As a caregiver, I feel most empowered when I am informed enough to do more. Learning and sharing have become essential to my role as a caregiver. Finding out what works best is most effective when I can crowdsource helpful tips, reviews and advice from others who have walked this path. Continue reading
Both parenting and advocacy focus on creating the best possible future: for our children to thrive and to be accepted and understood. It can be a heavy load, and it’s easy to mix up which role we need and when. Continue reading
The following was published as part of my “Teachable Moments” blog series for ProMedica HealthConnect. Research shows that among parents of children with special needs, the divorce rate is 80 percent, compared to 50 percent among the rest of the population. The challenges of raising a child with special needs, along with the typical demands … Continue reading
We all know a supermom. She is organized and efficient. Riding atop her unicorn with her hair blowing in the wind, she bakes cupcakes with a smile while teaching the finer points of multiplication to her well-mannered children. The concept of supermom can shame us and leave us feeling inadequate, even when we are doing our best. Continue reading
Congenital fiber-type disproportion myopathy is rare. In fact, it is so rare that there are no estimates on just how rare it is. A neuromuscular condition, it affects the muscle fibers and causes weakness that can affect eating, breathing, mobility and posture. Besides my sister and my son, I have never met another person with … Continue reading
The following was published as part of my “Teachable Moments” blog series for ProMedica HealthConnect. As the parent of a medically complex child, taking care of myself has included the need to power up in regular intervals. Richie’s first year of life was marked with hospitalizations, tests, and the slow achievement of milestones. For me, … Continue reading
I was fortunate to be able to voice my opposition to Ohio’s H.B. 64 proposal to eliminate independent providers. My testimony follows. Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Driehaus and Members of the House Finance Committee, my name is Charisse Montgomery. I am a mother, an author, an advocate, and a member of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Thank you for allowing me to testify … Continue reading
