid—for so many reasons—to ask for help. You might not even know what you need.

I’ve been both of these people. Being in each of these positions is hard. It’s hard to watch a friend struggle and feel helpless to do anything. It’s hard to be the friend struggling and not know how to get help.

Most recently, I’ve been the struggling friend. I’ve been in a particularly difficult season of life. In the last three months, my dad was hospitalized for a heart attack; my grandmother passed away after a brief illness; I found out I was expecting my second child; my toddler started preschool; and I’ve had significant health challenges related to my pregnancy that have impacted my ability to work, take care of my daughter, and complete basic tasks. It feels like I can’t recover from one challenge before another one comes along.

I’ve mentioned before that I struggle with asking for help , and I also have a tendency to go off the grid when I’m overwhelmed or not feeling well. Yelena, a friend of mine who knows what I’ve been going through, has been reaching out anyway—texting me to check in, sending me words of encouragement, reminding me to rest—even if I don’t respond.

Recently, I got an email in my inbox from a food delivery service notifying me that Yelena sent an e-gift card to cover a meal. She knows I’ve been struggling to eat and, as a mom with a toddler herself, she knows how hard it is to cook for your family when you don’t feel well. Thanks to her, I got to order an entire meal for my family from a restaurant of my choice and have it delivered right to our door.

It wasn’t a special occasion. It wasn’t something I asked for. But this was probably one of the most meaningful gifts I’ve received. Yelena didn’t ask. She put herself in my shoes, and she sent me a gesture to let me know she’s thinking of me but also to make my life a little bit easier.

I had been feeling like I was being such a bad friend to Yelena. She recently had major life events herself—she bought her first house, moved to a new neighborhood, and her son recently celebrated his first birthday. But she’s been hanging in there with me, understanding when I don’t feel up to talking, and doing little kindnesses to let me know she’s there. What. A. Friend.

When your friend is struggling, be a Yelena. When you are the struggling friend, I hope you have a Yelena in your corner, too.

Photo: "Two cheerful friends cooking together" by Kharichkina

Lesson Learning: Asking for Help

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:11:56 GMT

I don’t know about you, but I find it really hard to ask for help. I’ve spent a long time priding myself on being self-sufficient. But deeper than that, when I’m stressed or overburdened, I go into isolation. I understand (thank you, years of therapy) that this was a learned skill developed over years to protect myself, but this coping mechanism doesn’t actually serve me well anymore.

During my daughter’s NICU stay after her premature birth, I coped with the trauma of that situation by blocking everyone out. I only spoke to my husband and hospital staff in charge of my daughter’s care. I asked my husband to keep our loved ones up to date on our daughter’s progress, and he did so faithfully, fielding all phone calls and text messages from friends and family. I felt like in order to get through the hardest thing I’d ever faced, I had to go into my protective shell like a little frightened turtle.

I just couldn’t face them; I couldn’t talk about it. In retrospect, I guess I didn’t feel comfortable being vulnerable with anyone. I didn’t feel comfortable showing how much I was struggling. The people in my life know me as a tough, resilient, muscle-through-anything type of person. How could I show them how weak I was? How could I let them know I was crumbling under the weight of this experience?

Once my daughter came home from the hospital, and it became clear I was struggling with postpartum anxiety (PPA) and depression (PPD) , I realized I had to let people in if I was going to survive. It started with crying in my parents’ arms; with therapy sessions, in which I shared my feelings with my trusted counselor; with reliving the experience out loud with my birth doula, then my sister, then my best friend.

I noticed that the more I said how I was feeling out loud to other people, the less anxious I felt. When I asked for help, they didn’t see me as weak or as a failure—they saw me as someone who needed help. And they helped.

Sometimes help looked like delivering groceries or meals to our house. Sometimes help looked like holding my baby so I could get some rest or pump. Sometimes help looked like doing laundry and folding clothes. Sometimes help looked like just being in the house with me because I felt anxiety about being home alone with my baby.

Soon, my daily life didn’t feel so insurmountable. That shift came from asking for help—and getting it.

There are times when I still find myself falling back into that tendency of trying to do everything myself and not asking for help—that’s why this post is called lesson learning rather than lesson learned . Am I asking too much? Am I being too needy? Shouldn’t I be able to do this on my own?

However, I’ve learned that a lot of people are willing to help but don’t necessarily want to offer—or don’t know how. If I ask, especially if I ask for something specific, I’m pleasantly surprised by how willing people are to lend a hand. I am much more aware of how much better I feel when I let people in—when I let them help me.

If you’re reading this as the do-it-all person in your family, I share with you this lesson I’m learning, and I hope you’ll try embracing it, too. If you’re overwhelmed, find the compassion for yourself and the trust in others to reach out and ask for help. We’re not made to do this life alone. You are not a failure for needing help.

Photo: "Help and support concepts" by takasuu

Halloween: Create Your Own Halloween

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:00:01 GMT

Join us in the month of October as we discuss ways to make Halloween an enjoyable experience for all!

If you’ve been following along this month, we’ve provided lots of tips for making Halloween “fun” for your child. Our hope is that these tips were helpful or at least thought provoking. But we know everything doesn’t always go as planned.

So, what can you do when the traditional Halloween to-do doesn’t work out?

You can create an experience specifically for your child and maybe some friends. Whether it be a party or just a fun night out with a few activities, you can make your home a safe haven for Halloween. Here are some ideas for your night. Choose one, two or all!

Dress up : As mentioned in a previous blog , costumes can be tricky for some kids. Find an option that works for your child and any others. Keep in mind that one costume can affect each child in a different way whether they’re wearing the costume or simply looking at it. The number one priority should be comfort. Plan costumes with comfort in mind. If they’re not comfortable, they won’t have fun. And Halloween should be fun!
Halloween Games : Playing games dressed in your Halloween costume takes things to a different level. It can be games you always play; board games, card games, family games, etc. or something new. Country Living put together a list of 58 Halloween Party Games for Kids and Adults. Here are a few that might work for you but feel free to choose from the list
Marshmallow Ghost Stack : Originally created as a STEM activity, this game uses popsicle sticks and marshmallows with carefully painted-on ghost faces. Kids (and/or adults )build stacks of ghosts to see whose stack can go the highest while also being the most creative. Click here to see it in action!
Wrap the Mummy : Moms, if you’ve had or been to a bridal shower, you’ve seen this game. At the bridal shower, the goal is for a team to work together to wrap a participant in toilet paper to create the best wedding dress. But for Halloween, teams work together and use toilet paper to wrap a teammate and create the best mummy. Make it more fun by seeing who can do it fastest. If that’s too much for your crew, just see whose mummy is the most creative. As always, make sure to create as little discomfort as possible. In this sense that might mean not covering the face or mouth; maybe using softer toilet paper; or choosing a different material other than toilet paper. Click here for more Wrap the Mummy Ideas.
Pumpkin Roll : This activity can look several different ways. It can be a “Relay race” where kids roll a pumpkin up to a starting line and see who gets there first or which team finishes first. Or make it “Ghost Bowling.” You can create your own bowling pins with household items (cups, bottles, cans, etc) or purchase white bowling pins ( buy some here ) and draw jack-o-lantern faces on them. Then, use a pumpkin (real or not real) as a bowling ball. Read more about pumpkin rolling here.
Pumpkin “Carving ”: Parenting Special Needs Magazine came up with a list of fun pumpkin carving ideas that don’t actually require carving.
Mr. Pumpkin Head : You dress up a pumpkin head with Halloween costumes, sort of looks like a Mr. Potato Head but a pumpkin head.
Fingerprint Pumpkins : This is a cool way to decorate (or pretend carve) your pumpkin. Using tape to create a design–maybe the letter of their name or jack-o-lantern eyes–then finger paint over the design. After drying, pull back the tape and voila! A cool design! See examples here.
Watch “Spooky” Movies : There are lots of Halloween movies that aren’t “spooky” or “scary.” Those are the ones I prefer. If your child, and other party participants, can tolerate sitting for a movie, as well as the sounds and the lights, choose from this list of “Not too Scary (or scary at all) Movies.”
Hotel Transylvania : There are 4 different movies in the Hotel Transylvania series of movies. I personally took my kids to see part 3 of this one in the movie theater. While I did fall asleep, they were highly entertained. I was awakened by the great soundtrack that I still listen to…like I literally listened to it today.
Monsters, Inc. : This is one of my favorite series. I can watch it over and over again and not fall asleep. While it’s about Monsters who are paid to “scare” kids, the Monsters themselves are the ones scared of the kids. There are two films; Monsters Inc and Monsters University (a prequel).
It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown : What”s Halloween without The Great Pumpkin ?! This classic movie was made in 1966. I have watched it every year that I can remember, and I wasn’t born in 1966. Because it’s a classic, the graphics aren’t as good as most recent cartoon movies, but that might be perfect for your child.
Find more movies here!
Baking Treats : If your child is sensitive to food-type textures, this might not be as fun. However, if your child is used to textures like slime, sand or play-dough this might be a great activity! Here are some Halloween recipe ideas. Make ingredient substitutions as needed :
Gummy Worm Halloween Popcorn Balls
Halloween Trail Mix
Halloween Bark
Candy Corn Marshmallows *Not actual candy corn if you’re anti-candy corn*
Find more here!

So to sum this all up, Halloween is more than the spooky and the scary—It’s about the connection with your children. We hope we’ve helped you find ways to connect with your children this Halloween that aren’t too spooky, scary or even stressful. Have the best time this Halloween season, whether you're out and about or around the house. Let us know if you’ve tried any of these ideas!

Photo: Kids dancing on Halloween party by svetkid

Halloween: Trick-or-Treat

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:00:02 GMT

Join us in the month of October as we discuss ways to make Halloween an enjoyable experience for all!

Walking in darkness.

Bright/blinking lights.

Big Crowds.

Weird Costumes.

Ringing Doorbell(s).

Saying Trick-or-Treat.

All the candy.

That’s trick-or-treating in a nutshell. These things make Halloween “spooky,” fun, and exciting for kids but not always. Trick-or-treating can create a sense of uncertainty, discomfort and even anxiety.

As stated in one of our previous blogs , kids with sensory challenges and autism spectrum disorders take comfort in routine , and Halloween is all about the unexpected. Trick-or-treating can be “tricky” because the act itself runs counter to the rules established to keep your kids safe–Don’t talk to strangers; don’t take candy from strangers; don’t go out in the dark.

Similarly, kids’ daily routines are established for comfort and function–Limit exposure to big crowds, bright lights, loud sounds, and foods that may aggravate allergies.

So, considering all of these things, how can trick-or-treating be an enjoyable experience for your family? Here are more tips we hope help bring fun to your day.

Prepare and practice : We talked specifically about this in our first Halloween blog . Talking with your child about what Halloween might look like and normalizing the language of “scary” and “spooky,” gives them the tools to both understand what others around them are saying and doing and also communicate when they may be scared. To prepare for the night, do a sort of trick-or-treat practice. Ask your neighbors if they’re willing to help. This way, you can practice walking up to homes, ringing doorbells and saying “trick-or-treat” and “thank you.”
Nonverbal Trick-or-Treat: Saying “trick-or-treat” could cause anxiety for those who are nonverbal. It’s ok if they don’t want to. If your child agrees, print a sign that says “trick-or-treat,” and maybe one that says “thank you,” to display as they travel through the neighborhood.
Consider making it less scary : Let’s talk about the origins of Halloween. FYI: This is just one story. “(Halloween)…has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “SAH-win”), a pagan religious celebration to welcome the harvest at the end of summer, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.” ( Library of Congress Blogs ). One theory about trick-or-treating “suggests that during Samhain, Celtic people would leave food out to appease the spirits traveling the Earth at night. Over time, people began to dress as these unearthly beings in exchange for similar offerings of food and drink.” ( Library of Congress Blogs ) So the origin is all scary but how can we make trick-or-treating less scary and more fun? Click here to learn more about the origins of Halloween .
Take away the ghouls, ghosts, and gore : How, you ask? Try trick-or-treating in a well-lit area or during light hours. The light outside may diminish the appearance of something that can appear scary in the dark. Or attend a community event like a trunk or treat. Trunk or treats are sometimes held prior to October 31, which makes them a great practice run for trick-or-treating. Kids dress up, usually, in less scary costumes and trick-or-treat from car to car lined up in the parking lot of churches, community centers, etc.
Prepare for masks : Masks can literally transform a person who is familiar to someone unrecognizable, even your own child. Them…appearing different, or seeing someone familiar look unfamiliar, can be scary. Trying on a store-bought mask in the mirror and seeing themselves transform could help make the mask less scary. Or making a mask of their own could also put them at ease.
Bring a friend or friend s: Life Skills Autism Academy suggests “inviting a friend to go with you so they can help remind them of the rules. They can serve as “another set of eyes on your child” in the darkness and/or the crowd. “Also, if your child tends to wander, give them light-up shoes or glow-stick necklaces or bracelets to wear for the night.” ( Life Skills Autism Academy )
Be the candy police : According to foodallergy.org , 5.6 million children under age of 18 have a food allergy. That's one in 13 children. To avoid a truly scary Halloween experience, consider partnering with homes beforehand to have safe treats on-hand to offer when and where your child trick-or-treats. Also, establish rules for collecting and consuming trick-or-treat finds. Only allow them to consume treats you have inspected and approved of.
Prepare for breaks : If your child has a medical condition that causes incontinence, it's important to communicate with them through the night/event to see how they’re doing and if they need a bathroom break. Make sure their choice of costume allows for easy access and changing beforehand. Prepare your route to include bathroom breaks and pack incontinence supplies in the event of an accident.

Life Skills adds , “If your child is not interested in participating in this Halloween’s adventures… don’t push it. It may be his or her…way of learning to adjust or adapt to avoid maladaptive behavior.” Consider an alternate plan like a movie or their choice of a restaurant.

Photo: "Carefree Children on Halloween" by 74images

Halloween: Finding the Right Costume

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Join us in the month of October as we discuss ways to make Halloween an enjoyable experience for all!

One of the most exciting things about Halloween is dressing up! You can be a superhero, a cartoon or movie character, something make-believe, something spooky, or just look different altogether! But for individuals with disabilities, some costumes may not elicit much excitement.

Sometimes a typical costume may not work. If your child uses a wheelchair, has sensory issues, or uses a catheter or incontinence products, costumes that are comfortable may be hard to find. So what can you do? Below are some ideas for how to dress up for Halloween:

Create Your Own Costume: Certain fabrics can be triggering for those with sensory issues, and material can obstruct wheelchair movement. To avoid the discomfort this brings, flex your creative muscles! Or if you don’t have those specific muscles, recruit the help of someone who does!
Start by finding soft fabrics without tags to comfortably fit. For some, it can be as simple as pulling the tag out of a ready-made costume. But for others, consider homemade costumes made with soft fabrics like silk, cotton, velvet or cashmere
Pay close attention to details such as making sure the costume doesn’t have tricky fasteners. Use velcro instead. Another detail–Costumes shouldn’t be too bulky. Bulky material can make things hot and/or heavy.
Pants with a drawstring are better than pants with a single button because the material doesn’t create pressure at one point.
Make sure the costume is comfortable for walking, bending and sitting.
Custom Costume Ideas :
Wheelchair-Friendly Costume Ideas: Tonka truck, Police man, Pirate Ships
Sensory-Friendly Costume Ideas: Clothes in Halloween colors with soft leggings, Halloween pajamas, Halloween t-shirts, face paint instead of a mask
Incontinence-Friendly Costume Ideas: High-rise leggings, loose-fitting pants to hang catheters.
Click this link for more ideas from Good Housekeeping
Buy an Adaptive Costume: Yes! You read that right. There are adaptive costumes available for purchase at retailers like Target, Party City and Disney. It’s encouraging to see large companies considering all kids in their Halloween costume designs. Inclusivity can be fun!
Target has a line of adaptive Halloween costumes for toddlers, kids and adults. Their costumes are categorized by ease of dress, hidden opening for abdominal access, high rise for diaper coverage, sensory friendly, and wheelchair friendly. Kids can dress up as Queen Elsa , a firefighter , or cover their wheelchair to be a Ninja Turtle , and adults can dress up as a unicorn.
Party City’s costumes are designed with a front flap opening for tube access, roomier legs and longer length for seated wear, an opening at rear for wheelchair-friendly wear and hook-and-loop closures at wrists and ankles. Also available are wheelchair covers that allow you to transform your child’s wheelchair into a car.
Disney offers “adaptive, sensory-friendly costumes, as well as wheelchair covers and wraps inspired by favorites from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars’. Disney’s costumes can make Arie l , Darth Vader , Cinderella and her coach (and more) a part of your family.
Click below for more adaptive Halloween costumes:
Chasing Fireflies
Rolling Buddies

The number one priority should be comfort. Plan their costume ( and your Halloween ) with comfort in mind. If they’re not comfortable, they won’t have fun. And Halloween should be fun!

Photo: “Trick or treaters sitting on a curb” by FatCamera

Halloween: An Adaptive Experience

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:00:07 GMT

Join us in the month of October as we discuss ways to make Halloween an enjoyable experience for all!

As a parent, you know that October is big for one thing and one thing only.

Not the cooler temps.

Not the pumpkin spice lattes.

Not the mums.

Maybe those things ARE big, but if you have children, Halloween is the main event of October. And luckily, it’s at the end of the month so there’s plenty of build up and time to prepare.

For parents of children with special needs, this can be a challenging time of considering and planning. It’s supposed to be a magical time–candy, parties, costumes. But this magical time can be challenging if your child has a disability.

So, how can you create a fun Halloween experience for your child? Here are some tips to get you started:

Tell them what to expect
Halloween is centered around things that are “spooky” and “scary.” Some kids love this. Others, not so much. Kids with sensory challenges and autism spectrum disorders take comfort in routine, and Halloween is all about the unexpected. Talking with your child about what Halloween might look like and normalizing the language of “scary” and “spooky,” gives them the tools to both understand what others around them are saying and doing and also communicate when they may be scared.
Another good idea is to take out the element of surprise and visit places that are decorated for Halloween (malls, pumpkin patches, orchards, etc.) but less likely to play scary music, have strobe lights, or mechanical decorations that may jump out.

Practice makes things familiar (not perfect)
A practice run of the festivities could help prepare your Halloweener for that day. If they’re wearing a costume, do a sort of “dress rehearsal.” Try it on beforehand to make sure it fits and is not uncomfortable. Fabrics can be triggering for those with sensory issues. And some costumes may be uncomfortable for those in wheelchairs ( Find adaptive Halloween costumes here ).
You can also do a trick or treat practice. Ask your neighbors if they’re willing to help. This way, you can practice walking up to homes, ringing doorbells and saying “Trick or Treat” and “Thank you.”
But if your child is more the “stay in” type on Halloween, practice answering the door and handing out candy to those who may come by. This may also help them get used to the continuous ringing of the doorbell.

Encourage them to participate, but listen to them
In all things just remember: Halloween can be new and “scary” for your child. The crowds, the costumes, the candy overload, the weather, and the difference in routine can all create a sense of uncertainty and fear. While we always want to encourage our kids to try new things, listen to them when they indicate they’re afraid or it’s too much—the people, the colors, the darkness can all be overwhelming. Preparation is best to make this day more fun for both your child and you.

Photo: "We have special Halloween recipes" by M_a_y_a_

Community Partner: Lakeshore Foundation

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:00:00 GMT

In the month of September, Welcomed Co™ will highlight local organizations we partner with to create a more welcoming world.

*The information below was obtained from the Lakeshore Foundation Website .*

Lakeshore envisions a world in which every person has the opportunity to achieve a healthy, active, independent life. Its mission is to provide opportunity for individuals with disabilities to live a healthy lifestyle through physical activity, research, advocacy and health promotion.

History

1926: JEFFERSON TUBERCULOSIS SANATORIUM FORMED - Birmingham was among the many cities in the United States affected by tuberculosis during the 1920’s. In response to the rising number of cases, the Birmingham community saw the need to establish a tuberculosis hospital. Land along Lakeshore Drive was donated and the Jefferson Tuberculosis Sanatorium was formed in 1926.
1973: TRANSITION TO LAKESHORE REHABILITATION HOSPITAL COMPLETED - the Sanatorium transitioned to Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital, from a 100-bed rehabilitation hospital to a multi-facility system which included services for patients at each stage of rehabilitation and recovery.
1984: LAKESHORE FOUNDATION FORMED - The Birmingham Chariots wheelchair basketball team, developed out of Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital, was Birmingham’s first adapted sports team. Wheelchair basketball proved to be very popular and over the years the programs expanded to other sports. Soon basketball was joined by tennis, swimming, track, aerobics, and numerous youth programs. All of those community-based sport, fitness and recreation programs were placed under a new entity called Lakeshore Foundation.
LAKESHORE TODAY - Today, Lakeshore has become an internationally renowned organization, serving over 4,000 unique individuals annually through physical activity, sport, recreation, advocacy, policy and research. It serves as an Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, strengthening the ongoing commitment to the development of para sports.

Outdoor Spaces

Lakeshore’s Outdoor Spaces are part of the Campus Enhancement Plan that features three outdoor elements: the Campus Commons, Woodland Trail and the Allison and Michael Stephens Contemplative Garden. These spaces are designed to improve campus connectivity and provide more opportunity to explore, engage and enjoy the outdoors.

The Campus Commons
The Woodland Trail
The Contemplative Garden
The Plantings and Landscaping

Click here to learn more about these outdoor spaces .

Advocacy at Lakeshore

Advocacy at Lakeshore, is influencing decision makers to change certain policy, public opinion or attitudes, and/or to mobilize resources for social change. Advocacy initiatives include local, national and global efforts. Click the initiatives below to learn more. back frequently to learn about what’s new and how you can get involved.

Lakeshore strives to impact the world with initiatives focused on promoting the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Photo: “Wheelchair Basketball” by South_agency

Community Partner: Founders Place

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:00:00 GMT

In the month of September, Welcomed Co™ will highlight local organizations we partner with to create a more welcoming world .

*The information below was obtained from The Founders Place Website .*

Founders Place is a ministry of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church that seeks to end the isolation of dementia with an enlivening, joyful respite program (2 half days per week), a weekly caregiver support group, and community education events.

The mission of Founders Place is to enhance quality of life for adults living with memory challenges through an atmosphere of joy and a community of support while providing respite to caregivers.

Through visual art, movement, music, storytelling, games and fellowship, the Founders Place respite program stimulates cognition, nurtures growth, and provides purpose and meaning for participants with memory loss, as well as dedicated volunteers who serve as intentional companions.

“Care Partners” weekly support group for caregivers offers a safe space for confidential discussion, listening, and education.

Together, Founders Place respite program, Care Partners weekly support group, and community education events foster a community of connection, education and care.

Volunteer Information

Founders Place runs on “volunteer power”. Each friend (participant) is paired one-to-one with a volunteer who serves as an intentional companion and assistant for day. Friend and Volunteer participate in all activities together. Volunteers provide the level of assistance needed while encouraging autonomy in decision-making and a sense of community. Each volunteer is trained in how to communicate with a person who has dementia. Everyone is included, everyone has value, everyone is an important part of the group. Caring and capable volunteers support the mission in very direct and practical ways as servant leaders and ALWAYS with a smile!

For more information about Founders Place, call , 205.802.6217 or email foundersplace@saint-lukes.com .

Photo: “Joyful adult daughter greeting happy surprised senior mother in garden” by Andrea Piacquadio

Community Partner: Exceptional Foundation

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:00:01 GMT

In the month of September, Welcomed Co™ will highlight local organizations we partner with to create a more welcoming world.

*The information below was obtained from The Exceptional Foundation Website .*

The Exceptional Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides year-round social and recreational services for adults and children with intellectual disabilities.

Their programs focus on unique opportunities to promote healthy living, improve life skills, support social relationships, and foster community involvement. They strive to enrich the well-being of families and caregivers by offering a healthy and safe environment where their loved ones may thrive.

The Exceptional Foundation offers full day programming for adults and after-school and summer programming for school-age children at its facility in Homewood, AL

History

The Exceptional Foundation was established in 1993 to serve individuals with special needs in the Greater Birmingham area by targeting social and recreational objectives not met by educational institutions or the community at large. Initially, a small group of individuals with special needs were organized to meet on a daily basis at a Homewood Parks and Recreation facility. Over the years, rising enrollment numbers created the need for a larger meeting space. After three successful capital campaigns, the Jay Harbert Youth Center was built, expanding their building to 32,235 square feet and allowing them to increase youth enrollment numbers.

The Exceptional Foundation currently serves over 700 individuals with special needs annually and provides year round social and recreational services for individuals ranging in age from 5 to 81.

Participants

The Exceptional Foundation strives to facilitate the social lives of the individuals they serve through daily programs for adults, after-school and summer camp programs for youth, night and weekend events, and Saturday sports leagues as well as Special Olympics Sports and other various clubs and enrichment activities.

Adult Programs

The Exceptional Foundation offers a wide variety of activities to meet the unique and individual needs and ability levels of program participants. Some opportunities for adults include daily programs Monday through Thursday, sports programs, night and weekend outings, dances, and much more. Read more about the adult programs by clicking the links below:

Youth Program

Youth programs are available for school-age children. Activities include after-school sports leagues, art and music camps, field trips, cooking lessons, yoga, weekend events. An 8-week summer camp is also included during the months of June and July. Read more about the youth activities by clicking the links below:

Fundraisers

For more information , please contact us at information@exceptionalfoundation.org .

Photo: "Group of friends with intellectual disabilities" by LPETTET

Community Partner: KultureCity©

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:00:00 GMT

In the month of September, Welcomed Co™ will highlight local organizations we partner with to create a more welcoming world.

*The information below was obtained from the KultureCity© Website .*

KultureCity© makes the nevers possible by creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities.

One in 6 individuals have a sensory need or an invisible disability. These are individuals with ptsd, autism, dementia, strokes just to name a few. Sensory needs are a common medical condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses.

Common sounds, lights, crowds and even certain smells might not only be overwhelming but also physically painful. Because of this, these individuals withdraw from communities not by choice but by circumstance as they worry about how the world will accept or include them.

KultureCity is the nation's leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities.

Make the Nevers Possible™

Individuals with sensory sensibilities, or invisible disabilities, shouldn’t miss out on special events, experiences and dreams. KultureCity creates sensory accessibility and inclusion for all.

Their “Make the Nevers Possible™” initiative aims to provide individuals with the opportunity to make their own, and their families Nevers possible. They provide an experience they will never forget–an experience not limited by accessibility, time, space, location or size the dream. Who qualifies?

Individuals with:

ADD/ADHD/Learning and behavioral Disabilities
Autism
Mental Illnesses
Down-syndrome
Type 1 Diabetes
Dementia
Parkinson’s Diseases
PTSD, Military Vets
PTSD, Military Vets
Any invisible disability or sensory need

Sensory Inclusive™ Certification

Becoming Sensory Inclusive™ certified helps your business become more accepting and inclusive to ALL and also helps open up your business to a brand new community.

Over 550 locations across the USA and the world have worked with KultureCity to become certified with their continuous training, sensory bags and app integration

Why become certified:

It caters to everyone with sensory needs, not just autism.
This includes military vets with PTSD, adults with dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke patients just to name a few.
It is also easy to execute with staff training, and simple yet impactful modifications made to the location. The location will then always be Sensory Inclusive™.
Sensory Inclusive™ ensures daily accessibility not limited by time and location thus creating an accepting and inclusive community.

Sensory Bags

KultureCity sensory bags are designed to help sensory needs in both adults and children. Filled with items that can help lessen sensory overload and also engage, the bag items are also easily cleaned and sterilized for multiple uses. What’s in the bag: Headphones, Marble Fidget, Noodle Fidget, ID Cards

Sensory Activation Vehicle (S.A.V.E.)

The sensory activation vehicle, S.A.V.E for short, is designed to bring a mobile sensory experience to any event that lacks a physical space for a dedicated sensory room.

From outdoor events like concerts and baseball games to indoor events like exhibitions and conferences, their S.A.V.E ensures that all guests can be included in all events. The S.A.V.E. makes events accessible for all. Bring one to your event today and make it sensory inclusive.

Inside S.A.V.E.:

Designed to bring sensory relief to locations that don't have interior physical space for a sensory room.
Provides a quick sensory refuge for those with sensory needs.
Enables them to get a quick break and then go back to enjoying the event.
Enables families to attend these events together with their loved ones with sensory needs.
Bring the S.A.V.E. to your event

Mobile Sensory Station

Sensory room on the go! It’s a great alternative for those venues and organizations who don’t have a dedicated space for a sensory room but want to provide the added support.

About the M.S.S.:

Quick to ship in the US.
Comes mostly assembled.
Easy to clean between uses.
Move around your venue.

To learn more about KultureCity email support@kulturecity.org .

Photo: "Portrait of cute boy with headphones" by MariaDubova

Community Partner: Mitchell's Place

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:00:00 GMT

In the month of September, Welcomed Co™ will highlight local organizations we partner with to create a more welcoming world.

*The information below was obtained from the Mitchell’s Place Website .*

Mitchell’s Place is a cutting edge, evidence-based center that is committed to providing a nurturing environment aimed at improving the quality of life for their clients and families.

Mitchell’s Place specializes in improving the lives of children affected by autism and other developmental disabilities, and also focuses on early learning for preschool aged children. They use quality diagnostic, educational and therapeutic services provided by highly skilled therapy teams to unlock each child’s potential. These teams work to remediate social, communicative, adaptive and academic functioning while simultaneously reducing and decelerating maladaptive behavior.

Mitchell’s Place employs highly qualified and caring therapists, analysts and teachers to implement each child’s treatment and instruction. Accurate and on-going assessments are provided to create individualized and comprehensive treatment plans. In addition, parents are empowered with the specific skills essential to supporting their child’s learning.

Mission

To provide comprehensive, research-based services for children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

History

Mitchell’s Place was established in 2005 after Nancy and Allen Meisler became frustrated by the lack of services and autism treatment options for their son, Mitchell. Allen and Nancy spent years searching for a facility to help their son, only to realize no full-service facilities existed in the state of Alabama. Through their constant advocacy and support, Mitchell’s Place has now served over 2,500 families throughout the Southeastern United States.

Mitchell’s Place works to meet the growing need for specialized services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and their families, in the greater Birmingham area and beyond.

Mitchell’s Place Services (Click a service below for more information)

“Mitchell’s Place values diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion. We believe that no student, staff, family member or visitor should be treated differently based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability status, socioeconomic status, political opinions, or religious affiliation. We are committed to making diversity, equality, equity and inclusion a cultural norm by creating a climate of mutual respect within and outside the walls of Mitchell’s Place.”

Visit the Mitchell's Place Website for more resources. Or call (205) 957-0294

Photo: Woman playing wooden toy train with a little girl by Yan Krukau from Pexels

Community Partner : Workshops Empowerment, Inc. (WE Inc.)

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:00:01 GMT

In the month of September, Welcomed Co™ will highlight local organizations we partner with to create a more welcoming world.

*The information below was obtained from the WE Inc. Website . *

For more than 120 years, Workshops Empowerment Inc. has provided employment opportunities to people with disabilities. Today, WE Inc. continues that legacy and provides much more. Through training and workforce development, WE Inc. helps individuals be their best selves. Through handwork and fulfillment, they provide businesses outsourcing solutions vital to their success while also providing jobs to people with employment barriers. Their mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment by helping to ensure they achieve their vocational potential

History

In 1900, a group of Birmingham citizens established a workshop for the rehabilitation of people with disabilities, especially those with vision impairments. Initially, Workshops Inc. clients created products (brooms and mops) for sale. In addition, they operated sewing rooms where pajamas and sheets were made for hospitals and tuberculosis sanitariums. The company grew in the first half of the century through government contracts during the World Wars. From 1950 through the 1970’s, Workshops, Inc. added wood-working, upholstery, and craft work capabilities to their offerings.
In recent decades, the Workshops, Inc. clientele expanded to include both people with disabilities and those with other barriers to employment. They trained them together in production areas while providing outsourcing solutions for local businesses. Areas included assembly, mailing, fulfillment, and handwork solutions.
This allowed them to serve more people and also integrate the workplace to include people of all abilities working side-by-side. Having an integrated workforce and paying all workers equal wages regardless of ability allowed Workshops, Inc. to become the first internationally accredited Affirmative Business Enterprise in Alabama.
In early 2021, Workshops Inc. became Workshops Empowerment Inc (WE Inc.) to better align their work with their identity and to reflect changes in best practices in our field.

Workforce Development Programs

WE Inc. believes that EVERYONE has something positive to contribute to the community. Their services are geared toward helping develop each person’s abilities, bringing out their passion, and ultimately, becoming and remaining successfully employed.

Vocational Evaluation

With WE Inc.’s Vocational Evaluation services, a wide array of tests and exercises are provided in order to assess the interests and strengths of their clients. This process gives direction to those who are not sure where to begin in their job search.

Job Preparation

WE Inc.’s Job Preparation services focus on teaching consumers the traits and habits that make for a good employee. This learning experience is guided by experienced staff who assist each consumer in the development and implementation of an individualized plan focusing on each person’s desires, abilities, and experience.

Community Employment

In keeping with the mission of helping to ensure every person works toward their vocational potential, WE Inc. assists individuals, who demonstrate readiness, with finding employment in the larger community. They help with job search, developing resumes, completing applications, and practicing interviews.

Youth Transition

WE Inc. provides fun and educational services to high school students with disabilities – aimed at helping them successfully transition from high school to employment or post-secondary education.

Affirmative Business Enterprise

Some of those WE Inc. serves need the consistency, stability and support of working for an extra-accommodating workplace. WE Inc. is proud to offer this opportunity in an in-house Affirmative Business Enterprise, in which production workers of all abilities work side-by-side and for equal wages as they complete outsourced handwork for local businesses.

Business Solutions

WE Inc. offers staffing services as well as local outsourcing solutions across all industries and businesses. An available workforce of 100+ enthusiastic associates handles the assembly, packaging and fulfillment needs of local companies.

Outsourcing Solutions & Employment Services

WE Inc. has the ability to meet virtually any outsource requirements of routine or low-skilled tasks. A large workforce with close supervision and quality assurance can help local businesses maximize turnaround time and profits. Tasks include: kitting, packaging, collating, mailing, stuffings, and more.

WE Inc. can also provide onsite help to organizations looking to hire their next great employee. A pool of eager workers are looking to earn a paycheck and be more active participants in their community.

WE Made

WE Made is a nonprofit social enterprise that provides jobs and job training to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment in the Birmingham Metro area. Through their workforce development program, WE Made trains participants in the food service and retail industries with both hands-on work experience alongside a curriculum around job readiness.

Participants graduate with tangible skills, ready to apply to work beyond the workshop. With WE Inc.’s network of community partners, WE Made can ensure that everyone reaches their vocational potential by connecting graduates with jobs in and around the Birmingham metro area.

WE Made offers a variety of products, all handmade with the highest quality ingredients in small batches at their workshop in Birmingham, AL.

WE Made’s baking mixes make impressing a crowd easy and are also a thoughtful gift for someone special. Their sprays (room spray, bug spray, and stinky dog spray) make it convenient to choose a natural alternative. The Handmade Fire Starters take the stress away from starting a fire and enjoying the summer nights. Click here to shop at WE Made.

For more information on WE Inc, call 205-592-9683

Photo Credit: WE Inc workers outside of building by AMD Creative

Community Partner: United Ability

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:00:01 GMT

In the month of September, Welcomed Co™ will highlight local organizations we partner with to create a more welcoming world.

*The information below was obtained from the United Ability Website .*

United Ability is a nonprofit that provides innovative services connecting people with disabilities to their communities and empowering individuals to live full and meaningful lives.

"We envision a world where disability is neither defining nor limiting and help unite people with unique abilities in achieving a successful future."

History

The original group, Spastic Aid, was established in 1948 in an effort to provide services to individuals with cerebral palsy.
A 501(c)3, the group became United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham (UCP) in 1972 and evolved as an organization serving the needs of persons living with many types of disabilities.
In 2001, UCP relocated to a 20-acre campus in Birmingham, AL and their vision to offer multi-disciplinary, comprehensive services came to life.
In 2017, the organization’s name changed to United Ability to better reflect its services to persons with all types of disabilities.

United Ability offers a full spectrum of services not found in the state of Alabama.

Ability Clinic

The Ability Clinic provides comprehensive and coordinated care to children and adults living with disabilities–care that reduces the symptoms experienced by people with disabilities. Their family-focused approach is designed to help those with a wide range of different disabilities, enhance the caregiving capabilities of families, and improve the overall health and quality of life for the ones they love.

The Ability Clinic:

Eliminates the fragmentation of medical and therapy services
Establishes and provides seamless case management throughout the individual’s lifetime
Facilitates ease of access to quality services and
Improves the overall health and quality of life for persons with disabilities.

By providing this comprehensive continuum of care in a centralized location, families are able to spend less time pursuing services through multiple agencies and professionals.

