Imperfect parenting as seen through the eyes a CHImP. If you’ve read many books on special needs parenting and blogs, you've probably noticed that many of the authors have lots of impressive initials after their name. I, however, don't. In fact, I'd venture to say that I am more ADHD than PhD. I do, however, have extensive knowledge in the growing area of imperfect parenting. In fact, it's because of this specialized expertise that I've decided to award myself a credential — I'm Gina Gallagher, CHImP (Certified Highly Imperfect Parent). This is not to be confused with a CHiP (California Highway Patrol person), which actor Erik Estrada made famous. (To clarify, he wrote tickets to motorists, while I write checks to therapists.) What qualifies me for this esteemed distinction? First and foremost, I have years of practical experience parenting my two special daughters (Asperger's syndrome, non-verbal learning disability, anxiety, ADHD, dyscalcula, blah, blah, blah) in a world pre-occupied with perfection. Secondly, I have been told repeatedly that I violate the rules of perfect parenting by other parents and even my own special children. (“Mom! Today was school picture day NOT crazy hair day!") Lastly, though certainly not of any lesser importance, I've have been known to "monkey around." I also have fieldwork experience as a speaker (along with my sister Patty) in the special needs community. This experience has helped me understand the commonalities among special needs...

Gina Gallagher, a self-titled 'CHImP,' humorously explores the realities of imperfection in special needs parenting.

The 7000 Habits of Highly Imperfect Parents

 Imperfect parenting as seen through the eyes a CHImP.   If you’ve read many books on special needs parenting and blogs, you've probably noticed that many of the authors have lots of impressive initials after their name.   I, however, don't.   In fact, I'd venture to say that I am more ADHD than PhD. I do, however, have extensive knowledge in the growing area of imperfect parenting. In fact, it's because of this specialized expertise that I've decided to award myself a credential — I'm Gina Gallagher, CHImP (Certified Highly Imperfect Parent). This is not to be confused with a CHiP (California Highway Patrol person), which actor Erik Estrada made famous. (To clarify, he wrote tickets to motorists, while I write checks to therapists.)   What qualifies me for this esteemed distinction?   First and foremost, I have years of practical experience parenting my two special daughters (Asperger's syndrome, non-verbal learning disability, anxiety, ADHD, dyscalcula, blah, blah, blah) in a world pre-occupied with perfection. Secondly, I have been told repeatedly that I violate the rules of perfect parenting by other parents and even my own special children. (“Mom! Today was school picture day NOT crazy hair day!") Lastly, though certainly not of any lesser importance, I've have been known to "monkey around."   I also have fieldwork experience as a speaker (along with my sister Patty) in the special needs community. This experience has helped me understand the commonalities among special needs...

Gina Gallagher, a self-titled 'CHImP,' humorously explores the realities of imperfection in special needs parenting.

The 7000 Habits of Highly Imperfect Parents

Out of more than 120 submissions from high schools and colleges across the country, 15 emerging artists with disabilities were selected to showcase their works at the Ripley Center, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. The chosen pieces embody the theme "Momentum" and examine the force that drives their artistic interests. VSA (the international organization on arts and disability) and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., partnered to give artists ages 16-25 a chance not only to exhibit their art but to finance their pursuit the arts as a career, with over $60,000 in prize money awarded to those selected. Grand Prize winner Dimelza Broche says that "being in a wheelchair has stopped me from physically going places, but it hasn't stopped me from traveling to the unexplored places in my subjects' minds." Broche has osteogenesis imperfecta, which is a genetic disorder characterized by extremely fragile bones. Her painting, Soul Reader, immediately connects with viewers as the subject peers directly out of the canvas and seemingly into their very thoughts, reading secrets hidden deep in their souls. Krista Kuskye, whose photograph titled Union Station, Indiana, is a symbolic representation of the daily pain she faces living with fibromyalgia, talks about finding art to be like therapy. "It takes my mind off the pain and into an alternative world . . . I can't help but to reflect on who inspired me the most." The haunting black and white image of a crumbling interior of a building represents her...

15 young artists with disabilities exhibit at the Smithsonian, winning over $60k in prizes and showcasing diverse artworks.

Artists with Disabilities Gain "Momentum"

 Out of more than 120 submissions from high schools and colleges across the country, 15 emerging artists with disabilities were selected to showcase their works at the Ripley Center, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. The chosen pieces embody the theme "Momentum" and examine the force that drives their artistic interests. VSA (the international organization on arts and disability) and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., partnered to give artists ages 16-25 a chance not only to exhibit their art but to finance their pursuit the arts as a career, with over $60,000 in prize money awarded to those selected. Grand Prize winner Dimelza Broche says that "being in a wheelchair has stopped me from physically going places, but it hasn't stopped me from traveling to the unexplored places in my subjects' minds." Broche has osteogenesis imperfecta, which is a genetic disorder characterized by extremely fragile bones. Her painting, Soul Reader, immediately connects with viewers as the subject peers directly out of the canvas and seemingly into their very thoughts, reading secrets hidden deep in their souls. Krista Kuskye, whose photograph titled Union Station, Indiana, is a symbolic representation of the daily pain she faces living with fibromyalgia, talks about finding art to be like therapy. "It takes my mind off the pain and into an alternative world . . . I can't help but to reflect on who inspired me the most." The haunting black and white image of a crumbling interior of a building represents her...

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Special Needs
Articles

The 7000 Habits of Highly Imperfect Parents

Artists with Disabilities Gain "Momentum"

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs Articles

The 7000 Habits of Highly Imperfect Parents

Artists with Disabilities Gain "Momentum"

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles