Special Needs, Special Parents

Deanne interviews Marja Byers, the incoming executive director for Blindskills, Inc. located in Salem. She explains her experience with blindness as well as all the great support services for people with vision impairments and their families available through Blindskills.

Deanne interviews Maureen Clifford, who has a PHD in Psychology and broke her foot - off her leg. Maureen talks about her experiences of the time she spent in her wheel chair and what it feels like to be told she would never walk again. Also, Patty Taylor talks about the new changes that will allow her child and other children earning modified diplomas to get financial aide for college through the K plan.

Deanne interviews Garten Services Resource Development Manager Gaelen McAllister. Garten Services provides employment opportunities for developmentally disabled adults.

Deanne interviews Kris Gabrielson Project Director of Parent-delivered Massage Study/Qigong Sensory Training Institute and Angela, a parent of a child that was in and benefited from the program. Qigong massage techniques are being studied to determine if they can have a positive impact on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is an exciting research project created by Salem's Dr. Silva.

Deanne Interviews Cheryl Cisneros, Executive Director Creating Opportunities along with Heidi Petersen and Marybeth Bell. The team discusses parenting and educating students with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as how to set up support groups for parents.

Deanne interviews staff , parents and participants from Love Reins Ranch: Katie Evans, Ron, Jeff, Angela and Aiden. Love Reins is a non-profit organization providing therapeutic equine activities to children with disabilities.

Deanne interviews Dr. Sharla Jones, Director of the Oregon School for the Deaf. Dr. Jones provides details of the education and special opportunities the school provides at the Salem campus.

Deanne talks with Dr. Jesse Payne (Ed.D.) about his new book: Change Your Brain, Change Your Life Before 25. Dr. Payne is the Director of Education at the Amen Clinics and is a professor at Corban University.

Part 1 Deanne interviews Flexibility trainers from the Courthouse Athletic Club Jill Boyd and Cara Turnquist about the benefits of flexibility training for people with and with out disabilities. Part 2 Deanne interviews staff from Access Technology,Inc. Access Technology offers a wide variety of technology equipment to improve levels of independent living and learning.

Feb 18 2014. Deanne interviews Pamela Lyons Nelson. Pamela has over 30 years experience in counseling people with eating disorders. The discussion gives great insight on the needs of people experiencing eating disorders.