Beyond Disability Texas - Resources for Special Needs Families

[https://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2-Overview-1-300x253.jpg]Joining us this week are Andie McClendon, Director of Development with The Arc of San Antonio, and Tonya Hope, Public Relations Manager with the San Antonio Airport System.  In this episode we talk about the Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® (Wings) for All event scheduled on December 11, 2019 at the San Antonio International Airport. The Arc’s Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® (Wings) program gives families and aviation professionals the confidence to take to the skies with ease by providing an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols. Chapters of The Arc, local partners, and airport/airline/TSA personnel work collaboratively to design and carry out each Wings event. Should you have questions for the TSA, offers information at TSA Cares For Individuals and Families Wings alleviates some of the stress that people with autism and other I/DDs and their families experience when traveling by air by providing families with the opportunity to experience and learn about how their loved ones will react to different stimuli in the airport. For Aviation Professionals Wings gives airport, airline, TSA professionals, and other personnel the opportunity to observe, interact, and deliver their services in a structured learning environment—improving their disability competency and processes for accommodating ALL passengers who fly. During a Wings Event: Participant Activities * Check-in to receive boarding passes * Pass through the TSA security checkpoint * Wait in the boarding area * Board an aircraft (that does not take off) Wings for All - Making the Skies Friendlier for Everyone Part of living a full life in the community includes being able to travel to faraway locations for both work and pleasure. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are entitled to this piece of community participation—just like anyone else—and should be able to navigate air transit comfortably to experience the same opportunities as every other traveler. Why It Matters People with autism and other I/DDs often experience barriers to participating in air travel. Airports and airplanes can be overwhelming and full of unexpected and overstimulating variables, such as bright lights, noises, TSA security screening, and crowds. Too often, there is a lack of understanding among airport and airline staff—leading to confusion on how to handle accommodations or unexpected behaviors when a flier is overwhelmed or nervous about navigating the air travel process. Combined, these barriers lead to hesitation and fear, inhibiting participation in air travel. As a result, people can miss out on new experiences and connecting with family members and friends that live far away. Wings for Autism® was created by Charles River Center, an affiliated chapter of The Arc, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Port Authority. For additional information about bringing Wings to an airport near you, please email wingsforautism@thearc.org. [https://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screen-Shot-2019-12-08-at-6.52.47-PM-300x96.png] Travelers mayalsocall TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Autism, Autism Spectrum & Intellectual Disabilities - Inform the TSA Officer:Passengers with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome or autism, can be screened without being separated from their traveling companions if traveling with one. You or your traveling companion may consult the TSA officer about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. You may also provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition. [https://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_2812-200x300.jpg]ABOUT THE SHOW– Every two weeks, we publish a new Beyond Disability Texas episode that identifies and highlights resources available to special needs families and caregivers in Texas. Our guests will enlighten and inspire you. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts. To add your voice to our community-wide conversation, join our Facebook Group. To find an episode to listen to now, Browse All Episodes. BE A GUEST– If you would like to be a guest on Beyond Disability Texas, please visit our Guest Info page, then Contact Us. We’d love to hear from you. BE A SUPPORTER– If you would like to support the show, contact us and connect with us below. You can also support show production as a patron. Email:  BeyondDisabilityTexas@gmail.com Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas/ [https://www.facebook.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas/] Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/BDT Family Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/BDT Family Group] Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas [https://www.instagram.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas] Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/BDTPodcast [https://www.twitter.com/BDTPodcast] SUBSCRIBE– Our show is a free podcast. Subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook and take us with you.  Use the link below to subscribe now and never miss another episode filled with San Antonio people, places and events.

