The Special Needs Parent Bloghttp://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/en-US2010-03-12T21:01:22ZSquarespace Site Server v5.9.2 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Tax Tips for Special Needs Parents - Are You Ready?http://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/2010/3/8/tax-tips-for-special-needs-parents-are-you-ready.htmlJoan Celebi2010-03-08T20:52:36ZAction Steps for Special Needs Parents Family Matters Free Lunchtime Teleseminars Recommended Resources Special Needs News Special Needs Resources 

Join me for my next Free Lunchtime Teleseminar!

Surprisingly Simple Tax Tips
For Parents of Children with Special Needs

With Special Guest Amy Young

Thursday, March 11, 12 noon Eastern Time

Tax season can seem overwhelming when you have a child with special needs. There are exemptions, deductions, and itemizations ... receipts, schedules, and forms ... and there's that looming April 15th deadline that gets closer every day! But with four weeks still left, you can still get through tax time with more organization and less stress than you thought possible!

Join us as special guest Amy Young shares valuable tax tips specifically for parents of children with special needs, and answers questions like:

    • How do I organize all my tax stuff? (It's easier than you think!)
    • What expenses can I itemize? (You may be surprised at some of these!)
    • What if I get audited?
    • What forms do I have to fill out?
    • and more!

Amy will de-mystify the tax process for special needs parents, saving you time, frustration, and quite possibly saving you money with the information and methods she'll be sharing in this teleseminar.

Free Lunchtime Teleseminars last 30 - 45 minutes, with time for discussion and your questions. The call will be recorded, so if you can't make it to the call, no worries!  We'll email you the link to the recording, so you can listen later on at your convenience.  Note: you must register below in order to receive the call recording.

To register for the call, enter your first name and primary email address below:

First Name:
Primary Email Address:

Upon registering, you will instantly receive the phone number and access code to call in at the scheduled date and time.

I look forward to having you on the call!

Privacy Policy: Your email address is never shared in any way.

 

]]>You Can Manage Crisis Times More Easily - Learn How This Friday!http://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/2010/2/23/you-can-manage-crisis-times-more-easily-learn-how-this-frida.htmlJoan Celebi2010-02-23T18:18:24ZAction Steps for Special Needs Parents Parenting Children with Special Needs Recommended Resources Special Needs News Special Needs Resources
Quick Reminder:
Managing Crisis Times When You Have a Child
with Special Needs
Register today!
  
Crisis times come with the territory when you have a child with special needs.  They come in all sizes: from major crises like medical emergencies, all the way down to the small crises that can throw off your day, week, or even month.  What crisis times all have in common is that they can be so unpredict-able, and can throw the entire family into chaos!
 
The good news is, you can be prepared to handle whatever comes your way next time!  Join me this Friday at 11:00 am Eastern time for my most popular teleseminar: Managing Crisis Times When You Have a Child with Special Needs.  I'll give you a complete system you can put into place right now -- and lead you step-by-step through an easy-to-follow process that will have you feeling confident and in control whenever a crisis time comes along.  I'll also give you strategies to stay centered and present during the crisis, and tips to help you and your family will bounce back with greater ease when it's over.  You'll take away your own Crisis Management Plan, ready to use at a moment's notice!
 
Register Today
This is the only time I'll be offering this teleseminar in 2010, so don't miss out!  Upon registering, you'll receive an extensive handout with tips, steps, worksheets, checklists, and more.  You'll also receive free gifts!   
 
And if you can't make the live call, no worries.  Everyone registered receives a recording of the teleseminar, so you can listen later at your convenience.
 
And by the way, the discount price from last week is still in effect.  (After repeatedly forgetting to take the discount off the website, I decided to just leave it there!)  I hope you'll take advantage of this special price - you'll save $12.  Plus, the bonus gifts more than pay for the price of the teleseminar!
 
To learn more and register, go to:
 
And if you know any moms or dads who might like to join us, please feel free to forward this announcement to them. 
 
I look forward to having you on the call!
]]>Best IEP Resources, 2010: Grammy-Style!http://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/2010/2/11/best-iep-resources-2010-grammy-style.htmlJoan Celebi2010-02-11T15:35:16ZParenting Children with Special Needs Recommended Products Recommended Reading Recommended Resources Special Needs Resources

by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

This article appeared earlier today in my FREE Overwhelmed No More! Newsletter. To subscribe, enter your name and email address in the sign-up box to the left. You'll get practical tips and inspiring ideas every month to help you successfully navigate life as a parent of a child with special needs.

I get really excited about IEP resources.  Especially ones that make the IEP process - which can be confusing and intimidating for many parents -- feel manageable and doable. 

Last year I published a list of my favorites, thinking they could never be topped.  But this year, I've been astounded by some NEW resources -- some of which take advantage of the amazing capabilities of modern technology.  I hope these will help you through your IEP season this year!

