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Today we are discussing how we can parent with the following goal in mind: to help our kids grow into adults that lead full, inclusive, and wonderful lives.

Joining me is Genia Stephens, host of the Good Things in Life podcast, for parents of children with disabilities. 

This week on the All About Audiology podcast

* 1:01 – Genia’s younger sister was born with an intellectual disability. Her mother was a fierce advocate who brought the whole family on board. Later, Genia’s second son was also born with a disability.

* 4:38 – Genia wanted to create a space where parents could come together around a shared vision of a positive future for their children with disabilities. This would give parents the opportunity to support each other and figure out how to access the “Good Things in Life” for their kids.

* 06:58 – Even if your child cannot walk or run, interaction and play with other children is still important. For those children who are born deaf — some will learn to speak and some won’t but having some form of communication is the goal.

* 9:56 – Norman Kunc is a disability advocate with cerebral palsy. When he was in school, he quit speech therapy and transitioned to a mainstream school against the advice of his speech therapist, but found that it actually helped his speech develop. 

* 13:08 – Parents of disabled children receive lots of help with therapy and education goals, but not much direction in creating a life that is rich with relationships and opportunities for their child. Take the time to set a vision for their future.

* 15:30 – Don’t forget — we are raising our children to become adults. While children with disabilities do need support and assistance, we must also take the time to foster independence.

* 23:23 – Most people have social connections with other people who can help them obtain “the good things in life”. Unfortunately, people with disabilities only have one fifth of the number of significant relationships as those without disabilities.

* 28:50 – F-I-G- Method – Having a long term vision for your child can result in easier decision making right now, when it comes to choosing education and services.

* 34:51 – For many people with disabilities, the role of “client” can become their single most dominant role. Most of the people they spend time with are paid to be with them, as opposed to friends who are there by choice.

* 40:07 – If romantic relationships are a possibility in your child’s future, find ways to discuss this with them. They will need to be able to recognize inappropriate behavior, in order to protect themselves.

* 44:33 – Parents can create opportunities for their children to build friendships and social capital. This can be done by creating a vision for your child, focusing on their social roles.

* 49:02 – Having something in common can be a powerful tool in building relationships. Parents can take an active role in helping kids to see what they have in common, even something small like both kids having braces.

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