Let Loose The Pigeons!
by Steve West on November 27, 2013

I got a phone call today from my Service Coordinator of Prince George's County officially welcoming me and my daughter, Olivia, into the Autism Waiver program - a state funded program intended for families with an autistic child offering funds for state approved services such as Aqua therapy, Occupational community trips, Speech therapy and even respite for Brenda and I. This has been a nine year wait since getting a diagnosis for Olivia at age 2. The waiting list is horrific. After waiting that long to have your name come up, there's no guarantee that you qualify. There's another meeting to determine eligibility based on level of need. Olivia easily qualified which is good for funding but terrible in that it's reflective of just how far she needs to go to live a semi-independent life. There's so much she needs to learn to function as an adult. I can't list all that she needs, but simply want to revel in the notion that if:
1. I can think of it.
2. I can find a provider.
3. The State will pay for it.
One Reply to Let Loose The Pigeons!
Web Junkie
Steve West scours the Web searching for interest or absurdity and then shakes his head ruefully when he finds it. Read more »

Half-time
At about the halfway mark between Halloween and Christmas, I ran across this gift idea suitable for both holidays. Zombie lawn sculpture. Dave Barry included this in his annual gift guide and I found the original source for it. Go »
Action Hero?
I remember back in the early '70's, my brother and I got new G.I. Joes for Christmas. They were pretty cool with the kung fu grip and "real-life hair and beard". Go »
Burning Microwave Popcorn
This guy puts all kinds of different crap in the microwave and films the results. My favorite is the eggs. Go »
I'll Take Potpourri for $1000, Alex
Mix of the best stuff I found this week. More drunk pwned photos. Do you dress like a douchebag? Go »
Differences That Make All The Difference
Recent discussion with Brenda: me: There's such a huge difference between how I interact with people at work and how I interact with the people in my home. Brenda: How so? me: At work, I spend all day talking about banking practices and domestic and international finance. Go »
Scott Hardie | December 1, 2013
That's great news, Steve! Definitely an important program for your family and I imagine many others. I'm glad to know that it exists and you're in, even if you don't really know yet what to do with it. :-)