Island Treasures Alison van Schie

In this mini episode we focus on the first half of the full episode called "Tapping Into Communication and Positive Activity".  We hear how Lori Rogers has been a true champion for her son Craig.  Craig is now an adult who has autism and is non-verbal. 

For example, when equipment in the Special Needs School program was lacking, Lori and her husband researched what was needed in Craig's school.  Then they fund-raised to provide the equipment and cool tools that would benefit Craig and other students with special needs. 

Later on Lori read the book called "Underestimated: An Autism Miracle" which introduced her to Spelling to Communicate.  Again, through research and finding a practitioner, they learned how to use this communication tool which has opened up a whole new world of communication for Craig and his family.  

This episode follows the compelling caregiving story of Lori Rogers.  Lori is a successful businesswoman with three adult children.  Her second child was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and he was a non-speaker.

In 2011 her eldest child had a sports-related injury resulting in post-concussion symptoms which added a different aspect to Lori's already full caregiving life.  But, it was through this accident that Lori was introduced to wellness resources that helped her stay positive through all of the transitions she was facing.

She has adopted 6 positive activities that she shares in the epiosde - activities that personally help her frame her day with positivity and a raised happiness level.  Lori has a business called "Positive Activity".

Then in 2022 there was yet another shift in her caregiving story - when through the book "Underestimated: An Autism Miracle" she was introduced to "Spelling to Communicate".  As Craig was unable to speak to communicate this proved to be a game changer for them.  Lori has a message to other parents of non-speaking children with autism - "they're listening!" 

You'll want to hear how exciting this revelation has been for them as it has unlocked an amazing connection that enriches their relationship - and helps Craig to no longer have to eat green beans!



Check out'Spellers' (the documentary)

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month and the airing of the podcast featuring Dr. George Ackerman are timely as he is a huge voice in raising awareness for Parkinson's Disease.


He and I spoke on February 1st, 2024 and the very next day he was able to meet his hero, Michael J. Fox. George shared how much this meant to him; given George’s passion as an advocate helping folks who are living with Parkinson’s Disease.


George had been the caregiver for his mom who had lived with Parkinson’s disease for fifteen years and then diagnosed with late onset dementia in her last four years. What George has learned through his caregiving journey with his mom, Sharon, helps spur him on to share his knowledge, passion and advocacy with others. He works tirelessly in his effort towards finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease. 


He stresses that he does not do this for financial gain – but to raise funds for the Michael J Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s Foundation and the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.


To learn more, check out George's website: Together For Sharon

Dr. George Ackerman is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.
George and his family started TogetherForSharon® to honour his mother by keeping her memory alive; and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.


Today TogetherForSharon® reaches thousands of individuals across the country for Parkinson’s Disease Awareness. George currently interviews individuals throughout the Parkinson’s community including various foundations, caregivers, and Parkinson’s warriors to help share their stories and causes, uniting voices in the fight against Parkinson's Disease.


George was his mother’s caregiver. She lived with Parkinson’s Disease and late-onset dementia. He takes his experiences now from caretaking to advocacy. Advocacy for caregivers, folks living with Parkinson’s Disease and those striving to find a cure.


This episode is airing just in time for National Parkinson’s Awareness Month and at the time of our taping, George was getting ready to meet his hero, Michael J. Fox. George and TogetherForSharon are huge supporters of the Michael J. Fox Foundation. 


Social Media and Contact Information for George:
Email    
LinkedIn  
TikTok   
Facebook          
Twitter               
Instagram & Threads 
YouTube 

Following the full podcast episode featuring Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, this mini episode captures the content of the GEMS® model which describes the stages of brain change for folks living with dementia.
Each stage is represented by a gem to help us understand the progression of dementia and how these stages impact the changes in our loved one's abilities.
All we need to do is to provide the setting so that our loved one can shine!
For more information and resources, be sure to check out Teepa's website.

Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, is an Occupational Therapist with over forty years of rich and varied clinical and academic experience. Her experiences led her to the development of the GEMS® States of Brain Change and the Positive Approach® training strategies.
Her company, Positive Approach to Care® (PAC), provides online and in-person education and products to support those living with brain change. She also founded the Snow Approach Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Teepa presents with extraordinary expertise and humor to audiences throughout the world.


After several former podcast guests spoke so highly of Teepa Snow and her Positive Approach to Care, I invited her to be a guest on the podcast. In this episode we hear directly from Teepa including her own caregiving story.


When we get curious about the actions, behaviour and communication of a loved one living with dementia we can use the information they provide to support them where they need support. By getting curious, things can change.


Check out Teepa's website for great information; and her YouTube channel for videos addressing specific situations.