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  • Wednesday, November 29, 2023 8:01 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    “Now the large group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.”
    ‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

    Our family was grateful to be a part of the Frank Brown Festival’s benefit for Autism Pensacola, Inc. again this year. The event began back in 2013. In previous years, it was held at the Sunset Corkroom, a beautiful venue, which closed shortly after last year’s benefit.

    With all the changes, we were uncertain if there’d be a place to continue on. But when you have a community of people who are passionate about a cause, things happen. Everyone pulled talents and resources together to create a wonderful new experience, while keeping the heart of the cause in mind.

    Thank you Flora - Bama for providing the perfect space and atmosphere. Thank You to all the Staff and Volunteers of the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival.

    To the Auction Committee, the Songwriters, and the Community who came out to support, You ROCK!

    To Logan Blade and Morgan Vice for sharing your gifts, spreading autism awareness and acceptance. You’re the reason for our passion.

    Morgan and Logan and Roadies

    The Songwriters and Supporters

    The Auction Committee

    There are countless folks not named or pictured here, but know that every hand that helped mattered. I never cease to be amazed at how God brings all things together when hearts unite for a worthy cause.

    Here’s a clip of Morgan & Mom singing “A Best Day at the Beach” and it truly was. 

    Finally, A Big Thank You to Autism Pensacola, Inc. for all you do to continue serving the autism community.

    Until Next Time,

    Know The Hope!

    Tammy


    *Disclaimer::The information and opinions expressed in this blog are the those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or opinions of Autism Tennessee. The author and the blog are not be held responsible for any misuse, reuse, recycled and cited and/or uncited copies of content within this blog by others.



  • Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:49 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    “The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.” Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    Morgan loves everything about the circus. For as long as I can remember, she has always had a heart for clowns. She has the grease paint, the rubber nose, and even the T-shirt to prove it. It may have begun with Dumbo, the little elephant who everyone made fun of, but eventually rose above all their lack of expectations.

    As a mother who believes for the best, I have always supported Morgan’s dreams, despite her limitations. You just never know until you try. And that brings us to the unicycle.

    A few years back, Morgan was quite determined that she needed a unicycle as part of her circus gear. The purchase was made. A sweet friend built her some rails for support. Mom, Dad, and Morgan gave it our all. But eventually the unicycle ended up leaning lonely on a wall in back of our garage.

    Unicycle practice, with Dad assisting

    Recently, Morgan spotted her dusty unicycle and said “Wanna give it to a clown”. A couple of days later, she brought it up again. I asked her if she was sure. She said “Yes. Morgan needs three wheels.”

    It just so happened a circus was coming to our neighborhood. I wondered if we might just find that clown. I looked up the website that was advertising Lewis & Clark Circus. I emailed the box office, telling them our story, sending a picture, letting them know Morgan was on the autism spectrum and how important this was to her. The lady thanked us for sharing our story, and said she’d do her best to connect us.

    The family who owns the circus emailed me the same day. The mom said they would love to receive Morgan’s unicycle. She told me they also have a child on the autism spectrum. Coincidence, I don’t think so. ❤ 

    Dad is the head clown, and he met with Morgan before the show.

    Morgan gifting her unicycle to her fellow Clown friend

    Here He Is, All dressed up and Ready for The Show

    The Circus was Wonderful!!
    Morgan even managed to Hula Hoop her way to a Lifetime Ticket 

    I was so proud of Morgan for thinking another clown might be able to enjoy her unicycle, instead of letting is collect dust. She was very happy to share it with her new friend. And she’s decided that “three wheels” suit her best. 

    Two Wheels for Mom, Three for Morgan

    As always, God is working in ways we cannot see. Our family is thankful for the gift of a very special friendship.

    Until Next Time,

    Know The Hope!

    Tammy

    *Disclaimer::The information and opinions expressed in this blog are the those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or opinions of Autism Tennessee. The author and the blog are not be held responsible for any misuse, reuse, recycled and cited and/or uncited copies of content within this blog by others.

  • Monday, August 14, 2023 10:36 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Site logo image Tammy Vice - Know The Hope

    Guest Blog – Comprehensive Guide to Making a Self-Care Treatment Plan as a Parent of a Special Needs Child

    Information provided by Ed Carter.

