Sometimes big ideas start in small, unexpected places. You might be surprised to know that speech-generating devices (SGDs) began in a basement in rural Ohio. Two engineers, Ed Prentke and Barry Romich, connected over a mutual passion to help individuals with disabilities. In 1966, they launched their incredible work to give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves. PRC-Saltillo …
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How Do You Know Which Resources To Trust?
I am always happy to sit down and chat with parents and caregivers about anything related to Autism or children with special needs. I enjoy learning about the new things they are able to do because of research and technology, and am mesmerized by their passion and commitment to their children. I often sound like a broken record saying ‘wow, back when my kids were little we didn’t have anything …
What Would You Golf 100 Holes For?
I’m turning 50 this year. I’m taking it pretty well so far. The only new thing I have committed to is running my first marathon. I’m following a pretty strict training schedule so that I can actually finish the entire 26.2 miles. Another “marathon” I have done the past three years is Orange Effect’s 100 Holes of Golf fundraiser. Trust me, trying to complete 100 holes of golf in ONE day is …
How Autism Can Affect Your Social Engagement and How to Deal with it?
The term 'autism' is used to describe a wide spectrum of conditions characterized by difficulties with social abilities, repetitive behaviors, speech delays, and nonverbal communication, etc. It is a developmental impairment that alters the way we see our surroundings. Being autistic myself, I know how uncomfortable or agitated autistic people can get in changing environments and at social …
Technology That Makes Communication Possible
The links between our personalities, our voices, how we communicate, and the technology that helps us to do so are not always obvious—until you meet someone like Jeffrey Flanders. Jeffrey, 15, is funny, resourceful, and totally rocking the art of self-expression. He is chatty, though primarily nonverbal because of his cerebral palsy. Jeffrey warms up fast when he meets someone …
What Makes You Smile?
I really try hard not to be on social media too much. I have to be on social media in some ways for work and that’s okay, but when it’s time to decompress I believe in the research that says it is not good for you mentally and that it does not help with sleep. The times I do get caught “going down the rabbit hole” or spending too much time with social media is when there are certain kinds of …
Benefactor Spotlight: GIE Media
I asked one of our longest supporters, Chris Foster of GIE Media, to share his story about raising a special needs child as well as why he chooses to support The Orange Effect Foundation. A true shout out to Chris for all he does. ~ Pam Chris Foster: We have three children. Our daughter, 28, is a registered dietician living in Cincinnati with her husband. Our oldest son, 26, is a Chemical …
Technology is Moving Fast
If you’ve ever been responsible for the content of a blog or other project, you know it can be both invigorating and exhausting. It is a remarkable way to communicate with a group of people who know and trust you, but at the same time it is daunting to have to come up with that content every single day/week/month. For example, I have a huge admiration for people who do a daily podcast. I don’t …
Every Single Amazon Account Holder Should Do This
Some people argue that there is no such thing as free. Often they have a valid point. Maybe you have to buy one to get one free, or you have the cost of your time and travel to get whatever is free. The person who wants to buy you a coffee (hence free for you) may want something from you. I have however found the one scenario that is absolutely free. That I can guarantee costs you nothing and …
Orange Effect Board Member Spotlight: Melissa Meehan
What do I do for a day job? Well, this Fall I started my 37th year working as a Speech-Language Pathologist! Yes, it seems hard to believe I have been doing this for that many years. I have to admit, I love my job and I love the many different opportunities I have had with this career. I first started out at the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center, which has always been a place near and …
Remember, You are Just ONE Person
I love the holidays. I love everything about it. I love how my house changes with the decorations, I love trying to find just the perfect gift for friends and loved ones. I love baking as much as I can find plastic containers for and I love seeing everyone at parties and meals. It really is a wonderful time of the year. What’s the catch? Well, let’s be honest. It can be REALLY stressful. There …
ORANGE EFFECT FOUNDATION AWARDS SPEECH GRANTS FOR WINTER 2022
The Orange Effect Foundation recently awarded $29,916 to nine children across the United States with speech disorders. This quarter’s grants were awarded after a thorough review process by dedicated members of the Orange Effect Board of Directors. This is the first quarter where the grant application process was fully digital. “Every quarter I am more and more motivated by the children that OEF …
