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Riley's Smile Relocates to http://www.rileyssmile.com/
Published on 2012-03-01 13:00:00
Riley's Smile has moved.Please join us at our new address:http://www.rileyssmile.com/ > read more
Published on 2012-02-27 10:57:00
Save Early Steps The end of session is getting close and we still need the House to fund Early Steps with $6.9 Million to help more than 45,000 Florida families annually. Take some time today to call the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Rep. Matt Hudson {(850) 488-1028} and Vice Chair, Rep. Richard Corcoran {(850) 488-8528}. Let them know that you want to see Early Steps funded at $6.9 Million! Help them understand how much Early Steps means to you and encourage them to view the [..] > read more
February 2012 Recommendations
Published on 2012-02-23 10:06:00
My recommendations for disability posts, organizations and even recent dvds and movies are going up a little early this month and I hope you explore the links that catch your eye. Please share your reactions to any of them.Riley's Smile is in process of migrating to a new location and should be live by the end of the week. Please stay with us at our new address: http://www.rileyssmile.com/Our lifeAu cœur, sans cœur un vrai ... An Open Letter from Adam The Walking WoundedSticks and Stones A [..] > read more
Woman in a Tiara
Published on 2012-02-18 18:57:00
Last Saturday evening an unusual event happened.... John and Iwent out alone. It was a littledisconcerting as this has only happened a handful of times since Riley'sbirth. It only happens with considerableplanning. Saturday, however, was animportant occasion; Debby Frenkel, Executive Director of Freedom WatersFoundation (FWF), was celebrating a birthday.The boys each had plans. Riley spent his evening with Debbie, PICs respite nurse, and Ronan haddinner and movie plans with his grandmother, a [..] > read more
FDLRS Open Lab Nights
Published on 2012-02-10 19:22:00
PARENTS-YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND… FDLRSOpen Lab NightsFlorida Diagnostic Learning and Resource Services Learn how visual schedules can reduce behaviors andenhance your child’s language development and Create personalized visuals and schedules for yourchild (Please bring personalized photos or family photoswith you)If you are interested inattending an Open Lab Night please contact: Jennifer Kuehl or Kristen Emeric for moredetails.Jennifer Kuehl, Parent Services Specialist 239- [..] > read more
The 2nd Annual Naples Equestrian Challenge 5k Run/Walk
Published on 2012-02-09 13:00:00
The 2nd Annual Naples Equestrian Challenge5k Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, February 18th at 7:30am. Ifyou have not already signed up – there is still time!!!Raceto be held in the Pine Ridge neighborhood.Parking is at the North Naples United Methodist Church.Weencourage online registration at www.gcrunner.org.http://www.raceit.com/search/event.aspx?event=1f04d825-3ad4-46e6-8c0c-0f629653f590.aspx > read more
Toys for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Published on 2012-02-08 11:00:00
Parents of children with cerebral palsy need to beencouraged to play with their children. In fact, children who donot have access to the play experience can be negatively impacted in theirdevelopment, overall health and both their physical and mental well-being. The same is true for children withspina bifida and muscular dystrophy and those who experience a whole host of muscular and skeletalchallenges. The good news is that there are current toys out there thatcan fit the bill or that might j [..] > read more
this in that
Published on 2012-02-08 10:46:00
SWFL Ladies - it is time to make your reservations.My next fundraiser will be for Freedom Waters Foundation. Please see the flier HERE. President Obama Appoints New Members to Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities - CEC Policy Insider Last week, the Obama Administration announced several key new appointments, including the appointment of Peter Bell and Jack Brandt as members of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. The committee is made up of 21 c [..] > read more
Please cast your vote - blog style
Published on 2012-02-07 19:52:00
Hey everybody...Riley's Smile is falling into second place in The Ugliest Blog Contest. Please wander by tonight, tomorrow and Friday to cast your voteat Lady Jane Designs.http://bloggersitedesign.com/and-the-finalist-are-let-the-voting-begin/Thank you so very much for your support. > read more
Parenting Special Needs: Tips for Your Future Caregiver
Published on 2012-02-07 11:19:00
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Tips-for-Your-Future-Caregiver.html?soid=1108825804726&aid=BgDYk-O3MCA > read more
Hanging with Riley
Published on 2012-02-07 09:37:00
The Ugliest Blog Giveaway Voting continues through the week. Please visit Lady Jane Designs and cast your vote to help brighten up Riley's Smile. Thank you!Riley loves food. Dinner is his favorite and feeding him can be quite challenging while he laughs and writhes. He rides his wheelchair much like a first timer aboard the mechanical bull at the local country bar. By the time I got out the video he was much calmer but you get the idea. Much of the meal lands on the kitchen wall and rains [..] > read more
Falling Off a High-Heeled Life: Make YOUR vote count!! I need YOUR HELP
Published on 2012-02-06 12:03:00
Falling Off a High-Heeled Life: Make YOUR vote count!! I need YOUR HELP: In BlogLand we come across many wonderful and inspiring blogs one of those blogs for me is Riley's Smile. I have been following Stacie and ...Falling Off A High-Heeled Life has been amazingly supportive to my blogging efforts and my personal stories. Please return the kindness and visit this beautiful blog. Stacie > read more
Flight Platform Living: Making Plans to Leave!
