Ok B Strong called me out not long ago about my dogs name. You see when we knew our puppy was born and we needed to come up with a name we had many on the list. But alas we could not decide....but we had just received our tickets to the up coming Bob Seger concert (see my post about the concert below). Well we kicked it around for a few minutes and Seger it was.....and his nickname around the neighborhood is Seger Bobby.....what can I say..
OK, this is where I will probably get into trouble....
Before we had Seger and before we had Nash we got a new puppy that was a beautiful black lab...we got him as a puppy also and with out hesitation I named him Rudy after the movie Rudy of Notre Dame fame. Love the movie, respect the man and I have been a huge ND fan all my life....Ok here it comes...
If you talk to Mauzy she will give you all kinds of stories about Nash's name.....it came from the poet Ogden Nash.....we grew up like Crosby, Stills and Nash....oh ya Young was in there for a time also....But the truth is I was always a big Miami Vice fan so when Don Johnson starred in Nash Bridges I was hooked on that show also. I mean how could you not....Don Johnson, Cheech Marin and a yellow Cuda to boot. Well I decided during the name search that Nash sounded like a great name for a middle linebacker for the Irish. Mauzy was not sold for a long time....but as we progressed thru the pregnancy I kept calling him Nash and Nash man until one day it finally stuck and she started calling him Nash also......and for those the know the Nash Man....it really fits him......just the other day we were leaving school and he looked at one of the other girls and said....Hey baby....
Oh ya, and to top it off...we signed up for 1st grade flag football today...
Peace Dude.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Boyz will be Boyz
Well I did not laugh at the time but it is kinda funny now.
Yesterday Nash, Seger ( or 6 month old puppy) and I are at the office for our Saturday morning check on things. I decide we are gonna head out and decide to go hit the restroom before we go.
As usual I make Nash go also. So off we go into the men's room and Seger decides to join us.
So Nash and I are in the restroom taking care of what we need to and Seger looks around and thinks......hey I get it....
AND PEE'S all over the floor.........
I guess Boyz will be Boyz
PEACE DUDE
Yesterday Nash, Seger ( or 6 month old puppy) and I are at the office for our Saturday morning check on things. I decide we are gonna head out and decide to go hit the restroom before we go.
As usual I make Nash go also. So off we go into the men's room and Seger decides to join us.
So Nash and I are in the restroom taking care of what we need to and Seger looks around and thinks......hey I get it....
AND PEE'S all over the floor.........
I guess Boyz will be Boyz
PEACE DUDE
Prenatal Testing!
There once again has been much discussion about the latest prenatal testing guidelines spurred by an article in the New York Times. I am not going to link the articles or any of the posts in this post I am just going to share some thoughts as the very proud father of a son with Down syndrome and the husband (happy mothers day Mauzy) to a contributor to the gifts book....
1. Prenatal testing for Down syndrome to me is not a Pro-life or Pro-Choice debate so why does everyone try to lump it in there. It is also not a Right or Left debate. If 90% of positive tests are terminated do we believe those 90% are all Pro-Choice left wingers....I doubt it...Politics is always just a convienence....
2. Don't presume anything about meor my son because he has Down syndrome. DS is only one part of what makes up my son and his personality. And don't presume I am a raving cheerleader for Down syndrome....I am not....but what I am is one Big Mean Dawg Champion for people with Down syndrome. We often remind people that we call the group we Started Dads Appreciating Down syndrome because most of us agreed we hate it a little before we learned to appreciate it.
3. I always love the comment from people when they see Nash and I together.....ohh...he is so cute and they are always so happy....REALLY? Come on over and spend a dinner hour with me when he does not want what's on his plate. People with Down syndrome have the same range of emotions as all of us...
4. Don't ever call me a Saint or refer to how great I am because you could never handle having a child with ds. Give me a break....I am no Saint and no one knows what they can handle until it's put on your plate.......
5. If you don't know that individuals with Down syndrome learn very well just differently and can attend college and hold good paying jobs ( I know some that make more money a year then I do and I am not hurting) don't preach to me......ask some questions and learn.....
So with a few comments I am done.....the debate will roll on and it will be all about Pro-life and Pro-Choice, Religion and Atheist (geez, like that has not caused enough wars) and the Peter Singers of the world that think the world is only for the wonderful elite like themselves....
As for me.....Nash and I are gonna celebrate Mothers Day with his mommy and call his grandmothers.....then we are gonna mow the grass on the John Deere....and after that we are gonna do whatever we feel like and Down syndrome will not run thru my head again until I get back on line..............
PEACE DUDE
1. Prenatal testing for Down syndrome to me is not a Pro-life or Pro-Choice debate so why does everyone try to lump it in there. It is also not a Right or Left debate. If 90% of positive tests are terminated do we believe those 90% are all Pro-Choice left wingers....I doubt it...Politics is always just a convienence....
2. Don't presume anything about meor my son because he has Down syndrome. DS is only one part of what makes up my son and his personality. And don't presume I am a raving cheerleader for Down syndrome....I am not....but what I am is one Big Mean Dawg Champion for people with Down syndrome. We often remind people that we call the group we Started Dads Appreciating Down syndrome because most of us agreed we hate it a little before we learned to appreciate it.
3. I always love the comment from people when they see Nash and I together.....ohh...he is so cute and they are always so happy....REALLY? Come on over and spend a dinner hour with me when he does not want what's on his plate. People with Down syndrome have the same range of emotions as all of us...
4. Don't ever call me a Saint or refer to how great I am because you could never handle having a child with ds. Give me a break....I am no Saint and no one knows what they can handle until it's put on your plate.......
5. If you don't know that individuals with Down syndrome learn very well just differently and can attend college and hold good paying jobs ( I know some that make more money a year then I do and I am not hurting) don't preach to me......ask some questions and learn.....
So with a few comments I am done.....the debate will roll on and it will be all about Pro-life and Pro-Choice, Religion and Atheist (geez, like that has not caused enough wars) and the Peter Singers of the world that think the world is only for the wonderful elite like themselves....
As for me.....Nash and I are gonna celebrate Mothers Day with his mommy and call his grandmothers.....then we are gonna mow the grass on the John Deere....and after that we are gonna do whatever we feel like and Down syndrome will not run thru my head again until I get back on line..............
PEACE DUDE
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
In Indy the Month of May is Special
The month of May in most places brings the thought of spring and flowers and the upcoming end of the school year. But here in Indiana it's something much more special.
When you say it's the month of May here Hoosiers know you mean the track is open. Yes it's Indy 500 time. While the "Grand Daddy" of them all may not be as spectacualar as it once was when all of open wheel participated in the race.Bump day was acutally a day where people were giving it everything they had to get into the show. And F1 Divers like Nigel Mansel came here to race at Indy.....but it is still oh so good....
As a kid growing up in Indiana the Indy 500 was a huge deal and to this Indiana kid it still is. I will always remember my first race at the track and my favorite number 14 AJ Foyt winning the Race. This year we celebrate 50 years of AJ being part of the 500 as a driver and an owner. And to throw even more nostalgia into this years race Little AL is racing for AJ....WOW.
I know today car racing is different then it was in the day.....NASCAR is the big event and I love that series and attend the Brickyard 400 every year to root for Tony Stewart in the number 20 car who is from Indiana and started his big career at the brickyard in open wheel. But the Indy 500 is where it all started for many the race fan.
I think the one time I was truley home sick in my entire life was in 1990. I was in my first year of a 4 year work stint in England and had not been home since Christmas. I got to watch the race live thanks to Sky TV and it was great. But during the opening ceremony when Jim Nabors sang "Back Home Again in Indiana" I really felt so far away from home.
So with all that said and as the big race draws closer on Memorial Day weekend I know that when Jim Sing's "Back Home Again" I will take a moment to remember that feeling I had when I was in England and know I was not near as homesick as our Hoosiers in uniform around the world are today. I will look to the sky and hope that each one of them can come home safely and once again hear those famous words " Gentlemen and Ladies, Start your engines".
