A lot changes in a year.

This picture was taken about one year ago at my son Tapp Allen's graduation. A lot has changed in just one year, including the length of his hair-it's alot longer now. I recently had to give an elevator speech at a business luncheon I was at. Normally great at these things I bombed. Someone told me afterwards that I did fine, however I am pretty sure the guy was just being nice. The purpose of an elevator speech is obviously to let someone know what exactly it is you do for a living. If you are in the sales or service business than the purpose of that speech should be changed to what it is exactly that you can do to improve that person's life. In the end that's all any of us are concerned with business wise anyhow? What I should have said was that we have 3 offices located throughout the state of Arkansas and over 150 years of experience. By being an independent agency we are able to shop all of your insurance with literally hundreds of insurance companies and that no one could sell you insurance any cheaper than we can. In addition to providing the lowest possible premiums in the south-we only use insurance companies that are A rated or better.

While our business has grown like crazy since this time last year, we cant rest on our laurels. That luncheon was a perfect example of how important it is to tune up your elevator speech every year-because just like Tapp Allen's hair-a lot can change in a year.

Disability Policy Seminar in DC and the Access School in Little Rock

Its been awhile since my last post but hopefully that will change. Last week I had the privilege of attending a Disability Policy seminar in Washington. The seminar hosted people from all around the country to discuss the numerous issues involved with Developmental Disabilities. As a parent of a child who is affected by numerous Developmental Disabilities and as a board member of a school for special needs kids here in Arkansas, I am acutely aware of the challenges that people with developmental disabilities face. Or at least I thought I was. One of the issues that I am embarrassed to say that I was unaware of is a piece of legislation intended to allow people with disabilities or their parents or siblings, the opportunity to save money in a 529 plan. 

The ABLE Act will give individuals with disabilities and their families the ability to save for their child's future just like every other American family, and help people with disabilities live full, productive lives in their communities without losing benefits provided through private insurances, the Medicaid program, the supplemental security income program, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources. The account could fund a variety of essential expenses for individuals including medical and dental care, housing, transportation and a host of other needs. This should really be a no brainer for congress, but as the old Chinese proverb says "we'll see." I would encourage you to call your member of congress and tell them to support the ABLE Act.

One of the reasons I started this blog last year was to raise awareness about Developmental Disabilities. The picture above of Polly and I was taken at an annual fundraiser for a school in Little Rock called the The Access School. The school provides services and therapies to children who have developmental and other disabilities. It was a great event and Polly and I were happy to support such a great school. Part of my job as a DD Council member is to promote the services of the council and to help increase self advocacy of people with Developmental Disabilities. I hope you will join me in this task as we continue to try and make a difference in the lives of all people affected by Developmental Disabilities.