Raising Kellan

In episode 125 of the Raising Kellan Podcast, host Marsh Naidoo welcomes Vanessa Naidoo, a pediatric occupational therapist from Hernando, Mississippi, to share her curated Christmas gift list for children with disabilities. Vanessa's list is filled with creative and thoughtful ideas that promote independence, skill development, and fun for kids of all ages.

Vanessa emphasizes the importance of gifts that offer experiences, such as makeup lessons at Sephora or cooking classes, which can boost self-esteem and life skills. For younger children, she recommends toys from Lovevery, known for their Montessori-inspired designs that cater to sensory needs. Vanessa also highlights the benefits of seating options like zero gravity bean bags, wiggle cars, and tonie boxes, which encourage imaginative play and auditory comprehension.

Join Marsh and Vanessa as they explore these unique gift ideas that go beyond the traditional, aiming to create meaningful and memorable experiences for children and their families.

00:00 Introductions

02:40 Picks for teens - EXPERIENCES

07:05  Lovevery

09:16 Pillow Forts

09:30 Zero Gravity Bean Bags

13:30 Wiggle Cars

14:42 Tonie Boxes- This is an excellent toy for promoting auditory comprehension and just your imaginative play

16:36 Hobbies

17:28 Emotion Games- help kids with verbal expression skills

20:00 Conclusion  

This episode is brought to you by TeleTherapy Services, your online physical therapy provider. Don't forget to rate and review on your podcast platform and share this episode with friends who might find it helpful.

Marsh Naidoo chats with Brandon Scarmardo, a Manager at Mental Health and Development Services in Jackson, Tennessee, about the MAPS program. This innovative three-year pilot initiative, facilitated by the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA), is designed to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by equipping them with skills for independent living and employment.

The discussion delves into the structure and objectives of the MAPS program, emphasizing its flexible approach to support and its focus on creating virtual community resource maps. These maps serve as personalized digital tools that assist participants in navigating their daily lives and achieving selected milestones. Brandon highlights the importance of technology in the program, mentioning tools like smart pill dispensers and Ring doorbells that enhance independence and safety for participants.

01:54 Brandon's background

03:26 What is Maps?

06:13 Technology and the program including virtual resource maps

08:31 The inclusion criteria for this program.

10:27 Examples of how the program is integrated into daily life

15:41 Technology

20;00 Conclusion

Woody Tatman is an occupational therapist and a certified driving rehabilitation specialist with West Tennessee Healthcare. He evaluates individuals, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and those with cognitive or physical impairments, to determine their ability to drive safely. He can recommend vehicle modifications and provide training to help people learn to drive according to their needs. 

00:12 Introduction

02:10 What is a certified driving rehabilitation specialist?

04:03 Does a rehab specialist do the vehicle modifications or the driving lessons?

05:51 What is the process to sign up for adaptive driving and how is it funded?

08:49 Learners Permit.

10:54 Seniors Driving Ability Testing.

12:47 Driver Lessons and Vehicle Used?

13:53 Modifications for Driving in Different Patient Populations?

18:07 Color Blindness, Hearing, and Sight Impairment.

21:08 Conclusion and Resource aded.net

This episode is brought to you by Teletherapy Services.

In this insightful episode of Raising Kellan, host Marsh Naidoo sits down with Don Tate and Kim Shofinski from the Tennessee State Parks to discuss the incredible strides being made toward accessibility and inclusivity in outdoor recreation. As the Fall unfolds in Tennessee, there's no better time to explore the state's natural beauty, and the Tennessee State Parks are committed to ensuring that everyone, including families experiencing disabilities, can enjoy these experiences.

Kim provides clarity on the distinction between the Tennessee State Parks and the national park system, highlighting the state's dedication to making the parks accessible to all. Don shares the inspiring journey of the Tennessee State Parks' initiative to become the most accessible state park system in the nation, collaborating with various organizations to enhance accessibility features like all-terrain wheelchairs, adaptive kayaking and canoe launches, and comprehensive trail assessments.

The conversation also covers the exciting virtual reality projects that allow visitors to explore parks like Dunbar Cave and Frozen Head State Park from the comfort of their homes. These initiatives ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can participate in the rich educational and recreational experiences the parks have to offer.

00:00 Raising Kiln podcast features interviews with Tennessee State Parks

02:00 Don Tate is working to improve accessibility at Tennessee state parks

08:42 Tennessee state parks are currently updating their website to include accessible features

10:01 Salute to Service Program

12:57 Virtual Reality allows visitors who cannot physically visit the park to participate in interpretive programming

15:18 Don Tates message to families that have the disability experience

17:47 Explore Tennessee State Parks VR App

For more information, visit TnStateParks.com and download the "Explore Tennessee State Parks" app available for Apple and Android devices.

