After discovering which states accept out of state applicants I next compared the features of the different features.
Here are some of the features their program compares and I have listed in Green what I feel is a good standard amount (or the best amount I could find). Things highlighted in BLUE writing are things that are better than average...
Is the account FDIC Insured... yes $250,000
Initial Minimum Contribution... $25
Annual Fee... $11.25 quarterly with electronic bank statements ($45 annually) (California is $37 and Pennsylvania is $42)
Required minimum yearly contribution...$25 (Massachusetts is $0, Ohio is $1)
Fees or restrictions on disbursements...No
Roll over to another Able Acct...yes and $0
Debit Card Cost....$0 if balance is over $250 (Nebraska had $0 with no min balance)
As I started eliminating states, I highlighted them in RED and listed in RED why I eliminated them. Things highlighted in BLUE writing are things that are better than average.
Alaska
Arkansas
California (Monthly fee for debit Card)
Colorado
Delaware
District of Columbia
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Maryland ($50 to roll over, $1.25 monthly debit card fee)
Massachusetts (Not FDIC Insured) No annual fee and no initial minimum, no yearly min contrib.
Michigan (Financial advisor sold plan and fees to disbursements) no yearly min to contrib
Minnesota
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska ($50 initial minimum deposit). No debit card fee with no $250 min balance
Nevada
New Jersey
North Carolina
Ohio (loadable prepaid debit, $50 initial minimum deposit) $1 annual minimum deposit
Oregon (I am not comparing because I don't which of their 2 programs to look at)
Pennsylvania Yearly fee is $42 per year instead of $45
Rhode Island
Virginia (I am not comparing because I don't which of their 2 programs to look at)
background
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Able Accounts that accept Out of State Residents
There are many things to consider when setting up an ABLE Account for your child with disabilities.
The first step is to go to the Able National Resource Center Website.
There is a button where you can "compare 3 states" or "compare programs by features".
Utah does not currently have an Able Program (as of 7/1/2020). So you you have to use a program that is out of state. But not all states accept people from out of state.
As of 7/1/2020 there were 24 states that accept people from out of state. Here they are...
Alaska
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Delaware
District of Columbia
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon (they have 2 programs listed...1 says yes to out of state and 1 says no...so I am not sure)
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Virginia (they have 2 programs listed...the both say yes to out of state...but I am not sure which 1 you would pick...so I am not sure)
The first step is to go to the Able National Resource Center Website.
There is a button where you can "compare 3 states" or "compare programs by features".
Utah does not currently have an Able Program (as of 7/1/2020). So you you have to use a program that is out of state. But not all states accept people from out of state.
As of 7/1/2020 there were 24 states that accept people from out of state. Here they are...
Alaska
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Delaware
District of Columbia
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon (they have 2 programs listed...1 says yes to out of state and 1 says no...so I am not sure)
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Virginia (they have 2 programs listed...the both say yes to out of state...but I am not sure which 1 you would pick...so I am not sure)
Monday, May 11, 2020
Swimming pool floats for people who cannot hold their head up
Sprint Aquatics body fit collar $24.50
https://www.sprintaquatics.com/SPRINT-AQUATICS-BODY-FIT-COLLAR/productinfo/707/
Kiefer Senior inflatable swim collar $19
https://www.sprintaquatics.com/SPRINT-AQUATICS-COMFORT-FLOAT/productinfo/683/
