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Are you also an independent broker like me? Perhaps you have expertise in housing or home modifications, etc. Would you be interested in collaborating? Let's have a discussion now!

As the mother of a child with autism and other special needs. Like you, I understand the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for our kids, especially when it comes to learning new skills like cooking. We want them to be independent, but that fear is real! Especially in the kitchen—at least for me. Recently, I discovered a fantastic tool that I believe could be invaluable for other families: the Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket . I remember when my son was 8, and we started teaching him how to make eggs on a hot plate— this one , to be exact! He was eager to learn, but we wanted to ensure he was safe. My husband, his DSP, and I decided that starting with a hot plate was best. It allowed him to learn a valuable skill while giving me (notice I didn't say my husband, because he'd let that kid do anything without a second thought 🤣🤣) peace of mind, knowing he was cooking safely. Fast forward to now: that 8-year-old is a 13-year-old—an easily distracted 13-year-old—who wants to cook more than just eggs! He has graduated from the hot plate to the stove, learning to make mac and cheese, bacon, rice, chicken, and more. The Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket has eased my mind, allowing him to explore cooking. It’s designed to smother flames and provide a quick response in case of a fire, making it an essential addition to any kitchen—especially for budding chefs. Having the blanket nearby gives us both peace of mind and allows him to focus on learning without anxiety about potential kitchen hazards. I highly recommend considering the fire blanket as part of your kitchen safety plan. It’s a small investment that can have a significant impact, providing both protection and peace of mind as our children navigate the world of cooking. Plus, it may even be covered under your OTPS Health and Safety or Health & Independence budget lines! If you’re looking for ways to enhance kitchen safety and empower your child, this fire blanket might be the perfect addition. Let’s not hold our kids back out of fear; instead, let’s equip them with the tools they need to thrive in the kitchen safely! Heck, I feel safer knowing it's there when I'm cooking 🤣 If you already have the fire safety blanket or decide to get one, please come back and share your experience. I’m sure others would love to hear about it! Thank you for reading! I hope you found this information helpful. Please feel free to share it with others who can use it.  Happy cooking! -Chantel

Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the same boat I once found myself in, trying to figure out how to keep your child’s teeth clean when they absolutely hate brushing and hate going to the dentist for their cleanings. My son has autism, and I remember when getting him to brush his teeth was a daily battle (still a battle though 😒). But guess what? My dentist told me about something that really helps—xylitol. It’s been a game-changer for us, so I wanted to share how you can use it too. So, What’s Xylitol? Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute found in fruits and veggies. Unlike regular sugar, it doesn’t cause tooth decay. In fact, it helps reduce plaque and prevent cavities. Sounds like magic, right? Here’s how it can help: Reduces Plaque: Xylitol stops the bad bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities. Neutralizes Acids: It helps keep the pH level in the mouth neutral, so the enamel stays strong. Boosts Saliva: More saliva means fewer food particles and bacteria hanging around. Totally Safe and Natural: No need to worry about artificial stuff—xylitol is all-natural. How to Sneak Xylitol into Your Kid’s Routine Here are some ways to get xylitol working for your child’s teeth, even if they run from a toothbrush: Xylitol Chewing Gum: If your kid is old enough and okay with chewing gum, this is a great option. It’s fun and effective for cleaning teeth between brushings. This is the one we used the most 😊. Xylitol Mints or Candies: My son loves these too! He thinks he's getting one over on me and getting candy, but little does he know it’s helping his teeth. Just keep an eye on how many they’re eating. These ones are great to put in your purse or their backpack! Xylitol Sprays and Wipes: For younger kids or those with sensory issues, xylitol sprays and wipes are lifesavers. You can gently wipe their teeth and gums, hopefully without a fuss. Tips from One Parent to Another Start Slowly: Introduce xylitol products a little at a time. See how your child reacts and go from there. Check with the Dentist: Always a good idea to talk to your child’s dentist before starting something new. They can give you the best advice. Be Consistent: Regular use is key. To get the most benefit, try to make xylitol a part of your daily routine. I give my son a couple a day and tell him to eat them after he has lunch at school. Make it Fun: Turn dental care into a fun activity. Use colorful and tasty xylitol products to make it more appealing. Final Thoughts Keeping our kids’ teeth healthy can be tricky, especially when brushing is a challenge. But xylitol has made a big difference for us, and I hope it can help you, too. It really is a simple, natural way to protect their teeth from cavities and decay without the daily struggle of brushing. This is the brand I use with my kiddos, and they love it. Give it a try, and hopefully, it keeps your kiddo's smile healthy! Happy brushing!

