Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Learning to Read Body Language
April is Autism Awareness Month, and as is the case, we thought we’d shed a little light on the topic of body language. First, what is body language ? Body language is defined as the process of communicating nonverbally through conscious or unconscious gestures and movements. Second, there are many different types of unconscious body language such as: facial expressions, body movements and posture, gestures, eye contact, and touch. Our body...
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at Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Monday, March 22, 2021
Disabled Communities Around the Country
Our team at Baddour Center is committed to providing adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder with significant opportunities to thrive and contribute to society. Whether you are staying with us at Baddour Center or are looking to pull up stakes and move across the country, we want to help to provide you with the tools and resources you may need to find the right fit for your loved one with...
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at Monday, March 22, 2021
Friday, March 19, 2021
How We Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day
At The Baddour Center, we believe that representation is important. We believe in celebrating the individuality and uniqueness of residents and the communities that they’re a part of. As is the case, it would only make sense that we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day every March 21st! Being an independent living facility means that we get to watch our members form friendships, let loose, and show the world what makes them...
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at Friday, March 19, 2021
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Feed the Body, Fuel the Mind.
Nutrition is an essential part of staying healthy both mentally and physically. Making sure we get enough of the right foods can be challenging. In essence, the right foods help fuel our mind. Though you may find thousands of fad diets and unique ways to prepare food, there are simpler ways to provide nutritional value to each meal.
5 Nutritional Tips for Individuals with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities may need extra attention to...
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Posted by
Cassie Smith
at
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Monday, October 12, 2020
Adaptive Halloween Costume Ideas for Adults with Special Needs
Halloween is one of the most universally celebrated holidays in the United States. It’s a time for fun, food, fall-themed activities, and most importantly, costumes. Dressing up as your favorite superhero, TV character, or mythical creature is one of the most exciting things about this spooky holiday, and it’s a great way to celebrate our uniqueness. However, at times, Halloween can feel more trick than treat for...
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Posted by
Cassie Smith
at
Monday, October 12, 2020
Monday, October 5, 2020
How Has COVID-19 Affected the Disabled Community?
It has been a very busy year. The Baddour Center and the disabled community as a whole have faced some unique challenges in the wake of a worldwide pandemic. However, we wanted to take the opportunity to sit down and answer some important questions we’ve been asked. We’re always striving to be a reliable resource for special needs individuals and their families, and so we thought it was important to offer our...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Monday, October 5, 2020
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Staying Active with Disabled Loved Ones
Staying active is one of the most important parts of staying healthy. If you are a caregiver or a family member of a person with disabilities, it’s crucial to step up and help keep them active throughout each week. Finding unique ways to stay active comes with a variety of benefits for your physical and mental health and theirs.
DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that this article is not intended to replace or refute a physician’s...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Communicating on Behalf of a Disabled Loved One
Good communication is an important part of any relationship. For family members with a loved one living with disabilities, it’s a critical step toward reaching an optimal degree of care. Achieving effective communication between family members and caregivers is essential to the mental and physical well-being of those with intellectual disabilities.
6 Tips for Communicating with Caregivers
This type of communication can...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Top 5 Games for People With Intellectual Disabilities
Video games are fantastic teaching and learning tools. They entertain us, alleviate stress, foster creativity, problem-solving skills, reading comprehension---The list goes on and on.
According to Ph.D. and bestselling author Jane McGonigal , games and game designers are on a humanitarian mission: To improve real lives and solve real-world problems. She’s an outspoken advocate for games (of all...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Friday, March 6, 2020
Books for Parents of Special Needs Individuals
Parents of children with special needs face unique challenges. As a group of individuals who are always looking for ways to connect and find hope, books have become a great source of information for parents to find new information and relate to others on their journey. From inspirational stories to informative guides, parents of children with special needs can benefit from a multitude of books concerning the topic of raising special needs...
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Posted by
Cassie Smith
at
Friday, March 6, 2020
Friday, January 10, 2020
Traveling with Loved Ones with Special Needs
Traveling with family members can be overwhelming at times, but it can be even more stressful to travel with special needs family members. On the other hand, it is also extremely rewarding to have your loved ones by your side while visiting new places. Traveling with special needs family members may be challenging, but there are a variety of ways to make the most of the journey while making it easier on you and the rest of your family.
...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Friday, January 10, 2020
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Finding Hope
Difficult and rewarding. How do those two words fit together? Parents of special needs children live out the answer every single day. A diagnosis can be devastating, and there are aspects of their journey that may seem hopeless. It’s important, however, to keep in mind that every individual can have hope for their future, including those with special needs. With a multitude of resources and inspiring individuals, parents with special needs can have faith that...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Who are The Baddour Center’s The Miracles?