Kiefer flotation set $39
https://www.kiefer.com/kiefer-flotation-set
Kiefer adjustable foam collar $40
https://www.kiefer.com/kiefer-adjustable-foam-swim-collar-adult?gclid=CjwKCAjw7-P1BRA2EiwAXoPWA7iBAEZf0fmt-RjZWUksJ9uMvHdxTB9eceQkNXRP0ivWqCf73nVHexoC-RIQAvD_BwE
Theraquatics posture pillow $87 (comes in adult, child, baby sizes)
https://www.theraquatics.com/9307a.html
Theraquatics body sling $111 (posture pillow also pictured)
https://www.theraquatics.com/9875.html
Theraquatics cerebreal pasy float suit $450
https://www.theraquatics.com/thcepaflsu.html
Hi Support upright float |
Hi support upright float with toggle float |
Theraquatics hi support upright float with seat $132 (can combine with neck pillow or posture pillow or upright toggle float)
https://www.theraquatics.com/hisupport-upright-float-with-seat.html
Theraquatics Cerebral Palsy Square Float $189
https://www.theraquatics.com/cepasqflba.html
Theraquatics Rosie's Collar $200
https://www.theraquatics.com/rosie39s-coll39.html
Theraquatics Aqua Duck Float $80
https://www.theraquatics.com/aqua-duck-float.html
Danmar sectional raft $245
https://www.danmarproducts.com/ecommerce/swim-rings-bu-484.html
Pool Float $99
https://www.frontgate.com/2-22-resort-pool-float/1241358?listIndex=0&offers_sku=163124%20SEB&SourceCode=ZZ51120&intlShippingCtx=US%7CUSD&catargetid=120245420002921314&cadevice=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-P1BRA2EiwAXoPWA87XlVyEHEuoY8owPVCgmYsS9F6NgdHAI5a2qpdTEZGy8t5c07f55BoC3ScQAvD_BwE
Life Jacket Adapted starting at $170
https://www.pfd-a.com/
Head Float and stabilization bar $254
https://www.flaghouse.com/Recreation/Water-Sports/Floating-Devices/Head-Float-and-Stabilization-Bar.axd
WaterGear Flotation Collar $69 (Photo taken from a family's review at https://arearrangedlife.com/adapting/to-swim/)
https://www.theraquatics.com/water-gear-water-cell-flotation-collar.html
Theraquatics foam collar $20 (Mikael had this one for Ellie and Ellie hated it)
https://www.theraquatics.com/6001c.html
Bikes/Bike Trailers for kids with disabilities
Trailers
Wike large special needs bicycle trailer (can purchase additional wheel for the front to use as a stroller) MIKAEL OWNS THIS ONE
Lightfoot Cycles (can wheel your wheelchair onto the trailer)
http://www.lightfootcycles.com/special.php (wheelchair cab)
DIY turn a regular kids bike trailer into a trailer that you can wheel your wheelchair onto
In Utah UCAT can build you one from a regular bike trailer
See a video here https://youtu.be/AnNcBoWScdM
Here is UCAT's website https://jobs.utah.gov/usor/vr/services/ucat.html
BYU made opensource plans for a trailer/jogger
See a video here https://news.byu.edu/news/engineering-students-build-adult-sized-bike-trailer-professors-son-cerebral-palsy
Find the instructions here https://capstone.byu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/BTJInstructionsv0.11.pdf
Find the Drawings here https://capstone.byu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/OpenSourceBTJDrawingPackage.pdf
Bikes with disabled person in front
Special Bikes UK (Person with disabilities in front)
Duet (Person with disabilities in front. They have a power assisted version or a regular bike) (You can buy this on many websites, this is just 1 example) MIKAEL HAS USED THIS ONE AT NAC AND LOVES IT FOR ELLIE
VanRamm (has an attached wheelchair in front or a platform in front for the wheelchair to go on)
https://www.vanraam.com/en-gb/our-bikes/wheelchair-bike
DIY wheelchair in front
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-9Lzo_fc0o&feature=youtu.be
DIY wheelchair in front
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-9Lzo_fc0o&feature=youtu.be
This person on eBay makes bikes
Bikes with disabled person in back
Mission Piggy back
Bucket bikes/Family Cargo Bikes
(might need to put person in a tumbleform and attach it. )
Madsen bucket bike(has electric or manual versions)
Lots of versions starting at $2000 https://www.madsencycles.com/collections/2020-madsen-bikes
Bunch Family Cargo Bike (has electric or manual versions)
