Why I Call


 

 

Yesterday I Spoke with Dixie from OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities) in Albany. OPWDD Falls under the domain and jurisdiction of the New York State Governors office. I learned that services and programs for Autism/Developmentally/Intellectually Disabled New York State citizens is funded through the state but they get the bulk of their money from the Federal Govt.
The Federal Govt determines what and how much funding these programs and services receive. So for those of you who don’t believe that decisions the government makes won’t affect you. Well Think again. Today it is my brother Stephen and the people who reside at QCP Bellerose or go to the AABR Day Treatment Center.
Tomorrow even though you might not have a family member with Autism either you or someone you Love may get into an accident, suffer TBI Traumatic Brain Injury or you could have an illness that affects your cognitive and/or physical abilities. Truthfully the aging process will affect you in some way. The Bible says that the Outward man perishes day by day.Being a Christian will not protect you from illness or injury so that’s why you need to participate in the government process so you can get the benefits, services and programs you will need should your health decline. Barring death by injury or accident you will get older and your body will change as will your physical abilities.
November 2008 I had a minor stroke which affected the vision in my left eye. High Blood Pressure. I became a Pre-Existing condition. Fortunately for me I belong to a Union DC 37 and my workplace provides me with health benefits. Even the Health Insurance did not pay for everything but Thank God filing for bankruptcy got me out from under all those debts. Bankruptcy is a Blessing. As are Unemployment, Food Stamps, Soup kitchens and Food pantries. I know because I’ve had to make use of all these government programs. My brother Stephen receives SSI and Medicaid. One day if I live to be 65 I will receive Medicare. Yes we do need all these Blessings & Benefits and Yes it is the job of the United States Government to care for the citizens!  Don’t get it twisted!
So that’s why I call.  Don’t wait until it is too late and suddenly you or your family need the benefits and find they no longer exist.
If the benefits/Government Assistance don’t exist never will you after a while!

New York Renaissance Faire


 

Next month in August during my vacation I hope to take Stephen to the New York Renaissance Faire. He has been there with his Group Home but because of staff layoffs and cutbacks they might not be able to take him again.  If we can’t go in August hopefully we will make it there during September.   Stephen Loves the entire Renaissance theme and I’d do anything to make him happy.  Please keep us in your prayers that God will supply money so we can get our bus/train tickets and attend.  Stephen’s favorite activities are dress up, costumes, make believe and magic.  My brother Stephen has Autism magic and Autism Super Powers.  Stephen’s Happiness means everything to me. Thank you!

 

 

 

2017 coupon

Adult Single Day Admission:
Any Day in 2017 – $20.99

(Regularly $25.00)

Child Single Day Admission:
Any Day in 2017 – $9.99
(Regularly $12.00)

SUPER SAVER ADULT
2 Adult Admission Tickets – $29.99
Offer valid through August 20
(Regularly $50.00) 
WELCOME BACK
JAMILA LOTUS
The Jamila Lotus Bellydance Carnivale performs fast-paced original choreography, traditional Middle Eastern bellydance, and feats of balance and daring, featuring a dynamic live band!
ARSENE DUPIN
MAGIKHANA SHOW
Arsene
Arsene Dupin, internationally renowned Artiste of Mime, Magic, Comedy & Juggling,  delights audiences world-wide.  His amazing illusions and ingenious comedy win the hearts and inspire the laughter of the audience within moments!
THEME WEEKENDS
Costume Contests, Pirates, Time Travelers, a Masquerade Ball and Bonus Tickets from shopping! There’s something for everyone this season!

READ MORE

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
Overall winner: Gus Apazidis, “In The Distant Past”
See all of our winners on our website!

 

 

 

Share Your World – July 17, 2017


 

https://ceenphotography.com/2017/07/17/share-your-world-july-17-2017/

Share Your World – July 17, 2017

share-your-world-syw

What is your favorite cheese?

I suppose Cheddar or American Cheese. I enjoy a great many types of cheese but as it contains high amounts of salt I must limit my intake. Bad for those of us with high blood pressure.

Are you left or right handed?

I am right handed. Stephen is left handed.

Do you prefer exercising your mind or your body? How frequently do you do either?

Both. I exercise my mind by watching educational videos on YouTube, reading and of course since I work in a museum viewing artworks on a daily basis.  Thanks to the NYC MTA and the poor bus and subway service I have the opportunity several times a week for unscheduled exercise after being let off the subway train 10+ blocks away from my intended destination.

Complete this sentence: Hot days are …THE BEST!!!! I LOVE Hot Weather. My skin, hair, nails and mood improve and brighten up. My hair grows faster and my skin does not suffer from those horrible winter rashes.  Summer is my Favorite Season!! I get more done and can spend more time outside in hot weather as opposed to cold weather.  Also I can wear my lovely summer dresses!

As long as the temps don’t go over 90 degrees.  100 degrees is not only uncomfortable but dangerous. I drink lots of water. Give me 70 and 85 degree days all year long! They are the best.

Optional Bonus question:  What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

Making phone calls to my various elected officials to alert them to vote against trumpcare, keep Medicaid and improve services and programs for adults with Autism. By calling my various Congresspersons, Senators, Reps I hope to get funding restored for the programs and services eliminated due to budget cuts. Always wearing my Autism Advocate hat.  I am an Autism Activist!!

Also I had lots of fun at Curlfest on Sunday. Even though it was a really hot day in the park I spent lots of time dancing and having fun!

Looking forward to my vacation in August.

 

CELEBRATE SUMMER!!!

 

More Calls for Stephen


 

I did get a positive response from Rep.Tom Suozzi who represents Stephen’s district of Bellerose, Queens. Today I made a call to Congressman Gregory Meeks of Queens. Even though others may think my efforts are futile or may laugh at me I will continue to call as many elected officials as possible. I cannot give up on Stephen. I Love my brother Stephen and would do anything for him.

Restore the programs and services that have been eliminated from Stephens Group Home Residence and Training Center!! Hire more trained staff and No More Layoffs! No cuts to Medicaid! Everyone out there please call! Your Calls DO matter!! If we deluge Our Elected Officials with phone calls, email messages, texts and visits to their offices they must take notice!! No more apathy! Get Involved!!

I encouraged Rep. Tom Suozzi to visit Stephen’s Group Home Residence located at Bellerose, Queens. To Come see the wonderful work QCP does for developmentally disabled adults. Also visit AABR located in Jamaica, Queens which does an excellent job of educating and training adults with multiple disabilities. Plus to Bring as many Congresspersons, Senators and other Reps.  Perhaps if our Elected Officials see the faces of the people who will be affected and are affected by budget cuts and possible loss of Medicaid their minds can be swayed.

https://dancingpalmtrees.com/2017/07/12/im-calling-for-stephen-who-are-you-calling-for/

https://dancingpalmtrees.com/2017/07/14/still-calling-for-stephen/

 

Stephen is a Mighty Autism Warrior.  How about you?  Please let me know which elected officials you contacted in your area and their response. (This only applies to U.S.A. residents)

 

#AutismLivesMatter    #Autism