The Miracles are the Baddour Center’s nationally-recognized choir performs both locally and around the country. Community life at the Baddour Center plays a significant role in allowing residents to participate and enjoy a multitude of activities with their peers, and The Miracles offer an opportunity for Baddour residents to join an award-winning musical ensemble. Miracles choir members must both audition and attend weekly...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
College with Special Needs
As a caregiver for an adult with special needs, you may feel as if your loved one has fewer opportunities to pursue secondary education. Although some may be prepared to spread their wings after high school, there are also many adults with special needs can transition into the workforce, training programs, and more. These opportunities give each individual the opportunity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life by becoming part of the world around...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Monday, August 26, 2019
Legal Documents for Special Needs Adults
Being aware of the legal documents in place for special needs adults is extremely important for individuals with disabilities as well as their families. Having access to this information will allow individuals to know their rights and the rights of their families in regards to financial, medical, and other matters.
Special Needs Trusts
A special needs trust, also sometimes referred to as a supplemental needs trust, is...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Monday, August 26, 2019
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
The Baddour Center’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tricia ‘TP’ Melvin achieved a milestone at Baddour when she celebrated her 40-year employment anniversary on Friday, August 2.
The Baddour Center opened in December of 1978, and Melvin began work in August of 1979 when the first residents were admitted. She was the Center’s first Director of Residential Services, serving until 2012 when she became the Chief Operating Officer.
...
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at Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Challenges of Being a Special Needs Parent
At Baddour Center, we commend special needs parents for all they do, and we understand the challenges that come with parenting individuals with special needs. The life of a special needs parent includes an additional set of responsibilities and concerns other parents need not consider.
Social Isolation and Special Needs Parents
Special needs parents are often unable to participate in peer and family events to the extent that other...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Thursday, May 23, 2019
What is sensory processing disorder?
Sensory processing disorder is a condition in which individuals feel intense emotional, mental, or physical pain or stress as a result of sensory overload. Sensory processing disorder often includes aversions or intense reactions to various sights and sounds related to each of the five senses:
Taste
Touch
Sight
Smell
Sound
7 Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder
People with sensory processing...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Monday, December 17, 2018
What are the Best Gifts for People with Disabilities and Sensory Processing Disorders?
Some family members can be tough to buy for, especially those with special needs. There’s always the question of “What do they want?” and “What do they need,?” but for those with sensory processing disorders, it can be even more difficult to find clothing and entertainment options that are sensory-friendly. Here are a few of our top picks for the best gift ideas for...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Monday, December 17, 2018
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
For any parent, the transition between adolescence and adulthood can be a time of frustration, anxiety, and concern. Whether your child has special needs or not, helping them navigate the world of adulthood and responsibility can feel overwhelming, but know you’re not alone on this journey. If you are the parent or guardian of a special needs individual, know that Baddour and our team are here to help any questions you have regarding the best way to help prepare your child for...
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Posted by
Cassie Smith
at
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Communicating with Adults with Special Needs
If you are communicating with a special needs adult in your professional or personal life, there are a few things to keep in mind. The most important thing to consider when communicating with special needs adults is that, like anyone else, they respond well to respect and kindness. In many ways, communicating with a special needs adult is like communicating with other adults, but here are a few tips to ensure you are communicating effectively and...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Being the parent of a special needs child, young or older, is hard. All children are a lot of responsibility, especially newborns and toddlers. Individuals with SN continue to need additional support that other neuro-typical children become less and less dependent on as they move into their teenage and adult years. Many will still need help with reading, expressing emotions, understanding social situations they're put in, picking out clothes, reminders to complete personal hygiene...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Friday, July 13, 2018
Just like anyone else, it’s important for adults with special needs to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing to prevent serious health disorders and complications. In addition to the health guidelines often recommended to the general population, such as not smoking, not using drugs, and not consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, there are a few health tips special needs adults and their caregivers can follow to maintain a positive state of wellbeing and increase longevity.
...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Friday, July 13, 2018
Friday, July 6, 2018
1. Visit a Farmer’s Market
The MidSouth is home to some fantastic farmers markets. Head to your local farmers market for inspiration for new recipes using fresh, local ingredients and to get to know the local farmers producing your favorite foods. Many farmers markets even offer honey, artisan breads, and other non-produce items for sale.
Memphis Farmers Market
The Memphis Farmers Market held on South Main each Saturday from April through October is the largest in the...