It's never too early to start thinking about your child’s future. And you can use OPWDD's self-direction program to make that future a reality! Planning ahead can help you determine what you want for your child and what is realistic for your self-direction budget. Use these tips to get started on creating the budget of your dreams. Check your child’s LOC. At the start of your OPWDD journey, a Level of Care Eligibility Determination Form (a.k.a LCED or LOC) was created for your child. These are updated annually, review the form, learn what the questions and answers mean. This can and will help you determine what kind of services and supports your child may need. It also gives you a chance to potentially make any necessary changes before pursuing self-direction. The first step is making sure all forms are an accurate reflection of your child’s needs. Make sure the DDP-2 is correct. First let me say, it's important to have realistic expectations when pursuing self-direction. At the start of your OPWDD journey, a DDP-2 profile was done with you for your child. Learn what your answers mean and what their score is. If the profile does not seem to reflect your child, or you weren’t a part of completing it, consider asking your care manager to redo the DDP-2. Think about your child as they are today, not how you want them to be, not how you think they are but, where they really are… be honest. Now is not the time to make your child seem better than they are. DDP-2 scores are created for your childs adaptive, behavior and health areas and these are what determines your childs budgets PRA amount! Identify your wants versus your child’s needs. What you want in a budget can be quite different than what your child needs. Before pursuing a self-direction budget, create a must-have list of services and supports your child can't go without. For example, if you have a large family, you may need a specific number of hours of respite so you can spend time with your other kids. While a want may be that you may really want a cell phone, a tablet for your child, or a membership to an elite private club; although nice to have, your child can also live without these things. Choose your ideal broker. There are many factors that you should consider when choosing a broker. Along with considering whether you prefer a male or female and whether they are hands-on or hands-off, consider how experienced a broker is. Also, consider the FI agencies they are associated with. For example, if a broker is only associated with one FI and their fringe rate is 35%, you’re stuck using that FI. It can be more expensive to use one FI versus another. Make your self-direction process as smooth as possible by planning ahead. Following these tips can lead to a happier self-direction experience!

Meet Chantel the Broker Dedicated OPWDD Self Direction Broker How My OPWDD Journey Began As an autism mom from the (not always so) boogie-down Bronx, I know what it means to "make things happen." Sadly, I also know what it means to have to fight for help and services, both from the education system and the healthcare system. Parents helping parents is a big thing in the special needs community. I received almost all the great info I now have from other parents who are willing to share their knowledge. That includes self-direction . I met another autism mom at a workshop in Westchester, and when she told me all the services, I could get with a Medicaid Waiver –I listened. The next day I contacted an agency, signed the forms and had services within three months. I can't begin to tell you the incredible progress Prince has made in many areas because of the support he received then and now has. Schedule a Time to Talk The Birth of " Chantel the Broker" I never thought to be a self-direction broker until my son Prince's then broker mentioned it to me, "you have all the right qualities to make a great broker," she said. You have passion, you're organized, and you think outside of the box." That was over a decade ago. But even after becoming a certified broker and hearing what my son's old broker said, I still had no intentions of brokering for other families, the idea never even crossed my mind. At first, I brokered my own son's case for about six months until my friends and acquaintances that I told about SD started asking me to be their child's broker, and as they say, the rest is history. So here I am, doing something I love! Read Parent Testimonials Book a Time to Talk My Mission As a Broker Not only am I a broker, but unlike many others (most brokers do not have kids with special needs). I get it! I can relate to the life you live on a deeper level. Because just like you, I’m in the trenches daily juggling the demands of special needs parenting all while trying to keep my head above water while being a mom to my special son, his siblings and a wife to my husband. My mission as a broker is a straightforward one, nothing rocket science about it at all. My purpose is simply to add value to you and your child's life and contribute to your child's success now and in the future. Let's Talk! View My Broker STATS Last Words... I’m always attending workshops, trainings, talks (I even give some myself) doing whatever and going wherever I can to educate myself, so I have the knowledge and learn the tools to give my son the best future possible—and I’m happy to share what I know with you! Everywhere I go, I tell parents about self-direction and the perks of using it; how they can take control and direct their child’s future, further than they ever dreamed possible. If you’re looking for understanding—I get your situation. If you’re looking for direction—I can point you in a good one. If you’re looking for knowledge—I can share what I have with you. If you’re looking for hope—I can show you how to find and create it. If you need a broker, feel free to reach out, I’m here to help. Wishing you all the best on your journey 👣. Chantel the broker Let's Talk FI Agencies I Currently Work With " Very Resourceful" “Chantel has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Her expertise and support have helped us navigate the complex world of self direction with ease.” - Sarah, Riverdale " She's Really Good " “I highly recommend Chantel to anyone looking for self direction broker. She is professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate.” - John, Manhattan " Very Professional "You won't go wrong using Chantel as your child's broker. She is very knowledgeable and very professional plus she keeps you up-to-date which I love." -Daria, Bronx Read More Testimonials "Supportive " “ Chantel has made a real difference in my life. Her support has helped me to live more independently and do things I love” - Sean, New Rochelle " Great Service" “...Easy to book a time to speak, very understanding, goes above and beyond just all-around great service... if you're looking for a broker you won't go wrong choosing Chantel!” - Tom, Brooklyn What Parents Say