Disability Services Provided

Evaluation and Assessment – This problem solving process helps to identify an individual’s specific strengths, needs, and disabilities. This allows the staff to better address the care needs of the patients.
Spasticity Management – United Ability offers a wide variety of treatment strategies to manage patient spasticity–Improving range of motion, overall mobility, increasing strength and conditioning, and improving general comfort levels in everyday activities.
Orthotics and Prosthetics – United Ability provides orthotics and prosthetics to patients. Custom orthotics and prosthetics are available.
Outpatient Therapy – United Ability’s outpatient services include physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. These services are pivotal to increasing self-esteem and confidence.
Physical – Physical therapy is provided to help patients increase their strength and mobility allowing them to be more capable with functional tasks.
Occupational – Occupational therapy helps those recuperating from physical or mental illness. It encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities. Occupational therapy is used to help patients better meet the demands of everyday life by assisting in the development and improvement of skills they need to both live and work.
Speech – Speech therapy is provided to help those with disabilities better communicate with those around them. Therapy is offered for a wide range of conditions including genetic syndromes, Cerebral Palsy, and those afflicted with oral motor concerns.
Augmentative Communication – Augmentative communication is a term that describes communication methods that supplement or replace writing. The tools and training are provided to help patients communicate with those around them.
Assistive Technology – From cognitive issues to physical impairment, assistive technology helps to augment, or bypass conditions brought on by a disability. Much like augmentative communication, the tools and training are provided to ensure patients achieve their goals.
Care Coordination – This includes coordination of care between United Ability and other professionals involved in patient care.

For more information on the Ability Clinic and the services provided call 205-944-3944.

Photo: United Ability by Angela Scott Abdur-Rasheed

Back to School: Momming with ADHD

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:00:00 GMT

My daughter is starting preschool for the first time, and I am having to force myself to get organized and stay on top of things in ways I haven’t had to do in years. I work from home, and my daughter has been at home with me—in my care or in the care of a family member—since she was born. Each time I’ve nailed down a routine, she’s hit a milestone and everything changes. What has become consistent is the inconsistency. I haven’t had set working hours since she arrived; I get things done in those in-between spaces—naptime, while she hangs out with her dad, and after bedtime. All that is to say—I have gotten very far away from having a set schedule.

Now that preschool is about to start, I’m managing paperwork—forms, forms, and more forms to fill out—different schedules, lunch packing rules, supply lists, establishing what our morning routines will need to be, and afternoon routines—and bedtime routines in order to make those other routines work. I’m sure anyone who has ever sent their child to daycare or school can relate. Or maybe you’re thinking, duh, this stuff isn’t hard.

The thing is—time management and organization are some of the hardest parts of adulting for me because of ADHD. And when I say hard, I mean sometimes these skills feel impossible. I’m incorporating some tricks and devices to help make it a little easier. Here they are:

Fancy File Folders

It may seem silly, but I’ve noticed that when I introduce novelty or something that makes me happy to look at, it can be easier to stay on track. Enter these pretty floral folders . I store my daughter’s school paperwork in one of these, and suddenly I’m no longer rummaging through the house like, “where did I put that school calendar?”

Calendars, Calendars, Calendars

It may seem unnecessary, but I find it helpful to keep track of important appointments, school closures, and other scheduling stuff in a paper calendar and my phone calendar. People have lots of preferences when it comes to paper calendars—I am no different—so I won’t try to recommend one (although I have found bullet journaling to be the most helpful method for my ADHD brain). One common ADHD trait is being late for everything, but I really don’t like to make my daughter late. So, I like to set reminders in my phone for a few minutes before it’s time to leave in the morning to take my daughter to school and when it’s time to leave to go pick her up.

Notes App

Yep, the free app that comes with my phone is my favorite one of all. You see, the inside of my brain feels like a pinball machine—with multiple balls in play at once—and thoughts are just pinging back and forth as quickly as they can. If I don’t write things down, it’s game over. With the Notes app, I can be anywhere, and if I think of a to-do item, a question, or something else I need to follow-up on, I write it down. I create different notes to keep everything in one place. For example, I have a Preschool list, where I track the supplies I still need to buy, the questions I want to ask my daughter’s teacher, and more. I sync some notes with my husband, so he can take care of things, too.

Visual Timer

Time blindness is real, and I have a hard time knowing how much time tasks actually take, but this visual timer is surprisingly helpful. I’ve also noticed it helps my toddler with transitions, and lately I’ve been using it more for her than for me. If I say, “We need to leave the house in 10 minutes,” that doesn’t really mean anything. But if I say, “I’m going to set the timer for 10 minutes. We’ll play until the color is all gone, and the timer goes off, and then we’ll leave the house,” she understands because she can actually see the timer counting down. Toddler meltdown averted.

Photo: Family mother and child daughter hugging in kitchen on floor by evgenyatamanenko

Back to School: Dinner Meal Planning

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:00:00 GMT

We recently posted a blog, Survival Mode Meals . It’s a compilation of go-to meals for when you don’t have time to think and plan your meals. I’ve made a couple of those meals in the past week ( this one was the BEST ), and I was so happy to have those as a resource and to also try new things!

When school days and after school activities get rolling, it helps me to have a schedule of meals of what to cook (or purchase) every night of the week. Having a meal schedule also helps the picky eaters know what they’re going to have every day. It’s me. I’m one of those picky eaters. This all means we generally eat the same things every week, which, I can admit, gets a little bit boring. But it helps with planning the grocery trip(s), writing the meal calendar, and my peace of mind. Having to think about and plan what to cook can be overwhelming and even anxiety producing for some.

So, yes. We have an actual meal calendar. It’s a dry erase magnet calendar on the fridge ( Here’s ours ). On the list, I write what I plan to cook that week and sometimes ask for input from the family. The little one, who only likes what he likes and lives life better when there’s a schedule of all things, is the main contributor. He doesn’t like his food to touch, he doesn’t like certain textures, and he doesn’t like too much of this on that. You might think this meal plan is really for him. And you might be right.

Full transparency: I’m apprehensive about sharing our meal schedule. It makes me feel slightly guilty that it’s not always meals made from scratch with the freshest ingredients. But these meals fill our bellies, they don't take up more time than we have, and they (90% of the time) give us the macronutrients we need.

I recently read, “ How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing ” by KC Davis, a Licensed Therapist. In Chapter 39, she talks specifically about meal planning when you're depressed, overwhelmed, anxious or just having trouble with executive function. She said,

“All calories are good calories when you’re having a hard time. There are no good or bad foods. There are no right or wrong foods. There are no foods that are absolutely healthy or unhealthy. Healthy is a holistic state of being that requires more than just knowing about the amount and types of nutrients in the food you are eating. Being kind to yourself while eating ice cream is healthier than hating yourself when eating a salad.”

She goes on to say,

“Meal planning is not a thing (only) people who have it all together do. Meal planning exists to make it easier for you to eat and buy groceries. That is the function.”

So, that being said, below is our–mediocre, yet functional–weekly meal schedule:

Sunday

Dad’s Grilled Burgers (Not a brand. My husband, their dad, grills them)

Served with regular fries, sweet potato fries, veggie tots, or roasted broccoli

Monday

Chicken Sausage, Veggies and Rice

Usually Zatarain’s Cilantro Lime or Caribbean Rice

Tuesday

Taco Tuesday!

(It’s ALWAYS an Old El Paso or Taco Bell Taco Kit)

Wednesday

Stouffer’s Chicken Alfredo or Lasagna

Served with a vegetable

Thursday

Pork or Turkey Tenderloin, green beans, mashed potatoes (or rice! See Monday.)

We buy a pre-seasoned pork tenderloin from the grocery store or a turkey tenderloin we season ourselves

Friday

Fast Food Friday: Pizza, Burgers, Chick-Fil-A, Restaurant Big Salads ( for parents), etc

My 10-year-old named it this because I don’t usually cook on Friday…or Saturday.

Saturday

More takeout ( See Friday )

Sometimes we swap out some of the above for:

Spicy Honey Brushed Chicken Thighs ( Here’s the amazing recipe I love! )
Sloppy Joes; Made with Ground Turkey, Chicken, Beef and served with veggies, fries or fruit
Meatballs and Spaghetti; Easy meatballs ( These! Not precooked meatballs ) cooked in the oven or crockpot
Rotisserie/Fried Chicken Meal; Publix Deli...if you know you know

I celebrate these things about our schedule:

There’s always fruit in our home, and our kids eat more fruit than I ever did as a child.
We emphasize the importance of water above any other drinks. Again, as a kid I didn’t drink water. I drank Kool-Aid, which I guess is water? But not.
We have healthy (and maybe not so healthy) grab and go snacks in our pantry, which allows them to make choices on how to feed themselves–Popcorn, applesauce, etc
No one is afraid to make suggestions on the menu and even voice their opinions on what they like and don’t like ( Not gonna lie, this can be exasperating, but I want them to feel free to say how they feel…even if it’s about my cooking. See next bullet point ).
They have both the ability and the ingredients to make their own meals if they don’t like what I cook.

Need more recipe/meal inspiration? The blog Together As Family has a great list of The Best Back to School Dinners.

Still need more inspiration? Pinterest ! Yes, it's still around, and it’s not just for creating the wedding of your dreams. I use it whenever I want to cook something different or when I can’t remember a favorite recipe.

Photo: A Woman Making a Meal Plan by Yaroslav Shuraev from Pexels

Back to School: Tips and Tricks for Surviving Car Rider Line(s)

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 18:30:00 GMT

Our school system does not have a school bus option, so parents have to find a way to get their children to and from school daily. We have two children who are four years apart, so they’re always in different schools. If you’re in the same situation, or you have a school bus option but prefer to drive your kids to school, and you’re the designated picker-upper in your family (or your multi-family carpool), this blog might be helpful for you.

Our morning drive from school to school is generally a breeze. It takes, at most, 2-3 minutes to get in and out of each school line. It’s the afternoon carpool, where I struggle.

The driving.

The waiting.

More driving and more waiting.

The sad car rider who has to sit and wait with me.

So, I took the liberty of organizing my thoughts and processes into a haphazard list of tips.

Preparation

Gather info to plan your trip

What are the rules of the schools’ car lines? (where to line up, where the lane goes, etc.)

What time are your car rider lines?

How much time does it take to get from one school to the other?

What are the rules of the respective line?

How long does it take for the line to move?

These are very important first questions to answer in order to adequately prepare for your “journey.” And for us, it’s always a journey. There is a 30-minute difference between the start of our two car rider lines–2:30 and 3PM. It takes 15 minutes to get from one to the other. BUT then you wait another 10 minutes. We don’t have school buses (did I mention that?). Anyway, plan to arrive at your first line (2:30 dismissal) in enough time to get your second (3:00 dismissal) for minimal waiting. For example: I generally arrive at 2:10 for the 2:30 dismissal. This way, I arrive at the other school by at least 2:55.

What’s in Your Vehicle?

Bring Entertainment

You, and possibly a child, will be sitting at some point; a child who does not wan to sit in a car. What can you bring that would entertain you both/all for the extended period of time in the car? For me, my phone serves as a type of entertainment–Instagram, Facebook, blah, blah. But I also bring a kindle to at least keep my brain functioning instead of falling down a social media rabbit hole. Bring entertainment for the child who will be sitting in the second carpool line asking “How long have we been sitting here?” Maybe they’ll fall asleep. Maybe they’ll have homework, or maybe not. Bring a book or two just in case. Either way, you can be prepared.

Bring Snacks

For the sitting/waiting kid who is 99.9% likely to be hungry (because what kid isn’t hungry after school), bring snacks. And bring some for yourself! I pack anything from water, oranges, goldfish, cookies, or anything else he might eat.

DON’T FALL ASLEEP!

Sometimes I bring coffee for myself–my snack–for this reason. My biggest fear is falling asleep in carpool, holding up the line and then being featured on the "What's Happening in *your city* Facebook page. I’ve closed my eyes for 20 seconds before and thought it was 20 minutes. I’ve seen it happen to parents. I don’t want to be that parent. But if you get there early (if you prepared for this!!), set a timer on your phone for your nap. I HAVE done that. It works, and I haven’t been responsible for holding up the line.

Be Patient

I’ll be honest. I’m not very patient here. I often sit there and say loudly, “I want to go home!” to which my younger child responds, “Momma, stop raging.” I realize “it is what it is.” Raging does not change the rules. Carpool procedures are created to make sure kids are safely and efficiently dismissed to their cars, and occasionally they are tweaked for efficiency.

I’ve come to the sad and shocking realization that the carpool system will likely not be overhauled into something different any time soon. I want it to be easier, and I don’t even know what that would be. But this is probably as good as it’s going to get for now. So, I focus on what I can do–my established routine that gets me through the car rider line daily.

The silver lining? Time with my boys. While I won’t ever miss the daily car line “journey,” I know I will miss time with just us.

Photo: "Happy playful kids travelling by car" by Imgorthand

Back to School: Organizing Your Sports Carpool

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 18:30:00 GMT

It’s Back to School Season!

Or maybe, if this “season” brings you anxious feelings, you’re more likely to say, “I guess it's back to school season.” It’s also Back to Soccer Season for us!

We are a two child soccer family.

Two boys.

Four years apart.

Two schools. (Elementary and High School)

Two soccer teams.

Two sets of practice schedules.

So. Many. Games.

Typing that made me slightly anxious.

For a long time, I was reluctant to allow my boys to ride in the car with anyone who wasn’t a part of our family. I was afraid to give a non-family member responsibility for my child’s safety. But I realized that having to do it all, not asking for help, amplified any anxiety I had over allowing them to ride without me.

So I gave in to this carpool phenomenon specifically for soccer.

Carpools benefit many people in different ways:

It benefits the kids who need to get where they’re going.
It's helpful for the little who may be reluctant to ride with others because people can be overwhelming. But for them, knowing who’s riding and when they’re riding can help temper uneasy feelings.
It greatly benefits the parents of the children who, without the carpool, would be driving countless days, hours, and miles.

Ways to Organize a Carpool

Spreadsheet
Organizing a carpool is not always as straightforward as it seems. There are many methods used for organizing and creating carpool schedules. I talked to a mom on our son’s soccer team who organizes a soccer carpool. She uses a google spreadsheet. I call her the “numbers, math and money lady." She loves a spreadsheet.

Here’s how she does it:

"I ask everyone participating if there are any days they…would prefer to drive. From there, I just go down the spreadsheet, input everyone’s name by the date, then highlight anything that needs to be changed (because of unavailability on a specific day). Once all of the “issues” are highlighted, I make the adjustments."

On why she choose to use a spreadsheet:

"I chose to use a spreadsheet because I make a calculation to total the amount of times each family drives. (She IS the math lady) 1. to show everyone has the same amount or close to the same amount of driving and 2. to make sure everyone is driving equally.

I also like to plan the whole season, so everyone can plan ahead–put their driving days into their calendar–and also print the schedule to keep close by or display (on the fridge or bulletin board)."

The math lady was kind enough to let us use this spreadsheet for our soccer carpool. My husband, the math man, created a schedule and sent it to our group. It really helps to know who is driving our kids, and it helps the kids know who will be in the car and on what day (especially the ones who may be reluctant to be around too many unknown people). But agreeing on a schedule creates trust, distributes the driving equally and keeps dialogue open in the event things may need to be switched.

GoKid Carpool Organizer

If you don’t like spreadsheets and would prefer the ease of an app, I recently learned of the GoKid Carpool Organizer. The GoKid app describes itself as “a great choice for busy moms who want to simplify their lives and reduce the stress of managing their family’s transportation needs. It allows you to create a carpool group with other families in your community. You can schedule and manage carpool rides with your group, track pick-up and drop-off times, and get notified of any changes and communicate with other parents through the app.” ( GoKid )

Here’s how it works ( from the GoKid web site ):

Set up: Download the Gokid app, register, and add family members.
Create a carpool: Name it, set a schedule, locations, and invite friends.
Send invitations: Friends join, and you get notified.
Volunteer as driver: Carpool member days you can drive.
Enjoy benefits: Shared schedule, reminders, optimized routes, live tracking.

Each family in the carpool signs up for their own slots which gives them the flexibility to drive on their preferred days. You can create 3 carpool types depending on the number of pick-ups and drop-offs, and you can create a repeating or non-repeating carpool.

The app is free for core functionality, but there is a subscription based option that offers security features like live tracking, in-app chat, custom notifications and seeing the history of your carpool. ( GoKid )

What works for you? There are more carpool organizing apps out there. Click here for a list . But of course, if you’re the math and numbers type, google sheets is free (and Excel..similar/same/maybe)! I might even allow you to use the Math Lady’s spreadsheet.

Photo: "People with Soccer Balls by Car" by Jupiter Images

Back to School: Getting Back to Our Routines

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 16:00:08 GMT

Summer is over. Booo!

Not the actual season but the “summer season” where kids are home and not in school.

That’s over.

We now have to get back into the school mindset. It’s time to get out of the habit of the kids waking up late, sitting in their pajamas, eating everything in the house, watching TV, and playing video games.

Same for us parents. We slept a little later, saved on gas because we weren’t driving to school and, perhaps, relaxed some of the rules. The vacation is over , and the school grind is fast approaching. For the weeks leading up to the first day of school, I’ve said, “I’m not ready.”

So have the kids. But that’s not uncommon. Most kids in general don’t like the idea of having to go back to school. And for kids with ADHD, the thought of going back to school (and school in general) can be a source of anxiety .

How do we ALL get ready? We go back to basics.

Night Time Routine

Get those kids to bed!

During the summer, my boys stayed up much later than normal. They were up talking about Fortnite and Dragonball Z. I let them stay awake because they were talking and enjoying one another (not arguing!). But now that school is in for summer (no longer “out for summer” like the song says), we have to make sure they are going to bed at a reasonable time to get enough sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends teens get 10 hours of sleep a night and elementary-aged kiddos receive 12 hours.

The night time routine might also include:

Choosing clothes for the next day (one less decision to make in the morning)
Packing backpack and putting it close to the door
Prepare snacks and lunches
Electronics charging; phone, watches, and if applies, school-issued computer

Morning Routine

Teach them how wake up!

Our kids both have alarm clocks in their rooms to give them the responsibility of waking up on their own. Their alarms are set for the same time every weekday morning. They may snooze once or twice, but we do, occasionally, have to go in and make sure they’re out of the bed. The high schooler takes a little longer to get ready than the fifth grader, but they’re mostly done in 5-15 minutes. Then, they both come downstairs, eat breakfast, make sure bags are packed (with snacks, lunches, devices, etc) and we leave.

The morning routine might also include:

Allowing natural light into the room
Eating a breakfast high in protein ( reportedly helps with concentration through the day )
Rewarding for getting ready in time (*see what not to use as a reward below)

In the past, I have laminated a checklist of things to complete in the morning and posted it in the bathroom or the kitchen. And it only worked for one of our boys. The other is just anti-mornings, so his “list” is a little different, and shorter, but still a list he can complete nonetheless.