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at Friday, July 6, 2018
Friday, June 29, 2018
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics. This event is especially close to our hearts considering the impact it has had on the intellectually disabled. Over the past 50 years, we’ve watched Olympians overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
THE 25 MOST INSPIRING OLYMPIC MOMENTS OF ALL TIME
As a center committed to providing numerous opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, we offer numerous programs to support this mission,...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Friday, June 29, 2018
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
A number of you have seen our Facebook pictures, but we also want to bring you blog followers to speed concerning our growing relationship with Retrieving Freedom, Inc. In short, Retrieving Freedom (RFI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training service dogs to help people, namely veterans, children with autism, and individuals living with diabetes.
For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), pet therapy often opens the door to...
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at Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
If you are the parent, guardian, or caretaker of an adult with disabilities, you have a life that can sometimes be complicated. For as many joys as life brings, there are also questions that come up over the years, regarding your loved one’s future, health, and happiness.
Often, choosing an adult facility means giving up some control. By sending your loved one to a new home, you are unable to be there, at a moment’s notice, to help or to be there if he or she needs you. For...
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at Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Friday, January 5, 2018
At home over the holiday, I was reflecting on Baddour Center. This is a recurring reflection… I never cease to be amazed, and humbled, by others’ generosity to this ministry. I confess the reflection is more intense toward year-end due to the often-overwhelming support people show Baddour.
When I returned this week to the office, I found the following quote in one of many emails: "When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is...
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Posted by
Parke Pepper
at
Friday, January 5, 2018
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
The Baddour Center is moving to the next phase of embracing technology! In addition to our open computer lab that all of our residents have access to, we are now able to assist residents with new technology in a variety of ways. The amount of goods and services online has compelled most of us to adapt to the undeniable changes brought to us by technology. Nowadays, having a device capable of internet connectivity is almost a necessity. Here at The Baddour Center, residents and staff...
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Posted by
Brittany Rodgers
at
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
I must share a recent and tremendous experience. The Baddour Center participated in the 2017 FedEx Services Global Supplier Conference. The event, held at the historic Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis, brought together hundreds of professionals whom worldwide serve FedEx at some point in their supply chain.
While this is probably not necessary, I remind you that we are a FedEx “supplier,” along with the many much larger, household names of corporations you might...
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Posted by
Parke Pepper
at
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
The Baddour Center is happy to announce that Independence United Methodist Church has reached out to Baddour residents by inviting them to join a Sunday School program at the church.
“We are thrilled about the church’s willingness to do this and thankful for their enthusiasm,” Parke Pepper, Executive Director of The Baddour Center, said. “Welcoming these residents into the church body is an awesome thing, and the residents always love being a part of our larger...
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Posted by
Natalie Troutt
at
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Monday, July 31, 2017
“Whatever you do, do it as service to [God], and He will guarantee your success.” Proverbs 16:3 (VOICE)
At the beginning of 2017, I selected the verse above and used Bible Gateway to read nearly every version available in order to determine which one I liked best before writing it on a bright colored paper and posting it on my office door. Certain words popped out to me for being simple yet powerful: whatever, service, guarantee, and success. I wanted to remember this entire year...
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Posted by
Cassie Smith
at
Monday, July 31, 2017
Monday, June 5, 2017
May ended a very busy spring! We had Track and Field and the Summer State games, which consisted of volleyball, tennis, swimming, and powerlifting.
June is a time to slow down for us. Golf and bowling are the only sports we are playing this month. We bowl on Tuesday and golf on Wednesday and Thursday. Our June golf tournament is scheduled to be held at Glen Eagle in Millington on June 26.
We have two athletes going to the National Golf Tournament in Seattle, Washington. Jeremiah Doane and...
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at Monday, June 5, 2017
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Our new Director of Advancement shared yesterday this piece of information about Volunteerism…
Helping others kindles happiness, as many studies have demonstrated. When researchers at the London School of Economics examined the relationship between volunteering and measures of happiness in a large group of American adults, they found the more people volunteered, the happier they were, according to a study in Social Science and Medicine. Compared with people who never volunteered, the...
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Posted by
Parke Pepper
at
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Yolie and I hold up photos of individuals with various facial expressions, and I ask the group, "How would you feel if someone gave you a compliment?" Several hands shoot up into the air and point at the various photos, and most point towards a photo of a young man with a smiling expression.
"That's right! If someone gives us a compliment, we feel happy!"
This brief interaction is a snapshot into our weekly lessons with some of the residents at The Baddour Center....
