November 28, 2016
What Now? Step One: Ask Questions.
What Now? Step One: Ask Questions. The election is (finally!) over and it’s never been more important for you to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. We must be champions for choice and inclusion. We urge you to take action and ask your elected officials these… Read More
September 16, 2016
Senators: Support Our Caregivers
Senators: Support Our Caregivers Written by guest blogger, Betsy Spethmann Dear Sen. Dahle and Rep. Bly, Many people with developmental disabilities rely on others for personal care . . . every day, every night, for their entire lives. This is not a choice for them. It is a basic necessity,… Read More
July 14, 2016
Dear Legislator
Dear Legislator Dear Legislator, I’d like to talk to you about your failing grade for people who need champions. You can make it up, but time is running out. In the 2016 legislative session disability service providers and their advocates asked for a hand up – not a handout. You said all the… Read More
May 24, 2016
A Challenge
A Challenge What we need: Radical collaboration. Civic engagement. Civil discourse. Relationships and partnerships. Support for people with disabilities and their families. What We’re Facing The Minnesota Legislature refuses, again, to put people with disabilities and the people who support them on an equal footing with other service recipients. The U.S. Read More
April 22, 2016
What Keeps me Awake at Night
What Keeps me Awake at Night Honestly, there are several work-related issues that keep me awake at night; the changes in how we provide services and support isn’t one of them. Although some of those changes are significant, we know that people need to be able to live the lives… Read More
March 22, 2016
Supporting People With Disabilities and Their Caregivers
Supporting People With Disabilities and Their Caregivers Several months ago, my blog post addressed adequate compensation for our amazing caregivers. I’m not done talking about it yet. I pledge to continue talking about it until people with disabilities and their caregivers receive the respect and compensation they are due. You may… Read More
February 23, 2016
Reading Mind Maps
Reading Mind Maps Do I Know What You Want? Recently, I spent time in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore to listen and contribute to the development of national public policy for people with disabilities and their families. While the policy discussions and determinations are vital, understanding and changing our human behavior… Read More
February 8, 2016
Hopey Changey
Hopey Changey Most of us have heard the cynical question, “How’s that hopey changey thing working for you now?” My answer, every time I hear or see it? Actually, it’s working pretty well. What I Believe If I focus on a small slice of my life (today, for instance), I… Read More
November 24, 2015
The Untold Story: Hope is Essential
The Untold Story: Hope is Essential We leave so much of every story on the editing room floor. Our attention spans dictate that we reduce stories to soundbites. I’m guilty of reading a headline and the lead paragraph, and then skimming the rest of the story. I miss important details every… Read More
November 11, 2015
Helping All Vulnerable People
Helping All Vulnerable People A Facebook friend of mine posted a poll on his page: Yes or No? Homeless servicemen should come before any refugee. I say, “yes and yes.” I’m a fan of “what ifs” that look at the future and help us to imagine it differently. What if the… Read More