Get a Free 7 Day Pass Join the Program and Rediscover Your Confidence 1 A Results-Driven Training Method You can easily add your own content to this paragraph. Click on “Edit Text” or double click the Text Box to make it your own. 2 A Nutrition Plan You Can Stick To You can easily add your own content to this paragraph. Click on “Edit Text” or double click the Text Box to make it your own. Let's Get Started First Name Last Name Email Message Sign Me Up Thanks for submitting!

"You are the creator of your child's life. You are the director and you get to call "action" or "cut" and I can help you do that! Are you ready to take your child's waiver services to an individualized place? Let's Talk! Check Out My Stats Meet Chantel I’m Chantel Paige, an autism mom from the (not always so) boogie down Bronx. I’ve been using self-direction personally for my son, 'Prince' for over a decade now, and when my son’s broker told me I should be a broker –I listened. So here I am, doing something I truly love–helping people! Learn More About Me Hi there ! I'm Chantel the Broker Chantel by the numbers... 100+ Approved Initial Budgets 99% Client Retention 9 FI Partnerships 10+ Years as a Broker 98% Clients With an Autism Diagnosis Chantel STATS (Home) 3% Housing Budgets 16% Adult Cases 20% Teenager Cases 64% Kids Cases 0.91% Clients with a Prader-Willi Syndrome Diagnosis 9% Clients with a Down Syndrome Diagnosis 66% Clients with an ADHD Diagnosis 20% Clients that are non speaking 18% Adult Clients Who Are Employed 100% Effort & Heart Given to Each Case "There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more" — Robert M. Hensel "There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more" — Robert M. Hensel "Very Resourceful" “Chantel has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Her expertise and support have helped us navigate the complex world of self direction with ease.” - Sarah, Riverdale " She's Really Good " “I highly recommend Chantel to anyone looking for self direction broker. She is professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate.” - John, Manhattan "Very Professional" "You won't go wrong using Chantel as your child's broker. She is very knowledgeable and very professional plus she keeps you up-to-date which I love." -Daria, Bronx "Supportive " “ Chantel has made a real difference in my life. Her support has helped me to live more independently and do things I love” - Sean, New Rochelle "Great Service" “...Easy to book a time to speak, very understanding, goes above and beyond just all-around great service... if you're looking for a broker you won't go wrong choosing Chantel!” - Tom, Brooklyn What Parents Say Read More Testimonials The Journey Towards a Great SD Experience Begins With a Good Broker. Begin Your Journey Today. Book A Time to Talk Check out Self Direction in Action All Videos NP Swimming Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing 00:26 Play Video Now Playing 00:19 Play Video Now Playing 03:48 Play Video Now Playing 00:07 Play Video SD Videos (Classes) "When you judge someone based on a diagnosis you miss out on their abilities, beauty and uniqueness" Blog BLOG A Must-Have Tool for Cooking Safety That No One Talks About! Chantel Paige 2 min read How to Use Xylitol for Your Child's Dental Health (Especially if They Hate Brushing!) Chantel Paige 2 min read Read More Posts I L🩷VE My Clients Load More SD Infographic (Home) Still Have Questions? Let's Talk Partnerships, Certifications and Affiliations

Describe your program here. Why should people join? Use short catchy text to tell people how they can benefit from participating. A great description makes people more likely to join your program.

Describe your program here. Why should people join? Use short catchy text to tell people how they can benefit from participating. A great description makes people more likely to join your program.