When you say it's the month of May here Hoosiers know you mean the track is open. Yes it's Indy 500 time. While the "Grand Daddy" of them all may not be as spectacualar as it once was when all of open wheel participated in the race.Bump day was acutally a day where people were giving it everything they had to get into the show. And F1 Divers like Nigel Mansel came here to race at Indy.....but it is still oh so good....
As a kid growing up in Indiana the Indy 500 was a huge deal and to this Indiana kid it still is. I will always remember my first race at the track and my favorite number 14 AJ Foyt winning the Race. This year we celebrate 50 years of AJ being part of the 500 as a driver and an owner. And to throw even more nostalgia into this years race Little AL is racing for AJ....WOW.
I know today car racing is different then it was in the day.....NASCAR is the big event and I love that series and attend the Brickyard 400 every year to root for Tony Stewart in the number 20 car who is from Indiana and started his big career at the brickyard in open wheel. But the Indy 500 is where it all started for many the race fan.
I think the one time I was truley home sick in my entire life was in 1990. I was in my first year of a 4 year work stint in England and had not been home since Christmas. I got to watch the race live thanks to Sky TV and it was great. But during the opening ceremony when Jim Nabors sang "Back Home Again in Indiana" I really felt so far away from home.
So with all that said and as the big race draws closer on Memorial Day weekend I know that when Jim Sing's "Back Home Again" I will take a moment to remember that feeling I had when I was in England and know I was not near as homesick as our Hoosiers in uniform around the world are today. I will look to the sky and hope that each one of them can come home safely and once again hear those famous words " Gentlemen and Ladies, Start your engines".
Friday, May 04, 2007
I'm not a buyer, I'm a seller.......Not today!
Forget my current title of CEO at heart and soul I am a salesman. I started my work career working for my Dad in the restaurant business and then started my career as a professional in sales after college. And not to sound arrogant but I am pretty darn good at it.
Jan always gives me grief about the fact that I never ever get sucked in by the sales pitches the she would fall for if I was not there. As an example I am one of those people that would go to a hard sell time share promo for the freebie and actually enjoy watching them try to close me. I know I am weird.
Well that all flew out the window today when I picked Nash up from his afternoon Kindergarten class. We had been notified that they were taking pictures at school for the class graduation composite...how cute. Well we have already had class pictures taken twice this year and a family portrait. I told Jan lets just choose to let them take his picture for the class but we won't send any money for more. All is cool....right.
So I cruise in to pick up Nash today and on our way out the lady from Teddy Bear Portraits asked if I wanted to look at Nash's pictures. I said that we only had his picture taken for the class picture. She said I know but we went ahead and took some so we could give Nash this free gift (you see she heard me call him Nash). At this point she handed Nash a really cool art apron with his picture on it for him to use in class. Then she whipped out a whole group of sheets of pictures including the ones above.
Well bottom line when it was over I paid $95 for an art apron but got some really great pictures for free.
What a sucker.......
Peace Dude!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Daddy gets busted!
I remember back when we were first told that Nash had Down syndrome and one of my fears was that Nash might never be able to speak clearly enough so people could understand him.
Well as Nash has grown(he is 6) we have seen his speech become amazing by our definition and speaks very clearly (when he wants to) and his pronunciation seems to get clearer all the time. And what always amazes me is his correct usage of words and phrases.
Well tonight was one of those. I am not proud of the fact that I can use some pretty colorful language at times. No excuses here I am guilty of saying things I should not say but I do make a concentrated effort to not use that colorful language around Nash but let's face it at times I do.
So tonight as Jan is coming home we all (Nash, Seger and I) head to the garage to meet her. As Seger decides to boogie out the garage door Nash looks at him and says " God Damn it Seger".
Yes Daddy gets busted by his little imitator one more time.
Peace Dude!
Well as Nash has grown(he is 6) we have seen his speech become amazing by our definition and speaks very clearly (when he wants to) and his pronunciation seems to get clearer all the time. And what always amazes me is his correct usage of words and phrases.
Well tonight was one of those. I am not proud of the fact that I can use some pretty colorful language at times. No excuses here I am guilty of saying things I should not say but I do make a concentrated effort to not use that colorful language around Nash but let's face it at times I do.
So tonight as Jan is coming home we all (Nash, Seger and I) head to the garage to meet her. As Seger decides to boogie out the garage door Nash looks at him and says " God Damn it Seger".
Yes Daddy gets busted by his little imitator one more time.
Peace Dude!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Tony Soprano politically correct?
Who would have thought that of all people.....well OK Tony Soprano is just the lead character in the HBO series the Sopranos.....would use politically correct person first language.
I have to admit that I am a huge Sopranos fan and of all people I probably would have expected him to use the "R" word. I would not have liked it but I would have probably let it slide. But an interesting thing happened last night. As Tony was talking with the son of his murdered captain Vito, little Vito was having all kinds of issues at school. They did not really say what had transpired but Tony raked little Vito over the coals because the girl that he did something to was "Developmentally Disabled". Now I have no idea what supposedly happened nor do I probably want to know but I thought wow that surprised me.
All these people that use and throw the "R" word around as a regular part of their vocabulary and Tony Soprano uses pretty correct language. I am impressed. Maybe Rush Limbaugh and his entire class at The Limbaugh institute for Advanced Conservative Studies should consult with Tony on the proper use of the English Language and that you don't always have to offend to get ratings and afford your Cigars.
Peace Dude!
I have to admit that I am a huge Sopranos fan and of all people I probably would have expected him to use the "R" word. I would not have liked it but I would have probably let it slide. But an interesting thing happened last night. As Tony was talking with the son of his murdered captain Vito, little Vito was having all kinds of issues at school. They did not really say what had transpired but Tony raked little Vito over the coals because the girl that he did something to was "Developmentally Disabled". Now I have no idea what supposedly happened nor do I probably want to know but I thought wow that surprised me.
All these people that use and throw the "R" word around as a regular part of their vocabulary and Tony Soprano uses pretty correct language. I am impressed. Maybe Rush Limbaugh and his entire class at The Limbaugh institute for Advanced Conservative Studies should consult with Tony on the proper use of the English Language and that you don't always have to offend to get ratings and afford your Cigars.
Peace Dude!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Why is it?
In recent months and weeks it seems that the media Moguls have decided what people can say on the air and not. Here are some examples of out of control behavior that got most what they deserve.
1. Micheal Richards of Seinfeld fame got booted out of comedy for using the "N" word at a comedy club....He should have.
2. Don Imus got his final punishment for using a group of words I have no idea why our how he even came up with....
3. Now the record Moguls are starting to look at HIP HOP lyrics....
4. Today Ruben Navarrette Jr. wrote a commentary on CNN about people repeating the use of the "W" word. He also talked about using the "N" word and the "f" word.
All of this quite accurate in my opinion. The other thing I agree with completely with the Don Imus issue, it is not right for people on radio and TV to pick on people that have not entered public life. Don Imus has done some great things in fund raising and I am sure he will be back soon but he messed up. But others seem to get away with it
But here is what I don't understand. Why are all these things not appropriate but the "R" word gets thrown around like it's no big deal. The "R" word is the shortened slang version of Mental Retardation a medical diagnosis. Comedians use it all the time and everyone laughs,Rush Limbaugh has used it and nothing, people use it in the office every time they make a mistake or do anything else that they can find a reason to so they are retarded or that is so retarded. It drives me nuts.
Yes I am your average middle aged white guy but I happen to have a son that has Down syndrome which is classified as mild mental retardation and it really gets under my skin. And of late some Comedians like Chris Rock have actually said they have Down syndrome. Saturday Night Live actually had a skit referring to someones father as having Down syndrome. Now I am just one guy but I can confirm that I use to watch Saturday Night Live and I always liked Chris Rock but neither has to worry about my tuning in to any of their stuff in the future. Hey I know they don't care but I do.