Afterschool Routine

Turn off Screens

This might incite a mini riot or at least an argument.

But most parents would agree that there’s really no benefit in sitting in front of a big screen or computer screen connected to a gaming device. This doesn’t necessarily include a computer used for homework, but playing educational games is almost akin to the same video games that create those overwhelming feelings when things don’t go their way in the games they play.

From Samaritan Health :

According to Samaritan Health Pediatrician, Dr. Shellie Russell-Skerski, the benefits of screen time are negligible for kids, but those with ADHD and autism have brains that are more sensitive to the stimulating nature of electronics and are more likely to experience negative side effects.

“The big downside to electronics is they are overstimulating and make behavior and emotional regulation problems worse,” she said. “Eliminating screens is really good for brain health and improving some of the areas kids struggle with like language, anxiety and picking up on social cues.”

*Parents often use screen time as a reward for kids after completing homework, studying, good grades, or good behavior. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that “ reducing recreational screen time to two hours a day and sleeping for 9-11 hours per night can help curb impulse behaviors .”

I’m happy to turn off the screens if it means less big, impulsive emotions over things they have no control over. I could probably benefit from less screen time myself.

Healthy Foundations

Eating healthy, balanced meals and regularly exercising are helpful for the overall school routine. Not just Physical Education (P.E.), but organized sports are a good structure-based activity to add to the flow of the day. It helps them physically, mentally, and socially. We play lots of soccer and basketball. The 2-3 practices a week fit into our schedule, or we fit them into our schedule! Being a part of a team sport is something we value highly. We believe they are vital in helping them to learn to work well with others.

But what if your child doesn’t love team sports? There’s also swimming, basketball or kickball with friends, riding bikes with friends, jumping rope, etc. These aren’t as appealing as screen time, but they’re far more beneficial.

Finally

Be kind to yourself

The schedule may “malfunction” occasionally, but try again the next day. Your intentions are good, so take pride in that. If you’re like us, one routine didn’t work for everyone, but we found something that worked for each child individually. And on the days the routine works, reward your kids (and yourself) for a job well done. You all deserve it.

Photo: Kid Lying on Bed Switching Off Alarm Clock by Svetlana

Meals For When You're in Survival Mode

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 14:00:02 GMT

I’ve been in survival mode lately. It’s been one thing after another. My father had a heart attack. Two weeks later, my grandmother had a hospital stay, transitioned to hospice, and passed away within the span of a week. My toddler had a stomach bug and, with all the other commotion, got thrown out of her routine and has had trouble sleeping. I’ve had my own health challenges recently that have involved extreme fatigue. All that is to say—I am worn out.

One of the things that’s been difficult is coming up with meals for my family. It’s easy to turn to takeout, fast food, and food delivery—they’re quick and easy options when you’re in a bind, but the cost adds up quickly and they’re not as healthy as meals you whip up at home.

So, I asked my community of friends and family—what is the go-to meal you fix when you’re in survival mode? I received a ton of responses and inspiration, and I’d like to share them with you for the next time you’re exhausted but still need to feed yourself and your family.

Also included are recipe links in case some of these are new to you.

Breakfast Ideas

Good for breakfast /breakfast for dinner

French toast
Quick and Easy French Toast
Easy French Toast Recipe
Oatmeal with blueberries
Blueberry Oatmeal
Easy Blueberry Oatmeal
Fried egg sandwiches
The Viral Feta Fried Egg Sandwich
The Viral Feta Fried Egg Sandwich with Chili Sauce
Fried Egg, Ham, and Cheese Sandwiches
Scrambled Eggs with Toast and/or Sausage/Bacon
Coconut yogurt and berries
Cheerios

Lunch and Dinner Ideas

Good for lunch and dinner

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Grilled Ham and Cheese
Crock Pot Hot Ham and Cheese
Cheese and Pickle sandwich (Grilled)
Spaghetti or Pasta
10 Minute Easy Spaghetti
Easy Creamy Lemon Caper Pasta
Butter Noodles with cheese
Macaroni and Cheese (Kraft, Stouffers, etc)
Ramen
Tacos
Best Homemade Tacos
Easy 20 Minute Chicken Tacos
Rice/Potato Dishes
Microwave Fried Rice (Instant rice with a microwaved egg, soy sauce, and scallions
Easy Ham Steak with Microwaved Mashed Potatoes
JasmineRice with Fish Sauce, Lime Juice, and Diced Chilies
Miscellaneous (Snack, salads, etc)
Buffalo Chicken Dip with Veggies, Crackers, or Nothing at all
Cheese and Crackers
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets with French Fries/Tater Tots
Salad with Tofu, Homegrown Tomatoes and Cucumbers, Chia and Ground Flax Seeds, and Nutritional Yeast

What’s in your fridge?

My Fridge Food is a website that allows you to check a box next to items in your fridge to generate a recipe.I checked off avocado, bacon, cheese and bread and received a recipe for a bacon and avocado grilled cheese.

Here’s a list of other websites that will do the same:

Photo: “A Woman Preparing Food with Her Daughter” by Kampus Productions

Founder Friday: Spring 2023 Bronze Valley Venture Lab gBETA Accelerator

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:00:02 GMT

I find the Alabama startup scene thought provoking.

There are very few women. I can only think of one other Latinas and one other openly disabled adult who are local entrepreneurs.

One has to look no further than the recent Birmingham Power 60 List to realize that there are obstacles (known and unknown) for people like me to start and lead companies.

Even with a tech degree and former startup experience… Atlanta, Boston, NYC & Silicon Valley.

Welcomed Co™ was fortunate to be one of 5 companies chosen for the Spring 2023 Bronze Valley Venture Lab gBETA Accelerator.

gBETA partially unlocked the door to the good old boys club.

It's hard to overstate how necessary a program like this is.

As someone who is effectively a solo entrepreneur for the first time, this was a valuable learning experience and networking opportunity.

gener8tor gBETA

The Bronze Valley VentureLab focuses on supporting female entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color. The Bronze Valley VentureLab is a program of nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor.

gBETA runs multiple times every year in cities across the United States. Up to five companies from a range of verticals are selected from a competitive applicant pool to participate in the free seven-week program.

Participating companies receive:

Individualized coaching and mentorship from the team of nationally ranked accelerator gener8tor on company growth and investor readiness
Weekly "Lunch & Learns" and "Mentor Swarms"
Investor and accelerator pitches
$1M+ in deals and perks from vendors like IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, Paypal, Zendesk, Hubspot and Microsoft
Ongoing post-program support and gener8tor community involvement and offerings

gBETA's goal is that graduates will go on to participate in an investment accelerator or raise a seed round.

Photo Credit: Bronze Valley

Today in ADA History

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:30:00 GMT

Thirty-three years ago today, President George Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House. The ADA was the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities.

Here are some key aspects of the ADA:

It is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. It ensures equal opportunities, access, and reasonable accommodations for everyone.
Protected Disabilities: The ADA protects individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. It covers a wide range of disabilities, including mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive impairments.
Employment Rights: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to perform essential job functions. This includes modifications to the workplace, equipment, or schedules to enable equal participation.
Public Accommodations: Businesses that are open to the public are required to provide accessible facilities and services. This includes accessible entrances, restrooms, parking, signage, and communication aids.
Transportation: The ADA also covers public transportation services, mandating accessible buses, trains, and stations, also providing appropriate assistance if needed.
Communication: The ADA ensures that individuals with disabilities have access to communication aids and services. This includes sign language interpreters, captioning, and accessible electronic information.

Photo: “President George H. W. Bush Signs the Americans with Disabilities Act” made available by NARA & DVIDS Public Domain Archive

The Impossible Dream

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:15:00 GMT

It was July of 2022—Disability Pride Month of last year—when our leader Cristina Might started to really focus on turning her vision for Welcomed Co™ into a reality. She and her daughter Victoria had been listening to a podcast about the Disability Pride flag when they got to talking about their dreams for changing the world—for carving a more inclusive, more welcoming space for everyone.

A year later, their dreams have turned into plans, and those plans are in motion. Welcomed Co™ is no longer an idea. It is a reality, thanks in large part to Cristina’s determination and hard work. It’s not an easy journey; the road is long and filled with unknowns.

Cristina has felt particularly weary lately, as the first anniversary of Welcomed Co™ approaches. That is, until she opened a gift from her grandmother, her “Abi,” who passed away in April 2022.

The package arrived from Puerto Rico shortly after her Abi’s death . Cristina’s aunt told her it contained a gift that her Abi wanted to give Cristina before she died. Cristina left it unopened for several months, not wanting to face the truth that her beloved Abi was gone.

Recently, Cristina felt called to open the package. She couldn’t believe what was inside—hand-carved wooden statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Cristina recalls a lot of Don Quixote imagery in Puerto Rico. “These people who voyage clearly resonated with my island people,” she said. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is meaningful for many reasons—one being that it’s a source of pride, as it was written in Spanish and is considered the first modern novel and one of the greatest works of Western literature.

Don Quixote is also a meaningful figure to Cristina because he represents lofty goals—impossible dreams. “We are trying to destigmatize disability and to promote inclusion, love, and acceptance. That can seem like a foolish task to a lot of people. It can seem like an overly grand task. It can seem like either fighting a dragon or chasing a windmill. I think it’s a task worth undertaking—a task worth fighting for,” she said. Cristina felt the gift was a message from her grandmother when she needed it most. It helped establish a renewed commitment to make the path easier for those who come after us—for those who care for others and who also need to care for themselves. “I feel like we have a team of angels cheering us on,” Cristina said.

“The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” is a song from the 1965 Broadway musical Man of La Mancha, which is inspired by Don Quixote. Composed by Mitch Leigh with lyrics by Joe Darion, it is performed by the Don Quixote character. The song serves as an anthem of sorts for Welcomed Co™. It’s a reminder to continue working to create real, meaningful change—even when it feels unattainable.

To dream the impossible dream

To fight the unbeatable foe

To bear with unbearable sorrow

To run where the brave dare not go

To right the unrightable wrong

To love pure and chaste from afar

To try when your arms are too weary

To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest to follow that star

No matter how hopeless, no matter how far

To fight for the right without question or pause

To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true to this glorious quest

That my heart will lie peaceful and calm

When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this

That one man, scorned and covered with scars

Still strove with his last ounce of courage

To fight the unbeatable foe

To reach the unreachable star

Click here see Josh Groban perform The Impossible Dream

Photo by Leeloo Thefirst

Photo: "Don Quixote and Sancho Panza statues" by Cristina Might

Raising Awareness Through a Flag

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:00:00 GMT

The first official Disability Pride celebration occurred in 2015 to commemorate the ADA’s 25th anniversary. The historic legislation was signed on July 26, 1990. ( US Embassy website )

ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life and enables their full participation in society — by working, going to school, using public and private transportation services, voting, buying goods and services or accessing public places. [ See a timeline of some landmark events and legislation leading up to the passage of the ADA .]

Disability Pride Month recognizes that people with disabilities are also people with abilities—that they are proactively working to break down barriers that stand in the way of full inclusion. It is an opportunity to promote their visibility, celebrate their innate worth, and applaud their achievements. Several major U.S. cities hold parades to recognize the community.

The Disability Pride Flag

The Disability Pride flag helps increase the community’s visibility. Ann Magill originally designed the flag in 2019 with a zigzag pattern to symbolize the way people with disabilities creatively navigate barriers. After feedback about the potential effect (of the design) on people with epilepsy (viewing on a computer or a device could create a strobe effect), Magill partnered with those with photosensitivity and community members to redesign the flag. The new flag, created in 2021, included muted colors symbolizing the diverse facets of daily life for people with disabilities.

The new flag design highlights the multiple experiences and diversity in the disability community, and the different colors specifically symbolize various types of disabilities.

Charcoal Gray Background mourns the victims of violence and abuse against persons with disabilities (adults and children, those killed, suicides, or individuals who suffered from negligence)
Diagonal Bands symbolize cutting across the barriers people with disabilities experience, keeping them from full inclusion
Five Diagonal Stripes of different colors rest on a black background.
Red (physical disabilities: chronic pain, mobility impairment, loss of limbs)
Gold (neurodivergence: autism, ADHD, dyslexia )
White (invisible and undiagnosed disabilities)
Blue (psychiatric disabilities:depression, PTSD, anxiety, etc. )
Green (sensory disabilities: hearing loss, visual impairments, etc.).

The Disability Pride flag is available in the public domain and is seen in Disability Pride Month parades around the world.

2023 Celebrations in the United States include:

New York: Disability Unite Festival
Pennsylvania: Disability Pride PA
Illinois: Disability Pride Parade
Missouri: FestAbility: A Celebration of Disabilities

Read more about the origins of Disability Pride:

What's the Meaning of the Colors on the Disability Pride Flag?

Disability Pride Month: Celebrating Inclusivity

Talking about Disability with Pride

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:00:00 GMT

We celebrate Disability Pride Month every July to honor all of us in the disability community—those of us who identify as having a disability, those of us who don’t, and those of us who care for people with disabilities.

Disability Pride Month happens in July to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It’s an occasion to celebrate ourselves and how far we’ve come–and to advocate for our own visibility, acknowledging there is more work to be done so we can live in a more accessible, inclusive world.

Part of that work is creating new products that make our daily lives easier, which is what we’re working on at Welcomed Co™. But another part is creating new language to talk about disability—and we’re working on that, too.

We try to take an open approach to language, one that respects how individuals choose to identify themselves. Some people prefer person-first language, while others prefer identity-first language.

Some may not identify as having a disability at all. We recognize individuals and groups may choose to identify differently, and we embrace those differences.

We want you to know we are mindful about the language we use. We do not want to be euphemistic, but we do want to be considerate of the terminology people choose to use for themselves. We may not show up perfectly—we are constantly learning—but we truly want every person to feel seen and included here at Welcomed Co™.

We use the word disability as a way to take ownership of our own experience. It’s a loaded word—with the prefix dis- meaning “apart,” it can certainly feel like a negative, right? We know people have tried out other terms— differently abled and special needs come to mind. In using the word, we are attempting to reclaim it. To show disability is not a dirty word. To show we are not ashamed. There is nothing to be ashamed of. No matter what our abilities are, or your abilities are, there is one truth that guides us—everyone is worthy of love and belonging.

Here’s a quote we live by:

“Let's take the gauntlet and make goodness attractive in this so-called next millennium. That's the real job that we have. I'm not talking about Pollyanna-ish kind of stuff. I'm talking about down-to-Earth actual goodness. People caring for each other in a myriad of ways rather than people knocking each other off all the time... What changes the world? The only thing that ever really changes the world is when somebody gets the idea that love can abound and can be shared .” – Fred Rogers, Edinboro University Commencement Keynote Address, 1998

Want to learn more about Disability Pride Month?

Listen to or read the transcript of this episode from The Heumann Perspective podcast , a podcast hosted by the late Judy Heumann, the mother of the disability rights movement.

Listen to or read the transcript of this episode of The Accessible Stall podcast with Ann Magill, the creator of the Disability Pride flag.

Photo: " ADA with glasses " by designer491

Everyone "Needs" a Weighted Blanket

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 14:00:00 GMT

“A weighted blanket is like a hug.”

We have 11 throw blankets in our home.

There are five in the living room.

There is one in the master bedroom.

There is one in my oldest son’s bedroom and…

THREE in my youngest son’s bedroom.

He likes to take off his socks and wrap up in a blanket. Sometimes, he’ll take one blanket to another room and lounge there. He also has a large, fluffy hooded robe that we can probably count as his FOURTH blanket. He, obviously, loves a blanket.

On the weekends, he plays video games and it can sometimes be a little contentious between him and his friends. One Sunday, while listening to a contentious conversation and scrolling the internet, I came across an article about weighted blankets. I’d heard of weighted blankets from friends and how “amazing” they were, but I’d never heard of their benefits. Who knew there were benefits to owning a blanket other than warmth and home decor? Everyone but me, apparently.

As I read the benefits, I was particularly drawn to how they reportedly/allegedly help with self-control in children, and perhaps I was drawn there because of the lack of self-control going on behind me at the moment. Yes, I am fully aware that a weighted blanket is not the cure-all for self-control issues in children, but I kept reading.

“A weighted blanket is like a hug,” says Rebecca Emmanuelli, patient care director and a nurse at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center.

Filled with tiny pellets made of glass, plastic, metal, or natural fillers (rice, grain, sand, etc), weighted blankets apply pressure similar to that of a hug or even a swaddle. The gentle, deep touch pressure, as described by occupational therapists, has a calming effect. “Research has found that this type of compression activates the centers of the brain that oversee involuntary processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and digestion. It has long been used, often to beneficial effect, on individuals with a wide range of sensory disorders.” ( UCLA HEALTH )

If I’m honest, these descriptions were really my motivation for purchasing a weighted blanket. I considered his obvious desire for soft, plushy things against his skin, his mild disdain for scratchy fabric against his skin (“can you cut off this tag?”), and his bouts of hyperactivity and impulsivity. I asked him if he wanted a new blanket, and of course he wanted a new blanket. But we also spoke to his pediatrician who said she had her very own lovely weighted blanket. So, we selected a blanket based on his age (10) and weight and added it to cart.*

When it arrived, it was used primarily for sitting and lounging while reading. Blanketed while playing video games with friends…the behavior surrounding that didn't change, but who am I kidding? A 10-year-old has to learn self-control and not be…controlled by a blanket. (ADHD children and video games…a new blog post maybe?)

Now, if you have a child who struggles with inattention and/or hyperactivity (maybe it’s you reading this!), they may also struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep. If there’s been any significant benefit to having a weighted blanket, it has been that—helping him fall asleep.*

How does it make him feel? I asked him. Ten-year-old wisdom says, “It’s comfy. Relaxing. I feel like I can’t be bothered.”

Prior to adults recognizing the benefits, weighted blankets were used in therapeutic settings for children as far back as 1987.* But more studies have been conducted recently:

In February 2023, a study explored how children (ages 6-15) with ADHD and sleeping difficulties experience the use of weighted blankets. Results showed that “ using weighted blankets promoted children's management of daily life with ADHD and sleeping difficulties.”
A 2021 study of “ Parents’ Experiences of Weighted Blankets’ Impact on Children with ADHD and Sleep Problems ” found that using weighted blankets improved the well-being and life of the children and their families.

Of course, these studies are no indication that a weighted blanket will be as effective for you or your child. Every individual is different and should let their own experience be the guide.

