I always suggest leaving first thing in the morning. Some of my kiddos will go back to sleep and if not they are the most fresh and least fussy. Since traveling can be long, especially road trips, I try to give my kids as many choices as possible so they feel some control. They pick their own snacks and we also keep a small container of toys. We love bringing Water WOW's. These just allow kids to color with water instead of needing to bring, and then lose, crayons. Finally, every three hours we take a break from driving and run around outside for 30 minutes. Safe summer travels from Allison at IPUL.

My travel hacks are: I bring lots and lots of snacks, a tablet for games/movies, and lots of stops along the way. I also make sure to pack a baby carrier and a easy to travel stroller. I travel with a baby and a 3 year old so this requires lots of planning around the trip. 

Travel Hacks: I'm thinking about flying because we have a trip to Florida coming up with our daughter who has developmental disabilities. Whenever we fly, I pack an extra carryon bag filled with the things she loves - her tablet, another tablet that has learning activities, a LeapStart book system, magazines, headphones, and lots of small bags of healthy snacks. We also remember to pack chargers, batteries, and a small screw driver. Also, we are sure to download as much as possible so that she has access in the sky for the entire twelve-hour duration when we may not have Wifi.

We will also be calling TSA Cares 72 hours ahead of our flight as they will fast track us through security all the way to the gate taking the stress out of air travel with her wheelchair.(1 (855) 787-2227)

Also, plan ahead for your destination. You never know what may be available for added accessibility. One time, we even rented a beach wheelchair!

Camping with a child who has additional needs just takes a little more planning! Our family has found that yurts are a great option. Since our son is non-verbal, just in case he slips away, we keep emergency contact information on his shoe laces.

We bought a packable folding camping cot to be used for changing our teenage son when we needed to bathroom cares. He has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair, and requires 100% two person assist for transfers. Public restrooms are not an option for us anymore.

P. S. We do create privacy for him when we are not doing his cares in the van.

Gain strategies and build understanding to help you confidently and actively participate in a decision-making group.

August 9th at the Nampa Civic Center (311 3rd St S, Nampa, ID 83651) at 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM MST. 

This presentation is at no cost, however you must be registered to reserve your spot, as lunch will be provided.

I can make a difference!

Idaho Parents Unlimited 

Engage + Educate + Bridge + Lead

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Twitter /IPULIdaho

ipulidaho.org parents@ipulidaho.org

208.342.5884

Dear families, 

Please see the following important request from Christine Pisani, Executive Director, Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities regarding the direct care workforce:

"A strong direct care workforce is key to individuals with disabilities and seniors having independence, family connection, choice, privacy, dignity, and quality of life.

The Office of Performance Evaluation was directed by the Idaho Legislature to complete a study to better understand what Idaho needs to do to create a thriving direct care workforce for people getting services through our Home and Community-Based Services. I have attached the proposal for the study. Here is a link to the Office of Performance Evaluation for more information about this state agency. https://legislature.idaho.gov/ope/

The Office of Performance Evaluation is collecting information about the direct care workforce now through September. I am reaching out to you because you have much to offer on this topic. Here is the link to the Project Website where you can ask for an interview or ask to be sent a survey:

I would also strongly encourage you to ask for an interview, but if you do not have time for an interview, please complete the survey.

Thank you for taking the time to add your important lived experience to this study! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Christine

Christine Pisani – Executive Director

Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities

(208) 334-2178 Toll Free: (800) 544-2433

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The best method to reach us for assistance is through our website:  

https://ipulidaho.org/connect-with-us#contact-us-here . You can also shoot us a question using the abbreviated version of that form at the bottom of every page on our website, although we may need to get more information from you.

We monitor our intake phone line (208-342-5884) during the workday, and will try to respond to any request there within 24 hours. We use an automated intake phone system, so you will be leaving a message. (Please be sure the number you are leaving us can accept text or voice messages.)

For questions that are not about something in our scope of work, you can still leave a phone message as above, send the question to the form on our website, or shoot us an email at parents@ipulidaho.org.

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