Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

As the clock struck midnight, marking the start of a new year, Annette found herself immersed in a flood of memories and significant events. On this episode of Parenting Impossible, carrying the weight of sorrow from the loss of her beloved daughter Elizabeth but strengthened by ten years of affection and the development of the Special Needs Law Group, Annette extends an invitation to you to parta...

Sometimes, it's essential to step back and assess the path we're on - that's exactly what I did this year. After years of fighting the impacts of a global crisis on both my personal and professional life, I made the radical decision to take a sabbatical year. A year to disconnect from "extracurriculars" and focus on my business, my team, and myself. A year to reflect on what truly brings me joy, a...

Ever felt the pangs of frustration trying to navigate public spaces with a disability or care for someone who does?  This frustration fueled the journey of an extraordinary parent advocating for change, Jayme Betts who serves as the Massachusetts Chapter Leader of the Changing Spaces Campaign .  She shares an illuminating exploration of her mission to make public spaces more accessible for people...

What's one of the biggest issues most special needs families worry about?  Housing .   This episode unlocks the complexities of the intricate world of housing for those with some form of intellectual or developmental disability or (IDD) with the help of special guest, Pam Blanton , founder and CEO of Partners4Housing .   Tune in to discover how Partners4Housing is changing the lives of families in...

What happens when a mother's fierce love for her special needs child intertwines with her passion for photography? Magic! Join us on this heartwarming journey with Marcie Randall , a dedicated mother, and an exceptional photographer, as she turns her struggles and triumphs navigating the healthcare system for her medically fragile son into a beacon of hope for other families. Marcie's inspiring st...

Could you imagine being a mom and an Assistive Technology Specialist, honeycombing through multiple strategies to craft tools that best support your special needs child? Well, meet Cheryl Farley. A passionate mother and a specialist who's spent years perfecting this very craft. She's graced us with her story, detailing the educational journey of her son, Liam, and the unique challenges they faced...

The intensity of grief can feel like an insurmountable mountain. A profound loss, the passing of Host Annette Hines' beloved daughter, Elizabeth, led her down a path of unimaginable pain, reshaping her identity as a mother and her life. Through the waves of grief, Annette discovered a lifeline in a local grief group, offering a haven where she could share, cry, and heal. This episode serves as an...

Are you ready to uncover the mysteries of Sensory Processing Disorder? We're elated to have certified occupational therapist assistants, Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, founders of Harkla Co in Boise, ID , on our show today. These remarkable women have recently become Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialists, demonstrating their relentless pursuit of knowledge in the field of primitive...

Have you ever wondered about the unique life experiences of siblings of special needs children? We promise to enlighten you on this rarely discussed topic, as we welcome two individuals who've lived this reality -- Hillary Dunn Stanisz , a senior attorney at the Disability Law Center in Boston, and Alexandria Nadworny , a special needs financial planning specialist. Through a candid conversation,...

In an emotionally charged conversation with Eric Jorgensen of True North Disability Planning, we venture deep into the heart of community and its indispensable role in special needs parenting. Through recounting her own journey with her daughter Elizabeth, born with a mitochondrial defect, Host Annette Hines unveils how community acted as their family lifeline, providing a shared belief system and...

Navigating the unknown waters of parenting a child with autism can feel like being adrift without a compass. In this dynamic conversation, we had the privilege of speaking with Joya Vandalan, a mother of three and a family nurse practitioner, who found her North Star in the midst of her own experiences raising a child with autism. Joya not only breathes life into the challenges she faced as a firs...

Knowing where to start with estate and special needs planning can be an intimidating task. However, don't be daunted, because this episode is your lifeline to understanding and managing this process effectively. Host Annette Hines describes the types of life planning she does for clients -- estate planning, guardianships and legal authorities, and advocacy and public benefits. Plus, she shares ins...

