Hi5! We are still just as excited about our 5 year old as the day when the doctor pronounced,"You're Pregnant!" Yep, we're still jumping for joy,and so is he! We are sharing our joy,disappointments,successes and challenges as a family with a child touched by AUTISM-a neurological condition considered a developmental disability.If you care to share, please do.Join us on Google Blogger/Reader/Buzz/orkut,hi5, digg,Facebook,Twitter,Yahoo!Buzz,YouTube,MySpace, holiday WordPress.ENJOY!KBJCosse'Family
Enjoying the Hi-5s of Autism - A Family Experience
'Enjoying Summer!' Yippie!
Today is the last day of school!
Yes, we enjoyed a productive, fun and informative school year.
Now, is the time of the year when we let our son TAKE CHARGE!
Local libraries for Summer Reading Programs! Also, you can go online for many libraries to learn about kids, teens, family and adult patrons summer fun activities,..., or just to read: Digital Library-The Online Books Page ; Internet Public Library
You've cast your votes and picked your favorites. Congratulations to the 25 top vote-getters who are one step closer to being included in Mutual of Omaha's 2011 TV campaign!
Until October 31, you can select the 10 aha moments that will be featured in our TV campaign. Vote now for your favorites!
Our friend Jimmie is a loving father of 2 school-age sweetie pies!
In Jimmie's aha moment, he shares his desire to raise his children with wisdom, understanding and mostly love.
Aha Moment (Mutual of Omaha)
VOTE FOR Jimmie_Baton Rouge,LA
‘ Just the way he is’
We are the Cosse' Family and we encourage you to vote for the Smith family. Both families are raising a child on the Autism Spectrum. Autism is considered a developmental disability and a neurological condition which affects communication, socialization and behavior in the lives of those touched by this diagnostic group. (CDC.gov)
Please vote for my friend - Jimmie Smith,Jr. for the Mutual of Omaha Aha Moment!
Jimmie_Baton Rouge 'Not hopeless.' at http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/12387
Let us share about why you should VOTE for Jimmie_Baton Rouge,LA- AHA MOMENT.
Jimmie is a great dad of 2 wonderful kids. Jimmie is a good friend, as well. Jimmie is a committed advocate. Jimmie's dedication to independence, integration, inclusion, self-determination. Sharing a moment with Jimmie is life changing as I have seen him across Louisiana attending Parent and Special Needs workshops, disabilities trainings, advocacy rallies, nonprofit open houses and fellowships!
Although Jimmie and I have only been acquainted for 10 months, it seems that we have known each other for at least 5 years. Jimmie is 1 of 2 males in our 6 months leadership training with Partners in Policymaking 2010 Class. PIP is an initiative of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council. During our 6 months of leadership training, 23 women 'actually listened' -in silence- as our 'E.F.Hutton' of disabilities Dad', shared insightful tips, humor and challenges of being a Parent raising 2 wonderful school age kids. Comparatively, Jimmie was not modest about asking for our advice and revealing his passion for educating and recreating with his family and ours. We were especially appreciative that Jimmie considered a component of his graduation project would be to personally speak with each of hour husbands(male-factors) in an effort to offer a males-perspective of understanding, compassion and hopes of caring for a loved one with a developmental disability.
True to his word, Jimmie implemented his promise during our June Graduation from Partners in Policymaking(PIP-LADDC). The leader that he is, Jimmie volunteered to give a presentation during our ceremonies. We were amazed, yet again, as the lights were dimmed and the dvd began to play! Jimmie had made a personal dvd with soothing background music! Just the mood we need as we welcomed self-advocate Craig Blackburn, our Speaker - also a PIP Graduate.
Likewise, having not met or talked on the phone to some of our mates, he boldly approached them with extended hand and a welcoming smile. With the same smile Jimmie is displaying in his aha moment video – that graduation day, Jimmie imparted home, understanding and compassion as he confidentially shared with as many as time would permit.
{Tears of hope are flowing…}
A few weeks later, we met up with Jimmie at Families Helping Families of Acadiana! Unknowingly, we had both come to share with our fellow Partners Grad Dr. Kathy Allen, Executive Director. There must be a rainbow in the sky - 2 treats in 1 – Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and fellowshipping with Jimmie! Our family had traveled for hours, stuck in bridge repair traffic, sweltering heat… But all that enduring was worth the bonus of sharing a moment with Jimmie. What do you know, Jimmie is sitting there sharing, listening, giving, receiving and just enjoying life, as usual. We anxiously waited our turn, as we enjoyed the beautiful hospitality Dr. Kathy and her Staff. This comfortable atmosphere was just the relieve we needed as we viewed the client’s art walk, snacked, and watched ‘I Am Sam’ autism video. Finally, it was our turn. Jimmie approached with A WELCOMING SMILE AND EXTENDED HAND.
