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Parent to Parent Deborah Byrd Caudle Should you have any questions regarding this article, please follow the specific contact information provided.
Northern NY Region Regional Coordinator: Deborah Byrd-Caudle
Deborah can be contacted at:
What characterizes me that I would like to make sure other people know about me and remember me by? I’m an optimistic, high energy, creative passionate, sports loving person. I use humor to see me through the tough times. Why is Parent to Parent important to you? When I was raising my son, I felt abandoned by the world and alone. I do not want today’s parents to ever feel that kind of detachment. What happens when a parent speaks with another parent and receives support from another parent? It’s as if a giant hug was given and there is a sigh of relief. The realization that you’re not traveling down, a dark frightening road alone is spirit lifting. How does the opportunity to connect with other parents benefit families? You become a part of a safe, non-judgmental community. A community that without words, understands all you’ve been through and where you will be going in the future. What qualities do you look for in Support Parents? (Support parents are part of the parent to parent network and have made the offer to provide support to another parent). To have the ability to listen, with honest compassion, clarity of purpose and calmly advocating, the appropriate support resources. What kind of information, referrals, or community connections are families looking for? I have found the primary requests are, navigating the educational system, community inclusion via recreational and peer groups, job skills and transitioning to adult life living independently. The one thing that seems to be true of all the parents is that they want to connect with someone who can understand what they are experiencing. Was there a time when someone went above and beyond all expectations to help you with your child? My son Eric went to B.O.C.E.S. Martha was his teacher and his Special Olympics coach. Finally, I was not alone. She worked and supported us through all the transitioning from school to job, social development, living independently, success in the community as well as worldwide achievement and recognition. She is still a driving force and calm support in my life and Eric’s, encouraging him to be all he can be, due to his new physical disabilities. Together we help Eric realize that there are no limitations in life if you truly believe in yourself, merely the need to find the right road to travel.
December 2009
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March 2010 Contact Us
Phone: 1-800-395-3372 Upcoming DDPC Meetings March 2010:
3/10/09 - Consumer Caucus Meeting
3/11/09 - DDPC Meeting *Notice* Open Government and the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC). All DDPC meetings are held in Albany, NY unless otherwise noted. Under law, the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) meetings and DDPC Standing Committee meetings are open meetings. If the public wants to attend, they can attend as observers. Participants may be asked to leave during breaks in the deliberations and when the meeting goes into executive session. A listing of DDPC meetings is available by contacting the DDPC directly or visiting the DDPC website at www.ddpc.state.ny.us. People First Language The DDPC strictly adheres to and encourages the use of people first language. However you may note that in some articles/stories appearing in the E-Bulletin the language used is not always entirely people first. Articles submitted to the DDPC are taken verbatim from the source and are therefore not edited by the DDPC for correct people first language due to copyright restrictions. DDPC Partners Regional Representatives
The DDPC has identified Partners and Policymaking graduates who want to serve as
Regional Representatives throughout New York State. They will represent the
interest of their region, promote and facilitate networking, and be active in
ongoing communication and support efforts. View the list of |
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