IEP RESOURCE OF THE YEAR
Don't have time to attend parent advocacy workshops, but need the training and vital information that these programs provide?  Problem solved!  Wrightslaw now offers its top-notch training program on CD!  You learn everything you need to know about Special Education, IDEA, IEP's, and advocating for your child -- at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home!  Topics include Special Education Law and Advocacy Training, Understanding Your Child's Test Scores, Legal Requirements of IEP's, and more.  You can learn more and purchase the CD's here:
http://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/index.htm

BEST NEW IEP INNOVATION
... and dare we say, most hip?  PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) just developed the first ever iPhone App for special education!  It's called the IEP Checklist App, and it has every step, fact, and law – arranged in easy to access categories and sub-categories, color-coded, with space for your notes.  All at your fingertips – great for parents AND professionals!  It's FREE, and it's available in Spanish, too.  You can see a quick demonstration and download it here:
http://www.peatc.org/peatc.cgim?template=iPhonePressReleaseKit 
The only drawback may be that you can't use it if you don't have an iPhone.  (Maybe this is the excuse you needed to go buy one!  I'm definitely thinking about it!)

BEST NEW BOOKSHELF ADDITION
Wrightslaw nabs another category this year with its most recent book, All About IEP's.  It's, well, all about IEP's - and is written in Peter and Pam Wright's trademark plain-English style.  I love the reader-friendly format - lots of shaded boxes, quotes, examples, and bulleted lists.  No parent of a child with special needs should be without this book!  Learn more and order here:
http://www.wrightslaw.com/bks/aaiep/index.htm

THE "NOW I GET IT!" AWARD
If you're like a lot of special needs parents, you may have wondered, "Just what exactly is the difference between an IEP and a 504?"  This simple little 3-page chart finally answers that question, with a side-by-side, point-by point comparison.  This is a great addition to your IEP notebook - print it out, 3-hole punch it, and put it in that binder!
Download the IEP/504 Comparison Chart here

THE MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
What?  No IEP binder?  Check out one of my favorite IEP products, "My IEP Toolkit."  You can become completely organized in just a couple of hours! Now THAT's a major achievement. 
http://www.Organized4Kids.com/

I hope these resources will be helpful - and if you have more outstanding IEP resources to share, please post a comment! 

You may also want to check out my article from last year, with 6 more great resources to get you through IEP season:  

http://www.SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com/blog/2009/3/19/my-6-favorite-iep-resources.html

May your IEP process go smoothly this year! Be sure to visit my Facebook group to post questions and talk about your IEP challenges with thousands of other parents of children with special needs. It's easy and it's free! Go to www.Facebook.com and search on Overwhelmed No More Group.

 

]]>Temple Grandin Movie Coming to HBOhttp://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/2010/1/23/temple-grandin-movie-coming-to-hbo.htmlJoan Celebi2010-01-23T19:59:20ZRecommended Resources Special Needs News Special Needs Resources

by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

My friend Marla Roth-Fisch, author of Sensitive Sam , sent me some great information on an upcoming movie and two excellent websites with resources for parents of children with autism and sensory challenges. Thanks Marla!

TEMPLE GRANDIN - The Movie!
HBO debuts their long-awaited movie, Temple Grandin
February 6, 2010!    8:00 p.m.

Claire Danes stars in the title role of this HBO Films presentation of a Ruby Films/Gerson Saines production, based on the true story of the best-selling author, animal scientist and autism advocate, whose own autism has afforded her uncanny powers of observation. Directed by Mick Jackson. Watch the HBO movie trailer here.

For additional resources, parents can go to the Future Horizons, Inc. web sites: 

 www.FHautism.com

www.fhsensory.com/

Marla's book, Sensitive Sam , is a wonderful resource for children with sensory processing disorder. And it has a happy ending! I'll be featuring it in a blog post later this week, so stay tuned.

]]>Escape from Overwhelm in 2010 - Your Quick Start Guidehttp://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/2010/1/21/escape-from-overwhelm-in-2010-your-quick-start-guide.htmlJoan Celebi2010-01-21T16:18:54ZAction Steps for Special Needs Parents Balanced Living Strategies Parenting Children with Special Needs Taking Care of YOU

by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

This article appeared earlier today in my FREE Overwhelmed No More! Newsletter. To subscribe, enter your name and email address in the sign-up box to the left. You'll get practical tips and inspiring ideas every month to help you successfully navigate life as a parent of a child with special needs.

Your role as a mom or dad of a child with special needs is rewarding, fulfilling, and awe-inspiring. Yet it's all too easy to become overwhelmed by the many demands on your time and energy. And the tricky thing about being overwhelmed is that once you're there, it can be difficult to figure out how to get life back under control!