Talk about a group of individuals that have not entered public life, have not done anything to be singled out. If the fine ladies of Rutgers can't defend themselves (which I think they did a fine job on their own)with out the help of the media and Rev Sharpton and Rev Jackson I wonder when the Rev Jackson and Sharpton will stand up against the "R" Word? Let's not forget that Down syndrome and Mental Retardation know no racial bounds.
Ok, I am done and am getting down off my soap box.
In the words of my wonderful niece.....PEACE DUDE!
1. Micheal Richards of Seinfeld fame got booted out of comedy for using the "N" word at a comedy club....He should have.
2. Don Imus got his final punishment for using a group of words I have no idea why our how he even came up with....
3. Now the record Moguls are starting to look at HIP HOP lyrics....
4. Today Ruben Navarrette Jr. wrote a commentary on CNN about people repeating the use of the "W" word. He also talked about using the "N" word and the "f" word.
All of this quite accurate in my opinion. The other thing I agree with completely with the Don Imus issue, it is not right for people on radio and TV to pick on people that have not entered public life. Don Imus has done some great things in fund raising and I am sure he will be back soon but he messed up. But others seem to get away with it
But here is what I don't understand. Why are all these things not appropriate but the "R" word gets thrown around like it's no big deal. The "R" word is the shortened slang version of Mental Retardation a medical diagnosis. Comedians use it all the time and everyone laughs,Rush Limbaugh has used it and nothing, people use it in the office every time they make a mistake or do anything else that they can find a reason to so they are retarded or that is so retarded. It drives me nuts.
Yes I am your average middle aged white guy but I happen to have a son that has Down syndrome which is classified as mild mental retardation and it really gets under my skin. And of late some Comedians like Chris Rock have actually said they have Down syndrome. Saturday Night Live actually had a skit referring to someones father as having Down syndrome. Now I am just one guy but I can confirm that I use to watch Saturday Night Live and I always liked Chris Rock but neither has to worry about my tuning in to any of their stuff in the future. Hey I know they don't care but I do.
Talk about a group of individuals that have not entered public life, have not done anything to be singled out. If the fine ladies of Rutgers can't defend themselves (which I think they did a fine job on their own)with out the help of the media and Rev Sharpton and Rev Jackson I wonder when the Rev Jackson and Sharpton will stand up against the "R" Word? Let's not forget that Down syndrome and Mental Retardation know no racial bounds.
Ok, I am done and am getting down off my soap box.
In the words of my wonderful niece.....PEACE DUDE!
Monday, April 23, 2007
How much is enough?
The 2008 presidential race is in full swing. Fundraising is at an unbelievable level with mega millions of dollars being rasied to wage mud slinging on a whole new level. How many millions are we going to see wasted on negative ads, so called non connected groups spending millions for the campaigns so the campaigns and the candidates can deny deny and deny one more time. What could we do with all those millions of dollars wasted on attack ads?
1. Fully fund the Individuals with Disabilites Education Act?
2. Fully fund No Child Left Behind (or just dump it)?
3. Actually help fund Medicaid waivers around the country?
4. Fix the issues at Walter Reed Hospital?
5. Give half the condidates a million dollars to go home and never speak in public again?
As for me I am paying close attention to Rudy and Barack and waiting to see if I can cast a vote for someone that will actually get in office and make things happen with out all the bickering, fighting and name calling that has become the way of politics in Washington, state and local politics.
1. Fully fund the Individuals with Disabilites Education Act?
2. Fully fund No Child Left Behind (or just dump it)?
3. Actually help fund Medicaid waivers around the country?
4. Fix the issues at Walter Reed Hospital?
5. Give half the condidates a million dollars to go home and never speak in public again?
As for me I am paying close attention to Rudy and Barack and waiting to see if I can cast a vote for someone that will actually get in office and make things happen with out all the bickering, fighting and name calling that has become the way of politics in Washington, state and local politics.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Johnny The Bagger
If you have not seen this incredible story that now has been turned into a training seminar please click the link below. Being involved in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities find employment I sometimes try to get people to think out of the box about jobs and not just shoot for the obvious ones like bagging groceries. But in this case I needed to think out of the box a little bit because John went to work bagging groceries and changed a company and is helping to change others all over the country. To see the story click here.
To see and hear more about the story and training program visit Barbara Glanz's website. I had the opportunity to hear Barbara speak a few years ago and she is an awesome individual.
I hope you enjoy.
To see and hear more about the story and training program visit Barbara Glanz's website. I had the opportunity to hear Barbara speak a few years ago and she is an awesome individual.
I hope you enjoy.
New Look
I am putting together a new look for the blog. I hope to start posting quite a bit more in the future. The blog is going to take a bit of a turn as I am going to start posting allot more about politics, disability issue and the changes that I believe the states and also the disability service industry must make to truly supply the supports and services individuals need to live, work and play independently in our communities.
See you soon.
See you soon.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Bears vs. Colts
As I sit here preparing for the Super Bowl today I spent some time reflecting on how I got to where I am today. When I was born my parents lived in Rensselaer Indiana which happened to be where the Chicago Bears held their spring training every year. There was a little pizza place in town where my parents and their other teacher friends use to hang out. During spring training this was also a favorite hang out for some of the Bears. My mom and dad always tell the stories of me being bounced on the knee of players like O'Bradovich, Butkus, Piccolo and Ditka. How could I be anything other then a Bears fan.
I spent most of my life as a huge Bear fan as most people in Indiana were at that time. I have spent many a game inside the confines of Soldier Field watching our beloved Bears. Win or lose it was a great game especially those years when the Central Division was known as "The Black and Blue Division".
There will always be the 1985 Bears and all the regular guys that made up that football team. From Jimmy Mac, Richard Dent, Danny Hampton, William Perry and everyone's favorite Bear Walter Payton. Most of us can still remember the shock when the news broke that "Sweetness" was no longer with us.
So as you read this you may have come to the conclusion that I am decked out in Blue and Orange today but I am not. I will always have a special place in my heart for the Chicago Bears but I will not be in their corner today. Why you ask?
Will my love for the Bears stopped the day my Bears fired Da Coach. Mike Ditka was and is one of my hero's in life and in sports and was exactly the kind of coach the Bears needed. Not to dwell on the fact I was livid after the firing. And decided soon after to become a Saints fan when Iron Mike found his way to New Orleans even though Nash was born in Chicago. But also at that time my family moved back from a stint in Chicago back to our home here in Indiana. My wife Jan took me to the Colts and Saints game at the RCA Dome to see Coach Ditka lead the saints. Inside the Dome that day I made the decision it was time to move my loyalty to my home town team. And I became a true blue Colts Fan. Year after year of late we have felt the disappointment of not make it to the big show but today we are there. I think it was only two weeks into the season when I made a comment at the office one day that my worst nightmare may come true this year if the Colts play the Bears in the Super Bowl. Well here we are and just a few hours away from the big game. It will be a great game in Miami today and I really think I will be happy no matter what happens in the game today.
I think there is a bit of pride no matter what happens today knowing that one of the gentlemen in sports Tony Dungy is in the Super Bowl playing against his buddy Lovie Smith. These two men have proven that it's the really the make up of your character not the color of your skin that determines your destiny and I am very proud that I get to enjoy both these men's teams in the game today. We need more Tony's and Lovie's in this world today. And I believe that up above us today the man that truly brought us this beloved Game George "Papa Bear" Halas is proud to that Lovie Smith one of the first African American coaches brought HIS team to the Super Bowl.
As for me I am wearing Colts gear from head to tow ready to root for my team but deep down inside I will be proud no matter who wins or loses today.
I spent most of my life as a huge Bear fan as most people in Indiana were at that time. I have spent many a game inside the confines of Soldier Field watching our beloved Bears. Win or lose it was a great game especially those years when the Central Division was known as "The Black and Blue Division".
