Shows
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast268: How Embracing Culture Transforms Inclusion with Christa Preston, Founder & Executive Director of Embrace KultureEmbracing culture is more than just a statement; it's a way of life. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sat down with Christa Preston, founder of Embrace Kulture, to share her journey of fostering inclusion for children with developmental and cognitive disabilities in Uganda and East Africa. Inspired by her brother, Nick, and local Ugandan child, Olivia, Christa grew the organization into a fully Ugandan-led movement that has reached over a million people, influenced national policies, and transformed inclusive education. She also highlighted #NoMoreHiddenChildren, a growing social movement empowering ambassadors to identify undiagnosed children and...2025-01-3052 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast260: The Impact of Authentic Representation of Disabilities in Hollywood | Jay Silverman, Filmmaker, Director, & ProducerFilmmaking celebrates human connection and inclusiveness, with on-set moments of support and camaraderie often shining through on screen. Hollywood’s push to include actors with disabilities is opening doors to fresh stories and perspectives, making the industry more inclusive and inspiring. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with filmmaker Jay Silverman about his latest film, Camera. Inspired by his journey as a parent to a child with disabilities, the poignant story follows a young mute child in a fishing village. Through its use of the camera as a metaphor for perception and reality, the fi...2024-12-0546 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast257: Why Caregiving Moms Deserve Community & Care | Jessica Patay, Author, Founder, & Executive Director at We Are Brave TogetherBeing a caregiver can be tough and sometimes lonely. For caregiving moms, having a sense of community and connection is essential. Whether it's sharing tips on managing hectic schedules or simply lending an empathetic ear, having a supportive network of fellow moms can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of motherhood. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together. Inspired by her journey as a special needs mom, Jessica established the nonprofit in 2017 to create a safe, judgment-free space where caregiving moms can connect...2024-11-1437 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast256: How to Support Children in Times of Crisis | Celia Landman, Author, Nonviolent Communication Trainer, Mindfulness Educator & CounselorParents often carry a heavy weight of shame and self-blame when their children face tough times. It's natural for them to feel responsible, but it's important to remember that not everything is within a parent’s control. By staying present and connecting with themselves, parents can let go of the burden of shame and find a more positive, hopeful way forward. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Celia Landman, a mindfulness educator and author of When the Whole World Tips: Parenting through Crisis with Mindfulness and Balance. They share an honest and he...2024-11-0736 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast254: Prioritizing Mental Well-being in the Modern Era | Lauren Perna, Writer, Speaker, & AdvocateFor longtime listeners, it’s clear this podcast covers a wide range of topics—from family discussions about kids to conversations on adult disabilities. This conversation focuses on the challenges of balancing health and work while living with a chronic illness. Practices like meditation, journaling, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are powerful tools for managing mental health, offering ways to create a more stable and fulfilling life despite these ongoing challenges. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines talks with Lauren Perna, leader of the Boston chapter of the Chronic Boss Collective, dedicated to supporting businesswomen and...2024-10-2440 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast253: Finding Balance: The Dance of Advocacy & Parenting | Joanne De Simone, Author & AdvocateParenting is a rewarding journey filled with love, laughter, and joy. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From sleepless nights to tantrums in the grocery store, every parent faces obstacles along the way. But what happens when those challenges are compounded by raising a child with disabilities? In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with Joanne De Simone, a special education advocate, and author of “Fall and Recovery: Raising Children with Disabilities through Lessons Learned in Dance”, about the challenges of raising a child with disabilities and navigating the healthcare and educ...2024-10-1737 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast252:Empowering Parents with Practical Tips for Raising Deaf Kids | Alaine Jacobs, Founder & AdvocateParenting a child with hearing loss comes with its own unique challenges and families may find themselves grappling with isolation and communication barriers. In these moments, community support and shared knowledge can make a world of difference. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines welcomes Alaine Jacobs, a passionate advocate for the deaf community. Drawing from her personal experience as a parent, Alaine guides and supports others facing similar challenges. With a background in education, she helps families navigate both medical and educational systems, offering practical advice through her website, RaisingDeafKids.com, and her “Raising Deaf Ki...2024-10-1040 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast251: Breath by Breath: How We Do It | Jessica Fein, Author, Podcast Host, & SpeakerThe journey of caring for a child with disabilities is a tumultuous emotional ride. There are highs celebrating achievements and lows during setbacks. It's important to recognize those feelings and find healthy ways to cope along the way. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines chats with Jessica Fein, author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes and host of the I Don't Know How You Do It podcast. Jessica opens up about her journey parenting a child with MERRF syndrome, an ultra-rare degenerative disease, and emphasizes the importance of visibility for...2024-10-0335 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast250: The Sound of Success: Breakthroughs in Music Education & Disability Support| Annie Ray, Annandale High School Orchestra Director, Performing Arts Department Chair, & GRAMMY WinnerMusic has a way of connecting people, transcending language barriers, and healing the soul. The discipline and dedication required to master an instrument can translate into valuable life skills that go beyond the music classroom. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines spoke with Annie Ray, the founder of the Crescendo Orchestra program, a music class tailored for students with significant disabilities, and Parent Orchestra, which invites parents to join their children in learning music, fostering a vibrant community, and encouraging parental involvement in their kids' musical journeys. Annie passionately advocates for music education as a c...2024-09-2627 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast249: Changing the Narrative on Disabilities in Kenyan Society | Thitu Muiruri, Filmmaker, Writer, & DirectorDisability is a topic often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions, particularly within Kenyan communities, where the burden can become a significant financial strain on families. In Kenya, parents of children with disabilities face not only a lack of acceptance and support but also the heavy weight of stigma, which exacerbates their struggles. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines and Thitu Muiruri, an accomplished filmmaker, sheds light on the pervasive stigma surrounding disabilities in African communities. Muiruri's documentary work delves into the struggles faced by parents of children with disabilities, revealing the harsh realities of...2024-09-1936 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast248: A Guidebook for Thriving Marriages & Sustainable Disability Parenting | Dr. Todd & Kristin Evans, Authors, Speakers, & Disability ParentsParenting is a tough job and when you have a child with special needs, the challenges can be even more complex. From advocating for your child in school to finding the right therapy options, there are so many aspects of parenting a child with special needs that require extra care and attention. Amidst these pressures, marriages can face significant strain. