A family's story of emigrating from the US to the Netherlands. “Windmills” in the context of this blog signify the Dutch approach to all things, particularly healthcare, education, and those with disabilities.
One of the most difficult things about a lockdown and social distancing is not being able to see your own children for weeks or even months at a time. Social distancing here in the Netherlands began on March 15 when the infection rate was only 1,500 persons. Today, a little over 3 weeks later, we … Continue reading Social Distancing From Your Own Children
When we made our 3rd trip to the Netherlands in 2013, we brought my daughter K with us. A scenic walk down the Oudegracht (Old Canal) in Utrecht led us to this lovely cafe and store featuring hand crafted items. We decided to stop in for a traditional Dutch afternoon treat – coffee and appeltaart (apple … Continue reading Disability and Employment
I was in my usual mode, speed walking as fast as my legs would go, trailing B on his brisk walk. No matter how many times I ask, he just can’t seem to walk beside me. In front of me is the norm, behind me happens occasionally, but only after he has been drastically weighed … Continue reading Defending B and Dutch culture
I’ve lived in three different countries: the US, Australia and the Netherlands. In two of those countries, the Netherlands and Australia, all children have access to no-cost dental care for basic dental services. In Australia, a dentist office was located near B.’s school. All I was ever asked was what school he attended and about … Continue reading A Child’s Death, Dental Care and Disability
The city was blazing with sirens on Friday. It was the annual Kinderbeestfeest, an event for around 1,400 chronically ill and disabled children, their siblings and parents. The festival kicks off with rides through the city provided by the police, fire department, ambulance service, Navy, Netherlands customs, Koninklijke Marechausse (Royal Military Police), the Red Cross, … Continue reading Kinderbeestfeest (Kid’s Animal Party) at Artis Zoo
When we arrived in the Netherlands almost 3 years ago, I was immediately taken aback when people spoke directly to my son, B. when we were out in public. Almost no one assumed that just because he had a disability he couldn’t speak for himself. There was no detectable nervousness or hesitation to deal directly with him. He … Continue reading Look Toward or Turn Away