There will always be the 1985 Bears and all the regular guys that made up that football team. From Jimmy Mac, Richard Dent, Danny Hampton, William Perry and everyone's favorite Bear Walter Payton. Most of us can still remember the shock when the news broke that "Sweetness" was no longer with us.
So as you read this you may have come to the conclusion that I am decked out in Blue and Orange today but I am not. I will always have a special place in my heart for the Chicago Bears but I will not be in their corner today. Why you ask?
Will my love for the Bears stopped the day my Bears fired Da Coach. Mike Ditka was and is one of my hero's in life and in sports and was exactly the kind of coach the Bears needed. Not to dwell on the fact I was livid after the firing. And decided soon after to become a Saints fan when Iron Mike found his way to New Orleans even though Nash was born in Chicago. But also at that time my family moved back from a stint in Chicago back to our home here in Indiana. My wife Jan took me to the Colts and Saints game at the RCA Dome to see Coach Ditka lead the saints. Inside the Dome that day I made the decision it was time to move my loyalty to my home town team. And I became a true blue Colts Fan. Year after year of late we have felt the disappointment of not make it to the big show but today we are there. I think it was only two weeks into the season when I made a comment at the office one day that my worst nightmare may come true this year if the Colts play the Bears in the Super Bowl. Well here we are and just a few hours away from the big game. It will be a great game in Miami today and I really think I will be happy no matter what happens in the game today.
I think there is a bit of pride no matter what happens today knowing that one of the gentlemen in sports Tony Dungy is in the Super Bowl playing against his buddy Lovie Smith. These two men have proven that it's the really the make up of your character not the color of your skin that determines your destiny and I am very proud that I get to enjoy both these men's teams in the game today. We need more Tony's and Lovie's in this world today. And I believe that up above us today the man that truly brought us this beloved Game George "Papa Bear" Halas is proud to that Lovie Smith one of the first African American coaches brought HIS team to the Super Bowl.
As for me I am wearing Colts gear from head to tow ready to root for my team but deep down inside I will be proud no matter who wins or loses today.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Bob Seger still Rocks at 61
We had the awesome opportunity to see Bob Seger in concert here in Indy Saturday night. We lucked out and snagged some tickets about 30 feet from stage right.
I can assure you that Bob Seger can still rock even if he is 61. He came out on stage in jeans, black t-shirt and black loafers and showed everyone "Rock and Roll Never Forgets" for over two hours. Sang all the great song's from the past and some from the new album and if you love Seger and have not heard the new tracks yet you must....They are awesome. The great thing about sitting so close was you could really see how much fun Bob was having entertaining the crowd that varied from teenagers to the top of the AARP crowd. What a show.....What memories it brought back of days gone by....
What more can I say...If you are thinking about catching his tour...Get your tickets now even if you have to go thru a broker and pay to much....I assure you after the show you will think that was money damn well spent.....
Gotta run now and re-load my CD player in the car with Seger, Styx and Mellencamp....Oh heck I think I will throw in a Sinatra also...
Be Cool
I can assure you that Bob Seger can still rock even if he is 61. He came out on stage in jeans, black t-shirt and black loafers and showed everyone "Rock and Roll Never Forgets" for over two hours. Sang all the great song's from the past and some from the new album and if you love Seger and have not heard the new tracks yet you must....They are awesome. The great thing about sitting so close was you could really see how much fun Bob was having entertaining the crowd that varied from teenagers to the top of the AARP crowd. What a show.....What memories it brought back of days gone by....
What more can I say...If you are thinking about catching his tour...Get your tickets now even if you have to go thru a broker and pay to much....I assure you after the show you will think that was money damn well spent.....
Gotta run now and re-load my CD player in the car with Seger, Styx and Mellencamp....Oh heck I think I will throw in a Sinatra also...
Be Cool
Monday, October 23, 2006
Update
Hey Everyone
Please see the post below but keep in mind the post I am referring to is "Open Letter" as B Strong has updated his blog since my post.
Have an awesome day.
Please see the post below but keep in mind the post I am referring to is "Open Letter" as B Strong has updated his blog since my post.
Have an awesome day.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Just want to refer you to another Blog today
Hey All
Many things to write about today but I am going to wait. If you showed up here today scroll down the right side of my blog to the links. Click on Down syndrome life and read the latest post by an awesome Dad.
Many things to write about today but I am going to wait. If you showed up here today scroll down the right side of my blog to the links. Click on Down syndrome life and read the latest post by an awesome Dad.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Mike Sodrel vs. Barron Hill - Indiana's 3rd District
I am always amazed during the silly season how people from Washington DC use television to teach us about Hoosier Values. Nothing like the Republican and Democrat national committee's all the sudden understanding any values other then special interest groups and their money.
The interesting thing about this is the advertising we are being bombarded with on Indianaoplis television on the 3rd District race. Why is this interesing? Well my guess would be 95% of the Indy viewing area can't vote for either candidate because they represent Southern Indiana not Indianapolis. But the folks from DC are spending more money then I can imagine on these ads.
I don't know Mike Sodrel or Barron Hill nor can I vote for either, but since they are both from Indiana my bet is both of these gentlemen are probably pretty darn good guys. My guess is either one would try to make the best decesions they can for the people of Indiana if elected and they followed their Hoosier values and their gut instincts. But all we hear about is slam, slam and more slam.....all the polls say we as the public don't like negative ads so why do we let them get away with it. We can't find anything better to spend all this money on? I know I can.
But that is the problem in Washington today. Nobody votes based on any kind of value or gut insticnt. How do they vote? The do what they are told not by the people that elect them but by the goofballs in DC that run the R's and the D's, they same people that generate all this partisan political crap we are bombarded with everyday.
When was the last time anything really got done in DC? Well we did go to Iraq and the only thing good I can think of from that is Haliburton stock is stronger. Now I am not second guessing either side on this but only stating the only positive I can find about the whole mess.
Bottom line is when are we the American public going to finally say enough is enough and tell or Indiana delegation that we will not tolerate any more of this negative stuff. Cancel the ad's and stop the name calling......take the candidates running and get out in the district and knock on doors and let us meet you and talk to you and make a decesion based on what we think you stand for not what the goofballs in DC tell us.
Come on Hoosiers deserve better.
The interesting thing about this is the advertising we are being bombarded with on Indianaoplis television on the 3rd District race. Why is this interesing? Well my guess would be 95% of the Indy viewing area can't vote for either candidate because they represent Southern Indiana not Indianapolis. But the folks from DC are spending more money then I can imagine on these ads.
I don't know Mike Sodrel or Barron Hill nor can I vote for either, but since they are both from Indiana my bet is both of these gentlemen are probably pretty darn good guys. My guess is either one would try to make the best decesions they can for the people of Indiana if elected and they followed their Hoosier values and their gut instincts. But all we hear about is slam, slam and more slam.....all the polls say we as the public don't like negative ads so why do we let them get away with it. We can't find anything better to spend all this money on? I know I can.
But that is the problem in Washington today. Nobody votes based on any kind of value or gut insticnt. How do they vote? The do what they are told not by the people that elect them but by the goofballs in DC that run the R's and the D's, they same people that generate all this partisan political crap we are bombarded with everyday.
When was the last time anything really got done in DC? Well we did go to Iraq and the only thing good I can think of from that is Haliburton stock is stronger. Now I am not second guessing either side on this but only stating the only positive I can find about the whole mess.
Bottom line is when are we the American public going to finally say enough is enough and tell or Indiana delegation that we will not tolerate any more of this negative stuff. Cancel the ad's and stop the name calling......take the candidates running and get out in the district and knock on doors and let us meet you and talk to you and make a decesion based on what we think you stand for not what the goofballs in DC tell us.
Come on Hoosiers deserve better.
Monday, October 02, 2006
University of Findlay Oiler Football
It's been awhile since I have updated the tales but the time has come.
