WILL MISS AMERICA 2013 BE THE FIRST TO HAVE AUTISM??!!--YOU CAN VOTE FOR HER NOW!; SWIMMING PROGRAMS BEGINS JAN 12; FREE LECTURE ON VA MEDICAID WAIVERS; CONSIDER SIGNING PETITIONS THAT ARE STILL REQUESTING SIGNATURES.

MISS AMERICA HAS AUTISM??!!  THE UPCOMING MISS AMERICA CONTEST IS ON JANUARY 12, 2013.  MISS MONTANA HAS AUTISM.  YOU CAN SEE HER VIDEO AUDITION AND VOTE FOR HER!  YOU HAVE UNTIL JANUARY 10, 2013, MIDNIGHT!
http://www.missamerica.org/videocontest/

SPORTS PLUS 2013 WINTER SWIM PROGRAMS begin January 12, 2013, in two locations:  Bethesda and Gaithersburg, MD.  Find details on specific age groups for the swim programs and registration at www.playsportsplus.org. 

THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF VIRGINIA MEDICAID WAIVERS
This FREE lecture is brought to you by the ACCESS COMMUNITY LECTURE SERIES--A FORUM FOR THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY.  On Janurary 14, 2013, from 7:30-9P, at the McLean Bible Church in Vienna, VA, the guest speaker will be Savina Avila, Client Advocate of The Arc of Northern Virginia.  This lecture will provide an overview of the Medicaid Waiver System in VA.  Avila will discuss which programs give assistance for respite, assistive technology, and provide services for children and adults with special needs.  Learn what ID, DD, and EDCD mean?  Understand better what a waiver is, why you need one, how can it benefit your family and how to apply.  Although not required, RSVP would be appreciated at erin.roundtree@mcleanbible.org. 
For details, call 703-770-2938 or visit www.accessministrymbc.org. 
With more details to follow soon, also in Vienna, VA on February 11, 2013, PLANNING FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL ~ FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

PETITIONS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION TO SIGN:
YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF SOME OF THE PETITIONS BELOW ALL INVOLVING SPECIAL NEEDS MATTERS.  HOWEVER, THE REQUESTS FOR SIGNATURES ARE STILL COMING.

http://www.change.org/petitions/fda-please-approve-the-medicine-my-boys-need-to-survive-both-of-my-sons-deserve-to-live

http://www.change.org/petitions/hsbc-bank-stop-the-eviction-of-horse-farm-therapy-center-for-autistic-children

http://www.change.org/petitions/a-staged-school-shooting-traumatized-400-kids-with-disabilities-and-teachers-we-demand-justice

http://www.change.org/petitions/help-my-autistic-son-get-a-life-saving-heart-transplant

http://www.change.org/petitions/united-healthcare-stop-cutting-off-medical-coverage-for-autism-at-age-9-2

http://www.change.org/petitions/end-abuse-of-autistic-students-in-mercer-county-kentucky

Just some of my thoughts on this Special Needs Matter Blog 1 year Anniversary---ALMOST

Hi Friends!  January 12, 2013 will be the 1 year anniversary of this blog.  On January 12, 2012, I started this blog in a despairing time in my life.  My son Jordan, who has autism, was turning 13 the next day.  I was severely depressed.  Nieve, foolish, or hopeful, I really whole heartedly believed that by now, God would have healed him.  I would finally have been given the son I was initially suppose to be given, right?  My journey should be over by now, right?  I've done my time, right?  My son now, would be on his way to getting a high school diploma instead of a certificate, right?  He too, like my friends who have 'typical' children, would go to college, get a degree, get a successful career, get married, and have kids.  We would talk and have great conversations, not ones with him repeating himself.  I'd be able to go vacation with my husband and not have to take him along.

Right now I apologize to anyone I'm offending.  If you've fully come to terms with your lot in life...I hope one day to be where you are.  I really thought by now, I would have been.  

But I am feeling better in what gift God has given me.  I love Jordan more and more each day and appreciate what that child teaches me.  Like you, I don't overlook the milestones he achieves.  

During my journey, I have chosen to reachout to you with information on events we can attend to become better parents and advocates.  I also include events that we can bring our entire families without people staring and looking at us cross-eyed as I've encountered many times.  I too feel energized when I meet up with you folks.  You, are my family and I know you understand.

Thank you for taking your time in viewing this blog.  Your views motivate me!

Sincerely,

Vanessa