We recently celebrated the 21st anniversary of the ADA - The Americans with Disabilities Act. This Act was adopted to ensure equal opportunity for all Americans with disabilities.
The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan serves families with disabilities - we provide education and counselling to assist families in their quest for information about special needs trusts, guarianship and guardian advocacy, and government benefits. To celebrate our families and our commitment to education, we are hosting a one day Special Needs Conference on Friday August 12, 2011. The cost is $20 and includes lunch. We hope you will join us. Please contact our office 407-977-8080 to make your reservation today!
Presidential Proclamation--Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act | The White House
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
When estate plans fail
Two very interesting and unique topics in one article - my favorite topic, planning for your pets. And, a second topic regarding the treatment of cryo-preserved genetic material (frozen embryos and frozen sperm, as an example)under the umbrella of estate planning. The first topic, you can read all about in my book, "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for your Pet", available through Amazon using the link on this blog. The second topic is gaining in popularity due to some recent cases regarding the rights of children to receive benefits or an inheritance who may have been conceived after the death of one of their biological parents. We've recently started asking clients whether they have any frozen genetic material just to make sure we don't miss this planning opportunity.
Both subjects are too important to be ignored. Let me know if you need more information.
When estate plans fail – Estate of Denial
Both subjects are too important to be ignored. Let me know if you need more information.
When estate plans fail – Estate of Denial
Monday, July 18, 2011
A Week in the Carolina Mountains
We just returned from a week in the northwestern South Carolina mountains! We rented this adorable cabin on White Water Lake just outside Salem, SC. It was pretty central to everything! Oconee County boasts 22 waterfalls - we saw a couple of them and tons of State Parks. There is lots to do - Lake Jocassee is nearby, about 9500 acres and crystal clear.
Our cabin was perfect for two. One bedroom, one bath on the cutest lake!
We had a private dock and our own canoe. Joe even took me on a tour of the shoreline so I could get a good look at all of the neighbor's homes. I love looking at houses - maybe I should have been a Realtor - hey, there's still time and I do have a real estate license. Something else to do, later.
On Sunday, we explored the area including Devils Ford State Park and Whitewater Falls.
To our dismay, there is almost no where in the area to eat, except a little restaurant called Sisters (not open on Sunday or Monday and then closes at 2 p.m.) As a result, we made a grocery run and ended up eating at home most of the week.
Monday we drove the motorcycle over a mountain highway into NC to visit friends, Marc and Nancie who live in Hendersonville. They had some friends in town from Oregon, who were in for the Highland Games. Had a fun time walking around - did eat lunch out that day. The ride was beautiful, hot and fortunately, uneventful.
Tuesday we went whitewater rafting. I couldn't get us on the Advanced all day trip so we took their half day trip for seniors and kids. It was still a great time with one level 4 rapid that had everyone thrilled. Got a big face full of water but stayed in the raft. All the pictures were terrible or you'd get to see the expression on my face!
Wednesday we started off for Table Rock State Park and found ourselves getting directions to Twin Falls. That was a weird adventure. The directions took us to a place that didn't look like a place - there was only one car in the lot. Very creepy, for sure. Anyway, we are walking up the path wondering if we should turn around and came upon about 30 young campers. The falls were really pretty and worth the effort.
Thursday found us at Stumphouse Tunnel and Isaqueena Falls. Then we did some antiquing in Walhalla (not much of a town, but still fun). Our friends Marc and Nancie came and spent the afternoon hanging around at the dock.
Wow, our week is going fast. We thought we'd ride the motorcycle over to Cashiers and Highlands but the day promised nothing but rain so we took the truck, and Leiden. We had fun looking in all the shops. Bought a pair of earrings from a local artist and some dog treats.
Read a few books while I was there - Don't be a Yes Chick! by friends Molly Hall and Laney Lyons, 30 Days to a Well Mannered Dog by Tamar Geller , and a clicker training book for aggressive dogs.
Good to be home. Off again this week to Chicago for a WealthCounsel event. Then to DC to visit family. Joe's stuck with the pets.
Later....
Our cabin was perfect for two. One bedroom, one bath on the cutest lake!
We had a private dock and our own canoe. Joe even took me on a tour of the shoreline so I could get a good look at all of the neighbor's homes. I love looking at houses - maybe I should have been a Realtor - hey, there's still time and I do have a real estate license. Something else to do, later.
On Sunday, we explored the area including Devils Ford State Park and Whitewater Falls.
To our dismay, there is almost no where in the area to eat, except a little restaurant called Sisters (not open on Sunday or Monday and then closes at 2 p.m.) As a result, we made a grocery run and ended up eating at home most of the week.
Monday we drove the motorcycle over a mountain highway into NC to visit friends, Marc and Nancie who live in Hendersonville. They had some friends in town from Oregon, who were in for the Highland Games. Had a fun time walking around - did eat lunch out that day. The ride was beautiful, hot and fortunately, uneventful.
Tuesday we went whitewater rafting. I couldn't get us on the Advanced all day trip so we took their half day trip for seniors and kids. It was still a great time with one level 4 rapid that had everyone thrilled. Got a big face full of water but stayed in the raft. All the pictures were terrible or you'd get to see the expression on my face!
Wednesday we started off for Table Rock State Park and found ourselves getting directions to Twin Falls. That was a weird adventure. The directions took us to a place that didn't look like a place - there was only one car in the lot. Very creepy, for sure. Anyway, we are walking up the path wondering if we should turn around and came upon about 30 young campers. The falls were really pretty and worth the effort.
Thursday found us at Stumphouse Tunnel and Isaqueena Falls. Then we did some antiquing in Walhalla (not much of a town, but still fun). Our friends Marc and Nancie came and spent the afternoon hanging around at the dock.
Wow, our week is going fast. We thought we'd ride the motorcycle over to Cashiers and Highlands but the day promised nothing but rain so we took the truck, and Leiden. We had fun looking in all the shops. Bought a pair of earrings from a local artist and some dog treats.
Read a few books while I was there - Don't be a Yes Chick! by friends Molly Hall and Laney Lyons, 30 Days to a Well Mannered Dog by Tamar Geller , and a clicker training book for aggressive dogs.
Good to be home. Off again this week to Chicago for a WealthCounsel event. Then to DC to visit family. Joe's stuck with the pets.
Later....
Thursday, July 7, 2011
I'm Glad the Casey Anthony Trial is Over
Seems like the only thing anyone could talk about today was the Casey Anthony trial. Personally, I'm glad it's over and ready to have her sentencing finished today. Then maybe Central Florida can find something else to talk about instead of focusing on one subject that ignites strong emotions - mostly bad ones.
I hope our justice system did it's job. Apparently that's what her parents said, they just wanted justice. I hope they feel like they got it.
Around the corner will be the civil suits. Unfortunately, this may keep people talking about the case for quite a bit longer - kind of like OJ. Only he ultimately had to answer to the Universe as I'm sure she will too.
Let's all try to find something positive and uplifting to focus on today - like a new puppy or a the wonders of a child. Give the people you love the attention and praise they deserve.
I hope our justice system did it's job. Apparently that's what her parents said, they just wanted justice. I hope they feel like they got it.
Around the corner will be the civil suits. Unfortunately, this may keep people talking about the case for quite a bit longer - kind of like OJ. Only he ultimately had to answer to the Universe as I'm sure she will too.
Let's all try to find something positive and uplifting to focus on today - like a new puppy or a the wonders of a child. Give the people you love the attention and praise they deserve.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sienna the Service Puppy
Sienna arrived yesterday! I was really psyched, almost couldn't wait to see her. Finally got the call around 12:30 p.m. saying we could pick her up at 3:30 in Deland. Of course, Ellen and I were thirty minutes early.
We had tons of questions about what to do, how to do it. Fortunately Megan Cloudman, one of the members of New Horizons Service Dogs had a whole notebook of information for us. We even got a goodie bag with things to help settle Sienna in.
In case I didn't mention it, she got her name Sienna because each litter of puppies has a particular theme. The theme for this litter was colors. Sienna seemed like the perfect choice for a dog that could be copper or burnt orange in color. Megan approved the name, so it stuck.
Sienna slept on Ellen's lap all the way home. She had a really big day. Little did I know I was about to have a very interesting night - a little dog that didn't want to go to sleep. It eventually all worked out and everyone got a few hours of good sleep.
Other good news, we've had no potty accidents. Lots of going outside, but she's really, really good. Very calm, relaxed. More service dog like, than puppy like. I think this profession will fit her well. She also like the A/C so being an indoor dog is going to suit her fine.
I started reading the training manual this morning after our first "busy" outing. There's a lot to learn. More than 80 different commands to master. Seems a little daunting, but I feel up to the task. I know Ellen is excited too.
We took her to the Geneva Fourth of July parade today and she couldn't have been better. She just isn't afraid of anything - not people, dogs, horses, parade floats, loud noises - nothing. I can't say the same for Leiden who seems to like no one and nothing.
This is a new journey - one I hope you'll join me on. You can also follow Sienna's blog for a puppy's point of view.
We had tons of questions about what to do, how to do it. Fortunately Megan Cloudman, one of the members of New Horizons Service Dogs had a whole notebook of information for us. We even got a goodie bag with things to help settle Sienna in.
In case I didn't mention it, she got her name Sienna because each litter of puppies has a particular theme. The theme for this litter was colors. Sienna seemed like the perfect choice for a dog that could be copper or burnt orange in color. Megan approved the name, so it stuck.
Sienna slept on Ellen's lap all the way home. She had a really big day. Little did I know I was about to have a very interesting night - a little dog that didn't want to go to sleep. It eventually all worked out and everyone got a few hours of good sleep.
Other good news, we've had no potty accidents. Lots of going outside, but she's really, really good. Very calm, relaxed. More service dog like, than puppy like. I think this profession will fit her well. She also like the A/C so being an indoor dog is going to suit her fine.
I started reading the training manual this morning after our first "busy" outing. There's a lot to learn. More than 80 different commands to master. Seems a little daunting, but I feel up to the task. I know Ellen is excited too.
We took her to the Geneva Fourth of July parade today and she couldn't have been better. She just isn't afraid of anything - not people, dogs, horses, parade floats, loud noises - nothing. I can't say the same for Leiden who seems to like no one and nothing.
This is a new journey - one I hope you'll join me on. You can also follow Sienna's blog for a puppy's point of view.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Waiting for a Puppy
I recently posted that I have applied to be a puppy trainer for New Horizons Service Dogs. I'm beyond exited at this opportunity. My friend and co-puppy raiser, Ellen Hall, has agreed to share this experience and the responsibility.
Spent a significant amount of time on line yesterday researching disability access issues as they relate to service dogs. It is my expectation I'll be able to take the puppy almost anywhere, but I wanted to be prepared, just in case. Interestingly, the right to access with a service dog is not a right that belongs to the dog. It is a right that belongs to the disabled person. Trainers of service dogs and dogs in training should theoretically be treated in the same manner as a disabled individual with a dog but I have a feeling I'm about to learn a lot more on this subject.
Yesterday we were informed that we had been approved and that we will be receiving a female puppy! I feel like an expectant adoptive mother that just learned there is a child who has been identified who needs a home. Each litter has a theme for naming the puppies. The theme for her litter is colors - so, we've been diligently thinking of great names. We've got a ton of ideas, not sure yet what we will settle on. Favorites right now include Sienna, Copper, Amber, Kahki and Jade. Burgundy would also be a nice name.
Well it's 5:36 p.m. and I haven't heard a thing all day! I'm totally bummed as I thought we would know more by now. We've already been to Petsmart and dropped a load there on pet toys, treats, a name tag, etc. Now all we need is the puppy. All I need is the call and I'm ready to go!
Even went by Pet Rescue by Judy
while we were at the mall, just to get a puppy fix. Actually bought another leash just trying to support Judy and her efforts - thanks for all she does to find homeless dogs a forever home.
More later. I'll post a picture, as soon as I have one!
Spent a significant amount of time on line yesterday researching disability access issues as they relate to service dogs. It is my expectation I'll be able to take the puppy almost anywhere, but I wanted to be prepared, just in case. Interestingly, the right to access with a service dog is not a right that belongs to the dog. It is a right that belongs to the disabled person. Trainers of service dogs and dogs in training should theoretically be treated in the same manner as a disabled individual with a dog but I have a feeling I'm about to learn a lot more on this subject.
Yesterday we were informed that we had been approved and that we will be receiving a female puppy! I feel like an expectant adoptive mother that just learned there is a child who has been identified who needs a home. Each litter has a theme for naming the puppies. The theme for her litter is colors - so, we've been diligently thinking of great names. We've got a ton of ideas, not sure yet what we will settle on. Favorites right now include Sienna, Copper, Amber, Kahki and Jade. Burgundy would also be a nice name.
Well it's 5:36 p.m. and I haven't heard a thing all day! I'm totally bummed as I thought we would know more by now. We've already been to Petsmart and dropped a load there on pet toys, treats, a name tag, etc. Now all we need is the puppy. All I need is the call and I'm ready to go!
Even went by Pet Rescue by Judy
while we were at the mall, just to get a puppy fix. Actually bought another leash just trying to support Judy and her efforts - thanks for all she does to find homeless dogs a forever home.
More later. I'll post a picture, as soon as I have one!
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