I proudly wore the black and orange of the Findlay College Oiler's from 1981-1984 and carry with me today many of the lessons learned from being part of one of the best teams in NAIA football history. Much of who I am today was honed on the practice field, the field of Donnell Stadium and the many fields of the Hoosier Buckeye conference were the Oilers ruled. Or maybe it was from getting my head bashed in for the first three years being part of the scout squad. Anyway.
When the time came for Coach Strahm (now a member of the College Football Hall of Fame) to hang up the whistle we all knew the belief "We Don't Lose at Donnell" would be safe under the watchful eye of our team mate Doug Coate. To this day many of us don't understand why Doug was only given two seasons at the helm of the Oilers and their new NCAA Division II status. Coach Coate is a stand up guy that wore the orange and black both as a player and a coach and understood what it meant to be an Oiler. But the change was made.
So they brought in a coach with years of experience as an assistant and as a head coach. I am sure the Coach Dan Simrell is a great guy but I have never met him. I have not been to an Oiler game since Coach Coate was fired. Coach Simrell seems to be creating his history all over again as in Toledo when he coached an average team and was let go with an average record. Findlay is now 30-40 under the leadership of Coach Simrell compared to 183-64-5 under Coach Strahm. This is not what Oilers of the past would rank as acceptable. The common belief was that the University moved past Coach Coate to obtain a higher caliber coach with more big league experience. It does not seem to have worked out as they planned.
Coach Coate on the other hand moved onto another great program at the University of St Francis in Ft Wayne Indiana. The Cougars are 65- 18 in the last 7 years under Head Coach Donley and assistant Coach Coate. Coach Coate was also the baseball coach and St Francis and did I mention is the all time win leader as baseball coach at Findlay?
Well Coach Coate has moved on and no doubt will not return to Findlay but as they say in college football it's time for a change.
It's time to restore the Pride in Oiler Football! The men that played for Coach Strahm and the men that wear the orange and black today deserve better.
If the powers at the University are serious about the football program and want to bring a coach in with big league experience and an Ohio football background I understand Lou Holtz likea to take on challenges and is available.
Well that is my two cents about Oiler Football but I am sure it won't make much diffence as I doubt anyone from Findlay will see the Big Dawg Tales, but hey I sure feel better.
Until we meet again.
I proudly wore the black and orange of the Findlay College Oiler's from 1981-1984 and carry with me today many of the lessons learned from being part of one of the best teams in NAIA football history. Much of who I am today was honed on the practice field, the field of Donnell Stadium and the many fields of the Hoosier Buckeye conference were the Oilers ruled. Or maybe it was from getting my head bashed in for the first three years being part of the scout squad. Anyway.
When the time came for Coach Strahm (now a member of the College Football Hall of Fame) to hang up the whistle we all knew the belief "We Don't Lose at Donnell" would be safe under the watchful eye of our team mate Doug Coate. To this day many of us don't understand why Doug was only given two seasons at the helm of the Oilers and their new NCAA Division II status. Coach Coate is a stand up guy that wore the orange and black both as a player and a coach and understood what it meant to be an Oiler. But the change was made.
So they brought in a coach with years of experience as an assistant and as a head coach. I am sure the Coach Dan Simrell is a great guy but I have never met him. I have not been to an Oiler game since Coach Coate was fired. Coach Simrell seems to be creating his history all over again as in Toledo when he coached an average team and was let go with an average record. Findlay is now 30-40 under the leadership of Coach Simrell compared to 183-64-5 under Coach Strahm. This is not what Oilers of the past would rank as acceptable. The common belief was that the University moved past Coach Coate to obtain a higher caliber coach with more big league experience. It does not seem to have worked out as they planned.
Coach Coate on the other hand moved onto another great program at the University of St Francis in Ft Wayne Indiana. The Cougars are 65- 18 in the last 7 years under Head Coach Donley and assistant Coach Coate. Coach Coate was also the baseball coach and St Francis and did I mention is the all time win leader as baseball coach at Findlay?
Well Coach Coate has moved on and no doubt will not return to Findlay but as they say in college football it's time for a change.
It's time to restore the Pride in Oiler Football! The men that played for Coach Strahm and the men that wear the orange and black today deserve better.
If the powers at the University are serious about the football program and want to bring a coach in with big league experience and an Ohio football background I understand Lou Holtz likea to take on challenges and is available.
Well that is my two cents about Oiler Football but I am sure it won't make much diffence as I doubt anyone from Findlay will see the Big Dawg Tales, but hey I sure feel better.
Until we meet again.
Friday, July 07, 2006
A great Letter to the Editor at Indy's Child!
**** As a side note I have removed last names from his letter for my post here on the blog***
Dear Editor,
My name is Darin. I have lived in Indianapolis for almost 2 years now and have enjoyed reading your publication. I appreciated the variety of activities that were presented along with the advertising that related to our family and my 2 young children. I also very much appreciated the article that sought to educate the public about children with Down Syndrome submitted by the Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation's executive director.
By this time I am confident that you have realized what a grave mistake it was to present the issue of prenatal testing in the unfortunate manner that you did. One of the children on that cover belongs to a man I consider to be one of my best friends. I also consider Nash to be my friend. I understand that you have received quite a number of letters by this time.
I would like to help you understand why that is and what it is you can do to turn this awful mistake into something positive.
7 years ago I was truly blessed with a son and his name is CJ. When CJ was born he had some medical complications. We were living in Goshen IN at the time about 3 hours north of Indy. They told us that our newborn would have to have surgery and needed to be sent to Riley in Indianapolis. This was my first born. My wife had to stay in the hospital and I had to follow my son in an ambulance for 3 hours to arrive at a hospital I had never been to before late at night. That was a difficult time. My son was put in NICU and I spent the night on a lazy-boy in a lounge and was woke up twice to sign papers. The next morning a young physician in residence came to me and said "Mr. Y----- I need you to sign some papers before we take your son into surgery". I read over the papers and first thing that was listed as a possible side effect was DEATH. I stood there and I thought...Then I went up to the man and said "if my son doesn't have this surgery is he going to die?" He said "yes". I said "then there really isn't much of a choice now is there?". I signed the paper and walked over to my son's bed...put my forefinger down by his little hand, and he grasped on to it. I had tears running down my face. Seeing this, the resident came over to me and said "Mr. Y----...there are some babies in this room that are going to die. Yours is not one of them. If he was I would tell you."
CJ came out of surgery just fine. While spending time in NICU they told us they had done some blood work to confirm it but he had indications of Down Syndrome.
He was moved over to a regular unit after a few days.
There was a head nurse there who looked over him. She would come up to his bed and say "CJ...you're beauuuuuuutiful...you tell your mommy and daddy, you say daddy, I'm beauuuuuuuuuuuutiful!" I can't tell you how much those words meant. Another woman from Riley named Anne from the Down Syndrome clinic told us something very important. She said "he is a baby first. He is not a Down Syndrome baby...he is a baby with Down Syndrome". She went on to tell us the sky was the limit for him. He could do what other kids do.
3 years went by and we had learned a lot about DS.
The phone rang on a Tuesday morning. It was an adoption agency. They said a little girl was going to be born with DS in about a month and wanted to know if we were interested in adopting her. We said that we were. The phone rang the following Thursday and the agency said "baby came early, mom picked you. When can you get here?" We brought our new bundle of joy home from the hospital the following Tuesday. Her name is Grace.
One time I had a colleague at work say to me "awh come on...you couldn't tell me that if you could have had CJ with out DS you wouldn't have chose it." I thought and then I said "you know, Down Syndrome is part of who CJ is...if he didn't have DS he wouldn't be CJ.
So I can honestly say that I wouldn't have him any other way."