*Sleeping with a weighted blanket may not be safe for everyone. Weighted blankets aren’t recommended for toddlers and infants as the weight of the blanket can keep them trapped. People with chronic respiratory or circulatory issues, asthma, low blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and more should consult their doctor before considering using a weighted blanket. ( Sleep Foundation )

Dr. Daniel Barone, the associate medical director of the Center for Sleep Medicine and an assistant attending neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, says that when it comes to helping people sleep and overcome insomnia, his philosophy is: “If it doesn’t hurt but may help, it’s worth a shot.” He adds, “The swaddling effect could provide a feeling of being more secure. ( NYP )

What other issues might a weighted blanket help with? A few, actually, but we were able to find more studies on potential success in use with people who experience anxiety.

Research is limited, but findings suggest a positive effect of weighted blankets on people with anxiety. ( NYP )

A 2015 exploratory study in Occupational Therapy in Mental Health followed 30 adults during an inpatient mental health hospitalization. It found that blankets significantly reduced anxiety in 60% of the patients. Participants reported that the blankets helped them feel safe, comforted, and grounded.
An earlier study of 32 adults found that in 33% of users, a weighted blanket lowered blood pressure and pulse rate; 63% reported lower anxiety; and 78% preferred a weighted blanket as a way to calm themselves.
Both studies indicate more research is necessary.

Create your own experience **slash** experiment! Weighted blankets are available in all colors, sizes, and weights. Neutral colors can be used in home decor. Throw it over the arm of a chair or a sofa—easy access for later placing over one’s lap for an afternoon read or nap. As of writing this blog, my 14-year-old has walked in and asked for his own personal weighted blanket. Now, his total blanket count will be two. I need to catch up. Or I'll just try his.

Do you have a weighted blanket? Comment below and tell us about your experience!

Photo Credit : Kimberly Wright

Finding Community in Unexpected Places

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:00:00 GMT

You want to hear something wild? I wasn’t formally diagnosed with ADHD until recently, but before even seeing a psychiatrist, I was certain I had it. Why? TikTok.

I know. I know. I’m a 30-something mom. I’m not even supposed to be on TikTok, right?! My sisters-in-law who are younger and cooler than me convinced me that TikTok is the digital space to be.

Once I got through the initial phase of constant cute cat clips, the algorithm began to work its magic, and it started showing me users with diagnosed ADHD. I don’t know how or why this happened, but I was pulled in by how similar their situations were with my own.

They would list common signs, like significant procrastination, need for novelty, and hyperfocus. And they’d talk about things that are particularly hard for them because they live with ADHD (hello, keeping up with chores). They described this debilitating space between wanting so badly to do things and a strong impulse to avoid everything.

I had never considered I could have ADHD until I started seeing these TikTokers talking about their personal experiences. Video after video would focus on the topic of ADHD, and every single one felt relevant to me.

You know how Oprah would talk about “aha moments”? This was my aha moment. Wow, I thought. It turns out I’m not crazy, stupid, lazy, or any other number of negative labels I had attributed to myself.

Finally, there was a reason for a lot of my behaviors that I grew up thinking were bad personality traits. At long last, there was an explanation for my hypervigilance and exhaustion, anxiety and depression. I had been white knuckling my way through ADHD for decades.

While I still haven’t been able to get treatment via medication (Did you know ADHD meds aren’t safe while breastfeeding? Fun times.), I now have support and guidance from my therapist and psychiatrist about how to live with ADHD. Last year, I even took a class taught by two licensed clinical social workers on functioning with ADHD as an adult.

I was given tools and tips to help make daily life a bit easier. More importantly, I was given a sense of community, of validation. It felt amazing to be in a room with people like me, who have the same struggles when it comes to work, relationships, household responsibilities, sleep—life. I felt seen and understood.

The people I found through TikTok and the ones I found through the ADHD class both reinforced the importance of having a community of people who understand what you’re going through. Whether that community is online or in person, it really helps to know other people are struggling with some of the same issues. And you can get through those struggles—together.

Here are a handful of folks in the ADHD TikTok community I have to thank for helping me:

@howtoadhd

@nestingyourlife

@drlauragouge

@kayleenkellyorganize

@clairebowmanofficial

Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels.

We All Deserve to Travel

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:00:00 GMT

The busiest season for travel is upon us!

Taking a vacation doesn’t always feel like a break—there’s so much to plan and arrange. It can be even more complicated if you have a disability. We hope that as accessibility and inclusion efforts continue to expand and improve, traveling will be easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

We all deserve time away from home. We all deserve to explore new places, try new foods, and experience new environments. We all deserve to relax. We all deserve to travel.

I’ve been seeing some interesting articles and essays about traveling with a disability—some recent, some not so recent. I’m sharing a handful with you today. If for no other reason than to feel a boost—progress is happening, you can do hard things, and traveling with a disability is possible and enjoyable.

Greece Makes Nearly 200 Beaches Accessible with Adaptive Chairs

Andrea Sachs , The Washington Post

“This summer in Europe, beachgoers with mobility issues will have more opportunities to swim in the Mediterranean without having to worry about traversing the sand. Starting in May, more than 200 Seatrac chairs will be installed at beaches to help vacationers access the sea in Greece and a few neighboring countries, including Italy and Cyprus.”

This Southwestern Destination Is America’s First Autism Certified City

Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure

Mesa, Arizona has been designated an Autism Certified City. The first of its kind in the United States, the city received this designation because at least 80% of guest-facing staff have received training in the field of autism. “In total, more than 500 Mesa Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities employees completed the training, along with nearly 4,000 community members representing 60 businesses and organizations,” reported Travel + Leisure .

Go to Visit Mesa to learn more.

Sunflowers Have a Hidden Meaning for Travelers with Disabilities

Karen Schwartz , The Washington Post

“The yellow sunflowers on a green background are intended to be a signal covering all invisible disabilities, with a goal of alerting airport and airline workers that the person wearing it might need some extra time or assistance.

Launched in 2016 at Britain’s Gatwick Airport, the initiative has grown to include nearly 200 airports worldwide, including 77 in the United States. British Airways and four other airlines, along with a host of other businesses, have also signed on.”

Read more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program for travel.

For Wheelchair Users, Air Travel Can Be a Nightmare—But It Doesn’t Have to Be

Kelly Dawson, AFAR

“I tend to steel myself for the experience of getting from a curb to my airline seat, regardless of how crowded the airport may be or how long the flight is. My parents met in the travel industry and I have a multicultural family based throughout the world, so it isn’t the overall environment that gives me pause—in fact, ever since I was a kid I knew how to pack and progress through a security line efficiently.

Bracing myself has to do with the fact that I have cerebral palsy, which mostly affects my legs. Because I can’t walk for long distances without pain, I use wheelchairs to make airports more manageable. In these instances, my disability is a thing to be managed by a string of strangers, and I’m tasked with confronting hurdles that are never easy to predict.”

6 Tour Companies Dedicated to Travelers with Disabilities

Arundhati Nath, Conde Nast Traveler

“Growing up, Neha Arora didn’t have the easiest time traveling with her family—her father is visually impaired, and her mother is a wheelchair user. ‘We’d travel 2,000 miles only to realize the place wasn’t accessible or wouldn’t give us the experience we were looking forward to,’ says Arora. In 2016, she founded Planet Abled, a travel company that caters to the needs of people with various disabilities.”

Photo: Cristina, Victoria, and Winston Might by Laura Jennings Photography

WE Made

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 14:00:40 GMT

“I believe that pouring into others is the best way to pour into yourself,” Madeline Oliff, WE Made.

For more than 120 years, Workshops Empowerment Inc. has provided employment opportunities to people with disabilities . WE Made is a program of WE Inc., providing job training in the food service and retail industries. With their line of WE Made mixes, sprays, and fire starters, participants get hands-on work experience, a steady income, and job readiness training. All products are made with the highest quality ingredients and are handmade in small batches at their workshop in Birmingham, AL.

I recently spoke with Madeline Oliff, Social Enterprise Program Manager at Workshops Empowerment Inc . She heads the WE Made program and spends her days training program participants, marketing WE Made products at local fairs, developing new products, providing customer service for our 100+ wholesale customers, and more.

Originally from Chicago, Madeline moved to Birmingham in 2020 for an entrepreneurship fellowship program called Venture for America. She’d felt drawn to mission-driven work prior, so leading the WE Made program gave her the opportunity to exercise her mission-driven and entrepreneurial muscles.

Below are excerpts of our conversation about WE Made.

Tell us about WE Made:

WE Made is a nonprofit social enterprise that provides jobs and job training to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment in the Birmingham Metro area. Through our workforce development program, WE Made trains participants in the food service and retail industries with both hands-on work experience alongside a curriculum around job readiness.

What do you love the most about WE Made?

I love that it has become a symbol of all of the work we do at WE Made’s parent organization, Workshops Empowerment Inc. WE Inc.’s mission is to help people with disabilities and other barriers to employment achieve their highest vocational potential. We were founded in 1900 (you read that right!) and we have been serving the community ever since in a variety of ways. But unless you come into our workshop in Avondale (Alabama), it isn’t always visible to see how we impact our community.

I also love the workforce development space because the work I can accomplish with program participants will last far beyond the time they walk into the doors of Workshops.WE Made is a way to tell our organization's story in an approachable way, and a way that now reaches 24 states! Each package highlights the smiling faces of the people we serve and is signed by the person that packages it, so you can feel that it’s made with love!

I know there are three lines of WE Made products: Southern-inspired baking mixes,

all-natural sprays, and fire starters. What are YOUR favorite products?

I have the biggest sweet tooth, so it’s hard not to say the Pound Cake Mix. Otherwise, I love the Fire Starters. I think they are so festive and fun in their pinecone shapes. I can’t leave for a camping trip without them!

What do you want us to know about the people at WE Made?

It’s been amazing to watch WE Made grow so quickly in just 2 years. We are in over 115 stores in 24 states! Every single dollar we make goes right back into someone’s first pay check or first promotion, and every purchase makes a huge difference for the people we serve. So, I encourage you to shop local, small businesses and the products with a purpose that they have!

Photo Credit: AMD Creative

Celebrations for Everyone

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 14:00:01 GMT

Weddings, birthday parties, graduations, 4th of July barbecues, and pool hangs—it seems summer is the season to celebrate!

Taking part in celebrations can be easier for some than others. If you’re throwing a party or hosting a gathering this summer, we’ve collected some tips to consider when planning your get-together to promote inclusivity and accessibility, so everyone can participate and feel welcomed.

Planning the Location

Whether you hope to host an event at your home or other venue, it’s important to be sure the space features universal design elements to make it accessible to all. It helps to ask questions:

Are there barriers to entry (e.g., stairs without ramps, curbs without cuts, cumbersome doors, small entryways, etc.)

Are bathrooms accessible?

Is there enough seating?

Are signs visible and legible?

Is there adequate parking? Is there a drop-off location? Is the parking lot a great distance from the entrance?

Are there clear, unobstructed paths in high-traffic areas?

Planning the Menu

The food can often be the favorite part of party planning! It can also be challenging to create a menu that everyone will enjoy.

For casual gatherings, consider a potluck, encouraging attendees to bring their favorite side dishes. Alternatively, ask guests to notify you of allergies or dietary restrictions, letting them know you’ll make every effort to modify the meal accordingly.

If some foods contain known allergens, mark them accordingly (e.g., a label on the container, a little flag in the center, etc.) so people can skip them as needed. Place them at a distance from other dishes and be sure they have separate serving utensils.

Planning the Details

For some, the atmosphere—the decorations, lighting, music, and more—can be inspiring and exciting. For others, it can feel overwhelming. As the saying goes, the devil is in the details.

It can be easy to feel overstimulated, especially in a new environment or crowded space. Add on bright lights, strong smells, and/or loud sounds, and you’ve got the makings of an extremely overwhelming sensory experience.

Try to avoid strong lighting, colorful lights, or flashing lights. If you can, try to have a separate area for food so that the aromas aren’t overpowering. Likewise, leave out items like candles, incense, or other items with strong-smelling scents. When considering music, take note of volume, speed, and style—is it fast, does it have sudden changes in pitch or tempo, etc.

Plan to set aside a separate space where guests can allow their senses to rest. A dimly lit, quiet room can help guests recover from overstimulation.

Planning for the Unexpected

You can’t plan for everything! But it helps to let your guests know that you’re willing and able to make accommodations to ensure their experience is enjoyable.

From the formal mailed invitation to the casual text, whatever form your invitations may take, it helps to let guests know what to expect. If they know details like location and menu in advance, they have the opportunity to make arrangements or accommodations as needed.

Also, it helps to simply ask what you can do to make a guest more comfortable. In general, communicate that you are willing to make accommodations based on individual needs. If there are particular guests you expect will need assistance, check in with them and ask if they have a need. Writer Kelly Dawson wrote a wonderful personal essay for Cup of Jo on this very subject. You can read it here .

Photo credit: Jessica Bryant and Katya Wolf

Climbing Out of the Darkness: My Journey into Motherhood

Tue, 30 May 2023 14:00:00 GMT

In my last post in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m sharing something personal—my own journey with motherhood and mental health.

I haven’t shared much about my experience of becoming a mother—my matrescence—with very many people. It wasn’t the experience I expected or planned for; it didn’t align with what’s depicted in movies, TV, and books—or on blogs.

My postpartum period was cloaked in guilt and shame. Because it wasn’t an easy time, I thought something was wrong with me. Because I didn’t see my experience reflected in the world, I thought I had to hide it.

I guess that’s why I need to share it now. Maybe a new mom needs to see this and know she’s not alone. Maybe I can take one small step to help normalize a different type of experience. To show that the postpartum period is not a magical, glorious time for all mothers—and that’s okay.

During my twenties, I appeared outwardly to have no interest in having my own children. Meanwhile, my husband and I already had our daughter’s full name picked out. I just knew from a place deep inside that we’d have a little girl one day.

In my early thirties, after an HPV diagnosis and procedures that could jeopardize my ability to carry a baby to term, my OBGYN suggested that if I did want children, I probably shouldn’t delay.

I went from feeling like I was waiting for the right time to worrying that I was going to run out of time. In the fall of 2020, during a global pandemic (maybe the worst time?!), I found out I was pregnant.

In June of 2021, I gave birth to my daughter at 35 weeks—five weeks premature—after my water broke spontaneously, mysteriously. I had a “normal” pregnancy up until that point. The cause was unrelated to my HPV-related procedures but, even after a number of tests, is still unknown.

I held my daughter for the first time so briefly. There’s only a single blurry photo to supplement my own hazy recollection of that moment. She was rushed to the nursery for respiratory support and later transported to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a different hospital nearby. It would be days before I would have the opportunity to hold her in my arms again. As soon as my daughter was born, I feared we might lose her.

I am convinced the NICU experience, no matter how long or short, changes your brain and the way you approach parenting forever. For me, it also triggered a severe case of postpartum anxiety (PPA) and depression (PPD).

I didn’t notice the symptoms while my daughter was in the hospital. I think I was pushing myself harder than I’ve ever pushed before to stay strong for my baby. When we finally got to bring her home, I collapsed under the weight of it all.

I felt completely debilitated. I had no appetite. I felt nauseous all the time. I couldn’t stop crying. As soon as I would wake up from the little amount of sleep I could manage, I would have a panic attack. I watched as my husband held our baby, but I often avoided holding her because I was terrified of hurting her. I felt so overwhelmed, like I couldn’t catch my breath. It felt like an endless cycle of feeding, diaper changing, and pumping, with no real opportunities for rest. I felt like I was in a dark, dark cave with no way out.

Thankfully, there was a way out. I met with my therapist regularly, bawling my eyes out over teleconferences. At her recommendation, I talked to my OBGYN about my symptoms, and she prescribed medication. And rest. She gave me permission to sleep in a separate space from my baby. For several nights, my husband did the “night shift,” relocating our baby’s bassinet to the living room and sleeping on the couch so I could get longer stretches of restful sleep in our bedroom.

(I honestly still feel shame about admitting that last part. This is a work in progress.)

After about a month, the darkness began to lift. I overcame my fear of holding my daughter by sitting with the discomfort of my fear until it eventually melted away. I stopped having panic attacks as frequently. I shared in the dreaded “night shift.”

Admittedly, I was blindsided by my experience with PPA and PPD after I gave birth. I was aware of PPD, and I even discussed the possibility of getting it with my doctor. I wasn’t very far into my mental health diagnoses when I became pregnant, but I had been treated for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the fall and winter months. I had also been working with my therapist to address generalized anxiety. I knew some risk factors were there.

I just didn’t understand how severe my symptoms could be or how quickly they could appear.

In hindsight, I wish I had taken the risk factors more seriously and had a plan in place for treatment that would begin immediately after delivery. I’ve since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A new study suggests that people with ADHD are more likely to experience PPD and PPA, as are people with depression and anxiety prior to pregnancy.

I love my daughter more than anything in this world. She is pure magic. And I know I am willing to go through hell to be with her. It’s been tested and proven. My experience of early motherhood taught me a valuable lesson I’ll need throughout this journey of raising my daughter. And it’s that I have to show up for myself in order to show up for her. I have to take care of my own health—mental and physical—in order to be the best parent I can be for her.

Welcomed Co™ Picked for Spring 2023 Bronze Valley Venturelab Cohort

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Mon, 29 May 2023 20:48:27 GMT

Welcomed Co™ is one of only five companies invited to participate in the 2023 Spring Bronze Valley VentureLab cohort. Members benefit from individualized mentorship and coaching, mentor swarms, investor and accelerator pitches, and more. Graduates typically go on to participate in an investment accelerator or raise a seed round.

“It's a privilege and honor to be accepted into the Bronze Valley VentureLab, “ said Welcomed Co’s founder Cristina Casanova Might. “The opportunity to work with the amazing folks at Gener8tor and Bronze Valley is priceless!”

Bronze Valley is a non-profit, early stage venture investment platform that supports high growth, innovation and technology-enabled companies created by diverse, underrepresented and underestimated founders. The Bronze Valley VentureLab is a program in partnership with gener8tor. gener8tor is a nationally-ranked venture capital firm and accelerator that operates more than 75 programs spanning startup accelerators, corporate programming, speaker series, conferences, skills accelerators and fellowships, regardless of race, place or gender.

Kelly Cervantes: Normal Broken

Tue, 23 May 2023 14:03:50 GMT

In this installment about motherhood and mental health, I’m sharing excerpts from a recent conversation I was privileged to have with disability advocate Kelly Cervantes.

Kelly Cervantes is mother to Jackson (10), “Strawbaby” (4), and Adelaide, who passed away right before her fourth birthday in October 2019. She serves as the board chair of the non-profit CURE Epilepsy . For her, this cause is personal; Adelaide was diagnosed with infantile spasms, a severe form of childhood epilepsy. Kelly writes a blog Inchstones about her experience, and she hosts CURE’s podcast Seizing Life . Her first book Normal Broken : The Grief Companion for When It’s Time to Heal but You’re Not Sure You Want to will be released later this year.

The following has been edited for brevity and clarity.

