JESSIE THRIVES WITH

A NETWORKpg. 6

The Importance of Respite Care

Announcing ourREADER CONTEST!

The LiNK 7.4 - Fall 2011

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Dear Readers,As parents of children with disabilities, we understand how rewarding and how difficult it can be to care for a family member with special needs. Being a primary caregiver for someone with disabilities can be time consuming and exhausting and leave the caregiver with little time left to devote to their spouse and other family members or to complete everyday tasks that many people take for granted. That’s why respite care is a vital support for families of children with disabilities.

Respite care provides primary caregivers with time to do normal daily activities—like go to the grocery store or a doctor’s appointment—that are a lot more challenging for families of individuals with disabilities because of the individual’s behavioral issues, physical limitations or medical needs.

Often, much of the family’s time is focused on the person with the disability, which can strain other relationships. Respite care can also give primary caregivers an opportunity to spend uninterrupted time with a spouse or with their other children to strengthen the family.

Because the cost of hiring someone who is qualified to care for a person with disabilities, adequate respite care is financially out of reach for many families. Families who receive services through Denver Options’ Family Support program can apply for state funding to pay for respite care. In fact, it is the number one support requested by families. However, state dollars for Family Support have been steadily dwindling due to state budget cuts, so many families’ requests have to be turned down due to lack of funding.

Knowing how essential respite care is to quality of life for caregivers and their families, we and the other Denver Options’ Family Support Council members wanted to bring awareness to this issue and raise money for families in need. We will host a Handmade Market fundraiser where you can purchase a variety of crafts from local vendors. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to provide much-needed respite care for families in Denver Options’ Family Support program.

You can find the details about the Handmade Market on the

following page. We hope to see you at the fundraiser to help families in our community.

Sincerely,

Liz Graves and Lucie Lawrence

Denver Options’ Family Support Council Members

Respite care is the number one

support requested by families.

The LiNK 7.4 - Fall 2011 1

Liz Graves and Lucie Lawrence

WHAT IS RESPITE CARE?Respite care is a type of short-term care that provides a temporary break for those caring for a family member with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Caring for a child or adult with disabilities can be physically and emotionally challenging. Respite care provides a much-needed opportunity for caregivers to tend to their own health needs or complete tasks they are normally unable to do because of their demanding caregiving schedule. Respite care is provided by qualified individuals who are trained to deal with behavioral issues, administer medications if needed or tend to other special needs above and beyond what a normal babysitter or daycare provider is able to do.

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The Family Support Council (FSC) is a select committee made up of volunteers. Their purpose is to offer guidance and assistance to Denver Options in the overall policy direction of the Family Support program.

Family Support helps people with developmental disabilities remain in safe and caring family settings with support for that home placement.

The Family Support Council represents the families and customers Denver Options serves and helps to guide the direction that Family Support and its service providers take.

What does the FSC do?What is the FSC?

Denver Options’ customers, parents, guardians, service providers, professionals and community members are all encouraged to be a part of the FSC. Having a family member who receives services through Family Support qualifies you or your family member to join!

Why join the FSC?

Membership in the FSC offers a network of knowledge and support. It is an opportunity to have a voice and to be part of the decision-making process. It makes you stronger, empowering you to better help yourself and your family.

Contact us to join or learn more!

Email: familysupportcouncil@denveroptions.org Ph: (303) 636-5709

Who are the members of the FSC?

FAMILY SUPPORT COUNCIL

The LiNK 7.4 - Fall 2011 3

RESPITE CARE PROVIDES VITAL SUPPORT FOR STEPHANIE’S FAMILYAt 11 years old, Richard Martinez is learning to play with building blocks and put puzzles together. His mother, Stephanie, home schools Richard and his five siblings. One of Richard’s recent accomplishments is rolling toy cars across the room on his own instead of having someone else push the car for him. “He realized he was doing it, and he would laugh really hard. It was fun to see his expressions as he was rolling the cars,” Stephanie smiled.