These children have opened area's in my life I didn't even know existed. They have gifts and talents to share with the world. I have gone places, met people, and done things beyond myself because of CJ. We moved to the Indianapolis area so that CJ and Gracie would be able to experience a better education and social life without the prejudice and discrimination that they were experiencing up north. What a disappointment to have a family publication that I appreciated insult my friends and family in this manner.
The group of people affected by this stretches way beyond Indianapolis...and way beyond our Down Syndrome extended family. This was a direct case of bringing pain to the disability community. I myself have Diabetes. I wonder if we live in a time that if people knew their child was going to have diabetes that they would choose to terminate the pregnancy early enough that no one would know. That would be unfortunate because I have lived a tremendous life.
In spite of having a learning disability I am currently attending graduate school to earn a masters in special education which I intend to dedicate to my son and daughter.
So where can we go from here? I think an apology is in order for the Down Syndrome community and especially those children and their families who were on the cover this month. Support for our annual fundraiser to help raise money and awareness would be a good gesture. And to help balance the scales a bit it wouldn't hurt to have a regular issue dedicated to the children of Indianapolis who happen to have a disability. My friends and I have a wonderful group of men called Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome. I'd like to invite anyone from Indy's Child to come and join us at one of our meetings and or events. I have a great picture of CJ and I at the annual DADS fishing outing that I'm attaching to this e mail. It's my favorite picture. While I'm at it I'll also attach a pic of Gracie and I at the DADS family camp out last year.
I trust that you as a publication will do the right thing here and celebrate our children with us. Not as something to be thrown away or discarded. But as valuable friends and neighbors that have a considerable contribution to make.
In all Sincerity
Darin
Dear Editor,
My name is Darin. I have lived in Indianapolis for almost 2 years now and have enjoyed reading your publication. I appreciated the variety of activities that were presented along with the advertising that related to our family and my 2 young children. I also very much appreciated the article that sought to educate the public about children with Down Syndrome submitted by the Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation's executive director.
By this time I am confident that you have realized what a grave mistake it was to present the issue of prenatal testing in the unfortunate manner that you did. One of the children on that cover belongs to a man I consider to be one of my best friends. I also consider Nash to be my friend. I understand that you have received quite a number of letters by this time.
I would like to help you understand why that is and what it is you can do to turn this awful mistake into something positive.
7 years ago I was truly blessed with a son and his name is CJ. When CJ was born he had some medical complications. We were living in Goshen IN at the time about 3 hours north of Indy. They told us that our newborn would have to have surgery and needed to be sent to Riley in Indianapolis. This was my first born. My wife had to stay in the hospital and I had to follow my son in an ambulance for 3 hours to arrive at a hospital I had never been to before late at night. That was a difficult time. My son was put in NICU and I spent the night on a lazy-boy in a lounge and was woke up twice to sign papers. The next morning a young physician in residence came to me and said "Mr. Y----- I need you to sign some papers before we take your son into surgery". I read over the papers and first thing that was listed as a possible side effect was DEATH. I stood there and I thought...Then I went up to the man and said "if my son doesn't have this surgery is he going to die?" He said "yes". I said "then there really isn't much of a choice now is there?". I signed the paper and walked over to my son's bed...put my forefinger down by his little hand, and he grasped on to it. I had tears running down my face. Seeing this, the resident came over to me and said "Mr. Y----...there are some babies in this room that are going to die. Yours is not one of them. If he was I would tell you."
CJ came out of surgery just fine. While spending time in NICU they told us they had done some blood work to confirm it but he had indications of Down Syndrome.
He was moved over to a regular unit after a few days.
There was a head nurse there who looked over him. She would come up to his bed and say "CJ...you're beauuuuuuutiful...you tell your mommy and daddy, you say daddy, I'm beauuuuuuuuuuuutiful!" I can't tell you how much those words meant. Another woman from Riley named Anne from the Down Syndrome clinic told us something very important. She said "he is a baby first. He is not a Down Syndrome baby...he is a baby with Down Syndrome". She went on to tell us the sky was the limit for him. He could do what other kids do.
3 years went by and we had learned a lot about DS.
The phone rang on a Tuesday morning. It was an adoption agency. They said a little girl was going to be born with DS in about a month and wanted to know if we were interested in adopting her. We said that we were. The phone rang the following Thursday and the agency said "baby came early, mom picked you. When can you get here?" We brought our new bundle of joy home from the hospital the following Tuesday. Her name is Grace.
One time I had a colleague at work say to me "awh come on...you couldn't tell me that if you could have had CJ with out DS you wouldn't have chose it." I thought and then I said "you know, Down Syndrome is part of who CJ is...if he didn't have DS he wouldn't be CJ.
So I can honestly say that I wouldn't have him any other way."
These children have opened area's in my life I didn't even know existed. They have gifts and talents to share with the world. I have gone places, met people, and done things beyond myself because of CJ. We moved to the Indianapolis area so that CJ and Gracie would be able to experience a better education and social life without the prejudice and discrimination that they were experiencing up north. What a disappointment to have a family publication that I appreciated insult my friends and family in this manner.
The group of people affected by this stretches way beyond Indianapolis...and way beyond our Down Syndrome extended family. This was a direct case of bringing pain to the disability community. I myself have Diabetes. I wonder if we live in a time that if people knew their child was going to have diabetes that they would choose to terminate the pregnancy early enough that no one would know. That would be unfortunate because I have lived a tremendous life.
In spite of having a learning disability I am currently attending graduate school to earn a masters in special education which I intend to dedicate to my son and daughter.
So where can we go from here? I think an apology is in order for the Down Syndrome community and especially those children and their families who were on the cover this month. Support for our annual fundraiser to help raise money and awareness would be a good gesture. And to help balance the scales a bit it wouldn't hurt to have a regular issue dedicated to the children of Indianapolis who happen to have a disability. My friends and I have a wonderful group of men called Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome. I'd like to invite anyone from Indy's Child to come and join us at one of our meetings and or events. I have a great picture of CJ and I at the annual DADS fishing outing that I'm attaching to this e mail. It's my favorite picture. While I'm at it I'll also attach a pic of Gracie and I at the DADS family camp out last year.
I trust that you as a publication will do the right thing here and celebrate our children with us. Not as something to be thrown away or discarded. But as valuable friends and neighbors that have a considerable contribution to make.
In all Sincerity
Darin
US Supreme Court, IDEA and kids with Disabilities
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Take Action!
From the National Down Syndrome Society
July 7, 2006
U.S. SUPREME COURT DENIES REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPERT FEES
On June 26, 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision in Arlington Central School District Board of Education v. Pearl Murphy and Theodore Murphy. The question the Court decided in Arlington v. Murphy was whether the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) authorizes parents who win an action (“prevail”) under the due process provisions of IDEA to recover fees they paid to experts during the case. Many parents find it necessary to hire private experts to observe and evaluate their child and then testify in an action challenging a school or district’s decision regarding their child’s IEP.
Justice Alito wrote the majority opinion and was joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Scalia, Kennedy and Thomas. The majority opinion states that IDEA does not authorize the reimbursement of expert fees. Justice Ginsberg agreed with this result but wrote a concurring opinion because she disagreed with some of the other statements in the majority opinion. Justice Breyer wrote the dissenting opinion and was joined by Justices Souter and Stevens. The dissenting Justices argue that IDEA does authorize the reimbursement of these fees. The full text of Arlington v. Murphy can be found at http://capwiz.com/ndss/utr/1/AKNBGCSJEE/CHALGCSJFO/790754201
IDEA states that “in any action or proceeding brought under this section, the court, in its discretion, may award reasonable attorneys’ fees as part of the costs to the parents of a child with a disability who is the prevailing party.” The majority opinion rejects the argument that “costs” includes the reimbursement of expert fees. This conclusion is reached in spite of the fact that the 1986 Conference Report for IDEA clearly states that Congress intended the term “attorneys’ fees as part of the costs” to include reasonable expenses and fees of expert witnesses and the reasonable costs of any test or evaluation which is found to be necessary for the preparation of the case. According to the majority opinion, the intent of Congress is not the key issue in this case. Instead, the focus is on whether the language in IDEA gives clear notice to the states that by accepting IDEA funds they might be liable to reimburse prevailing parents for expert fees. The majority of the Court concludes that “the terms of the IDEA fail to provide the clear notice that would be needed to attach such a condition to a State’s receipt of IDEA funds”.