Starting at $3000 https://bunchbike.com/collections/bikes
Yuba
$2500 https://yubabikes.com/cargobikestore/supermarche/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=shopping&utm_campaign=supermarche&utm_content=__c&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzN71BRCOARIsAF8pjfhi4V0Pws-oX0lw4sZr1nHa_7NM_NQinFq0SFUMZ6B13VUs6XUadIUaApJzEALw_wcB
Ferla Family Bikes (has one with a canopy over the top)
https://ferlafamilybikes.com/?variant=28953624215636
Ferla Family Bikes (has one with a canopy over the top)
https://ferlafamilybikes.com/?variant=28953624215636
Tricycle you ride with the disabled person
This one is cheap $230...but would need to be adapted
https://www.wayfair.com/Gracie-Oaks--Gaughan-Rustic-BicycleInspired-Flower-Cart-Metal-Planter-Box-HSDL2695-L349-K~GRCK1584.html?refid=GX433573889668-GRCK1584&device=c&ptid=902704678488&network=g&targetid=pla-902704678488&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=78654539&fdid=1817&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzN71BRCOARIsAF8pjfg4mEuNogMspOmGYacpNqKn-gIlRZB2RRA27klNSFTtAOtAsespcAEaAqRoEALw_wcB
https://www.wayfair.com/Gracie-Oaks--Gaughan-Rustic-BicycleInspired-Flower-Cart-Metal-Planter-Box-HSDL2695-L349-K~GRCK1584.html?refid=GX433573889668-GRCK1584&device=c&ptid=902704678488&network=g&targetid=pla-902704678488&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=78654539&fdid=1817&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzN71BRCOARIsAF8pjfg4mEuNogMspOmGYacpNqKn-gIlRZB2RRA27klNSFTtAOtAsespcAEaAqRoEALw_wcB
Buddy Trike
Lightfoot Cycles
https://lightfootcycles.com/collections/tandem-recumbent-trikes
Special Bikes UK (Person with disabilities in front)
Tricycle the disabled person rides alone
Rifton
Freedom concepts (has lots of options including pedals roll as you push from behind, can lay on stomach instead of sit up, can use eye to eye headrest if you have no head strength) MIKAEL IS IMPRESSED WITH THIS ONE...IT HAS LOTS OF SUPPORT OPTIONS
Triaid (many types of trikes)
Amtryke (many types of trikes)
https://www.amtrykestore.org/
Lightfoot Cycles
https://lightfootcycles.com
Lightfoot Cycles
https://lightfootcycles.com
Special Bikes UK (Person with disabilities in front)
Training Wheels
$130 Fat Wheels Adaptive training wheels
https://www.fatwheels.com/
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Do you have any other recommendations? Please comment below
If you like this list, please consider "LIKING" my FB page https://www.facebook.com/SupportedInOurTrials/
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Do you have any other recommendations? Please comment below
If you like this list, please consider "LIKING" my FB page https://www.facebook.com/SupportedInOurTrials/
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Covid help for those with Rare Disease
The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. (NORD) launched a financial assistance program for rare disease community members impacted by COVID-19. The NORD COVID-19 Critical Relief Program provides up to $1,000 annually to those eligible to support critical, non-medical needs including, but not limited to, utility bills, cellular or internet service, emergency car repairs, and rent and mortgage. To learn more, please visit:
https://rarediseases.org/nord-launches-financial-assistance-program-for-rare-disease-community-members-impacted-by-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR38i9xQNEsexUTbw8yZx96quer2nxzfx0xrPBWbJ95re61QixLU3TPHD-Y
https://rarediseases.org/nord-launches-financial-assistance-program-for-rare-disease-community-members-impacted-by-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR38i9xQNEsexUTbw8yZx96quer2nxzfx0xrPBWbJ95re61QixLU3TPHD-Y
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Compilation of preparedness tips for Special Needs Families
Here are some various blog posts I have written about emergency preparedness.
How to stock up on meds
72 hour kit for medically complex kids
Camping when you need power
What other emergency suggestions do you have?
