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Are you a business that offers a service that will be beneficial to the OPWDD, Self-Direction, or Special Needs community? For example, a cooking class, a sensory class, etc. Well, I’m looking to partner with people just like you!

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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!

"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... 120+ Approved Initial Budgets 99% Client Retention 10 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

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Expert Advice Delivered Straight to Your Inbox My monthly email newsletter is full of practical advice you can easily apply to your SD experience and win with your self-direction budget. Email Join My Mailing List Thanks for subscribing! Recommend a Provider for Spotlight Be the Next Provider Spotlight What to Expect Expert Advice You Can Always Trust I am a seasoned broker who is dedicated to helping my families reach their SD goals. With my Q&A, tips, and guidance, you can trust that you're getting expert advice that will help you succeed. Free Community Events Looking for free events in your area? Look no further! Each month, I compile a list of free community events that your child can attend. And the best part? You can get reimbursed for your travel expenses through Personal Use Transportation. Don't miss out on these great opportunities to have fun and save money! Classes and Programs My monthly feature, "Provider Spotlight"! brings you an exclusive interview with a unique vendor, providing valuable insights and uncovering new opportunities for your kiddo! Plus, I'm always on the lookout for vendors who accept direct payment, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for you. Proven Ways to Maximize Your Child's Budget Are you looking for ways to make the most out of your child's budget? I provide ideas to help you maximize your child's budget. Subscribe now to receive proven tips and tricks every month! Relevant OPWDD News and How It Impacts Your Child Stay informed about the latest OPWDD news and how it affects your child. My monthly updates provide honest and relevant information on trending topics, changes etc. without any fluff. Trust me to always keep you in the know! and Much More Extra content, exclusive insights, interviews, helpful items and so much more! I am constantly working to enhance the information provided, ensuring my newsletter stays current and engaging for my families. After all the most effective advocate is an informed advocate! Previous Newsletters Newsletter Sample View Newsletters What Parents Say “...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

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.