As a parent of a young adult with multiple disabilities, autism and complex communication needs being the dominant ones, I’ve spent most of my waking moments as a parent and professional seeking resources, professionals, experiences to enhance, improve, support my daughter’s quality of life; whether it was for academic, vocational, or leisure purposes. More often than not, many products promised more than it could deliver and I’ve come to realize that the bar is far too often set so for the end user - a child or person with a disability, that most vendors tend to market to the desperation, vulnerability, or needs of the adults, caretakers, or legally mandated providers of these individuals. I stand by this statement with a high degree of confidence because I also happened to be a gatekeeper to a multi-million member educators’ association where vendor-hopefuls hawk their wares with hopes of one-stop marketing to a mass audience.

Perpetually yet cautiously optimistic, I was eager to embrace the concept of Blue Hope. I needed simple, evidence-based practices at the ready not only for myself, my family, her caregivers, but potentially, for the educators I recommend products to. Blue Hope provides quick, sound practices on how to address behaviors, provide advice in a manner that is accessible, and readily available to a variety of audiences. I look forward to learning more and hope the library expands.