Much of Richard’s playtime is spent indoors. Because he has trouble regulating his body temperature, going outside could result in heat stroke and induce a seizure. Richard’s Family Support service coordinator, Jodi Fredericksen, helped the family acquire an indoor play set with a slide, ladder and swing so he can stay active. Denver Options also helped the family pay for air conditioning to be installed in their home. “Jodi is fantastic; she goes out of her way to help me,” Stephanie shared.

Caring for Richard is a full-time job for Stephanie, and his siblings help supervise him around the house. Since her husband passed away, caregiving has become even more difficult for the family. Richard still bottle feeds

and doesn’t sleep through the night, so Stephanie gets up with him every two hours. “I love my child, but sometimes I’m just exhausted. The other kids have sacrificed a lot too. I don’t have any extended family here to help,” she explained.

The family’s only opportunity for a break from the 24/7 care and supervision Richard needs is respite care. “It’s very important for our family because we need some time away. I need a break to be a better parent and to bond with my other kids,” said Stephanie.

Having someone come to their home to care for Richard gives her a chance to take the rest of the family out for activities they normally can’t do because of Richard’s sensory processing disorder—like going bowling or to the movies—or for her to get a little uninterrupted sleep. However, because of Richard’s special needs, the cost of finding someone qualified to care for him is more than the family can afford.

The state has slashed funding for Family Support and the program is primarily funded by Denver Options. Although Stephanie’s family and many others like hers rely on respite care for a small break from their demanding caregiving routine, state funding for this vital support has been steadily shrinking. “I used to get 12 hours a week of respite care, and then eight, and now it’s down to probably only two hours a week,” she stated. “When you’re caring for someone 24 hours a day, two hours a week is nothing.”

Help families like Stephanie’s get the respite care they need by purchasing items at our Handmade Market!

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HELP US PUT FOOD ON THETABLE FOR FAMILIES IN NEED!Thanks to many generous donors and community partners, last Thanksgiving we were able to provide food to 150 families of individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

Help us feed even more families this Thanksgiving by donating money or non-perishable food items!

Enclose your monetary donation in the envelope provided, check “Other” and write “Thanksgiving.”

To donate food items, call Hallie at (303) 636-3904 for guidelines and more information.

Action Marketing Group Allies Colorado, Inc.Anchor Center for Blind Children Anna and John Sie Foundation Arrow Electronics, Inc.AutawashBrad BaumgartnerBellco Credit UnionRosemary BerryCaring ConnectionRoger CarstensCiCi’s Pizza David DavisDenver Options’ EmployeesJennifer DonaldsonDrum Echoes, LLC Anne Gifford Global Technology Resources, Inc.

Thank you to the generous individuals and organizations who have donated $100 or more to Denver Options this year. We greatly appreciate your support!

Golf Club at Heather RidgeGreen Door LivingGrounded Technologies, Inc. IZZE Beverage Company Jason’s DeliBrian KamprathKey BankDennis LimaLogan, Thomas & Johnson, LLCChris Maestas Master Klean Janitorial, Inc. Rose McClainNancy MerazMile High Multilingual Service, Inc.Dennis O’MalleyWilliam ParkhillPaul A. Salyer Speech Therapy, Inc. Personal Assistance Services of Colorado

Anne PurnellMarlene RemingtonThe Ritz-Carlton, Denver Roger SchmitzElizabeth ScullySource Office ProductsGail StrobelKelly SwannoGlenn ThornburgJack ThornburgNikki TuttleVictoriana Antique & Fine JewelryChristine WesterRichard Westfall Whole Foods MarketAnnette Wright XINGtea

Share your Denver Options memories!

Do you have a story about how Denver Options has helped you or your family? Perhaps you have a funny story or fond memory of someone you worked with at Denver Options? Tell us what Denver Options has meant to you and share your memories through an original story, poem, photo, video or artwork! Your submission could be featured in The LiNK or on our website or Facebook page!