    Parenting is always a wonderful journey that comes with unique challenges. But there’s an added layer of difficulty when you have a child with physical or intellectual disabilities. Navigating through doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and behavior management can take a toll on anyone’s emotional and physical well-being, and all of this can lead to chronic fatigue.

    It’s crucial to prioritize self-care to ensure you’re equipped to handle your child’s needs effectively. Below, is some information provided by Ed Carter of Able Futures for how to evaluate your fatigue levels and make a treatment plan that boosts your overall health and well-being.

    Image via Freepik

    How to Determine Your Relative Level of Fatigue

    To improve your health, you must first identify your relative level of fatigue. Perhaps the simplest way to do this is to fill out a fatigue assessment questionnaire, such as the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) or Perceived Fatigue Scale (PFS), to determine your stress level.

    Comparing yourself with other parents of special needs children may help you identify if your fatigue is more severe than others, however Tammy Vice says “As a parent of a child with special needs, sometimes what we perceive as ‘normal’ can be way off the mark.” Take note of when you become more exhausted, how long it lasts, and if there are any specific triggers. Consider the changes in your own ability to cope. It may be time to get support.

    Core Fatigue Causes to Consider

    Some causes of fatigue are unique to being the parent of a child with autism. Daily responsibilities and added medical and therapy appointments can feel impossible to manage.

    For instance, your child may exhibit repetitive behaviors and sensory overload, which can quickly drain you physically and mentally and make even the simplest tasks unbearable. Recognizing your specific fatigue triggers can go a long way toward helping you create a customized self-care plan that results in a higher quality of life for you and your child.

    Things to Evaluate

    Poor sleep quality, lack of social support, and the state of your marital relationship can severely impact your fatigue levels. Being a caregiver can interfere with your sleep quality, so take time to evaluate your sleep habits to see if you can make any healthy changes.

    Lack of social support can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness, exacerbating your chronic fatigue and causing emotional burnout. Make sure you have people around you that you can count on! And honestly assess your marriage; the inability to manage stress and emotional turmoil effectively can lead to marital distress and exhaustion. Find ways to connect with your spouse, and remember that you’re in this together.

    Pursuing Personal Goals

    As a parent of a child with autism, your focus is probably solely centered on your child’s well-being. Therefore, it’s easy to forget about your personal goals. But having personal goals can strengthen your emotional health and self-esteem while improving your overall quality of life.

    Take time to identify your personal interests, and establish goals or hobbies that can help rejuvenate your energy levels. It could be hiking a trail, crafting, or painting — whatever it is, setting aside time for yourself is crucial.

    You could also return to school for an online degree. Studying online not only will give you flexibility and something productive to focus on, but it will also boost your career prospects in a field you’re passionate about. Click here for more info about earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university!

    Minimizing Negative Outcomes

    Though implementing self-care is critical, it’s equally important to avoid unwanted outcomes. Overcompensating for your spouse or overburdening your support network so you can take some time off can create resentment, adding to the existing stress.

    Communicate with your partner and other loved ones to establish a support system that works for everyone involved. Accepting help from friends and family is essential, but too much dependence on them can cause increased stress and fatigue.

    Conclusion

    Being a parent of a child with special needs can be overwhelming. The complexity that comes with the daily responsibilities of advocating for and guiding your child will eventually take a toll on your well-being if you don’t address it.

    Remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Take time to evaluate your fatigue level and triggers so that you can devise strategies that improve your quality of life. You might be surprised how quickly you notice more physical and emotional energy, which will help you to be the parent your child deserves!

    Bio: With a history in financial planning, Ed Carter utilizes his expertise and knowledge to assist individuals with disabilities in securing their future. Navigating the complexities of financial planning can be challenging and overwhelming, particularly for those dealing with physical and mental disabilities. That's why Ed founded Able Futures - a site dedicated to empowering people with disabilities by guiding them towards a stable and protected financial future.

    Thank you Ed for providing this helpful info for parents who are caregivers.

    Know The Hope,

    Tammy Vice

    *Disclaimer::The information and opinions expressed in this blog are the those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or opinions of Autism Tennessee. The author and the blog are not be held responsible for any misuse, reuse, recycled and cited and/or uncited copies of content within this blog by others.


