CRS Parent Connection

MORE THAN A JOB: MY WORKPLACE ADVENTURE

Navigating the working world with a complex disability has been no small feat, but it's a journey full of triumphs! 🌟 From Hank's early adult years, he's been a part of various businesses, each chapter a testament to resilience and determination. Ready to hear his story of breaking barriers and redefining success?

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In May 2013, our journey took an unexpected turn. We received a diagnosis for our son that confirmed what our hearts had whispered since he was 18 months old—our path was a unique one. As a stay-at-home mom, I noticed how different our experiences were compared to others. Our son was surrounded mostly by adults, and enrolling him in daycare at almost 3 was eye-opening. The differences with his peers were stark.

But then came a beacon of hope: the Feeding Clinic with CRS. After our first clinic and insights from daycare, we pursued an autism evaluation with Dr. M. Cotter in Dothan, Alabama. The confirmation was life-altering. Suddenly, we were not alone. CRS offered a lifeline with therapists, resources, and a supportive Care Coordination team. They guided us through the special education system, and the local Parent Consultant was our rock when things got tough. Without their support, navigating this journey would have been daunting.

Read more about how CRS supported the Thompson family here...

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"I can’t work – I’ll lose my benefits!" Sound familiar? SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients are often mis-informed about work and benefits. Can an SSI recipient work and maintain eligibility for their SSI? The answer is yes! Working along with receipt of SSI is a good thing!! The more an SSI recipient works, the more money they will have even though their cash benefit will decrease.

Read more about these benefits here...
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STRONGER TOGETHER, A MOTHER’S PERSPECTIVE!

When my child was first diagnosed I remember feeling a mix of emotions-love, worry, confusion, fear and determination. Like many parents of children with special needs, I quickly realized that this journey would be different from what I had imagined. There were new terms to learn, meetings to attend, therapies, specialists and challenges to face. But along the way, I also learned strength, patience and a deep appreciation for every milestone my child achieves.

A huge part of this journey is finding resources and connecting with other CRS families.

Read more about CRS Parent Consultant Stacey Mitchell's story.
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CAREER OPPORTUNITY: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Are you a Registered Dietitian looking for a fulfilling, hands-on role in pediatric care? The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is hiring a permanent, full-time RDN for our Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) in the Montgomery/Opelika district!

You will be part of an incredible interdisciplinary team providing medical, evaluation, and community care to children and young adults (birth to 21) with special healthcare needs.

Requires a personal vehicle and occasional overnight travel (don't worry, mileage is fully reimbursed at the federal rate!)

For more information email [email protected]

State of Alabama Personnel Department

Imagine being part of a program where people with developmental disabilities and their families are not just included in important conversations — they are leading them.

That’s exactly what happens in Partners in Policymaking!

Partners in Policymaking (P**A) is built on one important belief: the people most affected by disability policies should be an integral part of shaping them.

P**A offers engaging training sessions and a place to make meaningful connections and share experiences. Participants graduate with the tools needed to advocate not only for themselves, but for others.

As a Partner, you will learn to:

-Advocate effectively with policymakers and community leaders
-Promote independence, self-determination, and full community inclusion
-Navigate systems and supports with confidence
-Build leadership and communication skills
-Create lasting change for people with disabilities

Families often describe P**A as life-changing, and I happen to know that's true because I graduated from the program in 2002! I gained the skills needed to advocate for my daughter, the CRS families I serve…and beyond!

If you are ready to grow as a leader, connect with inspiring people, and help shape a more inclusive future for Alabama, P**A is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Visit https://pulse.ly/gvoqiwzp9j to learn more!

P**A Program – Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities P**A What is Partners in Policymaking® Alabama (P**A)? P**A is a leadership training program designed for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their family members. P**A believes that the most significant and lasting public policy decisions come from the efforts of those most affect...

Mobile area

Goodwill Gulf Coast’s Military Respite Program is here to help active-duty military families caring for children with special needs. 💙🇺🇸

Through this program, Air Force and Navy families in Northwest Florida can receive respite care services for children up to age 18 diagnosed with special needs, including autism, mobility challenges, feeding tubes, communication needs, and more.

Goodwill coordinates the program with Child Care Aware for eligible families stationed at NAS Pensacola, NAS Whiting Field, Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, and Tyndall Air Force Base. ✈️

Families are matched with trusted providers who meet Child Care Aware of America standards and receive training in CPR, First Aid, and other important safety skills. Family members can also train to be a provider for their loved ones. “It makes it easier for the family if they want a date night, if they want to go to the grocery, or if they just want a break in general, they use their trusted provider in order to do that.” says Tina Steen, Respite Program Manager.

To learn more about the Military Respite Program, visit our website or contact Goodwill Gulf Coast. ✨

Opelika CRS Parent Consultant Sharonica Turner graduates from P**A - The Observer CONTRIBUTED BYRICHARD COUCH OPELIKA — Opelika Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) Parent Consultant, Sharonica Turner, recently graduated from the Partners in Policymaking Alabama (P**A) program in Prattville.Turner earned the Most Supportive Award, which other P**A participants vote on. She...