Three ways to share your memories:• Post it on our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/denveroptions• Email it with your contact information to info@denveroptions.org • Mail a paper copy or a CD or DVD to Denver Options,

Attn: Communications, 9900 E. Iliff Ave., Denver, CO 80231. Please include your name and address so we can return your work.

If you are submitting a photo or artwork, include a brief description of who is portrayed (if applicable) and what it represents. All submissions accepted automatically enter you in a drawing for a chance to win one of many prizes! No more than two submissions per person please. For questions about submissions, email info@denveroptions.org or call (303) 636-5700.

By submitting a story, poem, photo, video or artwork, you are granting permission to Denver Options to reproduce your work in

our newsletter and post it on our website and Facebook page. Your name will appear with your work when it is used.

Reader Contest: HELP US CELEBRATE 20 YEARS!

HONORING COMMUNITY PARTNER WITH AWARDDenver Options recently awarded Chris Maestas the first-ever Jack Morgan Compass Award to thank Chris for his longtime support of Denver Options and his passion for being involved in the disability community. Chris has donated many hours of his time to DJ for Denver Options’ events free of charge, bringing all his own equipment. The Jack Morgan Compass Award was developed by Denver Options’ employees to recognize truly outstanding performance by our service providers and community partners. Learn more about the award at www.denveroptions.org/award.

Far Left: Chris speaks about hisexperience with Denver Options

Immediate Left: Denver Options’ staff congratulate Chris

The LiNK 7.4 - Fall 2011 5

6 The LiNK 7.4 - Fall 2011

Beginning kindergarten is a big step for most young children, but this milestone is even more monumental for Jessie Birdsong-Pedigo. “We didn’t believe that by 5 ½ years old Jessie could go to an inclusive classroom. We thought he would be in a classroom for kids with disabilities, but he’s enrolled in a typical school with typical peers,” said Carla Johnson, Jessie’s grandmother and guardian. “Getting him around typically functioning peers is very important. He wants to be like the other kids, so it makes him work harder at learning and practicing new skills.”

Carla explained that the last 5 ½ years

have been a huge learning curve

for Jessie and the entire family. “We knew when Jessie was born

that something was wrong, but

we didn’t know what. I did a lot of

research online and at the library to gain knowledge.” Carla’s research led her to Denver Options. “Right away the people at Denver Options supported us as an extended family,” she said.

Jessie was diagnosed with autism and enrolled in the Early Intervention program to receive speech and occupational therapy. He was also placed on the waitlist for the Children with Autism (CWA) waiver program. “We were constantly in contact with someone at Denver Options; every time we didn’t know where to turn, they got us pointed in the right direction. All the information Denver Options gave us—it was a breakthrough!”

Jessie faced many difficulties communicating and dealing with social situations. He had difficulty holding a conversation, often interrupted people, didn’t want to take turns and became easily overwhelmed when

interacting with his peers, leaving everyone feeling frustrated. “He would have meltdowns,” Carla said. “We all struggled with it; it was stressful and hard. He looks like a typical kid, but that just adds to the complexity of the problem. It takes a lot of patience.”

At four years old, Jessie began receiving services through the CWA waiver program. “The CWA program has been phenomenal! There’s no way we could afford all the services we receive without this waiver program,” Carla stated. Denver Options connected the family to services at Sewall Child Development Center, Chatterpillars Therapy Center and The Children’s Hospital, as well as other community resources, to ensure Jessie receives the help he needs and that the entire family feels supported.

Through therapy, constant practice and lots of support, Jessie has been able to improve his social skills and communication. “Jessie is an amazing little boy. He’s made so much progress—in leaps and bounds! He’s much more social now. He loves to play and have friends,” Carla expressed. “I don’t know where we would be without Denver Options.”