  • Monday, July 24, 2023 10:46 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Site logo image

    I have been asked to write an article about my relationship and experiences with my granddaughter Morgan. She is a joy to be with. Morgan has changed through the years. When she was younger we would enjoy time together in the kitchen. She especially liked to bake and decorate cookies and cakes. Each cooking session had to begin with the proper costume. Kitchen costume is a chef’s hat and apron. This was as important as the outcome.

    Christmas Cookies

    At one time she loved to take trips with Mamaw and Papaw. We could travel to Disney World for a week or just go off for the day. Morgan seemed to share a love for airplanes like her Papaw. She loved the times that we traveled by air to Disney and I think the air travel may have ranked right up there with the destination. The hotels that we stayed in were very important also. We did hit a snag a few times because of her excellent memory. We would sometimes stay in the same hotel on a later visit so she expected to have the same room. That didn’t happen so it would take some serious explaining.

    Disney Days

    Morgan loves to eat out. She has her favorite places. There is one type place for lunch or snack and another for dinner. It does not matter if she sits down with a sandwich or a four course meal, it has to start with her thanking Jesus for each individual item on her plate. You must acknowledge each of her thank you’s in order to move on. Birthday parties are another of her special occasions. She loves the party hats and kazoos. Kazoos in all colors are her speciality. She is also very good at blowing out candles. She’s had plenty of practice at other family members’ birthdays.

    Morgan has a way with words. She has no filter and she speaks her mind. If something stinks, she will let you know. If you move too slow, she is quick to say you better get moving. She does not discriminate when she speaks. If you are a clerk or a United States senator, it is the same to her. If things get crowded, she is quick to announce that there are “too many friends”.

    Now that she is more mature it is harder for her to be away from her mom more than a night or two. Mom is the miracle worker. Mom can fix anything or make it better. Dad is a special guy too. He has always been there and is always faithful. Without his dedication it would have been impossible for Tammy to do the things that she does daily.

    Morgan & Mamaw doing a monthly window painting

    Morgan’s “little sister” Allison is a big part of this thing also. She is the big achiever in education with master degree in ABA therapy. I think she gained most of her education at home before she spent a day in college. We are very proud of both our granddaughters. We are blessed and give thanks daily to the Lord for our family.

    Papaw, Mamaw, and Morgan at Meals on Wheels

    Thank you Mamaw for sharing your take on Ms. Morgan. We love you guys and appreciate all you do to keep the wheels rolling!! ❤

    Until Next Time,

    Know The Hope!

    Tammy

    *Disclaimer::The information and opinions expressed in this blog are the those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or opinions of Autism Tennessee. The author and the blog are not be held responsible for any misuse, reuse, recycled and cited and/or uncited copies of content within this blog by others.


  • Tuesday, May 23, 2023 10:43 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    “Our family moved to Tennessee in 1999. Looking back, as much as we miss our Sweet Home and friends in Alabama, it was the right decision for our family. ❤ There is so much to consider when making a move for any family. Thank you Ed Carter for providing these practical considerations for families who have a child on the spectrum.” Tammy Vice

    Image via Pexels

    Healis Autism Centre notes that moving can be a stressful experience, especially when you have a child on the autism spectrum. As parents of a child with special needs, you are especially aware of the importance of feeling secure and taking every necessary precaution to ensure your child feels safe and comfortable in their new home.

    Preparing for a move with a special needs child can be overwhelming, but with careful planning and knowledge about the resources available, it can become an exciting journey for the whole family. Read on for some insights from Know The Hope.

    Finding an Affordable Home

    First, find a home that you can easily afford. It’s important to spend within your means so that you don’t get stuck with an unmanageable mortgage payment or put yourself at risk of foreclosure down the road. To do this, you should establish a budget before shopping for homes and stick to it. It’s also a good idea to work with a real estate professional who can guide you in choosing the right property, as well as help you navigate the mortgage process.

    Alternatively, consider rental options if you are unsure of where you want to buy — renting first gives you time to become familiar with different neighborhoods without making a long-term commitment.

    Consider the Size and Safety of Potential Homes

    Second, when considering potential homes for your family, be sure to think about the size and safety features that can help create a safe environment for your child on the spectrum. While square footage may not be as important as other factors like access to services or locating an autism-inclusive school district, having enough room for all your family members is also important, especially if more than one child has special needs. Safety features such as alarm systems or gated communities could also potentially provide extra security and peace of mind.

