Book review: Mary McHugh’s "Special Siblings"

Posted by Beth Finke on September 11th, 2007

In Special Siblings: Growing Up With Someone with a Disability, Mary McHugh doesn’t shy away from the troublesome aspects of sibling relationships — she addresses them. It is emotional and enlightening; I recommend this …Read More » »

Liberty, justice, and health coverage for all

Posted by Beth Finke on September 6th, 2007

A comment to our blog this week expressed a mother’s frustration in finding health insurance for her sons with autism. The lack of health care coverage in America puts many at risk, but none more so than the 100 million Americans with autism and other disabilities.

For the first time ever, …Read More » »

Joey’s Gift and respite: a healthy break for families

Posted by Beth Finke on August 20th, 2007

Tonight’s Engaged and Underage reality TV show on MTV features Michelle Minotti Wright, a volunteer at Easter Seals Volusia and Flagler Counties in Florida. Michelle volunteers in memory of her brother Joey, who had Down syndrome and autism, and received services there.

Joey died …Read More » »

Consumer Reports: providing for disabled heirs

Posted by Beth Finke on August 8th, 2007

In my “Adults and autism: Our kids might outlive us” post, I talked about estate planning and special needs trusts that can be set up when your child has autism. I also mentioned that MassMutual, one of Easter Seals’ national corporate partners, offers additional resources for people with …Read More » »

Adults and autism: Our kids might outlive us

Posted by Beth Finke on June 20th, 2007

When my husband and I visited our son in his group home recently, I couldn’t get over how much he had grown. He’s a healthy boy! Well, really –- a healthy young man. And though many of us who have children with disabilities don’t like to think about it, it’s likely our children will outlive us.

While most people know about …Read More » »