Please like share and tag our FB page for future posts.
https://www.facebook.com/SupportedInOurTrials/
How to stock up on meds
72 hour kit for medically complex kids
Camping when you need power
What other emergency suggestions do you have?
Please like share and tag our FB page for future posts.
https://www.facebook.com/SupportedInOurTrials/
Sunday, March 22, 2020
How to prevent the spread of germs
I have a 17.5 YO daughter who has severe disabilities. A simple cold will land her in ICU with a breathing tube down her throat for a month. We have been forced to be constantly aware of germs.
Now that the whole nation is being more aware of germs due to the coronovirus, here are my suggestions of how to avoid germs.
This is adapted from another blogpost I wrote called "What to do when your child with multiple disabilities gets sick"
Prevention
-Stay home. Do not even visit family and friends, even if they are healthy.
-Go out only when absolutely necessary
-Put a sign on your door saying that you want ZERO visitors. And follow your rule. Do not even allow family and friends over, even if they are healthy.
-Do not go where you know people are sick (ie: your sister's kids are sick, don't go visit)
-When anyone comes home from anywhere (school, store, etc...) wash hands or use hand sanitizer IMMEDIATELY. Have a bottle readily available and kept in the same place somewhere near the door. Or better yet, have everyone change clothes. Or better yet, shower and change clothes.
-When you absolutely need to shop, go with a purpose, get in and get out.
-When you are out, use hand sanitizer before getting in your car
-Anything new you bring into the home (cans of food, etc) need to be sanitized
-Assume everything you touch outside of your home (gas pump, food at store, door handles) is contaminated. Even at your place of work.
-Frequent hand-washing during the day. Minimum of 20 seconds (Sing Happy Birthday twice)
-Watch a video about the 7 steps of washing your hands
-Wipe all high touch surfaces once a day with lysol wipes...doorknobs, phones, cupboard handles, etc...
-Try hard not to touch your face.
-Wipe the high-touch areas of your home at least once a day (doorways, doorknobs, keyboards, phones, lightswitches)
Once the sickness hits someone in the family
-Separate the sick and healthy people. At the minimum contain the sick people to 1 room in the house. Or even better, are there other solutions to separate the sick from the healthy? Can the healthy people stay in a tent in the yard? Can the sick person stay in your camping trailer? etc. Get creative.
-The sick person is not allowed to wander the house, they MUST stay in 1 room.
-Healthy people do not enter the location where the sick person is.
-Close the ventilation (Heat/AC vents and cold air returns) in the room where the sick person is. You can shove towels or things in the registers as well as closing them off. Open the windows several times a day in the "sick room".
-Dissolve Emergen-C or Airbourne and give multiple times per day to the rest of the family to boost immune system
-Use bleach in each load of dishes run through dishwasher or use disposable paper products
-Any dishes that need to be washed by hand, wash in soap and water, then soap for a minute in water with bleach, then rinse.
-Wash clothes in hot where possible and dry on High/Hot
See my other post about Tips to Survive Staying Home
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What other suggestions do you have to prevent the spread of germs? Please comment below!
Tips to survive staying home
Now that the entire nation is at Defcon 5, I thought I would share some tips I have learned over the years to survive isolation...
#9) Which brings us to... get outside at least once a day. Breathe some fresh air. Look at nature. The air in your house will start feeling gross and germy...get outside! You will feel so much better after doing it.
#10) Try to eat healthy. Stress can make your bowels bonkers, don't add to the problem by eating junk. You really will feel better when you eat healthy.
#11) Find something fun to look forward to. Maybe you have a daily time that you facetime someone, maybe you make a special treat to share with your family. Maybe you plan a game night. Find things to do that are within your limitations.
#12) Focus on the present and find the blessings. Do not think too much about the future. Focus on the positive. Maybe make a gratitude journal.
#13) Split responsibilities if you have a spouse, kids or someone to help you. This way the burden doesn't fall on one person. Communicate about the responsibilities, do not assume your spouse knows what you want them to do.
