Andrew
and Governor Bush 2001 Article
CAFE Conference
By Sherry
Arteaga
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How
excited I was to find out that not only was I chosen to participate
at the conference, but also I was going to be rooming with one of
my best friends and supporters, Nancy Harris. For any of those who
are unaware, she is the founder of PODS Angels (Parents of
Down Syndrome Angels) support group.After a harrowing journey of
car seats, play yards, strollers, coolers, luggage and children;
we finally made it to Orlando. Whew!!!!!!!
Everyone was very excited about all the accomplishments by the Governor
on behalf of individuals with disabilities. During Jeb Bush's
speech it was mentioned that he signed a bill to protect individuals
who use life-sustaining machines from having their power disconnected
by FPL. By no means ever feel that our power as individuals do not
count. Due to a major blitz on the appropriations committee with
letter faxes and e-mail, not only did the Governor get the monies
needed to satisfy the budget, but also received 20 million dollars
above what he requested. We are told that the people who were on
the Medicaid waiting list were taken care of by neediness. As more
monies are available, more people with disabilities will be served.
The workshops were also a learning experience. Sometimes I was challenged
to decide which ones to attend. You always have to choose which
is best for you and what you need to learn about. Which I think
is a lot more than what I know. Imagine having a youngster, fifteen
months old, and thinking about trust funds and housing. We get so
wrapped up in the here and now present, that before we know it our
Angels, God willing, will be moving out on their own and going to
their jobs and living fulfilling lives.
On a more personal level, I don't think I have ever been around
so many persons with so many different disabilities. It is a sobering
experience to say the least. You have to give kudos to those families
whose family members are more medically challenged. I would imagine
just as we see our Angels, they see their children, siblings, parents
and friends for who they are. And to paraphrase the author Norman
Kunc, know them for their diversity, not their disability
I would like to write just a few lines more about the exhibits at
the Family CAF. There were many diverse companies there, offering
services in many different areas. These contacts are especially
important, not necessarily for that moment, but for reference materials
you may need at a later date. It is always important to ìshop
aroundî and visit all the vendors and collect all that they
have to offer.
Well I have been accused of being long-winded and sometimes preachy,
forgive me I just get such a rush when writing about one of my favorite
subjects. I recommend everyone to visit the Family CAF website at
familycafe.org and watch for the 2002 information. Send in your
applications ASAP for registration, and if you need they have scholarship
for hotel and respite care. I have a feeling they will need a bigger
hotel next year. You canít keep a good thing quiet for long.
Sherry Blanco-Arteaga
DS Angel Mom and Advocate
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