    Examine Neighborhoods Closely

    Third, choose an optimal neighborhood when looking for potential homes. Be sure to avoid areas with extra noise pollution or environmental irritants, which could be hard on people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Areas near parks or public transportation might provide easy access to therapy resources while also providing calming stimuli that help children manage their stress levels. For example, some parks have swings specifically designed for individuals on the autism spectrum, which can provide sensory stimulation without overstimulating them.

    Researching local resources such as speech therapists or specially designed playgrounds ahead of time can help ensure that you find an area suitable for families with ASD kids who require specialized services or activities outside of traditional schooling environments

    Look for Nearby Therapy Options

    Fourth, investigate therapy options available nearby prior to buying a home. Many areas have special programs tailored specifically towards individuals on the autism spectrum, such as social skills classes or support groups designed specifically around ASD needs. It's important to explore these options ahead of time if possible. This way, when finally settling down in your new house, you'll already be aware of available resources nearby.

    Prepare Your Child for the Move

    Finally, talk to your child about any upcoming changes related to buying and moving into a new home. If possible, involve them in packing up their belongings, so they feel more secure in their transition process. Children on the autism spectrum may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. However, they may still benefit from being involved in some aspects of planning, such as packing their own belongings, which, as Living Autism points out, may help reduce anxiety associated with change. Talking openly with them beforehand will allow them time to adjust better when finally moving into their new home.

    Purchasing a new home is an exciting milestone, but it requires a lot of forethought and preparation when you have a child on the autism spectrum. Keep these tips in mind before committing. Make sure to take careful consideration into factors like affordability, size, and safety.

    Choose an optimal neighborhood, avoiding areas with extra noise pollution and environmental irritants. Talk openly and involve your children throughout every step. Finally, investigate therapy options close by. By following all these steps, finding and settling into the perfect place will become much easier and less overwhelming, ensuring plenty more peaceful moments between both parent and child alike.

    Know The Hope is dedicated to helping communities see Ability, and helping parents see Possibility. Contact us today to learn more!

    Ed Carter

    Bio: With a history in financial planning, Ed Carter utilizes his expertise and knowledge to assist individuals with disabilities in securing their future. Navigating the complexities of financial planning can be challenging and overwhelming, particularly for those dealing with physical and mental disabilities. That's why Ed founded Able Futures - a site dedicated to empowering people with disabilities by guiding them towards a stable and protected financial future.

    Thank you Ed,

    Know The Hope,

    Tammy Vice

    **Disclaimer::The information and opinions expressed in this blog are the those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or opinions of Autism Tennessee. The author and the blog are not be held responsible for any misuse, reuse, recycled and cited and/or uncited copies of content within this blog by others.


  • Wednesday, April 26, 2023 8:04 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Autism is a team sport. A while back, I asked some members of our team to give their perspective on Morgan. This was Papaw’s letter.

    I was asked to write an article on my experience and observations of my granddaughter Morgan. I am Papaw. I can’t imagine life without her. Morgan is a unique individual. Some people would see her as disabled, but we see her as able. I think it is a matter of perspective. When Morgan’s older sister, Allison, made outstanding achievements, we were very proud and couldn’t wait to congratulate her and brag to friends and family. Morgan’s achievements may not be as noteworthy to an outside observer, but we feel the same pride and we claim our right to brag as we did with Allison. If we were to place an achievement graft for each sister side by side I believe the peaks and valleys would be very similar.

    ( This paragraph was removed for excessive bragging on mom and dad.   Hugs to Papaw and we appreciate the kudos. We’re just doing what parents who love their children do.  ❤ )

    When Morgan was younger I was able to spend more time with her. We would go for walks in the forest. She would climb trees when allowed. We could sit for extended periods by creeks or ponds as she was quite happy tossing stones in the water to observe the splash and resulting rings. We could fish together and it could be hard to disengage her as long as the fish were biting. As she grew older our walks and fishing expeditions became much less frequent. She was becoming a young lady and had other interests.

    Morgan doesn’t engage in much meaningful conversation when we are gathered with several other people, but at times when we find ourselves one on one the conversation can be no less than you might have with anyone. She doesn’t drive but I have found her to be a very apt driving critic. She is very observant and volunteers constant instruction on directions, speed, traffic lights or road conditions. Her favorite theme is “don’t break it” I am with her on that. She does prefer a little faster pace than I, so I do get the “better get a move on” request. Morgan has an opinion of other drivers on the road also. We are blessed that her opinions are not always broadcast to them by megaphone (which she does have) because I am sure there would be some road rage incidents that we might have trouble recovering from. This young lady has an opinion and doesn’t mind letting it be known.