Navigating the back-to-school season can be a significant challenge, especially if your loved one is living with disabilities. As a mother of a profoundly disabled daughter, Elizabeth, Host Annette Hines has learned that preparation is everything. From creating checklists to setting achievable goals, we explore how to keep things in order, ensuring a smooth transition. This episode shares the stor...

This episode is a re-release of a previous episode that aired in May 2020 in remembrance of Annette Hines' daughter Elizabeth who passed away from mitochondrial disease in 2013.    Hines reflects on the heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching journey of being a special needs parent that involves joy, silver linings found in loss, and the challenges of moving on. Reflecting the start of the Pare...

Hold your breath as you plunge into an awe-inspiring journey with Raja Marhaba, Special Education Advocate, Author (UNSTOPPABLE), and Founder of The Jonathan Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities . Embark on a monumental David and Goliath journey that showcases a mother's determination in the face of adversity. Raja's struggles with a broken special education system and her relentless...

As a broadcaster, radio host, and digital media veteran, Tamara Taggart is no stranger to the spotlight. But it's her role as a mother and advocate for her son Beckett, diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth, that propels this episode into an insightful and heartfelt journey. Tamara candidly shares the battles she's faced, from the negativity of medical professionals to fighting for Beckett's educa...

Celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we're taking a deep look into ableism and its effects on disability rights. Host Annette Hines is joined in this conversation by Peter Morin , an attorney from the Special Needs Law Group who is committed to providing a voice for the vulnerable and ensuring they receive the essential services they need. By battling the discri...

Who doesn't seek the comfort of familiar surroundings when dealing with life's complex challenges? This sentiment rang true for Host Annette Hines during this heart-to-heart with Jessica Guzman, an extraordinary ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapist and behavioral consultant.   They unravel the profound sense of solace found in the natural environment and Annette's own personal experiences w...

Have you ever wondered how a powerful support system can change the life of someone with a disability? Join Host Annette Hines in this passionate conversation with Susan Kahn , the brains behind Sue's Strategies , as we take a deep-dive into the significance of community for those navigating life with disabilities.  They explore the trials and tribulations of Annette's personal journey within this...

Do you know what to do with your estate planning documents? Are you sure your assets will be distributed as per your desires? Join Host Annette Hines , and her husband and law partner, Mark Worthington , as they reveal the complex and often bewildering realm of estate planning, focusing especially on how to adequately fund your estate plan. They will decode the impact of trusts, wills, and other d...

Are you ready to untangle the complexities of transition planning and become an effective advocate for your disabled person? Host Annette Hines , founder of Special Needs Law Group and Special Needs Family Services brings you an episode that can be a beacon to guide you through the maze of supports and resource systems. Whether you're a young disabled person stepping into adulthood, a caregiver st...

Host Annette Hines begins the episode with a reminder that even though summer just started for many of us, for parents with school-age kids, it's time to start thinking about returning to school. She recommends that parents dust off that IEP and review it for needed changes for the upcoming school year. If you have a high school student with disabilities, Hines' Special Needs Academy course, Speci...

Host Annette Hines of Parenting Impossible welcomes Lisa Candera, The Autism Mom Coach in a discussion about the burnout cycle and how she helps coach parents to get out of this cycle to live healthier.  She calls her one-on-one coaching program, "Be the Solid Object," which she explains is "specifically designed for Type A mothers raising children with ASD."  Candera works in one-hour Zoom coachi...

In this episode, Host Annette Hines speaks with Author Meg Zucker. They discuss empowering children with differences and disabilities. By embracing inclusivity, we not only create a brighter future for these children but also foster a society that is compassionate, understanding, and truly representative of the diversity of humanity. More about Meg Zucker: She's an accomplished attorney and promin...

Join Host Annette Hines in this episode as she addresses two common questions that have been on the minds of her listeners. The first question focuses on the milestones in a special needs child's life, while the second question explores the steps parents can take to prepare for summer programs catering to their child's unique needs. Annette emphasizes that the timeline for milestones varies for ea...