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This episode is brought to you by Teletherapy Services

In this episode of Raising Kellan, host Marsh Naidoo reconnects with Dana Kramer to discuss an essential topic for families raising children with disabilities: home accessibility. Dana, a long-time friend and recurring guest, shares her recent experience remodeling her home to better accommodate her son Levi, who has cerebral palsy. The conversation covers practical tips and insights on making living spaces more accessible, from installing ramps and adaptive vanities to choosing the right grab bars and shower setups. Dana also highlights the importance of community support and the joy of seeing her son gain more independence. Tune in for invaluable advice and heartwarming stories that can help guide your own journey in creating a more accessible home environment.

00:00 The Raising Kellan podcast features interviews with parents raising children with disabilities

01:54 Dana’s home remodeling for Levi

07:31 Bidet and vanity

14:55 The shower.

28:19 Marsh Naidoo thanks Dana for sharing her tips on making homes accessible

For more information, visit the Adaptive Living Store at adaptivelivingstore.com.

Mia Fox DPT, is a yoga teacher, physical therapist, and rock climber. Mia talks about how she got started in rock climbing and the therapeutic benefits it provides. The conversation then shifts to discussing  ⁠Memphis Rox⁠, a rock climbing community, and the adaptive climbing program they offer through the ⁠Adaptive Climbing Group.⁠  Mia explains that the adaptive climbing program aims to create a community for climbers with disabilities and provide them with access to equipment and training. She provides information on how families experiencing disability can join the program and mentions the free monthly rock climbing clinic held on the First Tuesday of the month.

Timeline:

Join host Marsh Naidoo in this episode of Raising Kellan as she talks with Dennis Anderson, CEO of Anderson Consulting. Dennis shares his expertise on digital accessibility and safety, providing valuable insights for parents navigating the digital world.

In this episode of Raising Kellan, host Marsh Naidoo sits down with Jeff Strand from the Tennessee Disability Coalition to delve into the significant legislative changes in 2024 and what's on the horizon for 2025. Jeff provides an insightful update on key bills, including the successful passage of the TCA cleanup bill, the impactful Right to Repair legislation for wheelchair maintenance, and the groundbreaking Medicaid buy-in program for working adults with disabilities. They also discuss the ongoing efforts and challenges in implementing paid family caregiving and the evolving landscape of special education policies. Tune in to understand how these legislative efforts are shaping the lives of individuals with disabilities in Tennessee.

00:00 Introduction and welcome

02:00 Recap of Jeff Strand's previous appearance on episode 111

04:30 Updates on the TCA Placard Bill (modernization of language)

07:45 Right to Repair Part Two for wheelchairs.

13:20 National recognition of Tennessee's right to repair legislation

15:00 Medicaid buy-in program for Working Adults with Disabilities

27:00 Paid Family Caregiving Resolution

34:00 Medicaid home and community-based services waiver

38:00 Discussion on congregate accommodation for individuals with disabilities

45:00 Future legislative efforts and community involvement

55:00 Closing remarks and call to action

For more information, visit the Tennessee Disability Coalition's website at tndisability.org. Don't forget to leave a rate and review on your podcast platform, and stay connected with

In this enlightening episode of Raising Kellan, host Marsh Naidoo is joined by Rev Dr. Felicia Ingram, the newly appointed pastor at Salters Chapel AME Church in Dyersburg, TN.

Felicia is a native of Dyersburg and a graduate of Dyersburg High School. She highlights her plans for engaging the youth and fostering a supportive community. Don't miss out on the upcoming Youth Fun Day on June 8, this Saturday from 9 am -1 pm at Salters Chapel, it is a perfect opportunity to connect and enjoy a day of fun and fellowship.

00:00 Felicia Ingram is the newly appointed pastor at Salters Chapel AME Church

05:43 Salters Chapel in Dyersburg seeks to engage in community needs

10:23 Felicia: Salters Chapel is going through a rebuilding phase.

In early May 2024, our Dyersburg First United Methodist Church church family went on a camp retreat to Camp NaCoMe in Centerville, Tennessee. In this episode, Kellan journals his time at Camp as he builds his capacity to tell his story. Enjoy!

Other links:

https://youtu.be/yWNwOpg_qbA?si=gqPGtHI4V9vqzNBO