You CAN break the cycle of overwhelm, no matter how hectic your life is right now. Today's tips give you 10 simple actions you can take, in 5 minutes or less -- today and every day -- to jumpstart your escape from overwhelm. These are things you can do in small moments with minimal effort -- yet you'll be amazed at the difference they can make in your life - and in the lives of your children and family as well.

The 10 Simplest Things You Can Do In 5 Minutes or Less,
For a More Manageable, Balanced, Joyful Life

1. Breathe.

2. Stay Hydrated.

3. Stretch.

4. Smile.

5. Laugh.

6. Go outside.

7. Savor a delicious fruit or vegetable.

8. Eliminate or re-schedule an item on your to-do list.

9. Take delight in a micro-moment of joy.

10. Hug and kiss your children.

When you start with these 10 steps, and make them a regular part of your life, you'll gain clarity, you'll have more energy, and you'll build momentum - the three key foundations for a manageable, balanced, joyful life.  Print this out, post it where you'll see it often, and give these steps a try in the coming days and weeks. Let me know how it goes! 

]]>When There's Just NO Time for You: Three Key Tipshttp://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/2009/12/23/when-theres-just-no-time-for-you-three-key-tips.htmlJoan Celebi2009-12-24T03:24:41ZBalanced Living Strategies Family Matters Parenting Children with Special Needs Taking Care of YOU

by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

I received this same question from SIX different people today. I learned years ago as a teacher that if a few people are asking the same question, then there are many more who are also wondering the same thing -- thus today's article.

Today's question came by phone, email, and Facebook, from moms of children with special needs from different areas of the U.S.  Each mom is struggling with the same challenge, and I'm sure we can all relate: HOW do you make time for yourself, with everything else that must be done every day?  To quote one mom, "It feels like my whole life is just spent being "The Mom", like I'm not even a person." 

I've definitely been there.  And this is a question I often get from new Coaching Club members.  When you're overwhelmed, it doesn't seem possible to find ANY time for your own needs and interests.  But it is absolutely doable! 

If you're thinking "Yeah but not for ME," I want to encourage you to try the tips below, which I shared with Facebook friends today.  I've helped some UNBELIEVABLY overwhelmed special needs moms create manageable, balanced lives - and if they can do it, you can too!

And keep in mind: the more you take care of your own needs, the better able you'll be to keep on taking care of your children and family, as well as meet all the other obligations and expectations in your life.  So when you take a small moment for yourself, you're doing it for yourself AND for others. 

Here are the tips - and please join me on Facebook to continue the discussion!  (Link to Facebook located at left.)

Hi - this is a very good question!

I know, it sounds impossible ... the key is in small moments.  If not 15 minutes, then even five minutes of doing a little something just for you can make a big difference!

Another key to all of this is choosing which tips are the best ones for you to focus on right now.  None of my clients do all of the strategies all of the time (nor do I!), but rather focus on a select few that are important at any given time. 

Also, there's a system to all of this, which doesn't really come through in the quick daily tips I post.  It applies life coaching principles to life as a mom of a child with special needs. It helps you get life under control and running smoothly -- so you can make time for things like taking care of you!  I wrote it all up in my book, Overwhelmed No More, as a self-paced, step-by-step guide - might be a great way to start out the New Year as a gift to yourself! ;)  Many moms with the same challenges swear by it. 

For now though, especially during the holidays when things get particularly hectic, I would say if you can find a few minutes here and there to do little things for yourself, you'll definitely notice a difference.

For example a quick walk up and down the street, call a friend to say hi, read a short magazine article, have a cup of tea, do a bit of stretching, etc. - If you're musical or artistic, play one song, or draw one quick sketch in a little sketchbook ...  Anything you enjoy that you can fit in during small bits of time during the day...

Hope this helps - I definitely know how hard it is, especially with the holidays upon us.  There's so much more I could say - but I don't want to keep going on and on!  Try this for a while and let me know how it goes!

Warmly,

Joan

So if finding time for you has been impossible lately, give these ideas a try!  This would make a great New Year's Resolution, as one Facebook friend told us she was doing.  In a couple of weeks, we'll talk more about making New Year's Resolutions that really work.  Until then, have a wonderful holiday - and don't forget to take a little time out here and there!

 

]]>My latest book is now available! Visit www.BalancedLivingAllYear.com - for families with children with special needshttp://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/2009/12/8/my-latest-book-is-now-available-visit-wwwbalancedlivingallye.htmlJoan Celebi2009-12-08T20:12:34ZBalanced Living Strategies Family Matters Parenting Children with Special Needs Recommended Products Recommended Reading Recommended Resources Special Needs Resources Taking Care of YOUI'm so excited to announce the launch of my latest book!  To celebrate, I'm offering a VERY special package of discounts and bonuses.  But only for a few days! 
Scroll down for details!

