reduce - how doooo we do it?  Dance is the essential ingredient.  Never reduce dance!  But here's what we do reduce. :)

I decided that all of the options before me were not setting well within my soul...including engaging w/the local public s I have to live w/myself as a parent, partner and a person.  I choose to follow my inner voice and to engage w/people who are enlightened and believe in my vision for my family.  The Autism Institute has awarded me a scholarship!  Check it out:
http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/index.php
Dear Jen,
I am pleased to inform you that you have received a scholarship of $1100 per person plus a $350 referal discount towards your tuition for The Son-Rise Program® Start-Up on September 25-30.  Please know that we are always helping, every family, the most we can based on their unique circumstances.   I so hope this scholarship helps you attend our program, I very much want to see you soon.  The full price of the Start-Up is $2200 which brings your total to $750 per person.   This price will include all of your meals and lodging.  Your scholarship is valid for 30 days...

Woooo hoooo!  I talked with my 'team' here at home, which included my DDD caseworker, a family parter, a crisis coordinator, family support specialist, direct care service provider, and a wonderful psych PHD who specializes in assessing for Clinical Support Options...who employs four out of six of the above team members.  Although these people and their ideas are amazing...the bottom line is...we need more help in the home w/building relationships thru engagement.  They brainstormed and found ways to provide monies for respite while I am gone (still in the making, this is the most expensive endeavor...imagine what I would be paid if I were the 'worker'.  15/hr 24/7...yup...the cost of residential...but I digress. 

They also knew of funds for parent education and training so they are looking into the additional cost being covered!  Yaaaay.  Grateful for those who serve, even when they are paid very little for their expertise. 

So, if the funds do not pan out, then I will be fundraising.  Perhaps some workshops and dances in my future.  Well, of course there are, but perhaps sooner than I might have imagined. 

I am excited that my vision is being recognized.  After being thru the ringer attempting to get the best for my kids, I realized that what exists is not working for me.  And I realized that I am not a victim of what is not.  I am simply the catalyst for change, so that what is not will be.  I will wear the badge well and keep my chin up. 

Can't wait to meet the Kaufmans and the other families from all over the world who are creating their vision as well.

Hope!  Act! and Trust yourself.  Go Big.

Peace and Love,
zen jen

This is the first in a series of ten consecutive guru v minutes addressing the things me and my gurus have learned on this journey.  Starting with 'adaptive design,' a division of the Department of Developmental Disabilities which creates locks, gadgets and equipment to aid in 'in-home' and car safety for families living this adventure.  Outsmarting the smartest of the smarty-pants like jus so that they stay safe and we (families) can relax a little.  enjoy.