Published on 2012-02-05 20:30:00
Flight Platform Living: Making Plans to Leave!: I followed links, I searched the Internet and finally I found it...that remote institution...Bobby's 'home'! I read that 10% of t... > read more
The Ugliest Blog Contest
Published on 2012-02-05 09:27:00
Well, I do not think any of the contestants are the least bit ugly and has developed their own unique personality!However each of them, Riley's Smile included,could use a little professional help to achieve desired impact and bring in a larger audience.This brings us to the very talented services of Lady Jane Designs. Dear Reader, Please follow the link The Ugliest Blog Contest and vote for your selection to win Lady Jane's Blog Makeover. Yes, I would really like to win the makeover!Then again, [..] > read more
Children Living at Wolfe Apts... naplesnews.com
Published on 2011-07-05 19:00:00
(Naples, FL) School age children living at Wolfe Apartments were treated to a special camp experience the week of June 20-24th, when they attended the summer horseback riding program offered at Naples Equestrian Challenge. The opportunity, funded by > read more
Holes In His Socks - Guest Post by Sabrina
Published on 2011-07-04 07:22:00
Happy Independence Day Everyone! Today I share a story about a special needs brother by Sabrina, a German blogger of the wonderfully creative site, CoffeeRocketFairyTale. Below I share Sabrina's "Monday Morning Message" posted this morning.Yest > read more
Tiki Hut Sunday
Published on 2011-07-03 13:32:00
NEC Horse Show
Published on 2011-07-03 10:07:00
Naples Equestrian Challenge Horse Show, Friday June 30, 2011.Ronan receives an award with the help of Nick, also Riley's favorite horse to ride.NEC staff and volunteers have given the typically developing siblings an amazing opportunity to participat > read more
Reconnecting - Guest Post By Donna Lee
Published on 2011-07-01 11:00:00
Thismorning we remembered my good friend'shusband with a memorial brunch. His good nature and smile is always inour memories. His 2 sons, Ben and Dor are the images of their dad. It was apleasure to see the boys and their cousins, who > read more
Ronan Invites You to NEC
Published on 2011-06-30 10:10:00
This week Ronan has his turn with the horses at Naples Equestrian Challenge at their inclusive riding camp. As a toddler, Ronan would watch from the fence as Riley took his weekly riding lesson and ask week after week, "Where's my horse, Mommy? > read more
Special Needs Blog Hop
Published on 2011-06-29 09:34:00
My Life's Reality - Guest Post by Christine
Published on 2011-06-27 13:00:00
I do not know what's come over me! Literally it hit me yesterday smack in the face as I was discussing getting Johnathan enrolled in school. My life became a life of sacrificing my own needs/wants for those of others.I dreamed of teaching (helpi > read more
BCLocalNews.com - Abbotsford dad devastated that autistic daughter is removed from home
Published on 2011-06-27 09:25:00
BCLocalNews.com - Abbotsford dad devastated that autistic daughter is removed from homeSociety abandons and then judges. It is surprising to me that more special needs families are not torn apart so readily.Perhaps this is a good moment to share thi > read more
Carnival Ride - Submission to "Butterfly Dreams" Disability Carnival Ride
Published on 2011-06-24 09:39:00
My subject haunts me. I cannot get it out of my head and I cannot resolve it. Possibly it is the reason I blog. Do I blog about special needs, yes. However, my original motivation to blog was not the special needs by itself and > read more
One Father's Perspective...