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at Thursday, March 2, 2017
Friday, February 3, 2017
The month of February is widely considered by some to be the month of “love”, so what better time to blog about all of the many reasons myself and others love The Baddour Center? It is quite an easy topic for someone who has spent the better part of her life living and loving all things Baddour!
While the word “love” can be defined in so many different ways, it has always been clear to me that love is a never ending story of an open book and experiences. With...
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at Friday, February 3, 2017
Friday, January 20, 2017
Our Baddour Center Leadership Team sat at a conference table in the fall of 2008, deliberating the pros and cons of hosting the local Upward Basketball Program on campus in our gym.
Is the gym available? Should we charge the churches and participants a fee? Can and will residents attend the games? Are we equipped to handle that many visitors? More importantly, what good does this do Baddour? What’s the liability to Baddour? And so on.
...
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Posted by
Parke Pepper
at
Friday, January 20, 2017
Friday, January 20, 2017
Dear Friends,
The 2016 chapter in Baddour Center history is closed; and, looking back, we experienced many highlights. Among the many include:
Welcoming 4 new directors to our Senior Leadership Team.
Jennie Lou Pryor – Director of Health Services
April Caccavano – Director Residential Services
Richie Ayers – Director of Physical Plant
Kristin Goode – Director of Education and Behavior Supports
YOUR Summer Program reaching...
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Posted by
Parke Pepper
at
Friday, January 20, 2017
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
I feel like a school-age child all over again. In April of this year, I started wishing that the sweet freedom of summertime would hurry up and get here. I was checking my mailbox every single day to see if a new Summer Program application was in there, ordering this and that to make sure we had enough supplies, and having planning meetings with fellow co-workers who would reassure me that summer was just around the corner. Just as they said, summer did arrive in all of its heat and haste. Now,...
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Posted by
Cassie Smith
at
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Monday, February 22, 2016
Today, almost everyone knows someone who has a diagnosis of Autism. For parents, teachers, and human service providers, knowing this about a person is an important first step in understanding how to meet his or her needs.
However, “Autism” is not a thing. It is just a label, and it applies to a wide spectrum of characteristics that look different from person to person. At one end of this spectrum, the diagnosis describes people who may have average to...
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Posted by
Mary Algee
at
Monday, February 22, 2016
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Hi, I am Jodie Ross, the board certified music therapist at The Baddour Center. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music from Mississippi University for Women in 2010. I completed my six-month internship at The Baddour Center and have been here ever since! At Baddour, I am mostly seen directing the Wonder Player productions or the creative movement group, Hearts in Motion, but my main job duty is to provide music therapy services to the residents of Baddour.
Have you ever heard of...
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Posted by
Mary Algee
at
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The Baddour Center is hosting its second YOUR Summer Program in 2016. You’re probably wondering what YOUR stands for: Your Opportunity for a Unique Respite. At The Baddour Center, we believe every person whom we serve should live a safe and fulfilling life, and that life includes the participants (ages 16-35) who join us for a week of respite in the sweet summertime!
Week 1…June 5-10, 2016 (female participants)
Week 2…June 19-24, 2016...
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Posted by
Mary Algee
at
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
We aim to accomplish three things with this post.
First , we want to formally recognize and thank 17 Baddour Center employees whom were recognized late last week during our annual Employee Recognition Service. These employees include: Bonnie Alexander and Zach Shackleford – 5 years; Venois Boyce, Julie Hanks, Earlene Holts, Regina Hudson, Constance Reed, Lacey Thornton, Henry Till, Cindy Trainum, and Linette Walters – 10 years; Rosie Bland – 15...
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Posted by
Mary Algee
at
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
I’ve held onto this post longer than I should. In the last post, we spoke of our annual Homecoming and Family Weekend. At the end, I commented that Homecoming is my favorite Baddour Center event and indicated that I would share more soon about why that is.
It is because nowhere else will you find a “spirit tree.” In keeping with our Mardi Gras-style Homecoming theme, we used a bucket truck to decorate, hanging beads and masquerade masks...
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Posted by
Mary Algee
at
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Hello Friends. I see our last blog post is dated July 2. Guess that means we’ll have to pick up our game. I advise you to not correlate blog activity and Baddour Center activity. As little as there is of the former, there is plenty of the latter.
So, let’s talk about an upcoming activity. This weekend (October 30 – November 1), Baddour is hosting its 2nd Annual Homecoming and Family Weekend. We’ve actually hosted...
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Posted by
Mary Algee
at
Wednesday, October 28, 2015