On getting a diagnosis

My daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was seven months old, and then a couple of months later, that was followed up with an infantile spasms diagnosis. It can be treated in some children, but my daughter did not fall into that category. It resulted in major setbacks and additional health problems over the course of her life.

We never really found the actual diagnosis of what was causing my daughter's seizures and the multitude of her other diagnoses, but epilepsy was the symptom that affected our lives the most.

On the transition to a primary caregiving role

Around the time that my daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy, my husband booked the title role of Hamilton on Broadway for a month and then in the Chicago production, so we moved to Chicago.

Overnight, I went from being our family's primary breadwinner to being the caregiver for my daughter and my family as we went through this major transition.

I've spoken with a handful of people who have fallen into this caregiver role, and a lot of times it is abrupt like that. You see your parent, your child, your spouse getting worse, and you begin to realize that you do have to leave your job in order to care for this person you love.

I had to grieve that person I was in that job before I was fully able to even accept being a caregiver. If I had had to work and manage Adelaide’s care, I would have been miserable. There's no one else I would ever have trusted to care for her in that way. But that didn't mean it was easy to do.

On the challenges of caregiving

The early days were the hardest. I remember my husband was on stage getting a standing ovation at the end of every night. What he does is amazing, and he is incredibly talented, but he says the exact same words every single night. Here I was, administering meds and fighting with pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies, or negotiating with the doctors and trying to figure out her care, and reading white papers at two o'clock in the morning with a medical dictionary open in another window on my computer. Where was my standing ovation? No one's clapping that I somehow managed to get clean clothes in their drawer at the end of the day.

I didn't have any medical training. I was learning everything on the job as I went along. It is thankless, unobserved, unpaid work. And it's stressful. It's traumatic. You're making life and death decisions regularly. The stakes don't get higher than this.

Then I found a groove. I finally was able to compile a medical team that I trusted, that respected me, that listened to me, that spent time with Adelaide and really took her in and saw her as a whole person. The last few years that Adelaide was alive, I was incredibly proud of everything I learned. I would joke and say I had a PhD in Adelaide. No one knew her better than me. That's a double-edged sword. I loved being the expert on her, but also, no one knew her better than me, so that meant every decision rested on my shoulders.

On the importance of support and finding community

Support and recognition, even in small ways, make such a big difference in feeling seen and acknowledged. It’s friends who helped with rides to and from practices for my son without expecting an exchange of favors. Friends who were open, willing to learn, and not be scared. I could teach them basics of how to take care of Adelaide so I could maybe just go get my nails done down the street.

One of Adelaide’s conditions was mast cell activation, so she would get red and have difficulty breathing if there were any strong scents in a room. My friend would put away all of the candles and make sure we could be outside if she was cooking anything. Adelaide would overheat, so she would always make sure that she had a fan nearby. We could get out of the house and socialize because I knew that Adelaide would be safe there and her needs would be thought of.

I don't know how you do it long term without community and support. Sometimes it can be hard to find. Connect with individual people, go to expos around a specific disease, or maybe there are groups that are run through your hospital. It is so important to find those people who get it. It may not even have to be the same diagnosis that your loved one has. A lot of the challenging cases of being a caregiver are regardless of the age, the relationship, or the diagnosis of the person that you are caring for. It’s important to find those people in whatever way is easiest or most accessible for you.

On finding joy

If your child or your loved one is hurting or struggling, you think you don't deserve to be happy. But you do. You have to find those moments of joy because that's the only way you're going to stay sane and stay healthy in order to be able to care for them. There's nothing wrong with finding happiness amid really crummy situations. We have to do it to survive, and our loved ones want us to be happy. You deserve to have moments of happiness even amongst the struggle and the pain.

Trying to balance so many emotions and thoughts and feelings in your head at the same time is confusing, and it's stressful, and it's exhausting—and it's wonderful and beautiful and amazing and all the things all at once. There’s no such thing as a perfect caregiver or a perfect parent. We can’t be on all the time. We have to give ourselves time—whatever that looks like—to breathe and rest, recalibrate and refresh.

I got to see and experience a whole other world, another type of person. I was exposed to disability in a way that I hadn't been before, to the medical world, to medical complexities, to the frustrations but also the joy and the beauty of it—the real meaningful moments.

There's something really beautiful and amazing about being needed in that way, and being able to provide in that way, and I miss that.

On sharing her family’s story

I have written a blog called Inchstones since Adelaide was alive and then have continued it after her death. I originally started sharing our journey through my blog to help me process all of those contradictory emotions and to find people who felt the same way or experienced something similar.

More often than not caregivers are not around other caregivers, so it's hard to be able to connect with people who understand what your day-to-day looks like. It gave me the strength to keep going. I knew that by sharing our experience, it was helping other people to feel seen, and it was helping to raise awareness for epilepsy and epilepsy research. Science couldn't catch up to Adelaide, but maybe if we could raise more money, it could catch up and help the next family, and then all of Adelaide’s struggles in her short life didn't have to be in vain.

We could help another caregiver to not feel quite as isolated or give tips they can use to be a better caregiver, to take better care of themselves, and to ask for the help they need. That's how and why I do it and I keep doing it. There's power in sharing our stories.

On her work with CURE Epilepsy

In Chicago, I became connected with the nonprofit CURE Epilepsy. We really tried to use our platform with Hamilton to try and raise awareness around epilepsy and raise funds for epilepsy research.

CURE Epilepsy gave me a purpose in life outside of Adelaide when I was desperately needing it. I remember I reached out to the organization, and Susan Axelrod, the founder of the organization, came and met with me at the hospital. She was the first mother I met in person who understood what we were going through. Susan introduced me to a whole network of other families who also were walking this similar path.

The mission of CURE Epilepsy is epilepsy research. I felt so understood by this organization and passionate for the work. I am eternally grateful to that organization because they lifted us up after Adelaide passed away, and that community has continued to hold us up. Even though I don't have a family member that is currently affected by epilepsy, I still feel a part of that community and forever ingrained within it.

On remembering Adelaide

I got to have an incredibly special and meaningful relationship with her that most other people didn't, and my life is forever changed. We had our own way of communicating. She was nonverbal and non-mobile, but that didn't stop her from letting me know exactly what she wanted or more often than not, didn't want.

She was feisty. She loved Frank Sinatra, and she hated Baby Shark or any kids’ music. She was so responsive to music but very particular about what that music was. She enjoyed being read to. She loved being outside and going on walks. She was always so calm and peaceful. I could actually see on her pulse oximeter that her heart rate would go down every time we got outside. She was so much stronger than she should have had to have been.

She had all of these symptoms, these diagnoses, this medical equipment, these appointments, and therapies, but at the end of the day, she's still my daughter. I'm just so proud of her and love her.

Now, I can use my time and my energy to make Adelaide’s life have meant something. I hope that other people can be inspired by her or by the work that I put out into the world, so we can make a difference, and we can do good, and we can help another family who finds themselves in a similar situation.

And finally, a message to other caregivers

This is really hard. It's not fair, and it really sucks. You are in incredible company, and you are going to meet some of the most amazing people. Your life is about to be more fulfilled than you could have imagined.

That doesn't take away how hard this is and how much stress and pain is going to come along the way. It'll take time, but you're going to figure this out. In time, you will look back and be so proud of how far you and your loved one has come. It may not feel like it, but you will find a new normal, and you will find joy in that normal if you let yourself.

Take Care

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 18 May 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Our tendency as caregivers and mothers is to care for others sometimes to the extent that we “forget” to take care of ourselves. It feels…maybe selfish? Or is it just understood that we “take care” of everyone? Perhaps, we are the types to just take over: we do it all and leave no stone unturned except our own stone. Outside of working, caring for children–maybe aging parents–and a home, there’s no time for “self-care.” But not the self-care you’re thinking about.

“Self-care” is all a buzz lately. Most often, it refers to things like the spa, time alone, bubble baths, etc. One aspect of self-care that doesn’t sound as “glamorous” or fun is the care we give ourselves that can save our lives–the self-care of going to the doctor for regular health screenings. Therefore, for today self-care = health screenings

After I turned 40, I had one medical issue after another. A wife and mom of two boys, I had surgery to remove a benign breast nodule, another surgery to repair a torn ACL, acid reflux, colon polyps, and eventually colon surgery.

I was reluctant to share my colon story because it’s not a story you just share. But as I sat in a hospital bed in October 2020, in the midst of a raging pandemic, watching a news segment regarding the age at which colon cancer screenings should start, I felt compelled to share. Seeing more people (famous and not so famous) die of colon cancer…I couldn’t keep this to myself.

Let me first state that I do not and did not have cancer. When I was 43, at a regular visit with my internist, I complained about some issues I was having. He recommended a colonoscopy, and I thought nothing of it. At the time, the recommended age for Black people to begin colon screenings was 45. He told me it would be a good idea to go at 43 “just in case.” So I did. I was not prepared for the results.

During that procedure, the doctor discovered a 3 centimeter polyp (pretty big). It was non-cancerous yet precancerous. Because of the location of the polyp, it could not be removed that day. At the time, that wasn’t the most disappointing part. I’d have to do this all over again. And if you’ve ever had a colonoscopy, you know what I mean.

A month later, it was removed along with several new, smaller ones.
Six months later, more polyps appeared and were removed.
A year after that (2020), there were more. But there were some that could not be removed based on shape, size and location.

My gastroenterologist recommended having that area of my colon removed because, frankly, that’s a lot of polyps and a lot of (too many!) colonoscopies (five total). The polyps were continuing to form, and no one should have five additional colonoscopies to continue attempting to remove them all. So, I took his recommendation and had the right side of my colon removed in October 2020.

Recent studies show that “Women have a higher risk of developing right-sided colon cancer, which often develops more aggressively. And because women have a long and narrower colon, some colonoscopies may be incomplete.” ( Invisible Women : Data Bias in a World Designed for Men ) ( Gendered Innovations ). That’s not to say my colonoscopy was incomplete, but it’s a good reason for women as caregivers not to skip this particular screening.

Having colonoscopy #1 was a minor inconvenience to my everyday life, but the next four colonoscopies, the surgery and recovery made me feel like a burden to my family–which is odd. I’ve never in the least considered them a burden. Taking care of them was my joy, my role and what some would consider my “job.” I do “all the things,” but who does all the things when I am physically unable? I can admit that this line of thinking is one born of me wanting to do it all and not wanting to ask for help. But I had no choice.

In 2019, Carly Snyder, a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist told the Washington Post , “Women in general grow up with the assumption that we are the caregivers and any additional help is gravy. This is regardless of whether we lived in progressive homes with parents who shared the duties of parenthood to whatever degree possible or not."

So, thoughts like “who will care for my family if I’m sick” make it easy to consider avoiding regular doctor visits and health screenings. We don't want to "be" sick or told that we are sick because we have things to do. I’d thought, and hoped, that COVID raging throughout the world would prevent me from having to have any colonoscopies in 2020. Instead, I had two. LUCKILY, I had two.

But conversely, what if I’d not talked to my doctor and waited two more years? Would I still be able to take care of my family in any capacity? What care would I then need?

Caretaking is lonely if we take it on as a solo job. In my case, I had a spouse who took great care of me and our family during my recovery.

But. Maybe it’s not a choice to take it on solo. You are the sole caretaker. You are the only parent. It is lonely.

Whatever your circumstances, consider what COULD happen if you delayed your routine health screenings? Would you still be able to take care of your family in any capacity? What care might YOU then need?

In all cases, taking care of yourself, self-care, allows you to better care for those you love. Knowing the importance of remaining healthy, to care for our families, doesn’t always make it any easier to prioritize our own health, mental and physical. But the fact remains that a better, healthy you is more equipped to care for the needs of those around you.

(Photo: Kimberly Wright and her sons on Mother's Day)

Caregiving Is Hard

Tue, 16 May 2023 14:00:02 GMT

This week is National Women’s Health Week . May is unofficially recognized as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, and officially recognized as National Mental Health Awareness Month . In this post and throughout this month, we’ll be discussing the experience of women in the roles of mothers and caregivers. We’ll also continue to explore caregiving more generally, as that term goes beyond gender, encompassing raising children as well as tending to the needs of other family members and loved ones.

If you listen to the news—or really, if you listen to women*–you know that women are struggling. Maternal mortality rates are the highest they’ve been in years , particularly for Black and brown mothers. Women left the workforce in record numbers during the pandemic, and they have been slow to return—if at all. Access to lifesaving healthcare is restricted . Women experience higher rates of depression and anxiety .

Women shoulder most caregiving responsibilities—for children, spouses, parents, siblings, and other relatives and loved ones. With little outside support, it can sometimes feel impossible to get through the days, weeks, months, and years. Caregiving is hard. Even admitting that is hard. We may think that saying it out loud somehow means we love our families less. But that’s not true. We try to do it all and muscle through the tough stuff because we love our families so much. Both are true—we love our families and providing for their care is really hard.

Just last month, President Joe Biden signed an executive order outlining more than 50 steps to be taken to increase access to childcare and elder care, and to provide support to caregivers.

“Family caregivers provide informal, often unpaid, care to help loved ones live in their homes and communities, including caring for aging family members, people with disabilities, and children. At least 53 million people are family caregivers in the United States — including 5.5 million who are caring for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans — and many face challenges due to lack of support, training, and opportunities for rest. Family caregivers include spouses, parents, siblings, adult and minor children, grandparents, and other relatives. Family caregivers reflect the diversity of America’s communities, and people can assume family caregiving responsibilities at any stage of life. Without adequate resources, family caregiving can affect caregivers’ own physical and emotional health and well-being and contribute to financial strain. These negative consequences are felt most acutely by women, who make up nearly two-thirds of family caregivers and drop out of the workforce at a rate three times higher than men .”

Just as President Biden states, the work of caregiving can have a significant impact on the caregiver’s mental and physical health, primarily affecting women. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), women caregivers are “less likely to get regular screenings, and they may not get enough sleep or physical activity.”

Caregiver stress is real, and it contributes to health problems more often in women than men.

According to HHS, caregiving stress accounts for the following in women: an increase in depression and anxiety; a weakened immune system; higher risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis; and increased chances of short-term memory loss and concentration issues. Learn more about caregiver stress here .

We are unwavering advocates for the health and well-being of our families. However, we often put ourselves last, which can strain our own mental and physical health. Our leader Cristina Might is a tireless champion for her children, but she struggles with undiagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) herself, facing the challenges of parenting without her own diagnosis and treatment. Similarly, I have partnered with a physical therapist to address my child’s foot overpronation, but I haven’t sought out my own physical therapist for assistance with chronic pain related to my untreated overpronation.

Hopefully, help is on the way. In the meantime, let’s make a commitment to ourselves, our families, and each other that we’ll tend to ourselves a bit more. Maybe it’s carving out an hour per week to do something just for you. Maybe it’s scheduling that routine health screening or appointment. Maybe it’s finding a counselor to support your mental health. Maybe it’s joining a support group to feel a sense of community. I’m committing to making an appointment to start treatment for my chronic pain. What small thing can you commit to doing?

*When we use the terms woman and women , we are referring to any person who identifies as a woman. We are committed to creating a space of inclusion; our trans family, and any member of the LGBTQIA+ community, is welcome here.

Welcomed Co™ Receives Pending B Corp Status

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Mon, 08 May 2023 22:15:00 GMT

I am relieved and happy to share that Welcomed Co™ has finally received its Pending B Corp status! This certification process took a great deal of time and effort.

We have included B Impact Assessment criteria in our Key Performance Indicators. Having this criteria woven into Welcomed Co’s foundation makes tracking, measuring, improving and reporting our social impact an integrated part of our operations going forward.

As our operations get underway, we look forward to pursuing full certification early next year.

-Cristina Might

The Pending B Corp status signifies that Welcomed Co is committed to using its business as a force for good and is on the path to become a Certified B Corporation™.

“Pending B Corp is a temporary status for start-ups with less than 12 months of operations who are looking to incorporate B Corp principles into their business before they can qualify for full B Corp Certification.

“B Lab™ is the nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. B Lab became known for certifying B Corporations, which are companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.”

( Source )

Click here to learn more about B Lab and the B Corp Movement

Founder Friday

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 20:31:36 GMT

APRIL 28, 2023

One year ago today, my beautiful grandmother passed away.

I flew out to Puerto Rico to visit her shortly before she unexpectedly and suddenly died.

Looking back, this laid the foundation to start Welcomed Co™ six months later.

ABUELITA

My Abi, as I called her, was a strong-willed, proud, gorgeous woman, and she was deservedly a little vain.

Abi was aging, but comparatively healthy.

Unfortunately, she adamantly refused to use a walker.

She also refused to use her hospital bed after a bad cut on her leg (due to not using said walker), and that reluctance ended up indirectly killing her.

Rather than sleep on her hospital bed at home, she snuck off to sleep on her couch, and in the process she tore open the stitches on her leg.

(It was a gut punch when I saw that her at-home hospital bed was the identical make and model of the bed that insurance had also provided for my son.)

Abi’s leg did not heal, became gangrenous, was amputated, and shortly after the surgery, she died.

STRESS

The human body doesn’t differentiate between physical and emotional stress.

As someone with a rare autoimmune condition called generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG), losing my grandmother was sufficiently stressful to cause a flare in my condition.

My gMG can affect my energy level, vision, fine motor skills, and swallowing. (I am lucky that it has never affected my breathing.)

Additionally, I had been fielding many calls from parents of children dying from undiagnosed conditions, asking for my help–after having recently lost my oldest son.

In case you’re wondering, this is VERY stressful.

THOUGHTS

When you can’t really read, drive, type, or get out of bed, you have a lot of time to think.

So, think I did.

I thought about the nature of invisible vs visible health conditions.

I thought about the differences between pediatric and adult health conditions and perceptions.

I thought about disability, identity, and language.

I thought about mental health.

I thought about systemic inequities.

I thought about challenges to improving quality of life: scientific, academic, regulatory, policy, financial, business, diagnostic, therapeutic, access, systemic...

I thought about the greatest impediment: human nature.

I thought about the whys, history, and incentives surrounding human nature.

I thought about what had made my grandmother and my son happiest.

I thought about grief.

I thought about beauty.

I thought about why the products for the people I loved the most were so ugly.

I thought about the past, the future, and the present.

I thought about the nature of time.

I thought about how my seemingly broken eyes, hands, and heart could do good today.

I thought about love.

HOPE

On this foundation, my daughter and her friend, Betsy, lit a fire that summer.

We all have come a long way in one year.

For the first time in a long time, I am hopeful for what this next year will bring.

Photo: Cristina and her Abi (Abuelita) on April 25, 2022

How Young Do You Feel?

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 12:07:22 GMT

You’re only as “young” as you feel. Right?