[https://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Karen-Marvel-200x300.png]This week, we talk with Karen Marvel, a family friend and attorney who practices family law in San Antonio, Texas. Our conversation focuses on planning for future needs of special needs children like our daughter, and specifically on own unique family situation. It is simply a conversation between friends that you are welcome to hear. If you have questions regarding legal matters, we recommend that you consult your own attorney to receive answers that are tailored to you and your specific family situation. The content of this podcast does not represent and is not intended to represent legal advice. Karen Marel Marvel & Wong, PLLC 310 S. St. Mary’s Street, Suite 1010 San Antonio, TX 78205 210-201-1630 https://www.mwfamilylaw.com/ PODCAST DISCLAIMER By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the producers and participants in this podcast makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the producers do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of the producers. The producers assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. THE PRODUCERS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. _____ ABOUT THE SHOW– Every two weeks, we publish a new Beyond Disability Texas episode that identifies and highlights resources available to special needs families and caregivers in Texas. Our guests will enlighten and inspire you. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts. To add your voice to our community-wide conversation, join our Facebook Group. To find an episode to listen to now, Browse All Episodes. BE A GUEST – If you would like to be a guest on Beyond Disability Texas, please visit our Guest Info page, then Contact Us. We’d love to hear from you. BE A SUPPORTER– If you would like to support the show, contact us and connect with us below. You can also support show production as a patron. Email:BeyondDisabilityTexas@gmail.com Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas/ [https://www.facebook.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas/] Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/BDT Family Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/BDT Family Group] Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas [https://www.instagram.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas] Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/BDTPodcast [https://www.twitter.com/BDTPodcast] SUBSCRIBE– Our show is a free podcast. Subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook and take us with you.  Use the link below to subscribe now and never miss another episode filled with San Antonio people, places and events.

[https://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/67341630_108983373772742_6588774247777173504_o-300x300.jpg]With October being Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I was delighted to talk withKaren Meyer and Leah Meyeron a Saturday afternoon. Leah has Down Syndrome. This young woman and her ultra supportive family have not allowed DS to define her. If anything, Leah has redefined what being someone with Down Syndrome is. Let me tell you, Leah is one determined young woman. She will not take "no" for an answer. Once she sets her mind on something, she will not stop inquiring about it until her family sits down for a family meeting to work out Leah's ideas. Leah has accomplished quite a bit in her young life thus far. She is an employee at Morgan's Wonderland in the Edutainment Department; she is a performer in the Shakespeare in Wonderland company; she's appeared in numerous ads for Morgan's Wonderland and Morgan's Inspiration Island. Y'all, this is only one aspect of her life. Young Leah developed a love of cooking after watching Disney's "The Princess and the Frog." She currently hosts a cooking demonstration YouTube channel called "Cooking with Leah." This channel is one step towards her dream. Leah's dream is to have a cooking show on the Food Network. The Meyers are working step by step towards it. Leah currently has a t-shirt campaignto raise money towards a food truck. Go to https://www.bonfire.com/i-am-enough-9/ [https://www.bonfire.com/i-am-enough-9/]to order yours. Leah credits her friend Abby Miracle for getting her into social media. Leah can be found on Instagramathttps://www.instagram.com/cooking_with_leah_meyer/ [https://www.instagram.com/cooking_with_leah_meyer/]and her show can be found on YouTubeathttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgU0sxjgNT5-7EkRO07k8Ng [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgU0sxjgNT5-7EkRO07k8Ng] New York Fashion designer Marisol Deluna has partnered with Leah to launch Little Pickle and Patty Cake, an adaptive cooking wear and accessories line. She has been signed on by the Bankston Talent Agency. Leah competes in the Special Olympics. This young woman LOVES God, too. To say Leah rocks her extra chromosome is an understatement. Leah is a driven, self-confident, talented, sensitive, loving and beautiful entrepreneur who happens to have Down Syndrome. _____ ABOUT THE SHOW– Every two weeks, we publish a newBeyond Disability Texasepisode that identifies and highlights resources available to special needs families and caregivers in Texas. Our guests will enlighten and inspire you. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts. To add your voice to our community-wide conversation, join ourFacebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/584177648774963/]. To find an episode to listen to now,Browse All Episodes [http://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/blog/]. BE A GUEST– If you would like to be a guest onBeyond Disability Texas, please visit ourGuest Info [https://BeyondDisabilityTexas.com/Guests]page, thenContact Us [https://BeyondDisabilityTexas.com/Contact]. We’d love to hear from you. BE A SUPPORTER– If you would like to support the show, contact us and connect with us below. You can also support show production as a patron. * Email:BeyondDisabilityTexas@gmail.com [BeyondDisabilityTexas@gmail.com] * Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas/ [https://www.facebook.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas] * Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BDT Family Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/584177648774963/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas [https://www.instagram.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas] * Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/BDTPodcast [https://www.twitter.com/BDTPodcast] SUBSCRIBE– Our show is afree podcast. Subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook and take us with you.  Use the link below to subscribe now and never miss another episode filled with San Antonio people, places and events.

