Straight from the Source – 2018 Conference Speaker, Raesin Caine

T-minus two weeks until #MNAC2018 and we could not be MORE excited about all the insightful, informative sessions this year! Milestones is especially thrilled about the outstanding line-up of self-advocates presenting, one being Raesin Caine, MS. Raesin is a self-proclaimed nerd for science, the arts, and learning new things whenever she can. Diagnosed just last year with autism, Raesin celebrated when she received the news. Since her diagnosis, Raesin has made it a personal goal to change the way people think about autism by counteracting negative perspectives of the disorder when she encounters them.

“If I had my way, I’d do away with the charity walks, puzzle pieces, and tragic language, and insist on reframing autism in a way that promotes confidence, ownership, and celebration (I’m imagining the enthusiasm you’d find at a drag ball or marching band extravaganza.)”

What initially got you interested in the Milestones Conference? Can you describe your first conference experience and why you wanted to come back as a speaker?

“Admittedly, I was starstruck by Temple Grandin, who has been one of my heroes since I first read about her back in the nineties in the book, An Anthroplogist on Mars. I was also curious about what I could learn at an autism conference since I’d never attended one before.

I had a lot to say on my feedback form for last year’s conference. I learned important things at some of the workshops, met great people, and absolutely loved Dr. Grandin’s talk. At the same time, I felt disappointed by the number of sessions offered by self-advocates. It’s important for self-advocates to see ourselves throughout the programming and for neurotypical people to listen to our perspectives, so that’s why I decided to submit a presentation proposal.

I spoke up in a couple of workshops during the question-and-answer sessions last year and a number of people pulled me aside to ask me more about my experience. Their reactions were a good reminder that parents, sponsors, and other attendees need to hear from self-advocates especially because we tend to be heavily outnumbered at autism conferences. I am certain autism conferences would proceed quite differently if self-advocates developed the full conference schedule, gave all the talks, and provided all the sponsorship.”
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Milestones Autism Resources Announces 2018 Honorees for National Conference

Milestones Autism Resources is pleased to announce the 2018 award recipients who will be honored at the 2018 Milestones National Autism Conference. Winners were determined by a special committee comprised of parents, self-advocates, and professionals and will be recognized for their outstanding achievements, and contributions for the autism community. Recognition ceremonies will take place during the conference on Thursday, June 14 and Friday, June 15 from 9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. at the Cleveland I-X Center.

2018 Honorees:

Chris Filler (Akron, OH), Professional Excellence Award

As Director of the Lifespan Transition Center at the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), Chris works tirelessly to find solutions at the individual, local, and state levels to change policy and practices affecting people on the autism spectrum. Her experience and knowledge gained from being a mother to a son with autism have enabled her to serve as a key player in bringing effective transition services to those who need them most.

Brad McGarry, M.A. (Waterford, PA), Professional Excellence Award

Brad serves as the Director of the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst University (AIM), where he has adapted the lessons he’s learned while traveling with his son who has Angelman’s Syndrome to bring life-changing experiences to individuals with autism through encounters with the outdoors – so far, his programs have taken groups to Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Grand Canyon, and they’re currently planning more adventures to other international destinations.

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Special Needs Teacher by Day, Special Needs Mom 24/7

Mother’s Day is a special time to celebrate motherhood. This Mother’s Day, we’re highlighting one of this year’s conference speakers, April T. Giauque, a mother of nine, five of which have special needs.

Coming to the Milestones Conference all the way from Austin, Texas, April is a public speaker and trains teachers how to implement social skill strategies, transition skills, independent living skills, and employment skills to support students who are on the autism spectrum. She moved to Austin in 2015 to pursue better education supports for her children, which also led her to her most recent position as a transition teacher at the Texas School for the Deaf in the 18+ ACCESS program.

Tell us about your experience as a mother and as a special needs teacher?
Being a mother to 9 children is never boring! I’m on the go making, baking, lifting, hugging, holding, counseling, laughing, disciplining, helping, social coaching, crying and cheering for and with them.  Since I do all of that with my own family, it was an easy transition to do that with students. For me, motherhood and teaching are synonymous with each other.

How do you juggle being a mother of nine and an educator?
Oh that! I just use wrinkle my nose and ta-dah, its done!  No, seriously, there isn’t any magic in it. There is a lot of organization, hard work, and prayer that goes into this. There are large “to do” lists, schedules, and communication. It is all about what motivates me which is love. I love others the best way I can and through love my family, students, and others feel uplifted.

Mother’s Day can be used as a time to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges motherhood brings. What would you say are some of the most rewarding aspects of motherhood?
When I watch my children stumble, fall, or even fail at something—they don’t stay down. They get right back in the game of life—that makes me feel amazing.  Other accomplishments are when I hear about my children from other people and the impression my children left with them. Finally, the best reward is in the quiet of the evening as they open up and talk about their day while I massage their backs or arms, or hold them as they drift to sleep.
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Ask the Expert – John Harrison, Hickman & Lowder Co., LPA

Being a past conference speaker and member of the Milestones Board of Directors, John Harrison is no stranger to Milestones’ mission. As an attorney, he practices mostly elder and disability law at Hickman & Lowder Co., LPA. With his practice, John mostly assists seniors and people with disabilities, while also handling disputes in litigation, such as fights over guardianships or trusts.

This year, John is lending his expertise to educate conference attendees about the recent Medicaid waiver changes and how to navigate the new system.

So how did you get into elder and special needs law, John?
I have a hidden visual impairment which gives me a great deal of understanding of what it is like to be different and to face adversity. I’ve always had a strong desire to help. I did public service work with Disability Rights Ohio and Legal Aid. Eventually, I found myself in private practice helping people too.

We are so excited to have you back as a speaker this year! What do you enjoy most about being a part of the conference?
I really like the people the most. Everyone at Milestones is dedicated to this work and it’s reaching many families and providers who care about the special needs of individuals with autism and their loved ones!

Why is it important that law firms like Hickman & Lowder have a presence at events like the Milestones National Autism Conference?
Without information, there rarely can be a successful outcome. Hickman & Lowder, among other lawyers, are helping to advance knowledge and empower families to care for those they love who have very specialized needs. All of us are working together through Milestones to make our community a better, more inclusive place. I am hearing now we are helping people all over the country! It’s so great to be a part of this.

You assist families in navigating through a lot of the logistics that come with accessing government benefits. What would you say is the most common need from families who have a family member with autism?
This is a very broad and important question! Estate planning is often more complex for families with loved ones on the spectrum because a trust is needed. There can be a concern with accessing and keeping public benefits, including Medicaid and waivers. Often, there are concerns about decision-making and guardianship, or other decisions. We see issues involving education too, and sometimes there are even issues about medical care.

You’ve been a presenter at the Milestones Conference in the past and are returning this year with your session, “Something to Hold Onto: Keeping Your Medicaid Waiver Through System Changes.” There have been a lot of questions surrounding these recent changes to the waiver program and waitlist. Can you explain what a waiver is and describe this change in the waitlist status?
Hold onto your seats! Yes, there are many changes to the system. Generally, anyone who is otherwise eligible for Medicaid and who has serious care needs can receive this care in an institution. Examples of facilities are Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) or nursing facilities. However, many people and their families prefer to live and work in a community setting. When we talk about a “waiver” in this context, we are saying that the state asked for and got permission from the federal government to provide services in the community rather than the institution.

There is a big caveat – services in a facility are a “right.” Services under a waiver are not guaranteed. The individual has to meet the terms of the particular waiver, and there must be an open waiver slot available.
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Helpdesk: Top 10 Tips for Parents Attending Their First Milestones Conference

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