In this section you will find personal stories of individuals with disabilities.  We will learn from them as they share some of their hopes, dreams, thoughts, poetry and stories.  They will share solutions  that have been helpful to them in designing their own futures and reaching their dreams.

Thank-you

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Stories from Around Washington State

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HOME SWEET HOME - Stacy

When I was 10 Years old my Grandfather died and left money for me to help me when I turned 21 years old. My mom worried about how I could use the money and have it help me for a very long time without preventing me from receiving the Medicaid help that I needed. We found out that I could spent all the money in one month for something that didn't count as a resource for Medicaid. Then the following month I could use the Medicaid for medical and personal care again. One of the things that I could use the money for in this way was housing and modifications for the house to make it accessible for my use.

We bought a condo the month that I turned 21 and had cupboards lowered so that I could reach them and new appliances and new carpeting. He are some pictures of my condo.

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MLHS Student Receives Her First Pay Check

Alison "Sis" Kepka works at Wee Lambs Day Care from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. five days a week.  When Sis received her first pay check, her Mom asked the bank teller to please cash it into singles ($334.00) so we could take it home and count it (just to help her understand the value of her pay check).  She continues to receive a daily monetary reward to encourage a positive attitude and more productivity.  The Wee Lambs staff has done a remarkable job teaching her to be a responsible worker. This is a great accomplishment, as Sis graduated from the
Vocational Programs at MLHS.

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The Power Of A Dream - Person Centered Planning, From One Family's Perspective

Kyle and Michele Lehosky, will share their experience, the friendships and tools that have helped them on their journey together as a family. Come and realize the Power of a dream.

Kyle and Michele have presented at a number of trainings, conferences, and forums through out Washington State; You Are the Expert, The Self Determination Forum, TASH conference, Pacific Lutheran University students, Community Inclusion Program and Washington State Parent to Parent Coordinators.

Michele, Coordinator for Pierce County Parent to Parent Program, works as   part of a training team of facilitators for the Person Centered Planning program in Pierce County. She has facilitated numerous person centered plans for families and provides support to families who are considering a plan for their child. Michele's experience comes from her journey with Kyle and training from John O'Brien and Jack Pierpoint.