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines, Todd Evans PhD, MA, and Kristin Evans MA, MS, LMSW explore the challenges of raising a child with special needs. Todd and Kristin, authors of “How to Bui...2024-09-1243 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast247: What’s Possible: A Roadmap to Success for Young Adult with Additional Needs | Graham Caldow, Author & Co-Founder of Red GiraffeTransition planning from school to adult life is a crucial aspect of ensuring individuals with additional needs have the support and resources they need to lead fulfilling lives. With the introduction of the new transition planning IEP form, understanding its purpose and how it benefits those in the transition process is essential. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines and Graham Caldow dive deep into transition planning for young people with disabilities as they prepare for adulthood. Graham, drawing from his personal experiences and his book “What’s Possible? Plan A Better Future for Your...2024-09-0539 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast246: A Caregiver's Guide to Nurturing Resilience | Michelle Mercier, Business Growth ConsultantBeing a caregiver is a demanding role that requires immense strength, patience, and compassion. Caregivers often face challenges that can be physically, emotionally, and mentally draining. However, being resilient is crucial for caregivers to navigate the ups and downs of their caregiving journey. In this episode, Annette Hines and Michelle Mercier have an in-depth conversation about what it really means to be resilient as a caregiver. Michelle, a business growth consultant, brings a unique perspective to the table, sharing her thoughts on the tough challenges caregivers face every day. She compares resilience to building a muscle, something...2024-08-2947 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast245: IEP vs. 504 Plan: Making the Best Choice For Your Child's Education | April Rehrig, Special Education Advocate and Parent CoachNavigating the world of IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 Plans can be overwhelming for parents and educators alike. Both IEPs and 504 plans provide essential educational support but differ in their goals, services, eligibility, and duration. IEPs offer specialized instruction with specific objectives and progress monitoring from pre-K through high school, while 504 plans ensure access and equity and can extend through college. In this episode, Annette Hines and April Rehrig, the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of IEPs and 504 plans. April emphasizes the importance of positive language in IEP me...2024-08-2243 minParenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast244: Your Back to School Checklist for Children with Special NeedsAre you ready for the new school year? Back-to-school season can be both exciting and overwhelming for parents, especially those with children who have special needs or medical requirements. From my experience, preparing for a new school year when your child has special needs involves carefully reviewing their IEPs and healthcare plans. It’s really important to go over these and make sure everything’s up to date, and share any progress from summer activities. I’ve learned that building a good relationship with school staff and service providers makes a huge difference. It helps to start those c...2024-08-1522 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast243: Tailored Financial Planning for Children with Disabilities | James Lange, CPA/Attorney, Author, & Parent of Daughter with A DisabilityParents naturally want to make sure their child with disabilities is well taken care of, both now and in the future. It's not just about meeting the day-to-day needs but also thinking ahead to their long-term financial security. There's a lot to juggle—from managing medical expenses to planning for their financial future. It can feel pretty overwhelming and complicated. In this episode, host Annette Hines welcomes financial planning expert, James Lange, to discuss the crucial need for specialized financial planning for parents of children with disabilities. James emphasizes the importance of working with advisors who understand th...2024-08-0838 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast242: No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child | Kelley Coleman, Author, Advocate, MomThe journey of caregiving is a delicate dance of emotions and responsibilities, especially for parents of disabled children who face societal pressures. Home and community care services provide essential support and respite, allowing families to maintain a safe environment and caregivers to recharge. Self-care, such as meditation or exercise, is critical for caregivers to sustain their well-being and continue their responsibilities. In this episode, host Annette Hines sits with Kelley Coleman as she shares her journey of parenting a disabled child, revealing how it led her to write "No One Tells You About Parenting a D...2024-08-0148 minParenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast241: Estate Planning in 3 Not So Easy Steps: Social Security BasicsHave you ever wondered how Social Security impacts those who are disabled or retired? I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for providing financial stability. Earlier this month we spoke about Social Security and Work. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I want to delve deeper into the basics of the critical topic of social security, public benefits, and financial planning for individuals with disabilities. Did you know that ABLE accounts are revolutionary, allowing you to save money without jeopardizing benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Proper financial planning is crucial, as one misstep in...2024-07-3156 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast240: Empower the Next Generation: The Person-Centered Approach | Christina Gravina CEO & Founder of BILTImagine navigating a system where your needs are ignored due to your age. This is the reality for many adults with autism facing age discrimination. The fight against this injustice hinges on advocacy, personalization, and accessibility. Advocating for legislative changes ensures equality and fairness. In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Christina Gravina CEO & Founder of BILT (Bridging Independent Living Together, Inc.). Annette and Christina address age discrimination in autism services, highlighting the challenges adults face when denied support due to age. Christina advocates for legal changes and emphasizes personalized, goal-oriented services over the one-size-fits-all model...2024-07-2527 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast238: Empowering Individuals with Disabilities in Sexuality Education | Katherine McLaughlinSexuality education is a crucial aspect of personal development, but it often overlooks those with disabilities. These individuals deserve access to information that empowers them to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. Empowerment through education can be a shield against abuse and exploitation. In this episode, Annette Hines dives into a crucial conversation with Katherine McLaughlin, CEO and Lead Trainer at Elevatus Training. They tackle the challenging yet essential topic of discussing sexuality, especially for parents of children with disabilities. Katherine introduces her comprehensive 22-lesson curriculum designed to support these vital conversations, emphasizing t...2024-07-1835 minParenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast237: Disability & Divorce: Planning for a Secure Future | Circle of CareHow do you navigate the stormy waters of divorce when adult children with disabilities are involved? It's a tough situation that needs careful planning and thought to make sure everyone in the family is okay. In this episode, Annette Hines provides insights into the challenges faced by divorcing parents of adult children with disabilities, emphasizing the need for