This week, we welcome Barbara Goldman, Executive Director of TEAMability in San Antonio, Texas. Barbara saw an urgent need for children with multiple disabilities to have an area in which to provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and a host of additional services. Listen to Barbara as she tells us about her background, how and why TEAMability came to be and those who provided assistance. She was excited to tell us about KGBTexas [https://www.kgbtexas.com], a full-service marketing agency, who are currently providing marketing services to TEAMability. Barbara also talked about the several sponsorships and the Two-Step Gala [https://teamability.org/2019-two-step/], both help out this non-profit organization. [https://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/imageedit_1_9889078080-1024x724.jpg] [http://teamability.org]About:TEAMability does what no one else does – they combine evidence-based practices from various disciplines to form a unique model of working with children who have complex disabilities. A model that demonstrates results not achieved through traditional ways of working with these children. Mission:Working in collaboration with communities and families, TEAMability gives children with complex disabilities opportunities to achieve their potential and experience the joy of success. Vision:TEAMability imagines a community that challenges assumptions and advances the service delivery standard for children with complex disabilities. Important Links:Programs [https://teamability.org/programs/]|Get Involved [https://teamability.org/get-involved/]|Community [https://teamability.org/community/]|Two-Step Gala [https://teamability.org/2019-two-step/]|Contact [https://teamability.org/contact-us/] Location:1711 N Trinity, San Antonio, TX 78201 P:210-733-9050 F:210-733-9069 Website:TEAMability.org [http://www.teamability.org/] Facebook: TEAMability, Inc. [https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofTEAMability] ABOUT THE SHOW– Every two weeks, we publish a newBeyond Disability Texasepisode that identifies and highlights resources available to special needs families and caregivers in Texas. Our guests will enlighten and inspire you. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts. To add your voice to our community-wide conversation, join ourFacebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/584177648774963/]. To find an episode to listen to now,Browse All Episodes [http://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/blog/]. BE A GUEST– If you would like to be a guest onBeyond Disability Texas, please visit ourGuest Info [https://BeyondDisabilityTexas.com/Guests]page, thenContact Us [https://BeyondDisabilityTexas.com/Contact]. We’d love to hear from you. BE A SUPPORTER– If you would like to support the show, contact us and connect with us below. You can also support show production as a patron. * Email:BeyondDisabilityTexas@gmail.com [BeyondDisabilityTexas@gmail.com] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas/ [https://www.facebook.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas] * Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BDT Family Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/584177648774963/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas [https://www.instagram.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas] * Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/BDTPodcast [https://www.twitter.com/BDTPodcast] SUBSCRIBE– Our show is afree podcast. Subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook and take us with you.  Use the link below to subscribe now and never miss another episode filled with San Antonio people, places and events.