JESSIE THRIVES WITH A NETWORK OF SUPPORT

In the pictures: Jessie plays on the front porch

with his grandmother,

Carla

The LiNK 7.4 - Fall 2011 7

Lillian Chazin flashes an effervescent smile to a grandmother hunting for a memorable book for her grandson. Lillian expertly scans the children’s section and pulls out two colorful offerings. She also points out the great video options for children. She clinches the sale in a few minutes.

Books and numbers fascinate Lillian. The used book store she works for, $2 Buck Books, has been the perfect match both for her existing skills and her aspirations to learn more. Colorado Solutions’ Life Essentials Specialist Aaron Allen acts as Lillian’s job coach and helps her focus on developing new skills. She makes sure books and videos are displayed properly, and she’s always willing to tackle new tasks on the spot. Lillian hopes to learn how to operate the cash register too.

“People often don’t have a clue about Lillian’s potential. Aaron helps her grow on the job. She loves to learn, and it’s helpful for her to work with a job coach to get another person’s opinion,” said her dad, David. Her mom, Cindy, agrees. “Lillian worked summers in high school and pushes herself to increase her skills.”

Aaron enjoys working with the talkative 26-year-old. “Lillian has self confidence, curiosity and many talents. I help her aim all that energy into goals and measured accomplishments. We’ve customized some planning tools to help her see her progress,” he said. “Lillian flourishes in the retail environment, and her coworkers value her as a key member of the team.”

A gregarious grandmother of four, Cecelia Rollerson has spent the last six months recovering from two hip surgeries due to severe disc degeneration. Nicole Dietz, a Life Essentials specialist with Colorado Solutions, has been supporting Cecelia through the surgeries and recovery process.

“There was a huge snow storm the morning of the first surgery. The snow really scared me, but Nicole got me to the hospital on time,” Cecilia said. “She helped me every step of the way from surgery through rehab. I had another successful surgery in May. Nicole keeps me focused on what I need to do to move from a walker to a cane.”

Nicole smiles at the progress being made. “Cecelia’s done really well. I helped her stay on track with the exercises and with her medications, but Cecelia did all the work. We’ve really become a great team.”

“People ask me how I’ve done it, and I say I just take each day as it comes,” Cecelia said. “I could not have done it without Nicole. I’m feeling much stronger now, and I can see I’ll soon be getting around on my own.”

For more information on Colorado Solutions, visit www.ColoradoSolutions.org or call (303) 636-5940

LILLIAN LOVES LEARNING ON THE JOB

CECELIA RECOVERS FROM SURGERY WITH SUPPORT

Cecelia with her Life Essentials coordinator, Nicole

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Brendan O’Brien gleefully bounced up and down on a small trampoline in the family’s playroom while his mother, Dana, looked on. Dana explained that the family purchased it after seeing how beneficial it was as a therapy tool. The trampoline was just one of the unique learning tools that made Early Intervention services engaging and fun for 3 ½-year-old Brendan.

At two, Brendan was below his age level for speech and vocabulary, so Early Intervention Service Coordinator Angie Carey connected

the family to speech and occupational therapists. “Our speech therapist, Laura, was just fantastic. She really motivated his

speaking,” Dana expressed. Laura used games and toys during therapy sessions at the family’s home to help Brendan learn vocabulary and practice his speech through play. “He would wait at the door for her to come,” Dana recalled.

Angie worked with the family and their therapists to coordinate Brendan’s therapy. “Angie made everything work very smoothly for us. She was always very responsive, friendly and helpful,” Dana said. “Everyone we worked with was invested in Brendan’s success. He’s made clear, consistent progress, and I really feel the therapy was effective.”

As James Denovan playfully crashed his tricycle into the wall, squealing with delight, his mother, Erin, couldn’t help but smile. At two years old, it’s a far cry from where he was when he was born with a buildup of fluid and a tangle of abnormal arteries and veins in his brain.