clear communication and effective guardianship. She advises keeping the adult child out of the divorce process and separating their welfare discussions from other divorce issues. Hines also highlights the importance of estate planning, recommending neutral third-party trustees, a...2024-07-1735 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast236: Preserving Family Legacies | Angela Todd, Archivist, Historian, ActivistPreserving family history is like capturing a piece of time in a bottle. It allows us to pass down memories, stories, and experiences to future generations. Whether it's old photographs, letters, or even recipes, archiving family history is a meaningful way to honor our past and ensure that it lives on for years to come. In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Angela Todd, a family history buff who’s passionate about preserving memories, inspired by her journey with her daughters, Elizabeth and Caroline, who faced some tough times in the NICU. She’s all a...2024-07-1137 minParenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast235: Decoding Social Security: Navigating the Latest UpdatesAre you missing out on your social security benefits? Social Security updates may not be the most riveting topic, but they’re a lifeline for those who depend on these benefits. Whether you’re already receiving Social Security or planning for the future, keeping up with the latest changes can make navigating the system a whole lot smoother. In this episode, host Annette Hines delves into the intricacies of the recent updates to Social Security benefits, specifically focusing on In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) and overpayments. She expresses concerns about the impact of ISM on Socia...2024-07-1045 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast234: Fun with Taxes | Circle of Care TalkHave you ever wondered how to ensure financial security for a disabled loved one after you're gone? Or perhaps you're looking for ways to navigate the complexities of estate planning when it comes to disability benefits. In either case, understanding the ins and outs of Qualified Disability Trusts (QDTs) is a game-changer. In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Mark Worthington, Senior Counsel at Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, P.C.. Annette and Mark discussed the intricacies of qualified disability trusts and the significant impact of the Secure Act and Secure 2.0 regulations on r...2024-07-0446 minParenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast233: You Are Not AloneHaving been a caregiver for a disabled loved one, I know firsthand how lonely it can feel. However, our communities are key to dispeling isolation and forging connections during these hard times. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I share my motto 'create the things you wish existed,' and delve into how building a support network has been my lifeline. Getting involved in local organizations, support groups, and advocacy efforts has helped me find valuable resources and work toward a more inclusive society. For caregivers, having a support system is crucial to prevent burnout, provide emotional...2024-07-0313 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast232: The Magic of Inclusivity | Debi ArsenaultWhile living in a society that can sometimes seem overwhelmingly critical and exclusive, creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and acceptance is vital, especially for individuals with disabilities. For a parent to a child with special needs, balancing feelings of guilt, the challenges of self-care, and the importance of fostering acceptance can be difficult. In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Debi Arsenault about her experiences raising her son Carson, who has a clinical diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome. Debi opens up about the hurdles she’s faced with state services, the advocacy work she's done for...2024-06-2744 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastNational Suicide Prevention Month: The Healing Power of KindnessThe intensity of grief can feel like an insurmountable mountain. A profound loss, the passing of Host Annette Hines' beloved daughter, Elizabeth, led her down a path of unimaginable pain, reshaping her identity as a mother and her life. Through the waves of grief, Annette discovered a lifeline in a local grief group, offering a haven where she could share, cry, and heal. This episode serves as an open invitation to join in Annette's journey of remembrance, honoring suicide prevention month, and emphasizing how simple acts of kindness can make a world of difference. We all have...2023-09-0727 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastRemembering Elizabeth and the Joyful MomentsThis episode is a re-release of a previous episode that aired in May 2020 in remembrance of Annette Hines' daughter Elizabeth who passed away from mitochondrial disease in 2013. Hines reflects on the heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching journey of being a special needs parent that involves joy, silver linings found in loss, and the challenges of moving on. Reflecting the start of the Parenting Impossible podcasting, Hines shares her enlightening conversation on Sydney Weiss's Seek the Joy podcast. Hear about Hines' book 'Butterflies and Second Chances', and the extraordinary experience of raising her beautiful daughters, Elizabeth and Caroline. Navigating th...2023-08-0821 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastGrit: Honoring the Legacies of Rick Hoyt and ElizabethIn this episode, Host Annette Hines honors the legacies of Boston Marathon competitor Rick Hoyt and her daughter, Elizabeth, through a tribute to author and previous Parenting Impossible guest, Jess Ronne, and her use of the word "grit" to mean a will to persevere amidst the challenges of living as a special needs family. Rick Hoyt and his father, Dick Hoyt, showed continual grit as Team Hoyt as they entered as dual Boston Marathon participants for the first time in 2012 with Dick pushing Rick in his wheelchair during the course. The marathon administration had to develop a...2023-05-2420 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastThe Next Step Programs & Employment for People with DisabilitiesIn this episode, Host Annette Hines speaks with Josh Fields, CEO and Co-Founder of The Next Step Programs (TNS) headquartered in Doylestown, PA. TNS is a nonprofit organization breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for people with disabilities as they transition out of high school into a world of employment. Josh is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the nonprofit and disability industry. He is a strong community advocate and social services professional with a bachelor's degree focused on Labor Studies and Employment Relations from Penn State University. In this episode, we talk about how p...2023-04-2049 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastUpdate: Tax Time - Special Needs EditionIt is tax time and we want to revisit a popular episode! Learn from Host Annette Hines and her favorite guest, law partner, and husband, Mark Worthington about answers to four top questions people ask about tax preparation and tax reporting: Can I claim my adult child as a dependent? If I charge my adult child room and board when they are living with me, is that taxable income to me? And how does this impact their Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Taxation of special needs trusts and SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act...2023-03-1659 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastResource Roadmaps from True North Disability PlanningHost Annette Hines welcomes guest Eric Jorgensen of True North Disability Planning whose life mission is to change the reality of the fact that: "It is too hard for the average person to find out what they qualify for, and reach out and get those benefits in place." His roadmaps are downloadable resources for print and online use that are specific to each state to help people build momentum in gaining access to benefit programs and supports. They include links the the specific Medicaid programs in each state, timelines, and checklists for individuals with disabilities to identify and gain ac...2023-01-2652 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastTransforming Our 'Wants' to Reality with SMART GoalsWhat do you want to accomplish this year? Where do you want to be a year from now? For many of us, as soon as we say: "Happy New Year!" we feel the pressure to set resolutions for this year related to our health, personal or professional life. But simply saying: "I want to lose weight this year," notes Host Annette Hines, sets us up for failure because we have not created a specific, attainable objectives to make this desire a reality. In this episode, Hines guides listeners through the process of setting and achieving SMART goals. The acronym SMART...2023-01-0535 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastCharitable Giving: How to Make Planned Gifts to Your Beloved CharityEver wondered how to give back to a charity or organization that has truly made a meaningful impact on your family? Host Annette Hines shines a spotlight on one of her beloved organizations, Perkins School for the Blind, where her daughter, Elizabeth attended school, to show how easy it is to make planned gifts. Charitable giving is one of the most frequent discussions Annette has with her clients in planning their estate. Planned giving is accessible to almost everyone, and it is a meaningful way to make an impact at your favorite organization. Two guests join Hines for this...2022-12-2151 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastSpecial Needs Trust AdministrationHost Annette Hines wraps up her series on legal planning and supporting the decision-making of your loved one with disabilities during Special Needs Awareness Month with a deep dive into special needs trusts. Have you ever wondered: How does someone manage a special needs trust? How do you choose a trustee or appoint one in your planning documents? Who can serve as a trustee? What kinds of distributions can you make from a special needs trust? How do I work with a beneficiary who's disabled? Sharing from her extensive knowledge as a special needs attorney, Annette Hines g...2022-10-271h 04
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastRyan Rydzewski, co-author of When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring KidsAnnette Hines host of Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast starts the podcast reflecting on the role of fathers in the disability community. With Father's Day approaching, Annette Hines will interview three different guests who are fathers and share unique perspectives from mothers. Our topic in this episode is about honoring the worth of all people and the universal need to be seen that are fundamental in the lasting values Fred Rogers taught in the Neighborhood. Annette Hines talks with Ryan Rydzewski, co-author of When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative...2022-06-0951 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastLenora Edwards, M.S. CCC-SLP of BetterSpeech.com Annette Hines, host of Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast starts the podcast honoring the memory of disability advocate, and mom Julie Beckett, who passed at the age of 72. Julie is a champion in the disability community who fought to allow children with disabilities to live at home while receiving care covered by Medicaid. The Katie Beckett Waiver, named after her daughter, has changed so many families’ lives for the better. Since our topic in this episode is about changing people’s lives, Annette Hines talks with Lenora Edwards of BetterSpeech.com. about using this innovative virtual s...2022-06-0349 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast3 Things To Consider Before Retirement with A Disabled Adult ChildGetting ready to retire and have a disabled adult child in your care? In this episode, Annette Hines host of Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast shares her tips on the 3 Things you should consider before you retire should you have a disabled adult child? Annette goes into detail on updating your financials, looking at healthcare and health insurance, updating your “Circle of Care” and a bonus tip on estate and special needs planning. Please join Annette as she explores this important topic that affects our kids, families, caregivers, and parents in the disability community. We would lo...2022-05-2623 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastUPDATE: What's Happening in the World of Disability?What are the latest updates and happenings in the World of Disability? Annette Hines host of Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast gives tips on navigating the Social Security office reopening, the current state of employment and job coaching programs, and the latest in healthcare including the funding of healthcare, research, and institutional bias. Please join Annette as she explores these crucially important topics that affect our kids, families, caregivers, and parents in the disability community. We would love to hear what you think about our episode. Please leave a comment! Attorney, moth...2022-05-0525 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastHelping Your Child Be Successful In School with Jessika ShieldsHow do you help your child be successful in school? Annette Hines, host of Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast talks with Jessika Shields, licensed educational psychologist, former teacher, parent of four, owner of a parent mentoring company Stronger Minds, Stronger Youth, and host of Parent Them Successful podcast, about how to utilize your schools best resource, the school psychologist. Inside schools, the educational psychologist plays many roles to support students including educational assessments, one-to-one and group therapy as well as crisis management. Outside of the school, an educational psychologist can provide a clinical diagnosis, offer a neutral vo...2022-04-1443 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastTax Time-Special Needs Edition with Mark WorthingtonIt is tax time! Annette Hines, host of Parenting Impossible-The Special Needs Survival Podcast and her favorite guest, law partner and husband, Mark Worthington tackle the four top questions people ask about tax preparation and tax reporting. Can I claim my adult child as a dependent? If I charge my adult child room and board when they are living with me, is that taxable income to me? And how does this impact their Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Taxation of special needs trust and SECURE Act updates. How are caregiver payments such as Adult Family Care (AFC) and Personal...2022-03-3159 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastTelling Her Story - Part 3 with Annette HinesIn the last episode of Annette Hines's three-part series of Telling Her Story, Annette talks about the relationships in her life. Learn all about Annette’s life story from finishing college to the present. It is all about the relationships and how they have carried her through the turmoil and challenges of her life. If you’d like to learn even more about Annette, check out her personal memoir, Butterflies and Second Chances: A Mom’s Memoir of Love and Loss available in paperback. Married to her first husband right out of law school, followed by a pregnanc...2022-03-1730 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastTelling Her Story - Part 2 with Annette HinesIn the second of a three-part series, Telling Her Story with Annette Hines, Annette shares her trials and tribulations of going back to work while continuing to be a caregiver for Elizabeth and Caroline. As many women head back into the workforce after being a caregiver at home, the obstacles can be difficult to overcome especially when you have a special needs child. Elizabeth required round-the-clock care and with very limited care options to choose from, having work flexibility and family support becomes critical to being successful in your professional job. It is really like having two jobs, one...2022-03-1039 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastTelling Her Story with Annette HinesTelling your story, sharing your story with others is a good way to get your thoughts and feelings out, connect with those with similar experiences, and be truly seen. Annette Hines, host of Parenting Impossible takes this opportunity to share her story with new listeners and reconnect with her dedicated Parenting Impossible fans. With one in five peopled impacted by a condition that is disabling whether