[https://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Screen-Shot-2019-09-16-at-7.26.38-PM-300x224.png]In this episode, we conducted an on-site interview with Mr. Mike Bennett, President and CEO of The ARC of San Antonio [https://arc-sa.org] for two years and 2 months. (The latter part of that statement were his exact words.) In attendance as well were Ms. Andie McClendon, Director of Development of the ARC, and Ms. Sarah Kazen, Development & Communications Coordinator for the ARC and our production assistant, Emma. We learned that Mike has always had a servant's heart. When asked when it started, he replied, "Three weeks after college." He has previously worked for the American Red Cross.spaceIt is the mission of the ARC of San Antonio to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families [https://www.arc-sa.org/pages/about-us/mission-and-history/].space[https://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IMG_2129-2-279x300.jpg]The overall ARC was initially founded by parents of special needs children. The ARC of San Antonio is a social service home with an unique continuum of care. The ARC serves all ages through their case management programs and adults (18+) in their day program. There are two facilities where they operate their Adult Life Enrichment program -- 13430 West Avenue and 6530 Wurzbach.spaceMost referrals are from area school districts' transition coordinators who organize meetings between families and the ARC's support service coordinators. The focus is mainly on high school and middle school students as they are closer to the transition age; however, the ARC continues to encourage the school coordinators to introduce the topic to families at the elementary school stage so that they can start the process of planning for crucial long-term supports.spaceMr. Bennett was asked the difference between the ARC of San Antonio and the ARC of Texas. He replied that the local area ARC's are the "boots on the ground" so to speak. They are in the thick of it with their families. The ARC of Texas as well as the ARC of the United States are working to make the at-large community and the state and federal legislators aware and act to the needs of the IDD community.spaceLastly, Mr. Bennett was excited to share an upcoming event with us. The Achievers Banquet [https://www.arc-sa.org/2019achieversbanquet/]will be held at Morgan's Wonderland on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. This annual community-building event is one in which the ARC of San Antonio partners with over 30 other special needs agencies to honor and to recognize individuals with disabilities who have reached a significant milestone in the lives. He advised the tickets sell quickly.space[https://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/49213249_10155796861411640_3852108210177572864_n-300x300.jpg]The ARC of San Antonio's website is www.arc-sa.org [http://www.arc-sa.org/]. On their website is access to a multi-page Community Resource Directory. The ARC's main number is (210) 490-4300 and their two locations are 13430 West Avenue, SATX, 78216 and 6530 Wurzbach, SATX, 78240.spaceTo learn more about The Arc of San Antonio and services available to special needs families, sign-up for one of the free parents workshops: https://www.arc-sa.org/upcomingworkshops/ [https://www.arc-sa.org/upcomingworkshops/]and sign-up for their email list: https://www.arc-sa.org/subscribe-to-receive-our-emails/ [https://www.arc-sa.org/subscribe-to-receive-our-emails/] ABOUT THE SHOW– Every two weeks, we publish a newBeyond Disability Texasepisode that identifies and highlights resources available to special needs families and caregivers in Texas. Our guests will enlighten and inspire you. Subscriptions are always free and available wherever you find podcasts. To add your voice to our community-wide conversation, join ourFacebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/584177648774963/]. To find an episode to listen to now,Browse All Episodes [http://beyonddisabilitytexas.com/blog/]. BE A GUEST– If you would like to be a guest onBeyond Disability Texas, please visit ourGuest Info [https://BeyondDisabilityTexas.com/Guests]page, thenContact Us [https://BeyondDisabilityTexas.com/Contact]. We’d love to hear from you. BE A SUPPORTER– If you would like to support the show, contact us and connect with us below. You can also support show production as a patron. * Email:BeyondDisabilityTexas@gmail.com [BeyondDisabilityTexas@gmail.com] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas/ [https://www.facebook.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas] * Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BDT Family Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/584177648774963/] * Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas [https://www.instagram.com/BeyondDisabilityTexas] * Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/BDTPodcast [https://www.twitter.com/BDTPodcast] SUBSCRIBE– Our show is afree podcast. Subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook and take us with you.  Use the link below to subscribe now and never miss another episode filled with San Antonio people, places and events.