eSpecially Ben

Since 2023, we've been planning activities and events at Ben's group home in Charlotte. Family, friends, neighbors, local schools and businesses, and local and national nonprofits have contributed in so may ways. Together, we are a team! The Easterseals PORT Health group home manager, Tylesha, makes volunteering at the house easy. She removes barriers to ensure her residents get the best experience while living under her care.  Thank you!  

  My sister, Olivia, started a pen pal program in honor of Ben: Ben Pals. Read more about it in this Easterseals PORT Health newsletter: Time-Honored Letter Writing Ben with Olivia

  In September, Ben celebrated three years living in a group home in Charlotte, North Carolina, with five other men. Ben lives 20 minutes from our house, and we see him several times a week for doctor's appointments, to drop off supplies, for group home events and sometimes because I just miss him. Ben occassionally sleeps over, and he often spends a weekend day hanging out on his favorite couch, watching videos at our house. This Easterseals PORT Health home is Ben's second placement. The first placement through another agency didn't work out, and he left after six months . We were wary of trying a new place, but it's worked out well. My husband, Ryan, and I have developed a partnership with ESPH. Over time, we've built mutual respect and trust with the residents and staff.  Here's what's worked for us: 1. Get involved with the group home. Ben lives with five other men in a six-bedroom house in Charlotte. On move-in day, Steven, one of the residents, made ...

  Dear Senator, Our 22-year-old son Bennett McCall was born with a rare genetic disorder. He’s nonverbal and uses a wheelchair to get around. He also loves to swim (he can walk in the water), roll along greenways and meet up with friends. He started early intervention at 6 months old and continued through the public school system until he was 19 years old. Ben is a product of the special education program. I am deeply concerned about the Administration’s decision to fire nearly all staff in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the US Department of Education. For 50 years, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has had strong bipartisan support, and we are counting on Congress to ensure these firings are reversed. If not, this will have a devastating impact on babies, toddlers and all children with disabilities. The staff in OSEP are the people who ensure states follow IDEA, the law that guarantees children with disabilities the right to a fr...

  Ben is thriving in his group home in Charlotte. I wrote about what he's been up to in this story in Southpark Magazine:  Givers: All together Happy Holidays! Photo Credit Grant Baldwin Photography "Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities" is a series on eSpeciallyBen. As Ben approached 18, it was clear our role changed as parents. We needed to help Ben transition into adulthood. These stories are meant to assist other families who face, or will face, some of the same challenges. Talking About the Future Guest Post - Matt Wilson Legal Guardianship, Medicaid and SSI Researching Group Homes Questions to Ask at a Group Home Visit Referral Packet for Group Homes Getting Assistance from a Care Manager From Group Home Placement to Discharge Reaching for Independence How I Make Being a Mom and Volunteer Work at this Group Home

On Saturday, Kidz That Care , a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, visited Ben's Easterseals UCP group home to "Pack the Pantry" with groceries and beautify the front porch with flowers. Ben joined the group outside and watched them plant poinsettias, sweep leaves and wipe down tables.  I wasn't sure how engaged Ben was in the activity but when I tried to take him for a walk, he made it clear he wanted to stay and observe. He hugged the one adult with the group (not the photo above).  When the group was leaving, Kidz That Care asked to take a photo with Ben. I noticed how Liam, one of the teen volunteers, kneeled next to Ben rather than stand behind him. Usually people not comfortable around Ben are hesitant to get close. I was impressed with Liam's willingness to bend down and be at his level. Then Ben leaned in for a hug and held on to Liam for several minutes. Ben's hands were tight around Liam's neck and he kept his head on Liam's shoulder. It w...