physically, intellectually, developmentally there are so many of us who can relate. Annette’s entrance into the disability community is an important story that explains her role as a caregiver, mom, advocate, attorney, an...2022-03-0327 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastEpisode 130: Year End Planning with Annette HinesWe are now at that time of the year when everyone should sit down and review their current special needs plan. Time to make sure your planning is correct, in good shape and is planned out for what is best for your family. This is one of Annette’s favorite podcasts to do and it has become an annual episode to help listeners create checklists to go over their own family’s plans. And what if you don’t already have a special needs plan? Well, this is the best time then to start getting things organized and begin thinking...2021-12-1528 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastEpisode 129: Legal Decisions and Person Centered Planning for the New Year with Annette HinesAs the year winds to an end, we begin to think about the new year and how prepared are we are for the future. What planning will we need to do, what will we need to change, what worked well, what didn’t work well. For special needs families, the planning can sometimes be a little more challenging when it may include legal decision making regarding guardianship. In this podcast episode, Annette goes over some of the different types of guardianships (or conservatorships) there are and other important legal documents to have, as well as the importance of making sure...2021-12-0142 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastEpisode 128: Living With Sorrow & Joy This Holiday with Annette HinesThe holiday season can be a stressful time if you have lost a child or a loved one. As we have seen over the past 2 years now, it can be stressful also when our loved ones are still with us but due to the pandemic and closures and rule changes, we may be separated and not have access to see them or be with them. In this podcast episode, Annette gives us her tips on how to thrive this holiday season and how to survive the holiday with both sorrow and joy in your heart. Annette begins by...2021-11-1734 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastEpisode 121: Guardianship Q&A with Annette HinesThe Britney Spears guardianship case has brought the topic of guardianship into the spotlight lately. People all over the world want to know more about what guardianship is and why it is used. In this podcast episode, Annette goes over a few of the many guardianship questions she has received from listeners and followers. Please note that guardianship laws do vary from state to state. Please check with your state for their specific guardianship laws and procedures before beginning the guardianship process. A Way to Connect the Disability Community Annette opens the episode with a litt...2021-08-2534 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastEpisode 112: Positive Lessons Learned from the Pandemic with Host Annette HinesThe negative impacts of the pandemic have been talked about over and over for the past year. Let’s talk about the positives, the good things that the pandemic has brought us. In this episode Annette discusses the three positive lessons she has learned from the pandemic, the three positive changes that have happened: 1 – Observation, 2 – Collaboration, and 3 – Innovation. Annette starts off the episode with a mini review as to what this podcast is all about, why she created it. Annette says, “I started this podcast as a way to connect and bring information to the community.” Years ago, as a single...2021-06-0220 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastEpisode 110: More Questions & Answers with host Annette HinesAnnette LOVES all the questions she gets because she LOVES doing these question and answer podcasts. Making sure the disabled community has access to all the information they need is key to Annette. This is one reason why in addition to being a successful attorney, Annette is a podcast host, speaker, author and blogger. As an attorney, Annette does have an ethical responsibility though to not engage in a client /attorney relationship with someone who is not a client. Since each case is vastly different, she is not able to give legal advice on a personal level. These...2021-05-1936 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastEpisode 105: Questions and Answers with Host Annette HinesThe questions have been piling up in Host Annette Hines’ inbox so it is time to do a Q&A session. Making sure the disabled community has access to all the information they need is key to Annette. This is one reason why in addition to being a successful attorney, Annette is a podcast host, speaker, author and blogger. As an attorney, Annette does have an ethical responsibility though to not engage in a client /attorney relationship with someone who is not a client. Since each case is vastly different, she is not able to give legal advice...2021-04-1441 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastEpisode 104: Using the Arts to Promote Inclusion with Rachael & Laura DoukasLet’s talk “The Arts” – specifically movies. Rachael & Laura Doukas, sisters, are the founders and producers of Doukas Pictures. They began their entertainment industry careers acting but soon graduated to writing and producing short films. The Ryan Express, their feature debut screenplay, advanced to the second round of Austin Film Festival’s Script Competition, a distinction only achieved by less than 20% of nearly 14,000 submissions. The Ryan Express is based on their short, “Rocket Man,” which was nominated for Best Short Film, Best Screenplay and won Best Ensemble. The Ryan Express tells the story of an autistic 6th grader named Robby...2021-04-0843 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastKick(box)ing Depression to the Curb with Jenny SandersSo many of us moms and caretakers of children with disabilities can find ourselves all too easily slipping into seasons of unhappiness, bitterness, self-doubt, self-hatred, and lack of motivation. Annette met virtually with Jenny Sanders, founder of iLovekickboxing in Agoura Hills, CA (recently shut down due to COVID-19) to discuss the importance of exercise and endorphins in preventing and fighting off depression. When Jenny’s son was diagnosed with autism in 2014, she found herself in a state of denial that quickly led to full-on depression. With no motivation to eat well, get active, or pursue he...2021-03-3131 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastYour Autism Game Plan with Joya Van Der LaanJoya Van Der Laan is a wife, mother of 3, family nurse practitioner, functional medicine specialist, and business owner. As if that didn't make life complicated enough, two of her three children have special needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). After receiving her daughter's ASD diagnosis in 2014 when she was 3 years old, Joya's innate curiosity and passion for learning drove her to ask, "am I doing enough to help my children through these diagnoses?" Feeling woefully unprepared, even with her medical training and clinical background, Joya started re...2021-03-2450 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastLet’s Celebrate Our Differences! A Discussion on Gender Diversity with Craig PromranzIn this podcast episode, we cover a topic that’s a little “different” from what we usually discuss. Annette invites award-winning male vocalist and author of the children’s book “Made by Raffi,” Craig Pomranz, to share his story and explain why it’s important to not only accept each others’ differences, but to celebrate them. Craig’s book tells the story of a shy little boy named Raffi who is often left out and bullied for being seen as “girly” due to his love of knitting. It’s not until Raffi’s knitted creation saves the day at his school...2021-03-1749 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastA Roundtable Discussion Between Mothers of Children with Rare DiseasesThis week, we are celebrating the 100th episode of our “Parenting Impossible” podcast! To kick off this special episode, we listen to a song by Craig Pomranz called “Different,” which he wrote to inspire children and adults everywhere to celebrate their differences rather than try to hide them. After the song, Annette dives into her discussion with 3 incredible guests — Joslynn Jones McLaughlin, Laura Weisgarber, and Megan Fabrizi — as they share their stories of raising children with a rare disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Annette is familiar with the complex emotions and challenges of raising a...2021-03-101h 20