    Mamaw, Morgan and Papaw

    I volunteer with homebound meals and enjoy doing so. Morgan would help me sometimes and she also seems to like it. She has called it trick or treat and it was like a game. My favorite part of our delivering system was her spontaneous prayers for the people we would serve. When she sees someone that happens to be suffering in any way that is visible her first response will be “Dear Jesus make them all better. In Jesus name, amen” or some other very sweet prayer. If Morgan ever prays for a mountain to be moved I will not be surprised if it does so. She definitely has the faith of much more than a grain of mustard seed and she believes her prayers will be answered. Her prayers are pure with no strings attached. There is no hint of racism in her. She sees all people as equal except for mom maybe and no earthly body could ever replace her because she can fix anything and right any wrong.

    Morgan has very good hearing but for some unknown reason I find many times that she doesn’t get spoken request. This has gone on since her early years. I have found a simple solution, I can print what I want her to know and I get instant understanding. Morgan is 29 years old now. Her new achievements are not overwhelming but we celebrate each new accomplishment with great joy. I love her unconditionally. I pray for the day that she would be happy to spend more than a few days at a time with me and Mamaw so that Tammy and Rudy could have an opportunity to celebrate or travel and do some of the things that they so much deserve. Until that time it looks like only Mom can fix what’s broke and make everything work.

    Love Papaw

    Until Next Time,

    Know The Hope!

    Tammy


    **Disclaimer::The information and opinions expressed in this blog are the those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or opinions of Autism Tennessee. The author and the blog are not be held responsible for any misuse, reuse, recycled and cited and/or uncited copies of content within this blog by others.

  • Monday, March 20, 2023 12:05 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    This April is the 20th Annual Breaking the Chains Benefit for Autism Tennessee. , who has been a great support for our family and countless others. We are grateful for all the years the Bluebird Cafe’ has welcomed us back. They have been the perfect intimate listening venue for our mission of sharing autism awareness and education through the Arts. We’re thankful for all of the songwriters who have donated their time and talent to support these efforts.

    The event got it’s name from a song that was written for our daughter Morgan, while we were in search of her diagnosis. As I look back at the lyrics now, I view things a whole lot differently. The first line of the song says “How can I reach you, so that I can teach you?” After all these years, I’m realizing more and more that I’m the one who needed teaching. I’m the one who needed my eyes and ears opened up to appreciate the gifts of each ordinary day and not to take anything or anyone for granted.   Below is the song and the lyrics.

    Help Me Break Those Chains

    How can I reach you, so that I can teach you? Open up the world and put it in your hands? Cast out those shadows. Replace them with meadows. How can I help you finally understand? There is a place outside, I need to show you. Please don’t hide.

    Help me break those chains that hold your precious mind. Like Rapunzel in her castle, please let down your golden hair. I need to climb and join you so that I can find that something that’s missing between here and there. Help me break those chains.

    Open your eyes to the colors of rainbows. Open up your ears to hear the whippoorwill. Come out of that midnight. Reach into the sunlight. Feel the warmth that greets you as you climb those hills. Taste the sweetness of each day. Together, we will find the way.

    Help me break those chains that hold your precious mind. Like Rapunzel in her castle, please let down your golden hair. I need to climb and join you so that I can find that something that’s missing between here and there. Help me break those chains. Please help me break those chains.


    Until Next Time,

    Know The Hope!

    Tammy Vice & Family


    **Disclaimer::The information and opinions expressed in this blog are the those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or opinions of Autism Tennessee. The author and the blog are not be held responsible for any misuse, reuse, recycled and cited and/or uncited copies of content within this blog by others.


  • Monday, February 20, 2023 8:57 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    “As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
    ‭‭John‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    I am so grateful for this walk God has given me with Morgan. Through it, He is continuing to help me grow in my relationship with Him each day. He is forever teaching me what I thought I knew, But Didn’t. 

    Recently, our pastor presented a message about serious faith, like that of the centurion in Luke chapter seven. He sent his request to Jesus, “I’m not worthy to come to you or for you to come under my roof, but JUST SAY THE WORD and my servant will be healed.” His faith even Amazed Jesus. The centurion returned home to see his servant healed.