Published on 2011-06-23 08:47:00
This link to an article by Robert Rummel-Hudson is a valuable perspective on father's of special needs children. John and I have discovered that there is certainly a misconception that special needs responsibilities fall exclusively to the moth > read more
15 Years Today, "The Best part of Me Was Always You"
Published on 2011-06-22 12:41:00
I'm falling to pieces, the best part of me was always you...The Script video here...Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!I do love you. > read more
Happy Home and School for the Blind by Dilip Bhatia
Published on 2011-06-21 07:19:00
My friend Dilip Bhatia has just been announced Photographer of the Year 2011 Professional Category Overall by the PX3 Prix Paris (Europe's top most photography award)! Entry Title: Happy Home & School For The BlindName: > read more
Father's Day Cards All Around
Published on 2011-06-20 13:00:00
The boys and I took advantage of an event with PIC while John was working very long hours. Off to Hope Hospice in Fort Myers for pizza and art. Surely all of you are jealous that we spend our social time in a hospice conference room! > read more
Let's Get Social Sunday
Published on 2011-06-19 11:19:00
Let's Get Social Sunday > read more
My brother is special, and it’s not because of his disability – The Express Tribune Blog
Published on 2011-06-19 08:46:00
My brother is special, and it’s not because of his disability – The Express Tribune BlogThank you to author Mehreen Asghar for sharing this touching post! "I like the idea of this blog as I am a sister to a special needs child. Let me know if I > read more
Looking Back at Galenspot.blogspot.com
Published on 2011-06-18 08:17:00
I am grateful people like Galen came along before us! > read more
Miami Disability Expo 2011
Published on 2011-06-17 08:00:00
Wheelchair Cleaning by Daddy
Published on 2011-06-16 08:56:00
Dinner was delicious!Riley could not get enough.After having his fill he sat and contemplated his meal from the safety of his wheelchair.Then perhaps dinner was not quite sitting right and back it came.The first warning arriving when his leg tremors > read more
Complete guide to free special needs social stories, autism social story, complete list at One Place for Special Needs
Published on 2011-06-15 14:50:00
Complete guide to free special needs social stories, autism social story, complete list at One Place for Special Needs > read more
Exceptional Parent Magazine Online Seminar for Special Needs Planning
Published on 2011-06-15 12:27:00
Merrill Lynch and Exceptional Parent Magazine Online Seminar Merrill Lynch hosted an online seminar on Special Needs Planning in partnership with Exceptional Parent Magazine. We invite you to view the footage from this presentation. > read more
Freedom Waters of the Chesapeake Bay
Published on 2011-06-14 08:00:00
Marylanders, take your special needs sailing!Following the footsteps of the Amazing Debra Frenkel of Freedom Waters Foundation... there is now a new organization for special needs families and children, please check them out Freedom Waters of the Che > read more
Boundless Playgrounds
Published on 2011-06-13 13:22:00
Donna will be so pleased... I have discovered a website listing Boundless Playgrounds!Below is a list of the top 10http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=562414476&gid=91725&type=member&item=57127313&articleURL=http%3 > read more
Not Alright With Me...
Published on 2011-06-13 12:24:00
Funny, I felt my stomach tightening just pulling into the parking lot for Vacation Bible School. Handicap Parking is always filled with unauthorized users. This person likely was picking up children learning the same lesson I just heard a > read more
Shalom from the Holy Land - by Donna Lee
Published on 2011-06-12 14:48:00
Shalom from the holy land. It is so good to be home, to feel the Mediterranean sun and winds on my skin, to smell the orange blossoms as I ride my bike through the orchards and fields. To hear everyone greet each other with "shalom" and/or "Chag > read more
Celebrate the Kindergartner
Published on 2011-06-10 14:02:00
Today is all about celebration! Today, Ronan is a Kindergarten Graduate! Not so long ago, we had forgotten the meaning of celebration.Ronan is largely the reason. He is pure joy.I talk about bringing the smile back to Riley and our family, > read more
The Kindergarten Graduate
Published on 2011-06-10 12:46:00
Disability Blog Carnival Ride
Published on 2011-06-09 13:04:00
Butterfly Dreams is hosting a Blog Carnival with the theme "community"... thoughts anyone? > read more
End of the School Year
Published on 2011-06-09 11:11:00
To each of you who sent me reminders to not be so tough on myself, the "Non-Optimist." Thank you so much for your support.Ronan is now a fully appreciated youth by Optimist International. Above he poses with his much loved Kindergarten te > read more
My sons, The Optimist Awardees
Published on 2011-06-07 12:56:00
How do I explain this confusion I feel today? Ronan has been selected to receive an outstanding student award this afternoon from Optimist International. I am about to leave for the Optimist International Youth Appreciation Ceremony at Bo > read more
Save the Date: Walk for the Way
Published on 2011-06-07 11:46:00
September 24, 2011Check-in: 8:00 amWalk begins: 9:00 amNorth Collier Regional Park15000 Livingston RoadEvery year, the United Way of Collier County helps support over two dozens social serves agencies, who in turn help mo > read more
Beyond Gluten-Free: The Chitin Binging Bombshell
Published on 2011-06-05 18:45:00
There are no plans for me to stop eating wheat, especially when paired with sugar.This newsletter linked here sent out by Sayer at our local health food store helps me understand some of the mechanics John and I practice when planning Riley's meals.& > read more
Disable Bullying
Published on 2011-06-05 13:00:00
Disable Bullying. Lauren Potter (Glee Star) Speaks Out From: AbilityPathChannel > read more
Special Opportunity for the Immokolee Community - letter from IHOPE
Published on 2011-06-03 12:04:00
There is a segment of our wonderful community that is not having their needs met. Listen with an open heart to this plea for help. “I have a brother with Downs Syndrome whose name is Ray. Ray lives with me, a working single mother, and my nin > read more
Mommy Vs. Clonidine
Published on 2011-06-03 11:24:00
Clonidine, a blessing and a curse for my family. For now, I will keep this brief because first of all I am tired, and second, Riley is home.It has been a very long week which began last weekend when Riley did not feel well and stayed up 48 hour > read more
Let's Play Bus Driver Roulette Again
Published on 2011-06-02 14:12:00
Tuesday I discovered an actual message on my phone from the ESE Supervisor for Lee CountySchools Transportation. Someone from the Department was calling me without my even making the first phone call. This could not be good > read more
The Thumb Sucking Problem and Comfort Objects
Published on 2011-06-01 21:10:00
Parenting, Happy Parenting, Child care, Baby, My Baby > read more
Tuesday Night at Fred's - Guest Post by Donna Lee
Published on 2011-06-01 11:54:00
Tuesday night at Fred's is the place to be. The one and only Omar donates his time and talent, entertains us and keeps us dancing all night long. The kids adore him and wait from week to week to come to his show.Tony, the owner and > read more
Memorial Day Weekend Shanti Om - Guest Post by Donna Lee
Published on 2011-05-31 12:47:00
Memorial day weekend, an extra long one with free time, allowing me to come over to visit my buddy Riley and family. Om recognized that we were entering Riley's community and when we reached his street, Om was half way out the window,anticipating see > read more
Womanhood hit her like a ton of bricks!!! Guest Post by Christine
Published on 2011-05-29 13:04:00
Our friends, Christine and Kaetlyn, have been missing from riding lessons the past couple of weeks. I received this update from Christine this morning with permission to share all she has been going through lately. Kaetlyn has similar dis > read more
b Growing up Different /b
Published on 2011-05-28 20:14:00
b Growing up Different /b > read more
Beatitudes For Those With Disability
Published on 2011-05-28 09:42:00
Beatitudes For Those With DisabilityI found this article on The Blog Farm and enjoyed it... To Gyre and Gambol:Reflections on Life, Limpidity, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Thom Brown of Central New York is a Professor of Psychology who has learned > read more
Seizure #80
Published on 2011-05-27 11:16:00
Always watching and listening for the next seizure ever since the first brutal seizure on April 21st 2004. That day is one I never leave behind. Have I become callous to seizures now? What a horrible thing to have happened and thank goodn > read more
It's good... Guest Post by Ronan
Published on 2011-05-25 18:30:00
It's good to have a special need brother. And... He's a very special brother to me. Ronan > read more
Touch of a Child
Published on 2011-05-25 12:10:00
Touch sooths us. Touch is a physical display of our love. Touch is painful. The human body aches for the touch of another. The touch of my son brings an array of emotions rushing through my mind.A NICU parent learns within mom > read more
Top 10 things relating to disability etiquette
Published on 2011-05-23 14:07:00
Top 10 things relating to disability etiquette > read more
Published on 2011-05-23 14:04:00
I am so excited about Arbonne and would appreciate your willingness to do me the favor of listening to a recorded call that explains what the business is about and to read a few success stories of people in the UK. There is SO much potent > read more
A Moment to Breathe
Published on 2011-05-22 14:40:00
My greatest challenge is simply the constancy of being a special needs mom.John, my husband, would prefer that I not use that term, "special needs." Everyone has their issues and he is correct. I see this one issue as unique and something > read more
Watch ABC or NBC tonight at 6:00pm. NEC made the News!!!
Published on 2011-05-21 14:21:00
Southwest Floridians Please Watch ABC or NBC tonight at 6:00pm.NEC made the News!!!News reporters came to NEC this afternoon during lessons.Watch and see – TONIGHT (Saturday, May 21st) 206 Ridge Drive Naples, Florida 34108Tel: + > read more
Wednesday at NEC - by Donna Lee
Published on 2011-05-20 11:55:00
After receiving a call for help, "Leaders needed on Wednesday afternoons", of course I replied positively.No volunteers, the kids don't ride. Its as simple as that. It's a very tiring work afternoon, no rest, even a potty break is quickly taken > read more
Tender Foot Meet Orthotic
Published on 2011-05-19 12:11:00
Bony little feet sounds like something we all may want. If you happen to not walk, does it really matter? Riley and I are discovering that yes, it does matter. It matters because of the great benefit of standing. Without use i > read more
Beginnings and Endings
Published on 2011-05-17 12:16:00
Six years John and I lived the two career couple married life.Six years.Six years of love. Six years of supporting each other, learning about ourselves and our spouse, building toward a strong future, creating a home, a social network, careers, > read more
Planning Seminar in Fort Myers
Published on 2011-05-17 10:40:00
May we serve our disadvantaged brothers and sisters in their need as well as they serve us
Published on 2011-05-16 19:00:00
My niece, Stacie, has asked to share some of my experiences in regard to mentally and physically disadvantaged persons. My experience is not particularly large and certainly Riley, Stacie’s oldest child, is the most physically disadvantaged p > read more
Is Rejection Painful?
Published on 2011-05-16 08:55:00
New York Times: Rejection May Hurt More Than Feelings.Many special needs children and their families understand this all too well. We are always on the outskirts of society.I am reminded today that I had a Great Uncle Who Shall Remain Nam > read more
Friday evening on the Princess with Freedom Waters
Published on 2011-05-15 14:24:00
The weather on Friday evening was perfect, making the waters calm and the skies beautiful from aboard the Naples Princess. This is my first time "cruising" with Freedom Waters. Knowing many of the volunteers from different venues, I felt right at h > read more
Opposing Aura's
Published on 2011-05-13 12:53:00
The ghostly figures represent Riley and myself in a biofeedback system. Strangely Riley and I have completely opposite aura's. The differences were patiently explained to me at Integrity Biofeedback. My takeaway is how the differenc > read more
Current Issue | Parenting Special Needs Magazine
Published on 2011-05-12 08:12:00
Current Issue | Parenting Special Needs Magazine > read more