The Justices offering the dissenting opinion disagree with the rest of the Court’s decision to ignore the intent of Congress. They also argue that IDEA’s basic purpose further supports interpreting the provision’s language to include expert fees. IDEA guarantees a “free” and “appropriate” public education for “all” children with disabilities and the expense of paying experts to secure an appropriate education undermines this guarantee. Parents have the right to become involved in their child’s education and IDEA encourages their participation. The dissenting Justices point out that parents are assured by IDEA that they may question a school district’s decisions about what is “appropriate” for their child and in doing so, they may secure the help of experts. The dissent concludes that “the practical significance of the Act’s participatory rights and procedural protections may be seriously diminished if parents are unable to obtain reimbursement for the costs of their experts” and that experts are necessary because “the vast majority of parents whose children require the benefits and protections provided in the IDEA lack knowledge about the educational resources available to their child and the sophistication to mount an effective case against a district-proposed IEP.”The preceding quote in the dissenting opinion for the Murphy case comes from Justice Ginsberg’s dissenting opinion for the Shaffer v. Weast case in 2005. In a prior information bulletin we explained that Shaffer v. Weast places the burden of proof on the party (usually a parent) who is challenging the appropriateness of an IEP, unless there is a state statute placing the burden of proof on the district. The fact that most parents must now prove the inappropriateness of the district-proposed IEP, increases the need for experts.The combined effect of these two Supreme Court cases is to discourage parents from filing a due process complaint because of the economic impact on their families. NDSS encourages parents to try to resolve disagreements at the school and district level using non-adversarial forms of dispute resolution. However, sometimes parents end up having to choose between filing a complaint or forfeiting their child’s educational rights under IDEA.As a result of the Shaffer and Murphy cases it is more important than ever for parents to be well informed about their child’s rights, to develop effective advocacy strategies and to access the free and low cost resources that are available in their communities. The NDSS website (http://capwiz.com/ndss/utr/1/AKNBGCSJEE/KVCOGCSJFP/790754201) and local NDSS affiliates are great sources of information and support. If you need help contacting an affiliate, call NDSS at 800-221-4602. In addition, every state has organizations that are funded to help parents, such as Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs), Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) and Protection and Advocacy agencies (P&A’s). A directory of PTIs and CPRCs can be found at http://capwiz.com/ndss/utr/1/AKNBGCSJEE/BZWOGCSJFQ/790754201 A directory of P&As can be found at http://capwiz.com/ndss/utr/1/AKNBGCSJEE/KBROGCSJFR/790754201
If you have questions or comments about this bulletin, contact Ricki Sabia at rsabia@ndss.org. If you or others you know would like to be added to the NDSS mailing list, send name(s) and email address to advocacy@ndss.org
National Down Syndrome Society666 Broadway, New York, NY 10012,Phone: 800-221-4602; Fax: 212-979-2873e-mail: advocacy@ndss.org; Web site: http://capwiz.com/ndss/utr/1/AKNBGCSJEE/LPDKGCSJFS/790754201
Our mission is to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy.
Take Action!
From the National Down Syndrome Society
July 7, 2006
U.S. SUPREME COURT DENIES REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPERT FEES
On June 26, 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision in Arlington Central School District Board of Education v. Pearl Murphy and Theodore Murphy. The question the Court decided in Arlington v. Murphy was whether the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) authorizes parents who win an action (“prevail”) under the due process provisions of IDEA to recover fees they paid to experts during the case. Many parents find it necessary to hire private experts to observe and evaluate their child and then testify in an action challenging a school or district’s decision regarding their child’s IEP.
Justice Alito wrote the majority opinion and was joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Scalia, Kennedy and Thomas. The majority opinion states that IDEA does not authorize the reimbursement of expert fees. Justice Ginsberg agreed with this result but wrote a concurring opinion because she disagreed with some of the other statements in the majority opinion. Justice Breyer wrote the dissenting opinion and was joined by Justices Souter and Stevens. The dissenting Justices argue that IDEA does authorize the reimbursement of these fees. The full text of Arlington v. Murphy can be found at http://capwiz.com/ndss/utr/1/AKNBGCSJEE/CHALGCSJFO/790754201
IDEA states that “in any action or proceeding brought under this section, the court, in its discretion, may award reasonable attorneys’ fees as part of the costs to the parents of a child with a disability who is the prevailing party.” The majority opinion rejects the argument that “costs” includes the reimbursement of expert fees. This conclusion is reached in spite of the fact that the 1986 Conference Report for IDEA clearly states that Congress intended the term “attorneys’ fees as part of the costs” to include reasonable expenses and fees of expert witnesses and the reasonable costs of any test or evaluation which is found to be necessary for the preparation of the case. According to the majority opinion, the intent of Congress is not the key issue in this case. Instead, the focus is on whether the language in IDEA gives clear notice to the states that by accepting IDEA funds they might be liable to reimburse prevailing parents for expert fees. The majority of the Court concludes that “the terms of the IDEA fail to provide the clear notice that would be needed to attach such a condition to a State’s receipt of IDEA funds”.
The Justices offering the dissenting opinion disagree with the rest of the Court’s decision to ignore the intent of Congress. They also argue that IDEA’s basic purpose further supports interpreting the provision’s language to include expert fees. IDEA guarantees a “free” and “appropriate” public education for “all” children with disabilities and the expense of paying experts to secure an appropriate education undermines this guarantee. Parents have the right to become involved in their child’s education and IDEA encourages their participation. The dissenting Justices point out that parents are assured by IDEA that they may question a school district’s decisions about what is “appropriate” for their child and in doing so, they may secure the help of experts. The dissent concludes that “the practical significance of the Act’s participatory rights and procedural protections may be seriously diminished if parents are unable to obtain reimbursement for the costs of their experts” and that experts are necessary because “the vast majority of parents whose children require the benefits and protections provided in the IDEA lack knowledge about the educational resources available to their child and the sophistication to mount an effective case against a district-proposed IEP.”The preceding quote in the dissenting opinion for the Murphy case comes from Justice Ginsberg’s dissenting opinion for the Shaffer v. Weast case in 2005. In a prior information bulletin we explained that Shaffer v. Weast places the burden of proof on the party (usually a parent) who is challenging the appropriateness of an IEP, unless there is a state statute placing the burden of proof on the district. The fact that most parents must now prove the inappropriateness of the district-proposed IEP, increases the need for experts.The combined effect of these two Supreme Court cases is to discourage parents from filing a due process complaint because of the economic impact on their families. NDSS encourages parents to try to resolve disagreements at the school and district level using non-adversarial forms of dispute resolution. However, sometimes parents end up having to choose between filing a complaint or forfeiting their child’s educational rights under IDEA.As a result of the Shaffer and Murphy cases it is more important than ever for parents to be well informed about their child’s rights, to develop effective advocacy strategies and to access the free and low cost resources that are available in their communities. The NDSS website (http://capwiz.com/ndss/utr/1/AKNBGCSJEE/KVCOGCSJFP/790754201) and local NDSS affiliates are great sources of information and support. If you need help contacting an affiliate, call NDSS at 800-221-4602. In addition, every state has organizations that are funded to help parents, such as Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs), Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) and Protection and Advocacy agencies (P&A’s). A directory of PTIs and CPRCs can be found at http://capwiz.com/ndss/utr/1/AKNBGCSJEE/BZWOGCSJFQ/790754201 A directory of P&As can be found at http://capwiz.com/ndss/utr/1/AKNBGCSJEE/KBROGCSJFR/790754201
If you have questions or comments about this bulletin, contact Ricki Sabia at rsabia@ndss.org. If you or others you know would like to be added to the NDSS mailing list, send name(s) and email address to advocacy@ndss.org
National Down Syndrome Society666 Broadway, New York, NY 10012,Phone: 800-221-4602; Fax: 212-979-2873e-mail: advocacy@ndss.org; Web site: http://capwiz.com/ndss/utr/1/AKNBGCSJEE/LPDKGCSJFS/790754201
Our mission is to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy.
