Insights, Blogs & News
Toxic Mold Uproots Family’s Health and Home
Chris and Andrea Fabry were living a wonderful life with 9 children in a gorgeous home, surrounded by the beauty of Colorado. Yet, the Fabrys could never have been prepared for what was about to happen. In 2007, they discovered mold in behind a shower, adjacent to their bedroom, then in 2008 they found more under another shower. Each time, they had the mold remediated, but unexplainable, declining health issues continued amongst the kids and even the pets. In October of 2009, they had to evacuate their home and abandon their possessions. Since that time, the family has been living […]
Facing the Mountain of Loss: Losing a Pet
It takes time to appreciate the value of climbing a mountain. You do not know if you will be able to make it to the top, get stuck half way, or be so frightened you stand at the bottom, afraid to take the first step. Choices in real life are the same. Some things we can do very easily; others we begin, but midstream we freeze and have no idea what our next move should be. The hardest thing is when I have faced mountains that seem insurmountable. I have been trapped at the bottom several times, afraid of what […]
IDA 2011 Keynote Speaker, Luis Carlos Montalván on David Letterman
Keynote Speaker for IDA’s 2011 Banquet, Luis Carlos Montalván and his Service Dog Tuesday were on the Late Show with David Letterman in July. Fmr Capt. Luis Carlos Montalván is the author (with Bret Witter) of Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him. The book debuted on the the New York Times Best Sellers List! This book is a story about one soldier’s battle after the war, with several debilitating wounds including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. Until Tuesday came into Luis’ life, he could barely leave the house due to Agoraphobia. […]
Mum Discusses Summer Break in Routine for Son with Autism
Morven Da Fomo of Ullapool, discusses summer challenges for parents of children with Autism and Asperger’s. Morven says they want the children to have fun, but there are always concerns with the break in routine. Many parents of children with other developmental differences may also relate to the challenges. Morven said, “Parents of a child with autism want them to have a fantastic summer, but when days don’t go so well you can feel drained, disappointed, isolated and even a bit of a failure.” She added, “Autism is known as ‘the invisible disability’, so to an outside observer it can […]
Airline Apologizes for Refusing Ticket to Girl with Down’s Syndrome
Heather Saunders, mother of 12 year old Alice, was told her daughter could not fly on her own due to having Down’s Syndrome. Heather said: ‘When I asked why she said: ‘‘Because we’ve had problems in the past.’’ ‘They ask you to let them know of any additional needs. I asked: ‘‘What if I hadn’t told you?’’ ‘She said: ‘‘We would have turned her down when she arrived because she’s got Down’s syndrome.’’’ Read Full Story ARTICLE RESOURCE: Down’s syndrome girl Alice Saunders refused ticket by British Airways. June 15, 2011. Metro Online.
Tips on Social Security Eligibility
Are You Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits? SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine SSDI eligibility Belleville, Ill. – June 1, 2011 – An aging population and the struggling economy are factors in the rising number of people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, but eligibility requirements remain strict, according to Allsup, the nation’s leading SSDI representation organization. Millions of working Americans pay for coverage under the Social Security Disability Insurance program through their payroll taxes. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a 20-year-old worker has a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement […]