3 Creative Strategies for Finding Resources for Children with IDD
Uncover new resources for your family by utilizing your creativity! Thinking outside the box can help open new possibilities for you and your child.
Advice from Madelyn Kempen of Mama Hippos
Give yourself permission to creatively envision your future!
Founder of Mama Hippos, Madelyn Kempen.
Before you begin, start by listing out all your child’s resources. Remember to add supports that are in place for you and your child’s siblings! Consider things like: Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Respite Care, and Support Groups. Taking the time to list out each support and service helps you to prepare yourself to identify the gaps.
Now, identify what is currently working for your family.
- Who are the supportive people in your family’s life? Who can you count on?
- What does your family enjoy?
- What are your family’s strengths?
Next, identify where you need additional support:
- What would you like to see change? (Behaviors, routines, activities, etc.)
- What is no longer serving or helping your family?
- What is your top priority or goal for your family?
Now that you have taken an inventory of what is working well and what you would like to see change, you are ready to start dreaming about possibilities!
1. Imagine your dream resource: Give yourself permission to dream up your ideal
resource for your child to inspire your creativity. Brainstorm ideas without judgement or
limitations. Really give yourself the freedom to consider new possibilities. Share your
dream resource with your current providers for ideas or resources that are similar, or
contact service providers to discuss adaptations or accommodations.
2. Network with other parents: Ask other parents about what resources have worked for
their family. It always amazes me what new resources I find by networking with other
parents and providers! Another benefit of networking with your parent group is you will
get honest feedback about the value of the resource!
3. Attend events with a focus on inclusivity: Consider attending events like Autism
United’s annual conference. Attend education sessions and learn about vendors and
providers who may offer services you have not discovered before!
When creatively seeking new resources, remember to focus not on where you feel stuck, but on the future that you envision for your family. It can become easy to focus on what is not working and allow ourselves to feel defeated. Focusing on the possibility of implementing creative change in the future allows you to focus on strengths and opportunities. Empower yourself by giving yourself permission to focus on implementing creative change.
Mama Hippos (https://mamahippos.com/) can help you navigate the process of identifying and locating new resources.
Navigation services assist families in imagining a plan for their family and identifying resources that meet each family’s unique needs.
Mama Hippos was started because of dreams about the future. After identifying a gap in available services, I started dreaming about the future. I envisioned an organization that empowers and supports families through every step of their child’s journey.
After many years of planning, I colored outside the lines by using my Doctorate of Education and experience in K12 education and in nonprofit work to develop Mama Hippos.
I’d love to hear about your dream for the future! Connect with me to share your dream for the
future. Let’s partner to make it a reality!
Meet Madelyn from Mama Hippos!
Madelyn holds a Doctorate of Education and specializes in research pertaining to autism and parenting.
She started Mama Hippos to help fill in the gap in services available to families.
Mama Hippos empowers and supports families of children with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. Services include assistance locating resources, individual coaching sessions, inclusive play classes for children, and education opportunities for parents.
Why Hippos? Mother hippos often are seen as overprotective. But if you flip the perspective, Mama Hippos are passionate advocators for their children. The name Mama Hippos reminds parents of the impact they have in their children’s lives, and it celebrates parents’ strength.