Technically, it’s true. Our bodies can function differently relative to our actual calendar age. This is also known as biological or physiological age. Healthy eating habits along with exercise, stress management, sleep, low exposure to toxic environments (internal and external), and many other factors can have a positive effect on the age we “feel.”

But it’s not only just how one feels. Our younger, physiological-aged selves, being healthy in those habits listed above, are able to do things like recover easier after surgery. I personally heard that from a surgeon (post-surgery) a few years ago as he remarked about my age being an indicator of my likely quick recovery period. I reminded him of my age…the age I am according to my birth certificate. He then educated me on my “real” age.

Yet, the opposite can also be true. Based on life experiences and habits, we can feel our calendar age or even a little older.

But regardless of how young we feel and what “age” we are, we do get older. Our ability to do the things we’re accustomed to doing or just the everyday things we have to do–standing, sitting, walking, bathing, cooking–changes. That doesn’t mean we should stop doing them, but we may need a little assistance.

When our health and mobility change, we don’t want to think about what that actually means. We just want to keep living a semblance of the life we’re accustomed to. But how can we live with what may be subtle (or sometimes larger) challenges and still feel like we’re “living”?

My husband is a runner. He runs a lot. He has recently indicated the desire to sell our two-level home and purchase a home with only one-level because after all that running, it’s getting harder to climb the stairs. I personally could’ve told him the same thing after my aforementioned surgery.

But while it’s easier for us to think of these things now when we are biologically younger than we will be one day, there are many who wait too late to even have the conversation.

Many people with health and mobility issues delay making much needed changes to their homes because of what those changes mean for them. The change happens most times after injury has occurred or when pain is too much to bear. Contributing to this delay is the unattractive look of the products and the stigma (old, aging, vulnerable ,etc.) associated with aging.

UK Bathing specialists, Mira Showers, conducted a research study of 1,000 UK adults over 65 . A majority of participants said they “feel” younger and make an effort to do things that the younger “people” do. The research also highlighted the challenge in marketing products for aging individuals who don’t feel like they’re “aging.”

Roland Boal, Lead Industrial Designer at Mira, said, “Growing older shouldn’t mean that we have to make compromises when it comes to style, especially in the home. Clearly those that took part in our research agree; 70% prioritize style over function and with 87% stating that they would most like to grow old living at home independently, it’s vital that we support them.” (source)

In other words, it’s vital we make these changes while we are “as young as we feel.” And the look and feel of our homes should reflect how we want to live but in a way that helps us to live longer.

Photo by Barbara Olsen : https://www.pexels.com/photo/aged-black-man-running-on-street-7869516/

Photo by Mikhail Nilov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-beige-shirt-doing-a-forward-bend-7500640/

First Steps to Making Your Home More Welcoming

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 21:00:01 GMT

Rosemarie Rossetti, whose book we mentioned in this post held a TEDx talk about universal design in everyday life. According to Rossetti, 90% of homes are not accessible for people with disabilities.

See her Tedx talk here.

We can all implement small changes around the house to make our spaces more inviting, inclusive, and accessible to people of all abilities. We’ve gathered some ideas of ways you can introduce universal design principles into your own home now. Join us in creating a more welcoming world.

High-Traffic Spaces

Common spaces used by residents and visitors alike are good places to start when it comes to making updates to your home. Here are simple adjustments that can make accessing these spaces safer and easier.

Install automatic light sensors

Light switches can be challenging for some to operate. Automatic sensors turn lights on when someone enters the room and shuts them off if the room is empty. Bonus: This conserves energy and is good for the planet.

Remove curbs or transitions between room

Having curbless entry in each room helps lessen the possibility of tripping on a threshold when moving from room to room

Declutter pathways

Consider the paths people walk in your most-used rooms. Are there obstructions, like furniture or clutter on the floor? Clear the way to make sure movement throughout is easy and unobstructed.

Kitchen

While the kitchen is the most hazardous room in the home, there are small steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Remove the kitchen mat

Rugs and mats near the sink can cause trips and falls. Removing them and selecting flooring that provides traction-but doesn't create an uneven surface–will help make this room safer. Certain tiles and cork work well for this, as well.

Store thoughtfully

Store frequently used items in easy-to-reach places, like waist-height cabinets or on countertops. For deep shelves, consider inserts that can assist in pulling items out more easily.

Add lighting

Install task lighting above high-use spots, like the oven or certain countertops. Additional lighting in cabinets, drawers, and other storage areas is also helpful.

Change out your hardware

Handles or levers on drawers and cabinets are more accessible than knobs, tabs, and C- and J-Channel cabinet pulls.

Enhance the sink

Single-lever faucets or touch faucets can help remove barriers to using the sink.

Shower

The bathroom is the second most dangerous room in the home. More than half of injuries sustained in the bathroom occur in the shower or tub. Start with making some minor changes to your shower.

Add a bench

This can help reduce fall risk, especially if standing for long periods is a challenge.

Install an adjustable showerhead

Even better, some shower heads now feature an easy-to-use on/off button.

Upgrade your faucet

If your faucet has a knob or two separate handles for hot and cold water, it can be helpful to install a faucet with a single handle.

Invest in a floor mat or non-slip flooring

Do what you can to reduce the chance of slipping while in the shower with a non-slip shower mat or specialty flooring.

Photo by Marcus Aurelius

Universal Design: Book Recommendations

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 15:14:31 GMT

As you may have noticed, we love talking about universal design around here. We’re hoping you’ll learn to love it, too. We do a lot of reading on the subject, and we’d like to share these book recommendations with you. If you’re looking for advice on how to implement universal design in your own spaces, look no further. These helpful resources should get you started.

Inclusive Design: A Universal Need

Linda L. Nussbaumer

This is a handy guide for anyone interested in curating spaces that consider both accessibility and aesthetics. The book covers the benefits of an inclusive approach in the areas of residential and commercial environments, product design, and technology.

Linda L. Nussbaumer has a PhD in interior design and holds an NCIDQ certificate. She has written multiple interior design books and was awarded the Joel Polsky Prize in 2014 for the textbook, Human Factors in the Built Environment .

Universal Design Toolkit: Time-savings ideas, resources, solutions, and guidance for making homes accessible

Rosemarie Rossetti

This comprehensive manual offers practical tips for making home a place that’s welcoming and accommodating to all. Whether you’re in a position to make small changes, take on a renovation project, or design a home from the ground up, the Universal Design Toolkit can help you through the process.

In the book, Rosemarie Rossetti draws from her own experiences, as she and her husband designed and built their home, the Universal Design Living Laboratory, which is the highest rated universal design home in North America. After a 7,000-pound tree crashed onto her, Rossetti became paralyzed from the waist down. She is an expert in universal design as well as a speaker, author, and consultant.

The Accessible Home: Designing for All Ages and Abilities

Deborah Pierce

This book leads readers through every step in the process of creating an accessible home. It dives into 25 different case studies, providing examples for varied needs.

Deborah Pierce is an award-winning architect who designs for all abilities and asserts that accessible homes can be both beautiful and functional.

If you’d like to learn more about universal design but don’t have the space or resources to access these books, we’ve collected some useful, free resources:

Creating Accessible Homes , HGTV

Americans Need Home Design That Welcomes Everyone , Architectural Digest

A House Built for Aging In Place , Fast Company

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Creating Welcoming Spaces

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 23:00:07 GMT

It’s the little things that go a long way in creating beautiful, welcoming spaces for those with differences in abilities. It can be said that health and wellness in the home are connected to the comfort it provides. A home designed for safety and the enhancement of one’s well-being provides comfort.

Conventional home decor and layouts may be challenging and stressful for those who may prefer softer light, are easily excitable, or prone to anxious moments. Creating a comfortable home for them, creates a home that’s comfortable (and stress free) for all. After a family trip where one member is overstimulated and anxious, a home that provides space for decompressing and reenergizing provides peace for all.

In 2019, Shelley Rosenberg founded Acorn & Oak, which offers services to help design more inclusive home spaces.

“You’re seeing a lot of physical barriers, but also emotional and mental barriers out in the real world,” she said to Domino Magazine in 2022 . “More than ever, to have a little haven where you can really connect—it is the stage that you’re setting for the most intimate memories you’ll have in your life.”

So, how do we create more welcoming environments for loved ones who may need a space to hide and be still or a place to let it all out? Sensory design considers all five senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste). Be it comfort, calm, or energy, designing with the senses in mind, can create comfort for everyone. Rosenberg uses this method, and we summarize her recommendations for sight, sound, and touch below.

Sight

Light: Different color lights and degrees of intensity can create different moods. Bright blue light can help with waking in the morning. Full spectrum can help focus. Warm reds can aid in relaxation. A dimmer switch is a good way to change the mood as the day progresses.

Patterns & Colors: Depending on the sensory needs, these can provoke a negative reaction and create a stressful environment. But for some, patterns and bright colors can be used in spaces where hyper energy can exerted (i.e. playroom)

“Whether (your family member) loves sensory stimulation or withdraws from it, exposing them to different spaces to build their tolerance and flexibility in a world that isn’t always inclusive or accessible,” said Rosenberg.

In other words, exposure to different spaces in the home can aid in adapting to those same types of spaces in public.

Sound

This can simply be a silent, maybe even sound-proofed space to re-energize. But this space doesn’t have to be dark, as it may elicit fear in some who may be unsure of things they can’t see. Relaxing music, white noise or even brown noise (i.e. roar of a river or thunder) can be helpful in this space.

Touch

Comfort isn’t universal, especially when it comes to what touches the skin. A fabric that is visually appealing–like wool or velvet–can feel abrasive to someone especially skin sensitive. Organic cotton and linen can be a more comforting and “cozy” alternative.

There’s, of course, more to consider than just the senses. The space should be aesthetically pleasing, but considering those who see, hear, and touch a little differently can go a long way in creating a home environment enjoyable and welcoming for all.

To get more insight into this design process and to see recommendations for smell and taste, click here .

Photo Credit: “ African American dad drawing with daughter and looking at camera in living room ” by Depositphotos.com

Everyday Examples of Universal Design

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 23:30:00 GMT

Universal design is a term to describe the design of spaces and products so they can be used by anyone. You may have also heard it called barrier-free design, inclusive design, or accessible design. Whatever you call it, the bottom line is–universal design makes spaces accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, size, or circumstance.

Ronald L. Mace came up with the concept of universal design, founding the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University in 1989. He and several colleagues established the Principles of Universal Design in 1997. These principles are:

Equitable Use
Flexibility in Use
Simple and Intuitive Use
Perceptible Information
Tolerance for Error
Low Physical Effort
Size and Space for Approach and Use

You can learn more about the Universal Design Principles via the Ronald L. Mace Universal Design Institute, a non-profit organization based in North Carolina dedicated to promoting the concept and practice of universal design.

As part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the federal government has established Standards for Accessible Design . While that’s a start, the concept of universal design is even more inclusive, as it considers design for all needs in terms of public and private spaces—indoors and outdoors—as well as products and goods.

We hope to help make the world a more inclusive space for all. One way to do that is by thinking about how to incorporate universal design in more places and spaces. Let’s start by noticing the universal design that’s already part of our daily lives. Here are some examples of universal design you’ve likely encountered:

Signs with high contrast
Videos with captions
Availability of text-to-speech software
Information materials in multiple formats (e.g., large print, electronic, Braille)
Sidewalk ramps and curb cuts
Curbless or step-free entry (i.e., no thresholds) into buildings, rooms, showers, etc.
Automatic doors / wider doorways
Adaptive/motion sensor lighting/direct light over work spaces
Crossing signals at intersections that can be heard and seen
Tactile surfaces (e.g., textured wallpaper, textured paving on the ground)
Levers/Handles instead of knobs (e.g., showers, sink faucets, doors)
Adjustable height desks in schools, workplaces, and public spaces, like libraries

Welcomed Co™ Participates in Prosper’s Community Connectors Advisory Board Meeting

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 19:30:00 GMT

Welcomed Co™ participated in Prosper’s Community Connectors Advisory Board (CCAB) meeting this month. Prosper is a coalition of community, civic and business leaders committed to creating a more productive economy that is inclusive of all races and genders. The CCAB focuses on community engagement with an emphasis on truth growth, increased awareness and volunteerism.

The March 17th event was hosted at United Ability and included a tour of the United Ability facility and a panel discussion to inform attendees of the intersection between ability and equity. Welcomed Co™’s Cristina Casanova Might served as a panelist alongside Madeline Oliff ( Workshops Empowerment Inc .) and United Ability team members.™

Featured was Prosper's B-Included health and wellness website brand to inform CCAB members about the website as a place for health and community resources.

“Prosper is grateful to have hosted a Community Connectors Advisory Board meeting at United Ability, being able to share more about our B-Included health and wellness platform, learn about the services offered at United Ability, and emphasize the importance of organizations that focus on workforce development and inclusion,“ said Angela Scott Abdur-Rasheed, Prosper’s Communications and Community Engagement Director. “We were especially honored to hear from panelists Cristina Casanova Might, Madeline Oliff, and staff from United Ability, sharing the work they do around disabilities and inclusion.”

“I am honored to be on the CCAB for Prosper Birmingham! Prosper is not just bringing all stakeholders to the table. Prosper is taking the table to all stakeholders to ensure that no one is left out in our pursuit of a more equitable economy here in Birmingham”, said Cristina Casanova Might. “As disabilities disproportionately impact women and people of color, this significantly impacts workforce participation rates. By including accessibility in our discussions about and efforts for greater diversity and equity, we will make greater strides to true inclusion.”

About Prosper's Community Connectors Advisory Board (CCAB)

The 40 CCAB Board members serve two-year terms. They lead in fostering new partnerships and opportunities as well as assisting staff with planning, managing, and executing community engagement. The CCAB members also join others in promoting accountability and transparency within Prosper’s work. In 2022, CCAB members dedicated more than 1000 hours of community service and support to Prosper through meetings, community engagement, brand awareness and special events.

Photo credit: Angela Scott Abdur-Rasheed

Theatre is for Everybody

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 19:00:01 GMT

Cristina Casanova Might recently visited the Georgia Aquarium with her family. The aquarium has “Sensory Hours,” which are generally the first hour of operation. Both of her children, her youngest Winston in particular, can become overwhelmed with intense and persistent sensations—sensory overload. That one hour is optimal because there’s less traffic and reduced lights and sounds.

“He loved it,” said Cristina. “He was able to actually enjoy the aquarium, and we were able to stay much longer than normal. But because he enjoyed it more, so did we!”

Recently, Birmingham’s Red Mountain Theatre (BMT) announced it will provide special ASL-interpreted and sensory-friendly performances to better serve the community.

“At RMT, we believe theatre is for everyone,” they reported in their most recent newsletter. “(We) are committed to providing a theatre experience that is accessible to people with extra needs.“

An ASL-interpreted performance will be provided on the second Saturday evening performance of each production within the season. Upcoming performances include Bright Star , Shrek The Musical, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat . Patrons are encouraged to contact the Box Office to be seated near the interpreter.

RMT will also offer special, sensory-friendly performances of select shows. These productions are modified to create an enjoyable experience for attendees on the autism spectrum and those with sensory processing disorders, anxiety, or other cognitive or physical disabilities. ( RMT )

Through a partnership with KultureCityⓇ, RMT also offers KultureCityⓇ Sensory Bags for both children and adults. These bags are available during any performance and contain items that can assist in lessening sensory overload.

“Red Mountain Theatre is committed to creating meaningful experiences on and off the stage. We strive to reflect and serve the rich diversity of Birmingham and the surrounding area in our art, staff, and community work.” ( RMT is Sensory Friendly )

“We at Welcomed Co™ applaud RMT for taking the extra step to make theatre accessible to all people with all abilities,” added Cristina. “I look forward to attending one of the sensory friendly performances with my family.”

Sensory-friendly performances will be offered during the for Shrek The Musical on June 7 and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on July 26. Contact the box office for tickets.

What changes can you expect for the sensory friendly performance? Accommodations for these performances include:

Audience size is limited
Lower sound levels, especially for startling or jarring sounds
Reduced strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience
Lights in the theatre will remain on at a low level during the performance
Patrons are free to talk, make noise and leave their seats during the performance
Space for standing and movement throughout the theatre
Limited crowds and visitors during the time of the performance
Designated quiet areas within the lobby if patrons need a break from the performance
RMT staff trained to be inviting and accommodating to patrons’ needs.

( RMT is Sensory Friendly )

Photo Credit: “ Disused Cinema ” by rawpixel is licensed under CC0 1.0

The Heart of Product Development

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 18:00:01 GMT

Welcomed Co™ is partnering with PUSH Product Design and Whitney Brown Interior Design to create its first product. Cristina Casanova Might (Welcomed Co™), Lloyd Cooper and Foster Phillips (PUSH Product Design), and Whitney Brown (Whitney Brown Interior Design) along with a team of designers met at the home of Anne and Betsy Pringle to view Betsy’s bedroom.

"I would love for you all to meet my awesome 13-year-old friend, Betsy Pringle, and her mom, Anne," said Cristina prior to the meeting. "You can see her bedroom, their house, and by combining everyone's expertise, I think we can redesign her entire room. "

The Pringles have generously agreed to let Welcomed Co™ film and photograph the process, as well as be interviewed.

Betsy, 13, has muscular dystrophy and is currently sleeping on a non-medical bed due to aesthetics and the desire for normalcy. Betsy’s list of priorities includes “hiding” her breathing-assist equipment, and the ability to reach objects–pens, iPad, books, Girl Scout cookies, etc.–on her own.

Ultimately, Betsy wants a room she won’t feel embarrassed to show her friends. This begs the question: Why should consumers sacrifice beauty and function when they need products for special applications? If anything, these aspirational values should be even more present in products that are used by the most important people in our lives.

Can we make a product that Betsy isn’t embarrassed to have in her room but is the first thing she shows her friends when they come over to visit? Can we make a product for Betsy that can be used by anyone?

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs guides us in this process. Our products should be designed to provide for the entire range of needs–from supporting foundational physical needs all the way to the aspirational.

At the base level are the physiological needs followed by the need for safety. These needs are met by Betsy’s family and community.

Welcomed Co™ the designers from PUSH Product Design, and Whitney Brown come in at the loving and belonging stage. With input from Betsy, the team has decided to makeover her room from top to bottom. They will create “Betsy’s Suite.” She will decide on the color scheme, fabrics, wallpaper, etc. The team will also create a movable product that will give her easy access to the things she wants and needs. The primary goal here is to place “cool things” Betsy likes close at hand, but create hidden compartments to house medical/special needs items.

Creating a room with Betsy’s input–with her vision–allows her to feel heard, improves her self-esteem, and gives her the confidence to invite her friends to a room that might look like theirs.