(this post is adapted from my post "Tips for Parents to Survive while their child is in the hospital")
#1)You will need to find what works for you, don't feel like you have to do the things that I say.
#2) Rely on God. Pray. Spend time studying God's word daily.
#3) Breathe. No seriously! Focus on your breathing. Slow your breathing. Do relaxation exercises, Deep breaths. Cleansing Breaths (breathe out the bad energy/thoughts/stress). And above all just remember to breathe.
#4) Start a blog or journal to get out your feelings
#5) Find a hobby you can do while at home. Over the years I have done cross-stitch, digital scrapbooking, hand quilting, and reading. Something to keep your mind and hands busy. Maybe you want to read a book that has been sitting on your nightstand for 3 years, hahaha. Maybe you have 20 unfinished projects you can work on. Maybe you can improve your yard or plant a garden. Maybe you can work on family history.
#6) Get up every morning and get ready. Shower, do your hair, do your makeup. Get dressed. It will help you feel better and have more patience.
#3) Breathe. No seriously! Focus on your breathing. Slow your breathing. Do relaxation exercises, Deep breaths. Cleansing Breaths (breathe out the bad energy/thoughts/stress). And above all just remember to breathe.
#4) Start a blog or journal to get out your feelings
#5) Find a hobby you can do while at home. Over the years I have done cross-stitch, digital scrapbooking, hand quilting, and reading. Something to keep your mind and hands busy. Maybe you want to read a book that has been sitting on your nightstand for 3 years, hahaha. Maybe you have 20 unfinished projects you can work on. Maybe you can improve your yard or plant a garden. Maybe you can work on family history.
#6) Get up every morning and get ready. Shower, do your hair, do your makeup. Get dressed. It will help you feel better and have more patience.
#7) Go on a walk or get some exercise every day. Getting some exercise will help with your endorphins and mood.
#8) Get some fresh air. Open your windows and doors.
#8) Get some fresh air. Open your windows and doors.
#9) Which brings us to... get outside at least once a day. Breathe some fresh air. Look at nature. The air in your house will start feeling gross and germy...get outside! You will feel so much better after doing it.
#10) Try to eat healthy. Stress can make your bowels bonkers, don't add to the problem by eating junk. You really will feel better when you eat healthy.
#11) Find something fun to look forward to. Maybe you have a daily time that you facetime someone, maybe you make a special treat to share with your family. Maybe you plan a game night. Find things to do that are within your limitations.
#12) Focus on the present and find the blessings. Do not think too much about the future. Focus on the positive. Maybe make a gratitude journal.
#13) Split responsibilities if you have a spouse, kids or someone to help you. This way the burden doesn't fall on one person. Communicate about the responsibilities, do not assume your spouse knows what you want them to do.
#14) Find time to be alone each day. Have a quiet time. It gives you time to decompress, take a nap, have some time to recoup your expended energy.
#15) You can stress/cry/worry or you can laugh. Try to laugh at the situation.
#16) Limit anything that is stressing you out...media, social media, people, etc
****
See my other post about "How to Prevent the Spread of Germs"
#16) Limit anything that is stressing you out...media, social media, people, etc
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See my other post about "How to Prevent the Spread of Germs"
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Those are my suggestions. I would love to hear what helps you. Please post below.
Those are my suggestions. I would love to hear what helps you. Please post below.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
SKILLED Private Duty Nursing in Weber County Utah (RN, LPN)
Places that offer SKILLED Private Duty Nursing in Weber County Utah.
We have medicaid for my daughter and Medicaid is willing to pay for 8 hours of private duty nursing per night to be provided by an RN or LPN. The problem is we cannot find #1) many companies that offer this and #2) even the few companies that offer this do not have any nurses to send out.
The decision by medicaid if you qualify for nursing is based on the "acquity grid" which is a list of medical tasks required.
Here are the companies I can find that offer skilled PDN nursing in Weber County UT...