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastHow to Dismantle Ableism Together with Elizabeth WrightTo kick off the first podcast episode of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Annette is joined by Elizabeth Wright, the Editor of Disability Review Magazine and the Founder and Editor of the “Conscious Being: For Disabled Women by Disabled Women” blog, to discuss timely topics like ableism, how nondisabled individuals can partner with the disability community, “inspiration porn,” and more. Elizabeth starts the podcast by sharing her personal story of being born limb different. Encouraged and inspired by her parents’ passion for disability advocacy, she learned from a young age not to take “no” for an answer when it came to wha...2021-03-031h 02
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastLove Needs an Action Plan with Matthew and Carol NewellIn the final week of our “Month of Love” series, Annette invited two special guests to discuss the importance of seeking healing for all family members, not just the neurodiverse child. Matthew and Carol Newell are the Founders of the Family Hope Center in Greater Philadelphia and authors of “Healing Your Child’s Brain: A Proven Approach to Helping Your Child Thrive.” Since 1981, the Newell’s have worked both separately and together to help thousands of children with developmental disabilities and their parents through a neurological-based therapy program. After years of building their expertise in this field, Ma...2021-02-2455 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastSelf-Love and Healthy Aging for Women with Dr. Vivien BrownFor week 3 of our “Month of Love” series, Annette is joined by Dr. Vivien Brown, MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, NCMP to discuss the importance of self-love when it comes to healthy aging for women. Annette starts the podcast by admitting that she used to feel pride in putting herself last -- working her fingers to the bone and going to bed absolutely exhausted every night. However, she has realized that this isn’t what she wants to model for the people in her life -- for her daughter Caroline, her peers, her community, etc. Instead, she wants to model...2021-02-1757 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastTips for Keeping Your Marriage Strong with Annette Hines and Mark WorthingtonThere are ups and downs in every marriage. Whether it’s stress from work, not enough time for fun, parenting disagreements, poor communication, moody bickering, grieving a loss, or bigger problems like infidelity, there is no such thing as a “perfect” marriage. However, parents and caregivers of children with disabilities have a unique set of challenges in many arenas, not excluding their love lives. In this episode of our Parenting Impossible podcast, Annette Hines is joined by her favorite podcast guest, her husband and law partner Mark Worthington. Through raising and losing a specia...2021-02-1043 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastSelf-Love and Finding True Happiness with Liza BlasAnnette kicks off the first episode in the “month of love” by inviting speaker, coach, and host of the Very Happy Stories podcast, Liza Blas, to discuss a type of love that so many parents of special needs children push to the side — self love. Liza opens the episode by telling a story of when she and her daughter, Ava, who has battled anxiety, depression, hallucinations, Lyme disease, and more, went to see a therapist together. During this session, the therapist asked Ava what would make her happy. Much to Liza’s surprise, Ava simply responded “I would be ha...2021-02-0341 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastRaising a Child With Invisible Special Needs with Julie FalconeIn this episode of our “Parenting Impossible” podcast, Annette is joined by “crazy and loving” mom, wife, and author of the book “DEAR LOVED ONES: An Honest Guide to Helping the Special Needs Family You Love,” Julie Falcone. In her hilarious and heartfelt book, Julie shares her unfiltered experience of raising four children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, depression, developmental delay, and oppositional defiant disorder, giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to raise children with special needs on a daily basis and listing a variety of ways family members and friends can tr...2021-01-271h 07
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastMoving from State-to-State with a Special Needs Child with Kerri WhalenEarlier this year, our founder Annette Hines introduced the sister company of Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, Special Needs Family Services. As part of this launch, we brought on new staff members to help us hit the ground running in 2021. One of these additions to the team is Kerri Whalen, our new Practice Administrator and the guest for this episode of Parenting Impossible. The subject of this episode is one that we get asked about a lot: What happens when you move your family from one state to the next? While states’ righ...2021-01-2044 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast“4 Steps to Make 2021 the Best Year Yet” with Annette HinesAfter the many ups and downs of 2020, it’s easy to fall into negative ways of thinking. “Did I accomplish anything I set out to do? Was last year just a waste? Look how many mistakes I made and times I failed…” Instead of dwelling on the past, the New Year presents the perfect time to examine the goals you weren’t able to accomplish in 2020 and use them to fuel your fire and make a game plan for 2021. In this episode of our Parenting Impossible podcast, host Annette Hines walks listeners through 4 steps to m...2021-01-0536 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastHow to Hit “Reset” in 2021 with Ian Adair2020 has been a year of great challenges and loss. However, with the hope of 2021, we can make this new year the best year yet. We’ve learned a lot about ourselves over the past year, and if we use the knowledge we’ve gained moving forward, we can prioritize wellness in a way that allows us to create safe places at work and at home, even when we are struggling. In this episode of “Parenting Impossible,” Annette is joined by the Executive Director of Gracepoint Foundation, Ian Adair. Ian is also the author of Stronger Than Stigm...2020-12-301h 04
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastPreparing for Tax Season in the New Year with Host Annette HinesIt’s that time of year when we all prepare for the future, and this year, there is even more uncertainty than usual. If you are preparing your estate and special needs plans for the new year, this episode will answer frequently asked questions and clarify details about the taxation of these special trusts. The taxation of trusts can be confusing, especially in the case of special needs trusts. One of the first issues that Annette addresses is the need for a beneficiary to file an individual tax return. Trustees should warn their beneficiaries of this...2020-12-2339 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastAnswering FAQs with Host Annette HinesIn this episode of “Parenting Impossible,” host Annette Hines answers all of your frequently asked questions. As a speaker, podcast host, author, lawyer, business owner and mother, managing all of her roles can be a challenge, but her goal is to help other people in the disability community find the resources they need in one place. That’s what this podcast is all about! Annette says, “The information system is so fractured in our community.” In light of this, we need to have one place to go for information. In this episode, she shares her advice and knowledge a...2020-12-1559 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastAvoiding Caregiver Burnout with Roz Marshall-JonesRosalind “Roz” Marshall-Jones joined “Parenting Impossible” to share her experience as a caregiver and her advice for other caregivers to avoid burnout and plan for the future. In Roz and Annette’s professional and personal experiences, they have seen the lack of future planning through their work with a number of clients. They both recommend having conversations with siblings early on, even small conversations, before moving on to include parents and other family members in the conversation about the future of a loved one’s health and estate. This practice can help you prevent burnout and set family plans...2020-12-0852 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastSurviving Stress with Dr. Rebecca BranstetterThe holiday season can be stressful enough without a global pandemic adding to an already tense situation. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Dr. Rebecca Branstetter shares her tips to help parents and school psychologists manage stress in healthy ways in front of kids. Whether your children are stressed about school, the loss of traditions or the holidays, their negative emotions towards those times can take a toll on their mental health. But more than providing information to parents and professionals to improve mental health, Dr. Branstetter wants to bring transformation to schools and homes. In...2020-12-031h 11
