#Speechless

Apr 30, 2017
2 min

Discussion of Speechless Episode R-U-N-RUNAWAY

Embed from Getty Images There is no playbook for raising a disabled child. Parents triumph and parents fail. Boundaries are blurred and often crossed. Love and good intentions can interfere with growth and independence. This week’s episode of Speechless addressed this balancing act disabled children and their parents face as the years go on. In my own situation, after 25 years, my mom and I continue to search for the proper boundaries between independence and enabling. T

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Discussion of Speechless Episode C-H-CHEATER: When Accommodating Becomes Enabling

hunterkelch2

Apr 7, 2017
4 min

Discussion of Speechless Episode C-H-CHEATER: When Accommodating Becomes Enabling

Watching this week’s episode of Speechless took me back to the days of my school years. This was a time when I not only used my disability, but also my charm to escape my educational responsibilities. I had accomplices in these crimes as well! In this week’s episode of Speechless, Maya discovered that JJ, her son with cerebral palsy, was using his aide, Kenneth, to score high on tests. Maya also discovered that JJ’s other teachers were allowing him to not do homework, to s

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Discussion of Speechless Episode D-I-DING: Wheelchair Etiquette Tips and Caregiving Challenges

hunterkelch2

Mar 20, 2017
3 min

Discussion of Speechless Episode D-I-DING: Wheelchair Etiquette Tips and Caregiving Challenges

My wheelchair is not a foot rest! In the most recent episode of Speechless, D-I-DING, two important disability issues were brought to light. The first issue that was addressed was basic wheelchair etiquette. The second issue was the low income received by caregivers. As in the previous episodes of Speechless, these real-life issues were played out in an entertaining and humorous fashion. One this episode of Speechless, the DiMeo family took a trip to a local grocery store

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Discussion of Speechless Episode: Dynamics of a Special Needs Family

hunterkelch2

Mar 14, 2017
4 min

Discussion of Speechless Episode: Dynamics of a Special Needs Family

My brother, Nghia Last week’s episode of Speechless, S-U-R–SURPRISE!, examined the complex relationship dynamics that occur in special needs families. All relationships within a special needs family have unique challenges. On this episode of Speechless, the dynamics between brothers and the dynamics between mother and daughter were examined. Every year, Maya plans a surprise birthday party for her daughter Dylan. It is her intention to make her daughter feel special on her

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Inadequacy: Discussion of Speechless Episode O-S-Oscar P-A-Party

hunterkelch2

Mar 2, 2017
3 min

Inadequacy: Discussion of Speechless Episode O-S-Oscar P-A-Party

Inadequacy is a term many special needs moms are familiar with. On the last week’s episode of Speechless, feelings of inadequacy were brought to light in Maya DiMeo’s special needs mom’s support group when a new member joined the group. The definition of inadequacy is a shortcoming or deficiency. Speaking from experience, special needs moms are in a constant state of inadequacy. Tending to the extra needs of a disabled child is a job that never ends. Our jobs are not limit

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Discussion of Speechless Episode: T-H THE C-L CLUB

hunterkelch2

Feb 21, 2017
4 min

Discussion of Speechless Episode: T-H THE C-L CLUB

Goofing off with Adam On last week’s episode of Speechless, the delicate relationship between caregiver and client was examined. When a caregiver provides care outside a facility, the professional lines can be tricky. I can relate my own caregiver relationships to that of JJ and Kenneth. Balancing personal and professional lives for both the caregiver and the client is in itself a challenge. In this episode of Speechless, JJ wanted to go to a movie with friends, but Kenneth

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Speechless: Discussion of R-A-Y-C-RAY-CATION

hunterkelch2

Feb 3, 2017
4 min

Speechless: Discussion of R-A-Y-C-RAY-CATION

This week brought another rerun of Speechless, episode 8 titled R-A-Y-C-RAY-CATION. I have not reviewed this episode yet, so I am taking the opportunity to do so! Dating and Time Management were the focus on this episode of Speechless. Dating The challenges of JJ dating were once again highlighted in this episode of Speechless. The basic logistics of dating are a challenge for wheelchair users such as myself. My cerebral palsy affects all four limbs and my trunk. With my

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Discussion of Speechless Episode D-A-T-E-DATE?

hunterkelch2

Jan 28, 2017
4 min

Discussion of Speechless Episode D-A-T-E-DATE?

This week there was not a new episode of Speechless. However, they did show a rerun of Episode 6 called D-A-T-E-DATE? The challenges of dating as an individual with a disability was featured. However, I think the challenge that stood out the most in this this episode of Speechless was the stress of the family and how they cope, whether it be healthy or unhealthy. First I want to talk about dating as a disabled adult. Dating is a challenge for many people, but in the socie

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Discussion of Speechless Episode S-I-C-SICK D-A-DAY

hunterkelch2

Jan 25, 2017
4 min

Discussion of Speechless Episode S-I-C-SICK D-A-DAY

Last week’s episode of ABC’s Speechless was titled S-I-C-SICK DAY. Common illness that tends to run through a family was the challenge in this week’s episode. Common illness is a challenge for many individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Before discussing common illness, I do want to point out the opening scene. I really appreciate Speechless showing Maya (mom) do stretching exercises with her son, JJ. Stretching is part of the daily routine for people with ce

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Discussion of Speechless Episode H-E-R-HERO

hunterkelch2

Jan 18, 2017
4 min

Discussion of Speechless Episode H-E-R-HERO

After watching the last dozen episodes of Speechless on ABC, I decided to write about the issues showcased in the weekly episodes. Speechless does an incredible job highlighting challenges, issues and irritations people with disabilities face. What is even better, Speechless does so in a very humorous light. Last week’s episode of Speechless was titled H-E-R-HERO. This episode actually addressed two challenges faced by many individuals with disabilities: wrestling with ins

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Review of Speechless: A Caregiver’s Perspective

hunterkelch2

Jan 10, 2017
5 min

Review of Speechless: A Caregiver’s Perspective

“I can’t imagine what you go through day to day”. As a parent of a disabled adult child, I hear this often. It is difficult to describe my day to day responsibilities and stress. It is also hard to describe the incredible triumphs and joys that this role brings me in my life. The new ABC sitcom, Speechless, attempts to bring light to the challenges and triumphs of parenting a child with a severe disability. I first heard about the ABC sitcom, Speechless, when Hunter and I

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