Ivy Lane (Pediatric only)
Harmony
Applgate (Adults only)
Possibly Salus
Possibly Maxim
Danville Support (private pay only...no insurance billing)
Ones that do not offer long shifts of PDN or do not come to Weber County...
Horizon
CNS
Symbii
Canyon
Bright Star
Home Watch
Rocky Mountain
At Home
Visiting Angels
Right at Home
A Caring Hand
Home Instead
IHC
Comfort Keepers
We have medicaid for my daughter and Medicaid is willing to pay for 8 hours of private duty nursing per night to be provided by an RN or LPN. The problem is we cannot find #1) many companies that offer this and #2) even the few companies that offer this do not have any nurses to send out.
The decision by medicaid if you qualify for nursing is based on the "acquity grid" which is a list of medical tasks required.
Here are the companies I can find that offer skilled PDN nursing in Weber County UT...
Ivy Lane (Pediatric only)
Harmony
Applgate (Adults only)
Possibly Salus
Possibly Maxim
Danville Support (private pay only...no insurance billing)
Ones that do not offer long shifts of PDN or do not come to Weber County...
Horizon
CNS
Symbii
Canyon
Bright Star
Home Watch
Rocky Mountain
At Home
Visiting Angels
Right at Home
A Caring Hand
Home Instead
IHC
Comfort Keepers
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Where can I buy or sell a handicap/wheelchair van BY OWNER
Craigs List
KSL Classifieds online (Utah and surrounding states)
Facebook marketplace (you may need to list the price as $12,345 (or an amount lower than your actual listing price because facebook will think yo are listing it for too much money. It does not take into account that it has a wheelchair conversion)).
Wheelchair Vans Community Marketplace (a FB group)
Accessible wheelchair Vans (Cheaper than others) (a FB group)
Wheelchair Accessible vans for Sale (USA) (a FB group)
Mobility Vans for Sale (USA) (a FB group)
Accessible Vehicles for Sale or Free (a FB group)
Blvd.com (If selling... scroll down and click on the left hand side where it says sell your wheelchair van) After making your listing, make sure to email the VIN to the specified address to have your listing approved.
AMSvans.com (If selling...you will need to create an account before making a listing)
mobilityvansales.com (If selling...click on "sell" in the blue bar at the top and then "create ad")
ebay.com (If selling on ebay, either have a RESERVE...the minimum amount you would sell for. Or just do a BUY IT NOW PRICE...with buy it now, there is no bidding, jus tthe amount you are selling for. You can have both a reserve and a buy it now set up or just 1.) If you decide to sell it on ebay, make sure you don't have it listed other places. That way if someone wins the bid you will be able to honor your agreement with them.
You can contact your local wheelchair conversion companies and ask for the price they will give you for your van. Click here for the locations I know of in Utah.
Post in your local special needs FB groups that you belong to.
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If you like this post, please like our FB page and tag and share with people you think would like it!
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Why we do not baptize those with disabilities (those who are NOT accountable)-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
We should start by saying that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe in baptism by immersion (going fully underwater). This needs to be done by someone who has priesthood authority. We do not believe in infant baptism. We believe in waiting to baptize people until they are old enough to be "accountable" (know right from wrong and able to repent and able to keep the covenants (promises they make). The age of accountability has been set at age 8.
If a child or person with disabilities is not accountable (does not know right from wrong and will not be able to repent and live up to the covenants (promises) made at baptism that the person will not be baptized.
This is a collection of church quotes that reference this topic.
We first need to establish that within church lingo that a person with disabilities that is deemed not accountable is the same as when a leader says "infant baptism" or "infant death" which is the same as baptizing children under the age of 8 or children passing away under the age of 8. They are all interchangeable.
Ensign April 1976 "Should Mentally Retarded Children be Baptized?" by Josiah Douglas
(please note that this article uses language appropriate from the time period such as "retarded")
The whole article is good and you should read it, here is a quote from it...