He underwent surgery to fix the problems, but the damage was already done. His parents were told he would never see normally and would possibly never speak a single word. “I wanted to get James as much help as possible from the start,” said Erin. She asked for guidance at the hospital and was introduced to Denver Options’ Early Intervention program.

James started the program at three months old and has worked extensively, learning to excel despite his abnormal eyesight, difficulty speaking and

weakness on his left side. “The support we receive from our service coordinator is wonderful,” Erin shared. “We feel we’ve been completely supported in everything we’ve expressed concern about.”

James has worked with teachers for the visually impaired as well as occupational, physical and behavioral therapists. He has made great strides in the past nine months and is practicing new words every day. “The first couple of months of his life were so scary,” said his dad, Jeff. “We’re so happy to have him. It’s a bonus how well he is doing. We are appreciative of every little thing.”

PLAY THERAPY MADE LEARNING FUN!

EARLY INTERVENTION GIVES HOPE

RESOURCES at Your FingertipsAdvocacy DenverPh: (303) 831-7733 www.advocacydenver.org

Colorado Cross-Disability CoalitionPh: (303) 839-1775www.ccdconline.org

Denver Adult Down Syndrome ClinicPh: (303) 360-3877www.denverdsclinic.org

Denver Metro Community Parent Resource CenterPh: (303) 365-CPRC (2772)www.denvermetrocprc.org

El Grupo VidaPh: (303) 904-6073www.elgrupovida.org

Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado, Inc.Ph: (888) 378-9779www.epilepsycolorado.org

Guardianship Alliance of ColoradoPh: (303) 228-5382www.guardianshipallianceofcolorado.org

Mile High Down Syndrome AssociationPh: (303) 797-1699www.mhdsa.org

Parent Training and Information Project Peak Parent Center, Inc.Ph: (303) 864-1900www.peakparent.org

The Autism Society of ColoradoPh: (866) 733-0794www.autismcolorado.org

The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older PeoplePh: (800) 288-1376www.thelegalcenter.org

www.denveroptions.org

for more resources and information

LOOKING FORUPCOMING EVENTS?

Visit us online at www.denveroptions.org/event to find information on a variety of fun and educational events and workshops.

Turkey Cookies RecipeIngredients

40 fudge-striped cookies or other prepared cookie1/4 cup chocolate frosting20 large, round chocolate candies20 pieces candy corn

Directions

Place 20 cookies on a flat surface, solid chocolate side down. With frosting attach a large, round chocolate candy to the top of each base cookie. Position another cookie perpendicular to each base cookie; attach with frosting. With a dab of frosting, attach one piece of candy corn to the front of each round candy for the head. Let stand until set.

Yield: 20 servings

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cookie-Turkeys

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDENVER, CO

PERMIT NO. 169

9900 East Iliff AvenueDenver, CO 80231

www.denveroptions.org

CONTRIBUTORSKatie GouletBarb Lundy

Becky PurvisJill Sandhoff

Layout by Tessa Larson

Communications & DevelopmentAnnie Davies, Director

Board of DirectorsBill Parkhill, President

Roger Carstens, Vice PresidentJim Long, Treasurer

Roger Schmitz, Assistant TreasurerNiki F. Tuttle, Secretary

Ann Erickson GiffordBarry Martin, M.D.

Scott Showalter, M.D.Gail Strobel

Stephanie TownsendChristine WesterMarlon Anderson

Stephen R. Block, Ph.D., CEO

Customer ServicePh: (303) 636-5624

TDD: (303) 636-5602

The Denver Options’ LiNK is published quarterly by Denver Options, a nonprofit organization that provides service coordination and program services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.

Email editor@denveroptions.org

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Colorado Connections is a statewide program of Denver Options that provides care coordination to adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI).www.denveroptions.org/colorado-connections

Operation TBI Freedom is a privately funded, statewide program of Denver Options that provides care coordination for militarypersonnel and veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI).www.OperationTBIFreedom.org

LEARN ABOUT OUR TBI PROGRAMS!