Depression is frequently a topic we tip-toe around, especially as caregivers. With all the issues we deal with on a daily basis, our problems are insignificant, right? WRONG! Parent and special needs advocate Maria Pepperworth speaks openly about depression as a caregiver today. Life as a special-needs parent can be exhausting and lonely. Special-needs parents have Learn More
Single mom raising two teenagers who experience autism
I always get questioned about what it’s like being a single mom raising two teenagers who experience autism. (technically the 18-year-old is considered an adult now). My answer is always pretty much: exhausting, educational, and interesting. Autism is so different in both of them that it really is a new adventure for each. Ty is my Learn More
$1,800 a Day…
Stone Soup Group Board Member, Matt Findley, explains how his son reached the lifetime cap imposed by his employer-based healthcare plan in less than two years. Hear one way Alaskans like his son who are living with a disability would be impacted by potential changes to healthcare. Thank you Matt for sharing your story!
Comments, Suggestions & Feedback on the Amendment to the State Plan
The Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education would like your comments, suggestions, and feedback on the 2017 Amendment to the 2017-2021 State Plan. Every year the council has an opportunity to revise and update the 5-year state plan. While the goals are the same, this year some of the objectives have been revised Learn More
Letter to our Senators
Between the CBO report and political tensions in DC, there is a lot of information to sort through regarding the Senate’s health care bill known as “The Better Care Reconciliation Act”. One thing is certain, these changes will affect Alaskans, and these changes will affect families caring for children with special needs. The Governor’s Council on Learn More
“…we are GROOT” a Guardianship Story
My son Tyler turned 18 this month. With that came a whole new world called guardianship. What a weird feeling it was. Being in a courtroom. Sitting across the room from my son, who was sitting at a table with an attorney he just met. Answering questions and waiting for a judge to grant me Learn More
BUDGET ALERT: Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health & FASD
The conference committee for the budget had their first meeting this week. It was an organizational meeting and no action was taken, but we expect legislators will begin acting soon. If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to send an email, letter, or phone call to the legislators about the budget items (listed Learn More
Comment on Draft of Every Student Succeeds Act
Opportunity to Comment on Draft of ESSA State Plan is Extended to May 28 The Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) is seeking public comment on the first draft of the state plan to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the new federal education law. ESSA provides states with greater flexibility than the Learn More
We are an autism family…
By Maria Pepperworth – Alaskan parent, advocate, rocker! Whenever people ask me about autism I like to use the word experience. My kids “experience” autism. In reality, our whole family “experiences” autism. It impacts the whole family. Autism is different in every person. It’s unpredictable, it’s difficult, it’s amazing, it’s a puzzle. If you would’ve Learn More
Special Education law and advocacy training coming to Alaska
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Victoria Shanklin Communications and Outreach Manager victorias@stonesoupgroup.org Main: 907-561-3701 Direct: 907-792-3404 Special Education law and advocacy training coming to Alaska With the anticipated closure of Mount Iliamna Elementary and anticipated changes to our education system, there is no better time to bring the Wrightslaw Training to our state. Wrightslaw is a Learn More