The Prophet Joseph Smith described the condition of children who die and have not reached the age of accountability. “And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the Celestial Kingdom of Heaven.” (History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2:381.) Temple ordinances for mentally retarded persons who are deceased, however, are performed on the same basis as they are for any deceased person—without consideration of mental retardation.
General Conference Oct 2012 "Because I live, ye shall live also" by Elder Shayne M. Bowen
Prophet Joseph Smith, ...taught this comforting doctrine: “The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again.”
Gospel Principles Manual Chapter 20 Page 117 (bold and underline added by the blog author)
Baptism at the Age of Accountability
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has reached eight years of age and is accountable (responsible) for his or her actions should be baptized. Some churches teach that little children should be baptized. This is not in keeping with the teachings of the Savior. When Jesus spoke of little children, He said, “Of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).
The prophet Mormon said that it is mockery before God to baptize little children, because they are not capable of sinning. Likewise, baptism is not required of people who are mentally incapable of knowing right and wrong (see Moroni 8:9–22). All other people are to be baptized. We must receive the ordinance of baptism and remain true to the covenants we make at that time.
Ensign Apr 1977 "The Salvation of Little Children" by Bruce R. McConkie
Note from Blog Author...Joseph F. Smith had 9 of his own children die. If you read 1 link I post here, have it be this one. This is a fantastic talk.
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith Chapter 15
Note from Blog Author...Joseph F. Smith had 9 of his own children die. This whole chapter is excellent. You should really read the entire talk! There is too much excellent information to copy and paste it here.
Handbook 2 section 20.1 (Bolding added by Blog author)
The ordinances of baptism, confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (for men), the temple endowment, and temple sealing are required for exaltation for all accountable persons.
Bible Dictionary: Baptism
The age at which baptism should be administered is not specified in the Bible, although it is evident that candidates were to be old enough to be capable of belief and have some understanding. In latter-day revelation we learn that the Lord has set the age at eight years as the time when a person begins to become accountable and can be baptized (D&C 20:71; 68:25–28). This was also the age given in Old Testament times (JST Gen. 17:11 [Appendix]).
(Note from Blog Author which are my own thoughts: We lose the holy ghost through sinning. People who are unaccountable do not sin. So they do not need the channel/key/medium to open the way for the Holy Ghost.)
(Note from Blog Author which are my own thoughts: Someone who is unaccountable cannot do these actions, so they would just "have those four words spoken" but not be able to take the "actions". Since they would not be able to "receive the gift" they would not rejoice in that which was given, or in the giver of the gift (Christ).)
Moroni 8: 4-24
If a child or person with disabilities is not accountable (does not know right from wrong and will not be able to repent and live up to the covenants (promises) made at baptism that the person will not be baptized.
This is a collection of church quotes that reference this topic.
We first need to establish that within church lingo that a person with disabilities that is deemed not accountable is the same as when a leader says "infant baptism" or "infant death" which is the same as baptizing children under the age of 8 or children passing away under the age of 8. They are all interchangeable.
Ensign April 1976 "Should Mentally Retarded Children be Baptized?" by Josiah Douglas
(please note that this article uses language appropriate from the time period such as "retarded")
The whole article is good and you should read it, here is a quote from it...
The Prophet Joseph Smith described the condition of children who die and have not reached the age of accountability. “And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the Celestial Kingdom of Heaven.” (History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2:381.) Temple ordinances for mentally retarded persons who are deceased, however, are performed on the same basis as they are for any deceased person—without consideration of mental retardation.
General Conference Oct 2012 "Because I live, ye shall live also" by Elder Shayne M. Bowen
Prophet Joseph Smith, ...taught this comforting doctrine: “The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again.”
Gospel Principles Manual Chapter 20 Page 117 (bold and underline added by the blog author)
Baptism at the Age of Accountability
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has reached eight years of age and is accountable (responsible) for his or her actions should be baptized. Some churches teach that little children should be baptized. This is not in keeping with the teachings of the Savior. When Jesus spoke of little children, He said, “Of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).