Monday, July 03, 2006
If you want to run with the big dawgs you have to get off the damn porch!
I have always been one of those guys that wanted to do the manly things, play football, ride a harley, be cool, be tough and have a bit of a hard ass image. And all of that was true up until February 16, 2001 when the most amazing thing happened, my son Nash arrived and changed my life for good.
If you have read my blog or know me personally you know that many aspects of the BigDawg have changed over the years. If you are reading this you probably know that Nash has Down syndrome or Trisomy 21 and is the coolest dude I know and my best buddy.
Recently we had the opportunity for Nash to be on the cover of Indy's Child a parenting magazine here in Central Indiana along with some of our friends children and one of the mom's in our wonderful groups known as The Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation (IDSF) and Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (DADS). Our group had purchased this opportunity at a fundraiser for another group earlier this year. Our Executive Director and the Magazine worked out the details and we believed that the issue was to be about summer fun. Why else would they have our kids pose in the pool at a cool waterpark located in our nicest Holiday Inn here in Indy.
Well Friday was a crazy day as I was trying to get out of the shop early and head home. As some of you may know I left the for profit world for the not for profit world a few years ago and am the CEO for a company that works with individuals with different abilities. Well one thing led to another and I got stuck selling one of our older vans to a church among things and finally left for my most important tasks of the day. I had to take care of two pieces of business. First I had to pick up our section of tickets to the upcoming Wiggles Concert here in Indy. I can assure you in my Harley riding beer drinking days I never thought I would spend and evening with Jeff, Anthony, Greg and Murray but this will be round two with the blokes from down under as Nash loves these guys. My second priority was to stop by our local grocery and pick up as many copies of Indy's Child as I could get as they just hit the stand and our Nash was on the cover.
Well got the tickets and slid into Marsh Supermarkets and quickly grabbed a huge stack and booggied to the car. Once inside I admired my son on the cover with a big smile and then my heart sank to my stomach. Right above our kids was a caption that read "Undertanding the results is key for prenatel screening tests". Without going further I knew I did not want to go home as my wife Jan had been on pins and needles waiting on this to hit the stands and knew she would be devestated. When I read the article it got worse. I am not going to go into all of that but if you want to know more about the article and see the pictures ect see Jan's blog at Mauzy's Musings link here on my blog. I would insert a link here but damned if I know how.
Bottom line it was all about finding out if you child has Down syndrome or not with out providing the least bit of positive information or resources. I was in shock.
Well the old me would have taken my old truck and loaded it with all the copies I could find and driven it right thru the front doors of Indy's Child for them to find when they returned to work. And who knows what else.
But an amazing thing happened thanks to being Nash's daddy. I knew I was mad and hurt that basically this magazine had made my son a poster child of for testing and decesions without information, but I also know that if you get off the porch to run with the big dawgs sometimes you are gonna get bit.
Well we had just been chomped on......and I knew the only thing I could do was try to turn this whole thing around. I had to keep in my mind that this was just a really dumb mistake and no one at the magazine connected the dots on what they had done. That they were not trying to do this on purpose. So I started making phone calls. Talked to some of the best people in the disability and down syndrome movement that I know. Jan went to work telling the world and I am sure that Indy's Child's web site has never had the traffic or letters to the editor that they have right now.
The next step will be to have a constructive discussion with the staff at Indy's Child and figure out how to right this wrong and I know that it can be done. I know that we just might be able to turn this situation into one of the most positive PR campaigns we have ever seen here in Indiana. At least I know that is my goal. I mean hey, they are about to find out what it feels like to run with the BIGDAWGS.
I am so proud of my son and I hope that someday he realizes how much of a difference he has made in his daddy's life.
I will hopefully update this situation soon.
Until then I hope you all get off the porch and step out of your comfort zone this week and do something positive you have been putting off. You might get bit but you will be a better person for it.
The BigDawg....AKA Nash's Daddy.
If you have read my blog or know me personally you know that many aspects of the BigDawg have changed over the years. If you are reading this you probably know that Nash has Down syndrome or Trisomy 21 and is the coolest dude I know and my best buddy.
Recently we had the opportunity for Nash to be on the cover of Indy's Child a parenting magazine here in Central Indiana along with some of our friends children and one of the mom's in our wonderful groups known as The Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation (IDSF) and Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (DADS). Our group had purchased this opportunity at a fundraiser for another group earlier this year. Our Executive Director and the Magazine worked out the details and we believed that the issue was to be about summer fun. Why else would they have our kids pose in the pool at a cool waterpark located in our nicest Holiday Inn here in Indy.
Well Friday was a crazy day as I was trying to get out of the shop early and head home. As some of you may know I left the for profit world for the not for profit world a few years ago and am the CEO for a company that works with individuals with different abilities. Well one thing led to another and I got stuck selling one of our older vans to a church among things and finally left for my most important tasks of the day. I had to take care of two pieces of business. First I had to pick up our section of tickets to the upcoming Wiggles Concert here in Indy. I can assure you in my Harley riding beer drinking days I never thought I would spend and evening with Jeff, Anthony, Greg and Murray but this will be round two with the blokes from down under as Nash loves these guys. My second priority was to stop by our local grocery and pick up as many copies of Indy's Child as I could get as they just hit the stand and our Nash was on the cover.
Well got the tickets and slid into Marsh Supermarkets and quickly grabbed a huge stack and booggied to the car. Once inside I admired my son on the cover with a big smile and then my heart sank to my stomach. Right above our kids was a caption that read "Undertanding the results is key for prenatel screening tests". Without going further I knew I did not want to go home as my wife Jan had been on pins and needles waiting on this to hit the stands and knew she would be devestated. When I read the article it got worse. I am not going to go into all of that but if you want to know more about the article and see the pictures ect see Jan's blog at Mauzy's Musings link here on my blog. I would insert a link here but damned if I know how.
Bottom line it was all about finding out if you child has Down syndrome or not with out providing the least bit of positive information or resources. I was in shock.
Well the old me would have taken my old truck and loaded it with all the copies I could find and driven it right thru the front doors of Indy's Child for them to find when they returned to work. And who knows what else.
But an amazing thing happened thanks to being Nash's daddy. I knew I was mad and hurt that basically this magazine had made my son a poster child of for testing and decesions without information, but I also know that if you get off the porch to run with the big dawgs sometimes you are gonna get bit.
Well we had just been chomped on......and I knew the only thing I could do was try to turn this whole thing around. I had to keep in my mind that this was just a really dumb mistake and no one at the magazine connected the dots on what they had done. That they were not trying to do this on purpose. So I started making phone calls. Talked to some of the best people in the disability and down syndrome movement that I know. Jan went to work telling the world and I am sure that Indy's Child's web site has never had the traffic or letters to the editor that they have right now.
The next step will be to have a constructive discussion with the staff at Indy's Child and figure out how to right this wrong and I know that it can be done. I know that we just might be able to turn this situation into one of the most positive PR campaigns we have ever seen here in Indiana. At least I know that is my goal. I mean hey, they are about to find out what it feels like to run with the BIGDAWGS.
I am so proud of my son and I hope that someday he realizes how much of a difference he has made in his daddy's life.
I will hopefully update this situation soon.
Until then I hope you all get off the porch and step out of your comfort zone this week and do something positive you have been putting off. You might get bit but you will be a better person for it.
The BigDawg....AKA Nash's Daddy.
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