In January 2023, the administrative team at Aaron’s Acres made a commitment to host virtual seminars every two months (give or take) on topics that parents have requested when registering for our programs. During covid, we facilitated several virtual seminars featuring 1847Financial, focusing on financial planning for parents who are raising children with disabilities. These were well received, which led to us continuing this type of educational opportunity throughout the year.
At the end of January, Stephanie Hubach led a seminar entitled, “Second Wind for the Second Half”. Tim, Steph’s son, had been a participant at Aaron’s Acres for approximately 12-15 years. Tim is now 30 years old and has 2 jobs in Lancaster County. Steph is currently serving as a Research Fellow in Disability Ministries and as a Visiting Instructor in Educational Ministries with Covenant Theological Seminary. She had served as a founding director for Mission to North America’s Special Needs Ministries and is also the founding member of the Lancaster Christian Council on Disability.
Having the personal experience as well as the professional expertise, Steph was able to talk about how to have the ability and energy to continue to be the advocate and caregiver for her adult child who has a disability (Tim has down syndrome). For “typical” families, once a child graduates from high school, he/she often moves out, either to his/her own apartment and works or attends college to begin furthering his/her education. This is always the case for those with disabilities. As parents age and possibly face physical limitations as well as other limitations, they are still the most likely people caring for their adult child. Steph spoke from the heart and presented her thoughts and feelings in a most genuine manner. Here are some takeaways:
- It is important to be cognizant of what you think your life is supposed to be like vs. what you are actually facing (age 65 or so-retirement and freedom vs. having an adult child with a disability living at home who has nowhere else to live nor work)—allow yourself to feel whatever feelings come up for you.
- It is important to build a values framework—what is important in your life—what are your values –put into place supports to help your child be as self-sufficient as possible in ways that align with your values.
- It is important to create a circle of support (with family, friends) to engage in this process, so you do not feel alone and overwhelmed.
- It is important to engage in a process which entails the following:
- Recruiting a small circle of support
- Reminding yourself of the successes your child has achieved in recent times
- Reviewing your child’s strengths
- Realizing potential for growth by focusing on the values framework
- Reaching for an area of growth
- Repeating the above
Focusing on the strengths and the successes are things that we should do, regardless of having a child with a disability or not! We all do better when we can celebrate the wins and not just focus on the obstacles and challenges. In this seminar, Steph certainly presented in a positive, upbeat way while still acknowledging the more trying times that one faces in raising a child/young adult with disabilities.
Our next seminar will be on Monday, April 3 at 7:30PM EST — “Worn Out: When Caregiving, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue Collide”. The topic is caregiver burnout and will be presented by Stephanie Hubach.
Sign up for the next virtual seminar here!
Upcoming seminars:
May 30, 2023 – Managing temper tantrums when your child is no longer a child (presented by Dr. Carrie Bruey)
July 26, 2023 – Financial planning for families raising children with disabilities (focusing on ABLE account, waivers, guardianship)
September 26, 2023 – Resources post high school for families raising young adults with disabilities (presented by Stephanie Hubach)
November – Stay tuned! (TBD)