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastHow to Enjoy the Holidays, Not Just SurviveWhile the holiday season is usually the happiest time of the year, it can be a time of incredible sorrow for many families and friends who have lost a loved one or are grieving the loss of family traditions as a result of the pandemic. No matter what you are grieving, the holidays and dark winter can make this time particularly lonely and challenging. Here are five tips that have helped Annette grieve in healthy ways during the holiday season ever since her oldest daughter, Elizabeth, passed away from Mitochondrial Disease seven years ago: 1. Continue Th...2020-11-2433 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastPart One of Three with Gary Roe: “A.I.R.ing” Out GriefWhen most people hear about what Gary Roe does for a living, he says, “They just shake their heads and say, how did you wind up there?” The answer to this question is that Gary had a troubled childhood riddled with grief that he transformed into a career path for good, thanks to help from many people who supported him during those trying years. After studying psychology and going to seminary, Gary currently serves as a hospice chaplain and grief counselor for Hospice Brazos Valley in central Texas. From the ages of three to seven, Gary was sexua...2020-11-101h 09
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastFinding the Right Trust Protector with Mark WorthingtonMark Worthington joins Parenting Impossible to share his insight about Trust Protectors and their role with Special Needs Trusts. A Trust Protector acts as a supervisor or watchdog to ensure the security of a trust, in part by observing the Trustee’s actions within the financial account. Often, families do not want to burden a single person with the role of Trustee, but they also know that having a Co-trustee can make the situation tense or complicated. Selecting a Trust Protector is the most effective in these three situations: When you need someone to act as a go...2020-11-0531 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastUnified Sports Programs Promote Community and InclusionMary Beth McMahon, President and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts, joined Parenting Impossible with Host Annette Hines to discuss the transition to virtual activities and society’s perspective on people with disabilities. When COVID-19 forced Mary Beth to move the organization’s events and summer games online, she knew she would need to keep the events engaging and inclusive. One of the biggest ways that she has pivoted during this time is by continuing to promote the Special Olympics program known as Unified Champion Schools. This “unified sports” program is open for students of any ability to join a un...2020-10-2941 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastHow to Use Your Voice for GoodDerek “Tank” Schottle, a Special Olympian with Autism from Sugar Land, Texas, joined Parenting Impossible to share his experience with sports and inspiring other people with disabilities through social media. Tank joined the Special Olympics in 2001, and plays seven sports: softball, basketball, volleyball, track, bocce, golf, and soccer. Annette has been following Tank on Twitter and was inspired by his positive messages—he is known best for his inspiring message about the Special Olympics and what it means to him. In 2019, the Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, tried to cut $17.6 million from the Special Olympics budget. Tank responde...2020-10-2748 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastABLE Accounts Regulations Finally FinalizedAfter six years of proposals, feedback and edits, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) finalized the Achieving A Better Life Experience (ABLE) Accounts regulations on Oct. 1, 2020. While some of the regulations were expected or familiar, others were a bit of a surprise. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Host Annette Hines talks with her favorite podcast guest, her husband Mark Worthington, about this finalized document and the implications it could have for people with disabilities and their families across the country. ABLE Accounts were created to help people with disabilities and their families save and pay for disability-related e...2020-10-1635 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastAddressing Ableism and Institutional Bias in Our SocietyIn this episode of our Parenting Impossible podcast, Annette interviews “warrior woman,” Nina Bakoyiannis, to discuss the interwoven framework of disability discrimination in our society that exists both interpersonally and institutionally. Under her pen name “Despina Bakos,” Nina created a blog where she talks more generally about her experiences growing up with a physical disability and the issue of ableism in our society. She also works with a grassroots disability rights organization in New York called ADAPT that is currently working on Medicaid reform and advocates for funding and community understanding of home care services. In her professio...2020-10-1359 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastThe Need to Reform Institutional BiasThe death of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, has brought a new push for disability rights. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Host Annette Hines talks to Alison Barkoff, Director of Advocacy at the Center for Public Representation in Washington D.C. They discuss the impact of Justice Ginsburg's death on the disability community's fight for civil rights and why litigation to combat institutional bias is essential for the wellbeing of people with disabilities. Alison came to this profession based on personal experience and connection to the disability community through her brother Evan w...2020-10-0649 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastBringing Behavioral Tactics From the Clinic to the HouseIn this episode of Parenting Impossible, Host Annette Hines talks about bringing behavioral analysis training home with her guest, Jessica Guzman. Jessica previously worked as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, or BCBA, in Austin, Texas, to help families navigate challenging behavior for their young children with special needs. She also has a master’s in education. Recently, she created her own company, “Little Wildlings Ltd. Co. ” where she is a behavior consultant who helps kids from 18 months to 6 years old with behavioral issues. Annette and Jessica first connected on LinkedIn when Annette saw a message Jessica had posted...2020-09-2954 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastPlanning the Next Chapter of Parenting ImpossibleIn this special episode of Parenting Impossible, Host Annette Hines welcomes back some of her early podcast guests, Hillary Dunn Stanisz, Cheryl Ryan Chan, and Dave Greenwood, to celebrate the podcast’s first anniversary and open the door to the future of conversations about special needs. This episode is also significant because Annette lights a candle for her daughter, Elizabeth, in honor of Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week. Annette launched Parenting Impossible - The Special Needs Survival Podcast out of the desire to connect with the special needs community and create a one-stop-shop for conversations, information, and resources tha...2020-09-221h 02
