My younger brother Brandon is 23 years old and is part of
the Gigi's Fox Valley Playhouse. His favorite Gigi's programs have included
Teen Tastic, Fantastic Friends, and the Dance at Gigi's program. Music and
dancing help Brandon come alive, showing off his dance skills in his
"moonwalk", break dancing, jumping, and other cool moves! He looks
forward to the Dance at Gigi's classes and performances, as music helps
transport him to a place where he can be himself, express himself, feel a part
of something, and have social interaction opportunities with other dancer
participants. #321daysofacceptance, #bestofall #GenerationG,
#Gigi'sPlayhouse
My brother Brandon has also inspired me to be my "best
of all", to pursue a career in special education for 8 years, and now as an IEP
advocate helping families. It had been a rough road for Brandon in his later schooling. He struggled
with behavior from the auras of oncoming seizures, something that was unknown
at the time. I have learned it is not only important to be your child's best advocate
in the school setting, but also within the medical setting. We knew something
just wasn't right. (It is important to follow that "mommy intuition" because
it is usually always right!). Once it was determined that these behaviors were indeed
tied to seizures, doctors were able to find successful medication to control
the seizures and low and behold, the behaviors started to greatly decrease! At
first, the school had recommended a residential schooling placement. After a
bit of advocating with doctors and then with the school, following many 7 hour
plus meetings with the school district lawyer, I was able to get my brother
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) behavioral therapy services both in the school
and home settings. This helped Brandon
learn important coping skills based on the different functions of behavior,
while learning how to communicate his feelings. At the time, ABA was newly recognized by school districts
as an effective intervention. Now it is one that is widely used by school
districts as part of professional development for staff to implement ABA strategies within the
classroom. After much advocacy work on my behalf with his school district, Brandon was able to stay
in his current placement at the time by bringing the behavioral services to
him, so that he could be successful in his least restrictive environment. I
learned a lot about the importance of advocacy and was then inspired to do a
career shift from teaching special education, to helping other parents advocate
for their child's unique needs in the special education system, via the IEP.
Gigi's Playhouse has had a profound impact on Brandon throughout the
years, as well as myself and the rest of my family. It has given Brandon a social outlet and
a place to challenge himself, while providing my parents a place to chat with
other families for support. This is an organization very near and dear to my
heart! I have been a Gigi's Playhouse volunteer, parent presenter, as well as a
group leader for Fantastic Friends for adults with Down Syndrome.
Seeing Brandon 's
strength and determination to overcome his challenges, as well as those of
other participants at Gigi's Playhouse, has been inspirational! It has further
inspired me to never give up fighting for these kids and young adults, giving
them a voice to get their needs met through effective advocacy.
For updates on IEP advice and tips, b
Written by: Carly Quinlan, IEP Consultant & Advocate
with IEP Consulting, LLC
IEPconsultingLLC@gmail.com