“Betsy is excited to have a space she’s comfortable in and accommodating to her needs, “said Anne Pringle, Betsy’s mom. “She can’t believe it's all for her.”

All involved hope to optimize Betsy's ability to live her best life by herself, with her family, and with others and to instill components of love, belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization into her room.

“Betsy is honored to be a part of this process and hopes it helps other people, “ adds Anne Pringle

Stay tuned for more about “Betsy’s Suite.”

Photo: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs & Victoria Might and Betsy Pringle

Welcomed Co™ is an Alabama Launchpad Finalist

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 19:00:00 GMT

On March 1, Welcomed Co™ was selected as a finalist to participate in the Alabama Launchpad 2023 Cycle 1. Ten finalists will compete for a combined $75,000 in the finale on April 20, 2023.

Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), features entrepreneurs in two stages of development: those in the concept stage, who are usually pre-revenue, and those in the early seed stage who are looking to accelerate the growth of their existing businesses.

One of five concept stage finalists, Welcomed Co™ will compete for $25,000, while five other companies will compete for $50,000 in the early seed stage.

Established in 2006, Alabama Launchpad has invested over $6 million in funding to over 112 startups. All funds are non-dilutive, allowing recipients to maintain all ownership and equity in their businesses. Winning companies have a "combined post money-valuation of over $1 billion and have generated over 1,300 jobs across the state." ( Source )

“Applicants eligible to receive funding will be evaluated according to a set of criteria by subject matter experts ("Launch Advisors"). Launch Advisors will score each applicant with respect to each criterium for an initial assessment and decide which applicants move forward as finalists. After finalists are chosen, Launch Advisors will assist the finalists in business operations, plans, and pitches in preparation for the final competition with a volunteer judging panel.” ( Source )

Past Winners of Alabama Launchpad include:

#INFLCR - A personalized content delivery platform for some of the most impactful brands and athletes in college sports
Wyndy - Enables parents to quickly and easily connect with background-checked, full-time college students in a way that benefits everyone
Glow - Connects customers with an accredited network of GlowPro beauty professionals, to provide beauty services like dry styling, blowouts, makeup applications and spray tanning

About Alabama Launchpad:

Established in 2006, Alabama Launchpad is Alabama’s most active, early-stage seed fund investor, driving innovation and job growth through startup competitions and ongoing mentoring for Alabama entrepreneurs. Alabama Launchpad is made possible by the generous support from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the Alabama Department of Commerce, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Caring Foundation, Wells Fargo, Alabama Power Foundation and the Daniel Corporation Foundation. It is the state’s longest running business plan and pitch competition. To learn more about Alabama Launchpad, please visit

Photo Credit: “ Birmingham, AL (the Magic City) at dusk ” by xnatedawgx is licensed under CC BY 2.0

From Love, For Life™

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 18:45:00 GMT

Yesterday, I found this photo from 2012 of giggling “bunny kisses” with my sweet Buddy.

I immediately texted this photo to my dear friend, Anne Pringle, to thank her.

The opportunity to serve individuals and families like hers through Welcomed Co™ is a gift beyond measure.

The Pringle family has graciously allowed the Welcomed Co™ team to prototype a suite within their house.

This project is made all the more meaningful because:

This suite is being designed with and for my daughter Victoria’s friend Betsy (both of whom you’ll learn more about later this week)
The Pringles were the first friends we made when we moved to Alabama
The Pringles' their home provided a refuge to our family in our darkest hour.

While I was at Buddy’s bedside in the ICU of Children’s Alabama in October of 2020, I knew my other 2 kids were safe, healthy, warm, and welcomed in the Pringle’s home.

At that point, Buddy’s heart physically stopped.

Now, it seems only fitting that the company in which his heart lives on should start with the family of friends who welcomed us first.

Welcome to the World of Universal Design

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 18:30:00 GMT

Design for us all

Disability is a shared, human experience ( read more about that here ). How is it, then, that so much of the world is not accessible or inclusive for people living with disabilities? Welcomed Co™ wants to change that, and the way to do it is with universal design.

Universal design focuses on creating safe and accessible spaces for people of all ages and abilities. By making products suitable for any lifestyle, this approach to design is meant to simplify daily life for all. A space designed to be accessible for someone with a disability is a space for anyone and everyone. Take curbless entry, for example. It means people with wheelchairs can easily enter, and it helps safeguard children and adults from tripping while walking.

While universal design may be unnoticeable to one person, it could be life-changing for another. Imagine your child uses a wheelchair and wants to visit a friend’s home for playdates. Instead of checking the friend’s home in advance (e.g., Is there an entrance that doesn’t have steps? An accessible bathroom on the ground level?), you can rest assured that the home will be accessible and welcoming for your child’s visit. Or maybe you have an elderly relative who is recovering from surgery. She can’t attend the traditional Thanksgiving celebration because the location can only be entered via a staircase. But what if there were adaptations already in place there that allowed her to join in as opposed to spending a family holiday alone? The beauty of universal design is that everyone is included. ( source )

Incorporating universal design in homes looks like adapting spaces to meet changing needs. It can be the difference between isolation and connection. It can mean older adults are able to age in place, and people with long-term conditions or poor mobility can also be supported to live safely at home.

In a 2022 study on Inclusive Living, researchers found that adaptations support older people feeling safer and more comfortable. Accessible spaces improve physical safety, mental health, and quality of life. However, adoption of adaptive products is low. Potential contributing factors include stereotyping, loss of status, and discrimination. ( source )

In addition, adaptive products may not align with the way we see ourselves. For example, if I consider myself to be an independent person, then my self-image is impacted by the realization that I need a cane to help with walking. If I avoid using a cane to protect my sense of self, I may be risking even greater bodily harm.

How do we increase adoption of adaptive products? Cristina Casanova Might, Welcomed Co™’s founder, knows the answer. We prioritize people’s dignity and humanity. We make these items beautiful. “Things should be high quality and safe,” she says. “But I don’t think they need to be ugly.”

With an industrial design background and the lived experience of needing adaptive products in her own home, Cristina knows how difficult it is to find products designed for both functionality and aesthetics. She believes spaces and products designed for accessibility can—and should—also be appealing.

“I want to help people rethink what a seemingly utilitarian product could be in a way that will be aspirational—not just something they have to have because they’re obligated,” Cristina says. When we like the way the products look, we’re more likely to use them in our daily lives. The more we use them, the more normalized they will become—and the more spaces will implement universal design philosophies.

Cristina’s vision is essentially to be the Steve Jobs of accessibility. “I’d love to show people there is another way,” she says. “I’d like to do for accessibility products what Apple did for personal computing. Innovation, design, and quality customer experience can all come together to create something amazing.”

Stay tuned!

Founder Friday

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 19:08:25 GMT

The #FounderFriday series is written by our founder so that you, a member of our Welcomed Co-mmunity, can learn who we are, what we’re doing, and why. If you have any thoughts or questions, we’d love to hear from you!

On November 1, 2022, Welcomed Co™ was incorporated.

This day also marked the two year anniversary of the day my oldest son was laid to rest.

Just as I felt that All Saints Day was the most appropriate day to say goodbye to my precious son, it was the most fitting day for the company he inspired to be born.

Welcomed Co™ is a manifestation of love that lives on.

When our family moved to Alabama in 2017, our new community welcomed, accepted, and loved my son just the way he was—regardless of ability.

This community acceptance was a first for him, and transformative for our entire family.

When my daughter and I were naming our company, we based it upon the company mission and that transformative experience of being welcomed and accepted by a community.

We want YOU to know/feel that you are loved just the way you are.

OUR NAME

WELCOMED - Accepted, Appreciated, Wanted, Invited, Encouraged, Permitted. Valued.

CO - Community, Collaboration, Cooperation, Coordination, Communication, Compassion. “Co in Latin, the form of com- "together, with". Taken in English as a prefix meaning "together, mutually, in common.”

The Co in Welcomed Co™ is not an abbreviation for “company” as in a business.

The Co in Welcomed Co™ is about togetherness.

OUR LOGO

The interlocking Co’s illustrate that the meaning of Co is togetherness. The image invokes the solemnity of wedding rings as tokens of togetherness, commitment and vows. In the case of Welcomed Co™ as a public benefit corporation, there is a legal as well as moral commitment to our community, mission, and values.

The Cardinal - There is a saying that, “when cardinals are here, angels are near.” The cardinal is symbolic of my son, who also happened to love cardinals and the color red. The heart-wing is a symbol of a love capable of flight/action. It is also a reference to my son who wore his heart on his sleeve, and was known as a “friend to all” (this is engraved on the plaque of the memorial bench at his elementary school). The open door is a reference to the first of our company’s values: “We open doors for others.

The Legacy of Judy Heumann

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 15:00:07 GMT

Recently, my elementary-aged son was diagnosed with ADHD. Over the course of the current school year, he has vocalized his inability to focus during the day. He has struggled to complete tasks in a timely manner and to sit still and work for long periods of time. If you have a child with ADHD, you are familiar with the aforementioned traits. His teacher made a special spot for him to sit to help him stay focused and on task. In this path to diagnosis, we learned of the 504 Plan.

A dear friend told me about this plan–also known as Section 504–and how it has helped her son through high school. It is a written plan geared toward ensuring students with disabilities have access to a learning environment and receive accommodations that will ensure their academic success. (Different from an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) which focuses on educational benefits and direct services like speech or occupational therapy).

For students with ADHD **, these accommodations change how they learn–not what they learn–with the goal being removing the barriers to learning.

In 1970, Judy Huemann passed every requirement needed to become a teacher in New York City, except the physical requirement. A quadriplegic since childhood, she challenged the requirement that teachers must not have physical issues preventing them from accessing stairs and ushering students outside in case of an emergency. At the time, discrimination against disabled people was not seen as a problem, so she sued the city. She argued that the absence of an elevator did not preclude her from teaching on the ground floor. Months later, Judy Huemann won her case and became the first New York City teacher in a wheelchair.

This was just the beginning of Judy Heumann’s groundbreaking legacy.

In 1973, Richard Nixon signed the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was written to outlaw discrimination against disabled people by any institution receiving federal money. But four years later, the measure had not been implemented in San Francisco.

“It was a very important provision because it would mean, for example, that you could not discriminate against someone with a disability in preschool, in elementary school, in high school, at universities, in hospitals, in government,” She told the BBC in 2020.

In April of 1977, activists protested in federal buildings in cities across the country with the San Francisco protest lasting a month–the longest non-violent occupation of a federal building at the time. “...nobody was taking what we were doing seriously,” Judy told the New York Times in 2020.

On April 28, the secretary of health, education and welfare signed Section 504. This measure paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which broadened protections beyond federal institutions to include the private sector and many other areas of public life.

Judy Heumann spent most of her life advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. She advised and found organizations for those with disabilities. She worked in government, specifically in Labor and Public Welfare and the office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services.

"Disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things we need to lead our lives — job opportunities or barrier-free buildings, for example," she told reporter Joseph Shapiro in 1987 . "It is not a tragedy to me that I'm living in a wheelchair.

Judy Heumann died on March 4, 2023 in Washington, D.C. at the age of 75. As a company, community, and city steeped in the civil rights movement, we salute Judy Heumann, and honor her legacy of accessibility and inclusion through our work at Welcomed Co™. Her accomplishments are far greater than can be expressed in this blog post, but her impact is far-reaching…right to the heart of Birmingham, Alabama.

**According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America ( LDAA ), “ADHD is not considered to be a learning disability… falls under the category “Other Health Impaired” and not under “Specific Learning Disabilities.” Individuals with ADHD can qualify for accommodations under the ADA and Section 504 if their ADHD impacts a major life function such as learning.”

Photo Credit: “ Judy Heumann ” by Taylorw is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Welcomed Co™ is for Everyone

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 01:45:00 GMT

To be disabled is to be human.

You learned about our leader Cristina Casanova Might in our first blog post. Now let’s get to know what Welcomed Co™ is and what we aim to do.

Our main areas of focus are inclusion and accessibility. Welcomed Co™ is on a mission to help people look at disability differently. As a lifestyle brand, we also create and curate adaptive products that aren’t just functional but also beautiful (more on that in an upcoming post).

The bottom line is– Welcomed Co™ is for everyone.

We know that there is a stigma around disability that stems from lack of understanding and fear of the unknown. That’s what we’re working to end. How can we do that? By being candid and open. By educating and informing people. By creating a community. By helping make spaces more inviting, more accessible, more inclusive.

Disability is something that we all share. It’s something that touches all our lives. It is human.

These aren’t just beliefs. They’re facts. About 61 million people in the United States have a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s 1 in 4 (26%) people across the country. Around the world, there are more than one billion people living with disabilities, according to the United Nations World Health Organization. People with disabilities are the largest minority group nationwide and worldwide.

It's estimated that those numbers will only increase. With people living longer, the population of older adults is growing. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in our nation’s history. “With this swelling number of older adults, the country could see greater demands for healthcare, in-home caregiving, and assisted living facilities,” says the U.S. Census Bureau. That hypothesis is backed up by this Disabled World fact—People spend an average of 11.5% of their life span living with disabilities in countries where the average life expectancy is above 70 years old. In the U.S., the life expectancy is 79.11 years old.

No matter how you look at it, the truth is–all of us will likely live with disability at some point in our lives. When we acknowledge how human this experience is, we can remove the fear and stigma and replace them with acceptance and community. Join us in accepting that disability touches everyone . We’re here for you, your child, your spouse, your parent, your friend, your loved one. If not today, then tomorrow.

Whether you are postpartum, are recovering from surgery, have sustained an injury or broken bone, are dealing with limitations due to age or disability, you may need accommodations. That can be a difficult reality to face, and it can impact how you see yourself. We want to help you remember that, while your abilities may change, who you are as a person remains. You can still take part in activities that bring you joy. You can still do things with the people you love. You can continue living your best life. And we want to be here to help with that.

How Did We Get Here

kimberly@welcomed.co (Kimberly Wright) — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 15:00:07 GMT

Bertrand “Buddy” Might taught his family how to smile every day. He taught them to look on the bright side of things and to be the best version of themselves. While physically different, he was happy. He especially loved the fish tank his mother designed where he could sit in his wheelchair and feed his fish.

Buddy relied on a wheelchair to get around and an eye gaze-enabled speech-generating device to talk with others. While his ability to move and communicate were limited, it did not impact his unbreakable spirit. Sadly, in 2020, Buddy died at the age of 12.

Cristina Casanova Might and her family moved to Mountain Brook, Alabama in 2017, and the community welcomed them with open arms. “Buddy’s friends saw him as a boy despite his physical differences and special needs,” she said. “They embraced us like no one else had.” Their community friends observed the creative way Cristina designed products to meet Buddy’s needs, and she began designing products for other families. She didn’t design to scale but focused more on improving the beauty and appeal of the items.

Having spent over 15 years in patient advocacy, biomedical research, health equity, and public policy, Cristina was more determined than ever to fight for her son’s causes. She would create beautiful, accessible products for all people of all abilities. In a recent interview, Cristina said, “Designs for those with different abilities only require small adjustments. We have to be proactive in promoting their independence.”

Products like shower chairs, hospital beds, commode chairs, ramps, IV poles, or medicine storage are oftentimes clinical. They’re made of chrome; Or, they’re white and cold. Mostly, they are a reminder of one’s difference in ability and the overall cultural challenges associated with being disabled or growing old. Cristina realizes that accessibility can be beautiful for all.

Cristina’s 11-year-old daughter, Victoria, was integral in the creation of the company. “If you’re afraid to start it on your own, I’ll help you,” said Victoria. “Kids like Buddy need it.”

Their conversations led them to the name Welcomed Co™ It encompasses the feeling of being “welcomed” by those in their community–they felt special; the need for us all to be welcoming to those with disabilities –visible and invisible; and the welcoming home of a disabled person who is comfortable, safe, and happy to have others visit.

The lack of attractive and inclusive products makes it harder for many to make the much needed changes to their homes. A difference or change in ability doesn’t automatically translate to a change in sense of style or autonomy. Welcomed Co™ believes that with the availability of more beautiful options, people of all abilities will adapt to make a more accessible and inclusive home for all.

Welcomed Co™’s first line of products will be available this Spring.

Welcome

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 22:32:00 GMT

Today, February 28, 2023, is Rare Disease Day. It feels fitting to also have this date mark the launch of the Welcomed Co™ blog.

Welcomed Co™, as our name suggests, is all about welcoming and helping others. We’re a lifestyle brand that reframes accessibility and inclusivity for all. We create and curate beautiful, adaptive products that make beautiful moments possible during every stage of life.

Join us here for regular posts where we share uplifting personal stories, encouraging products and assistive technology, fascinating research studies, useful expert input, insightful ideas for transforming spaces, and so much more.

The leader of Welcomed Co™ is Cristina Casanova Might. Mother of three, industrial designer, and patient advocate.

Today and for the rest of the week in recognition of Rare Disease Day, Cristina is in Washington, D.C. as a rare disease advocate for equity in all aspects, including access to diagnosis and treatment. “A diagnosis can be very powerful,” she says. As part of her work, Cristina speaks with legislators on behalf of patients, families, and caregivers.

Cristina didn’t plan to be an advocate. In fact, she planned to be an industrial designer. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cristina grew up in Augusta, Georgia and earned a degree from Georgia Tech. She embarked upon a career in that field, which subsequently led to her work in tech start-ups, more than 20 years ago.

Then in 2007, Cristina had her first child, a son named Bertrand, nicknamed “Buddy.” Early in his life, Buddy began exhibiting signs of developmental delays, followed by seizures and other medical concerns. It took years to get a diagnosis for Buddy; when it finally did happen, he was the first person diagnosed with his neurodegenerative disorder, NGLY1. Now more than 100 patients around the world have received the same diagnosis.

Cristina left her career to focus on Buddy’s care, and that new role included advocacy—for Buddy and others like him with undiagnosed conditions and rare diseases. She knows what it’s like to care for a child with a disability—and to live with a disability herself. In 2019, Cristina started experiencing alarming symptoms, including double vision and muscle weakness, and was diagnosed in February 2020 with an autoimmune condition called myasthenia gravis.

“It’s very different to go from being an advocate for your child to having to advocate for yourself,” says Cristina. “My challenges are very different from my son’s, but it didn’t stop me from caring for him and continuing to work to help others. It did open my eyes to a great deal of privilege that I’d had up until that point.”

Buddy passed away in October 2020 at the age of 12. “He managed to accomplish a great deal without ever being able to say a word,” says Cristina. “He moved mountains in a short amount of time.” Now, Cristina works to honor Buddy’s memory every single day by advocating for others like him. She has made it her life’s work to help people. And that’s exactly what she hopes to do at Welcomed Co™ Join us.

Learn more about Cristina Casanova Might and Welcomed Co™.