Balanced Living All Year, For Families With
Children With Special Needs

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balanced Living All Year is your month-by-month guide to successfully navigating life with a child with special needs.

Inside, you'll find:
  • quick, easy chapters that are both enjoyable and filled with how-to's for the challenges that often arise in a year in the life of a parent of a child with special needs.
  • handy lists, inspiring quotes, step-by-step guides, and more!

Here are just some of the themes and topics in this unique book:

  • Starting the new year off on the right track
  • Creating a low-stress, happy family environment
  • Solutions for holidays that may be tricky for your children
  • Getting through the IEP process with greater ease
  • Ways to manage your many roles and responsibilities
  • Caring for the caregiver (that's you!)
  • Arranging summers that are memorable and fun for all
  • Complete back-to-school planning and preparation
  • Keeping life simple and running smoothly
  • Thought-provoking reflections on life as a special needs parent 
  • A special recipe each month to enjoy with your family
  • And plenty of inspiring quotes!
You'll want this book as your constant companion, for many years to come! 
 

Balanced Living All Year also makes a great holiday gift.

The discount on 5 or more books makes this an inexpensive gift - yet one that's enjoyable, meaningful, AND useful!  Great for moms, dads, friends, family members, teachers, specialists, and your favorite special needs resource library.  Support group leaders: this would be a wonderful gift for the members of your parent group!     

Find out what the special discounts are - and discover the
ELEVEN Free Bonus Gifts you'll receive when you purchase Balanced Living All Year! 

Learn more and order here:

http://www.BalancedLivingAllYear.com/

 

]]>Registration Now Open! December Free Lunchtime Teleseminar for Parents of Children with Special Needs: Surprisingly Simple Gifts, for Everyone On Your List!http://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/2009/12/1/registration-now-open-december-free-lunchtime-teleseminar-fo.htmlJoan Celebi2009-12-01T18:04:23Z

by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

 Next Free Lunchtime Teleseminar:

Surprisingly Simple Gifts, for Everyone On Your List!
For Families with Children with Special Needs

Wednesday, December 16, 12 noon Eastern Time

Trying to think of some great gifts to give this holiday season? Need some last minute gift ideas that are quick and easy, but also wonderful and memorable? I have some ideas for you!

Gift giving poses unique challenges, and also unique opportunities, when you have a child with special needs. Join me as I share some ideas for gifts that are simple yet creative; small, yet deeply meaningful; free or low-cost, yet priceless. There's something for everyone on your list: teachers, friends, and family!

Free Lunchtime Teleseminars last 30 - 45 minutes, with time for discussion and your questions. The call will be recorded, so if you can't make it to the call, no worries!  We'll email you the link to the recording, so you can listen later on at your convenience.  Note: you must register in order to receive the call recording.

To register, click here: December Free Teleseminar: Surprisingly Simple Gifts

Upon registering, you will instantly receive the phone number and access code to call in at the scheduled date and time.

I look forward to having you on the call!

]]>Happy Thanksgiving!http://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/2009/11/25/happy-thanksgiving.htmlJoan Celebi2009-11-26T04:34:29ZParenting Children with Special Needs Recommended Reading Special Needs Resources

by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

Warmest wishes for a happy Thanksgiving holiday, to you and your family! 

Have you seen my article 12 Tips for a Truly Wonderful Holiday Season - For Families with Children with Special Needs ?  If not, you can read it here:

http://www.SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com/holidayarticle/

It's a great way to start your Thanksgiving - and your entire holiday season!

]]>Tips to Help Children with Hearing Loss in Schoolhttp://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/2009/11/25/tips-to-help-children-with-hearing-loss-in-school.htmlJoan Celebi2009-11-26T04:23:19ZParenting Children with Special Needs Recommended Reading Recommended Resources Special Needs Resources

by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

I received this from the AG Bell list serve today and wanted to share it with you.  These printable tips sheets are great for meetings for teachers, IEP Team meetings, etc. -- whether your child uses cochlear implants or hearing aids to hear.

HOPE Tips: Time for School

For parents wishing to add another tool to their kit for working together with educational professionals, Cochlear Americas is pleased to offer the latest in their HOPE Tips series: HOPE Tips: Time for School. Topics in this collection of reproducible documents include:

  • Assessments and IEPs
  • Homework Help
  • Moving to the Mainstream
  • Tips for Teachers

Parents can use these pieces as handouts for new teachers, or as a jumping off point for new school year discussions and meetings. The Time for School booklet is the second in a three part collection, joining the already released collection HOPE Tips: Learning with Literacy (download PDF).  To download these documents, visit www.cochlear.com/HOPE There is a lot of overlap to hearing aid users, it is not just for CI users.

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