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Welcome to Protected Tomorrows TODAY™
This Week at Protected Tomorrows® What
a cold week we have had here in Illinois. Those of you in warmer climates
just don’t’ know what you are missing! As I was forced inside to stay out
of the below zero weather, I thought what a perfect time to start a better
communication program with my family. There are so many thoughts about my
family that I have not shared yet. What better time than the present, so
I took out my journal. And thus, Family Communication will be the focus
of this newsletter.
Mary Anne Ehlert
President, Protected Tomorrows, Inc.
Family Communication is the topic on WGN Radio with Steve Cochran
Protected Tomorrows was the guest on the Steve Cochran show on WGN Radio
on Friday, January 18, for the drive home time. Steve has a brother with
some disabilities which he has shared with his listening audience in the
past. So the topic of the importance of communication in a family with an
individual with a disability is near and dear to his heart. We talked about
history and how much those family members know about how to help and support.
The sharing of the big things as well as the little tidbits of information
is so key to the continued success and quality of the life of the individual
with a disability. Steve shared the most recent successes of his brother,
and how proud he is that his brother has been able to understand himself
and had learned how to cope. And there is the underlying hope that the success
continues, along with the worry that those beyond each of us can provide
the continued support that is needed. The importance of passing the torch,
of responsibility of support, along with the needed instructions, is key
to continued progress.
My Special Life™ Workbook
Capture all there is to know about your child or loved one with special needs in the My Special Life™ workbook.
What a beautiful gift to give yourself or someone you know with a loved
one with a developmental disability—whether it’s a parent who has a child
with autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, or a friends who has a parent
with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. What a comfort to know if
anything happens to you, a future caregiver will have all the information
he or she needs to help your loved one live a safe and fulfilling life. It
will make your loss less traumatic with a continuum of care in place. No
searching for a specialist’s phone number, figuring out a medical schedule
or questioning a certain behavior.
 The
My Special Life workbook touches on all the key areas of life—home, school,
work, play, health, financial security and legal issues. All the information
documented is handed to a future caregiver if you become ill, disabled or
pass away.
My Special Life helps families note:
• Family history
• Daily Routine
• Community Involvement
• Likes and Dislikes
• Friends
• Intervention Programs & Schools
• Employment & Life Skills
• Medical History & Support
• Emotional Well-being & Behaviors
• Financial & Legal Issues
The My Special Life workbook is similar to a ”letter of intent”—a
non-binding legal document written by a guardian as part of a future care
plan to provide guidance. This workbook not only describes an individual’s
past and present situation, but also your vision for their future. It’s recommended
families review and revise the information in the workbook annually—perhaps
on the individual’s birthday to see all the person has accomplished in the
past year and their goals for their next year of life.
For more information on the My Special Life Workbook, see www.protectedtomorrows.com or call 1-847-522-8086.
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