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastHow Sleep Training Could Help Your Special Needs ChildIn this episode of Parenting Impossible, host Annette Hines talks to sleep consultant Melissa Doman. For more than ten years, Melissa has worked with special needs families who are fed up with sleepless nights and are ready to find solutions despite being told there’s nothing that can be done about their child’s sleep problems. Annette and Melissa begin their discussion with an explanation of "sleep training" and how it can benefit special needs children in particular. Melissa breaks down the importance of using techniques — other than medication — to build new sleep routines and habits. They also tou...2020-09-1550 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastTrying To Stay Positive While Losing Our MindsIn episode 68 of Parenting Impossible, host Annette Hines speaks with special needs mother Leah Moore. Leah is not only a mother of three but also a writer and high school English teacher. As a writer, she has been featured in several publications including Today’s Kids in Motion Magazine, and has her own blog, Loving You Big. Leah is currently working on her first book as well. Leah’s life changed after her daughter Jordan was diagnosed with Cri du Chat syndrome, a rare chromosomal disability. Doctors told Leah her daughter may never walk or talk, but today Jordan is danc...2020-09-0853 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastGive Yourself A Break, This Is Survival ModeIn the words of Parenting Impossible host Annette Hines, "give yourself a break." In this mini-podcast, Annette shares four tips special needs parents and caretakers should consider as they continue to navigate distance learning and new social distancing guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Find or Recreate Your Team: Think about one or two people in your life that can step in and allow you to take a physical break. Whether it’s a member of your church, a neighbor, friend, or family member, a few hours to yourself can do a world of good. Be sure to do your res...2020-09-0326 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastEP 67: Learning To Love Yourself As A Short Bus KidIn this episode of Parenting Impossible, host Annette Hines and guest Matthew Cox discuss what it’s like to grow up with a learning disability and how it applies to distance learning in today’s climate. Matthew Cox spent his elementary and middle school years thinking there was something wrong with his brain. For him, school work was a daunting and often embarrassing challenge. He was the kid who never seemed to catch up with his classmates, no matter how hard he tried. "Growing up with a disability was like having an elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk...2020-09-0153 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastEP:66 How To Make Communication MeaningfulIn this episode of Parenting Impossible, host Annette Hines discusses meaningful communication with guest Randi Sargent. Randi created the website SayitwithSymbols.com, the only source dedicated to taking the guesswork out of caring for adults with cognitive/communication challenges by using easy-to-use, picture-based communication aids designed specifically for adult caregiving. Randi was inspired to start SayitwithSymbols.com after the birth of her son who was born with severe communication and intellectual disabilities. Despite years of specialized programs, Randi’s son never developed the ability to speak, read, write or walk independently. Today, she has created pr...2020-08-2552 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastUnderstanding COVID-19 Benefits Available For CaregiversIn this episode of Parenting Impossible, host Annette Hines and Employment Law Attorney Rebecca Pontikes discuss the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and how to access different benefits you may be entitled to as a caregiver. Pontikes is the founder of Pontikes Law, LLC and represents employees in all areas of employment law. She specializes in gender and family responsibility (caregiver) discrimination, sexual harassment, negotiation of employment contracts and separation agreements, non-competition agreements, retaliation and whistle-blower claims (in all sectors, including the government and financial sectors), violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act, and violations of the wage statutes. A...2020-08-191h 16
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastBack To The Classroom - What Special Needs Educators Are SayingIs our education system supporting the needs of kids with disabilities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic? That’s the question host Annette Hines, Psychologist Allison Brooks, and Special Education teacher Megan Parker discuss during Episode 64 of Parenting Impossible. Allison Brooks is a psychologist working in the Seattle Washington area. She has an extensive history speaking about topics such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), Autism, educational advocacy, motivation for middle schoolers, ADHD, and anxiety. Brooks has also served on state advisory councils for autism, FAS, and school refusal. Megan Parker is a Special Needs teacher working in Florida; a state that...2020-08-111h 09
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastThings To Consider Before Filing For Divorce With A Special Needs ChildIn this edition of Parenting Impossible, Annette and her husband Mark Worthington discuss what you need to consider during the divorce process as a parent of a special needs child. Mark is Senior Counsel at Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts and is a Professor of Law at Western New England University School of Law. He has also been named to the Massachusetts Super Lawyers list every year since 2008. Annette and Mark begin the show with a conversation about the increased number of people filing for divorce during the pandemic. The rise comes as more people have been forced to s...2020-08-0556 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastHow Immigration Laws Affect Special Needs HealthcareHow do people with special needs get permission to come to the United States for specialized healthcare? In this week’s episode of Parenting Impossible, host Annette Hines learns more about the complicated process from Immigration Attorney Linda Osberg-Braun. Ms.Osberg has served as the Deputy District Counsel for INS (now DHS) and was an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Southern District of Florida. She is known for her ability to solve complicated immigration problems and focuses on developing immigration solutions and comprehensive long term strategies for her clients. Annette and Linda dig into "public bar charge" and how it a...2020-07-291h 00
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastEP 60: Making A Difference With Music Music therapy is subject near and dear to Parenting Impossible host Annette Hine’s heart. In this episode, Roman Music Therapy Services Executive DIrector Meredith Roman Pizzi joins Annette for an in depth discussion on the difference music therapy can make in the special needs community. Ms. Pizzi is a thought leader and passionate champion for the music therapy profession. She’s devoted her career to developing business models for the delivery of music therapy services and is an advocate for music therapy on the systems level. Ms. Pizzi founded several music therapy organizations and programs, including Roma...2020-07-1451 min
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival PodcastHow COVID-19 Will Forever Change Special Needs EducationThe COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed almost every aspect of our lives. This includes how we work, socialize and learn. In Episode 59 of Parenting Impossible, Host Annette Hines and guest Dr. Ingrid Amorini-Klimek address what special needs education could look like in the future. Dr. Amorini-Klimek is a lifelong advocate for special needs families, the sister of a special needs brother, and has extensive experience as a special education teacher. For many years, she worked as an administrator for a large educational system but said, "Over time she became disappointed in the bureaucracy that failed to listen to the needs...2020-07-0853 min