    This brings me to a situation I’ve faced on more than a one occasion. Someone, who is very well intended, tells me if I had enough faith, my child would be healed. A while back, when I brought this up to my pastor, he said “Well, bless their heart.”  ❤

    I don’t say this to offend anyone. It’s something I’ve had to reconcile with myself, my understanding of faith and trust. I remember in my early years of parenting, someone telling me an issue they were facing with their child. I flippantly said “I just pray.” Now I realize how that may have come across, that maybe I thought they weren’t praying enough. Wow, as believers, we really have to be thoughtful about our words.

    In Hebrews chapter eleven, we are told “without faith, it is impossible to please God”. I know and believe the importance of faith. God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, so I trust He is always working in ways I cannot see. It’s not just about Morgan, or me. It’s about a plan that’s So Much Bigger than any one of us. And yet, it’s about His Love for each and every one of us.

    I do believe in miracles, BIG and small. Over the years, I’ve prayed for others and myself. I’ve felt the prayers of family and friends. I’ve seen the physical results of prayer first hand. I have no doubt when it’s God’s will to heal, He does.

    I’ve prayed countless times for hard things to be removed. Still do. The truth is, no matter how fervent our faith is, sometimes we don’t get the physical results we long to see here. We’re told Jesus prayed for a cup to pass, but trusted His Father’s will. What if He didn’t? What if He hadn’t gone to that cross? Where would we be? Jesus knew His Father’s Love for Him. I know God’s perfect love for me. So therefore, I TRUST His will for me.

    There was a time when my number one prayer was physical healing for Morgan. I still pray against the things she struggles with, but now I understand, it’s our hearts that need healing the most.

    Until Next Time,

    Know The Hope!


    **Disclaimer::The information and opinions expressed in this blog are the those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or opinions of Autism Tennessee. The author and the blog are not be held responsible for any misuse, reuse, recycled and cited and/or uncited copies of content within this blog by others.

  • Tuesday, January 17, 2023 11:38 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Thank you Miriam for offering this useful information to families considering entrepreneurship. Miriam and Douglas Neal created AbleHope (ablehope.com) to show that although it’s challenging to care for an adult child with a disability, just a little dash of hope is enough to power you through from one day to the next.

    It's tricky to juggle the responsibilities of parenting and business ownership, and doing so while living with disabilities can be even more of a challenge. Knowing what steps to take, when to take them, and what help is available to you will make this trio of stressors far more manageable. So here are some tips and resources to help you get started.

    Write a Business Plan

    A lack of planning is the best way to fail before your venture even begins. When you’re starting a new company, a viable business plan details what your company does in terms of products and services, how those commodities are sold to your customers, what profits you can expect, how much funding you'll need, and any other factors you feel are important to articulate in writing. Your plan should also reflect what scale your company will be starting at, whether it's to be housed in a home office or a physical storefront.

    Plan your organization with accessibility in mind. Though your specific disability may not prevent you from climbing stairs, for instance, keeping your store accessible to every kind of person will attract a wider clientele. Your local laws and regulations may also require certain disability accommodations for your business to legally operate.

    Your business plan will not only provide you with a roadmap, eliminating the stress of guesswork while you attend to your other limitations and obligations, but it will also attract potential investors. Banks and private funders will want to know that you're capable of delivering on your business's promise. A properly developed plan will assure them of just that. But be aware that potential lenders may also run your credit report to see if you have a history of repaying your debts. If your credit score is too low, you may be denied. It’s best to check your own rating before making any formal financial requests.

    Know Your Local Requirements

    With a plan and funding secured, you should make sure your business can operate legally as well as effectively. Your local laws may require your organization to have an Employee Identification Number. An EIN functions the same as a social security number but is used for government processes regarding businesses rather than people. Setting this up early on will spare you from a tax time scramble later.

    There are a variety of licenses and permits your company will also require depending on your region and field of work. For example, restaurants will require staff to have food service certifications while a manufacturer will need to provide certifications for the operation of heavy machinery. There's no shame in seeking professional help to make sure your company is obtaining all the proper permissions before you begin operating.

    You will also need to find out which employee benefits are required and which you would like to add to your benefits package. You are mandated to offer things like FMLA, disability, social security, and worker’s compensation. But most employees also expect non-required benefits, like paid time off, health insurance, and retirement plans.