More tears of joy are flowing as we ask you to VOTE for Jimmie_BatonRouge,/lA- Aha Moment. Go to Jimmie_BatonRouge ‘Just the way he is’ (about loving his son diagnosed with autism) at: http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/voting?momentSeed=1288371749
“Thank you Jimmie Smith, Jr. for opening up your life to me, for not judging me, for sharing with my husband, for being so sacrificially unselfish. Mostly, I appreciate your bold stand for children with special needs, your pursuit of knowledge and your wisdom that bolsters our efforts! “
Voting for Jimmie Smith, Jr. helps raise awareness for individuals with disabilities, especially our kids. Voting closes on Sunday, October 31st!
Some of us may have already voted for Jimmie's Aha Moment a few months ago. Now, Jimmie needs our VOTES again and others’ VOTES to make it to the top 10!!
CAST YOUR VOTE FOR JIMMIE TODAY! Copy this link into your browser: : http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/voting?momentSeed=1288371749. If this link is inoperable, simply go to Aha Moment (Mutual of Omaha) at http://www.ahamoment.com. Jimmie Smith Jr. has his family story listed as "Just the way he is.” which is an except for his original ‘Not hopeless." There you will see his engaging smile with his name as 'Jimmie_Baton Rouge'.
Don’t hold back your tears of feeling inspired as you view Jimmie’s video.
This is the Jimmie we want you to VOTE for – a selfless friend who opens his heart – a proud Dad who always has kind words to share about his 2 kids - someone so insightful, he created a digital biopic THAT EVERYONE WANTED FOR THEIR OWN MEMORIES! Hey! Think we are next in line to get our dvd made?!
Thus, in honor of making it this far in the Aha Moment - and being an awesome friend - we are dedicating our family blog to the remaining 3 voting days to Jimmie and his wonderful family. 'Enjoying the Hi-5s of Autism - A Family Experience' is honored to share Jimmie Smith, Jr.'s Aha Moment. We will post announcements to VOTE FOR JIMMIE'S AHA MOMENT on Google, Facebook and Twitter.
Please join us in spreading the word in your special way and remember to VOTE FOR Jimmie_BatonRouge ‘Just the way he is.’ aha moment!
We wanted to share more about why we started this blog and entitled it, "Enjoying the Hi-5s of Autism-A Family Experience".
EXCITED - Well, we are just as Excited about our 5 year old son as the day the doctor announced, "You're Pregnant!" Yep! We're still jumping for Joy and so is he!
Hi-5s!? - (our definition) Two people clapping together one of their hands to signify Excitement and Enjoyment. Our son likes to give and receive Hi-5s! This is his way of expressing accomplishment, approval and that's right, sheer enjoyment! Hi-5s were one of the first ways he communicated with his teachers at school. As our son calls out his bus #, Hi-5s are what he gives his bus driver and assistant. Hi-5s are another way he says, "good morning, this is my correct bus and I enjoy riding with you all to school." Just this Father's Day, he gave Hi-5s and handshakes to both his grandpas! What a wonderful treat for them to feel his warmth and exuberant touch. A moment of sheer joy! Additionally, Hi-5s helps our son play more socially with his cousins and other kids. All types of communication(verbal, nonverbal, body language, facial expressions,etc...) is important, especially in parallel play. Hi-5s fit right in as socially acceptable.
Okay, next time, we'll conclude this blog series as we share about family and experiences.
Remember, take some time to share a few Hi-5s! We did on June 26th, while watching Toy Story3 movie at AMC Sensory-Friendly Theater in Harahan,LA. Partnering with the Autism Society of America, AMCC's sensory-integration method of viewing accommodated our son's need for dim lights, low volume, and no previews! Bringing our own preferred snacks was a big Hi-5! Wer're checking their sites for the monthly viewings.Sensory-Friendly Films at AMC Movie Theatres
Next Topic: "A Developmentally - Disabled Person May Have Positively Impacted Your Life!? - A quick glance at their ABILITIES ,economic, intellectual and socialValue"
Next Topic: "More Economic Value of People with Developmental disABILITIES"
Next Topic: "More Intellectual Value of People with Developmental disABILITIES"
Next Topic:"More Social Value of People with Developmental disABILITIES"
Remember, to take some time to 'Enjoy the Hi 5s of Life!"