    Advertise Effectively

    A company isn't much of anything without customers, so it's a good idea to get the word out about what you're offering as early as possible. Advertising comes in many forms, the most obvious of which are flyers and print ads in local publications. This is fine if you're only marketing to people in your town, but an online presence is vital for online businesses or ones that are branching out.

    Consider developing your online presence. A large majority of consumers utilize social media to determine which businesses to support. Themeisle explains that a functional and accessible website is also a must in putting your best foot forward online so you can show your customers the professionalism and care you're bringing to the business. You may even consider highlighting the accessibility measures mentioned previously.

    While you can easily spread the word via social media, don’t neglect some old-fashioned approaches, too. For example, you can use a free business card design tool to generate cards that you can pass out to potential clients, or leave at key locations where potential customers are likely to gather.

    Advertise Effectively

    Once your business is ready to operate and your customers know where you are and what you sell, all that's left to do is open. With these complicated aspects in place, starting a business is far more manageable, even for a parent living with disabilities. Just remember to write a business plan, learn about requirements, and market effectively.

    Know the Hope is dedicated to helping both communities and parents embrace the wonder that is their child with disabilities. Visit them online for resources and more information about how you can support or be supported by our mission.

    By Miriam Neal Ablehope.com

    Until Next Time,

    Know The Hope!

    Tammy Vice


    **Disclaimer::The information and opinions expressed in this blog are the those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or opinions of Autism Tennessee. The author and the blog are not be held responsible for any misuse, reuse, recycled and cited and/or uncited copies of content within this blog by others.


  • Monday, December 19, 2022 10:51 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    A Note From Mom - I remember all the attempts Allison made to connect with Morgan in their younger years, with very little reciprocation. My hope has always been for my daughters to somehow be able to build a sweet sister bond with each other. With six years, fourteen hundred miles, and a wall of autism between them, that hope still sits on the top of my list. ❤

     These days, Morgan talks about Allison a lot, when she’s away. She tells me things to tell her. She talks about wanting to visit her and Jabe at their “new old house”. Although Morgan still stumbles and struggles to reach out to Allison directly, I see her desire to. I see the knowledge and understanding Allison has gained over the years, and I am grateful. It takes two to dance, and I do believe they are both closer to learning the steps of a sweet sister dance that is uniquely there own.

    Allison’s Perspective - As Morgan’s sister, I have had my world view expanded. She taught me to see diversity in others and to practice patience and understanding because you never know what someone is going through. When she was diagnosed with autism when I was around 9, it didn’t change how I saw her. She was just my quirky sister that I connected with not in the typical ways of late-night girl talks but in singing silly songs together. However, if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have been exposed to the wonderful and complex world of autism. When I began to meet others that supposedly had the same diagnosis as her, I was at first shocked and confused to see how none of them were really like her but how they all still felt similar. I fell in love with trying to figure out how to communicate and teach each one because they were all so different. This set me on a career path that started when I was a teenager and has continued into my mid 30’s of working in the special education field. This career choice has come with A LOT of ups and downs but has also made me into the person I am today…. someone who wants to help people by finding ways to customize supports to meet their needs while showing kindness and understanding. If it wasn’t for Morgan and her gift of autism, I don’t know what I would be doing with my life right now.

    Sister Dinner Date

    Morgan has also taught me what it means to be unselfish, as it is common knowledge for most individuals on the spectrum that they unashamedly assume the world revolves around them. You can’t be mad at them for that though because it comes with having social skills deficits. With that being said, I had to learn to put myself aside to meet her unique needs and strange demands as this would bring her joy. I also feel a responsibility though to use my special education knowledge to help push her and help her grow into experiencing the fullest potential for her life. My sisterly relationship with Morgan is at times more like a motherly one. I try to be careful of this though and remain as more of her sister since she already has a wonderful mother and needs a different connection with me.

    So, thank you Morgan for helping me learn more of what it means to love others for who they truly are and for expanding the way that I see the world and helping me find a sense of passion and purpose for my life.

    Love you sister!

    Allison

    Love you dearly Allison. ❤ Thank you for sharing,

    Mom


    *Disclaimer: **The views and opinions expressed in this blog are the those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or opinions of Autism Tennessee. The author and the blog are not be held responsible for any misuse, reuse, recycled and cited and/or uncited copies of content within this blog by others.

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