The prophet Mormon said that it is mockery before God to baptize little children, because they are not capable of sinning. Likewise, baptism is not required of people who are mentally incapable of knowing right and wrong (see Moroni 8:9–22). All other people are to be baptized. We must receive the ordinance of baptism and remain true to the covenants we make at that time.
Ensign Apr 1977 "The Salvation of Little Children" by Bruce R. McConkie
Note from Blog Author...Joseph F. Smith had 9 of his own children die. If you read 1 link I post here, have it be this one. This is a fantastic talk.
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith Chapter 15
Note from Blog Author...Joseph F. Smith had 9 of his own children die. This whole chapter is excellent. You should really read the entire talk! There is too much excellent information to copy and paste it here.
Gospel Topics: Baptism
From latter-day revelation, we know that little children are redeemed through the mercy of Jesus Christ. The Lord said, “They cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me” (see Doctrine and Covenants 29:46–47). They are not to be baptized until they reach the age of accountability, which the Lord has revealed to be eight years of age (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:27; Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 17:11). Anyone who claims that little children need baptism “denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption” (Moroni 8:20; see also verses 8–19, 21–24).
From latter-day revelation, we know that little children are redeemed through the mercy of Jesus Christ. The Lord said, “They cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me” (see Doctrine and Covenants 29:46–47). They are not to be baptized until they reach the age of accountability, which the Lord has revealed to be eight years of age (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:27; Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 17:11). Anyone who claims that little children need baptism “denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption” (Moroni 8:20; see also verses 8–19, 21–24).
Handbook 2 section 20.1 (Bolding added by Blog author)
The ordinances of baptism, confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (for men), the temple endowment, and temple sealing are required for exaltation for all accountable persons.
Bible Dictionary: Baptism
The age at which baptism should be administered is not specified in the Bible, although it is evident that candidates were to be old enough to be capable of belief and have some understanding. In latter-day revelation we learn that the Lord has set the age at eight years as the time when a person begins to become accountable and can be baptized (D&C 20:71; 68:25–28). This was also the age given in Old Testament times (JST Gen. 17:11 [Appendix]).
As members of the Lord’s restored Church, we are blessed both by our initial cleansing from sin associated with baptism and by the potential for an ongoing cleansing from sin made possible through the companionship and power of the Holy Ghost—even the third member of the Godhead.
(Note from blog author which are my own thoughts: Children with disabilities who are unaccountable do not need the initial cleansing from sin, or the ongoing cleansing from sin...they are not accountable.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith explained that “baptism is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost; it is the channel and key by which the Holy Ghost will be administered. The Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, cannot be received through the medium of any other principle than the principle of righteousness” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 95–96).
(Note from Blog Author which are my own thoughts: We lose the holy ghost through sinning. People who are unaccountable do not sin. So they do not need the channel/key/medium to open the way for the Holy Ghost.)
These four words—“Receive the Holy Ghost”—are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction—an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26). The Holy Ghost does not become operative in our lives merely because hands are placed upon our heads and those four important words are spoken. As we receive this ordinance, each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to so live that we indeed “receive the Holy Ghost” and its attendant spiritual gifts. “For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift” (D&C 88:33).
(Note from Blog Author which are my own thoughts: Someone who is unaccountable cannot do these actions, so they would just "have those four words spoken" but not be able to take the "actions". Since they would not be able to "receive the gift" they would not rejoice in that which was given, or in the giver of the gift (Christ).)
8 aListen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the bwhole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little cchildren are dwhole, for they are not capable of committing esin; wherefore the curse of fAdam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them...
9 ... it is solemn amockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.
10 Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are aaccountable and capable of committing sin...
11 And their little achildren need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the bremission of sins.
12 But little achildren are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a brespecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!
13 Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must have gone to an endless hell.
14 Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither afaith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell.
15 For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism.
17 And I am filled with acharity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and bpartakers of salvation.
18 For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is aunchangeable from ball eternity to all eternity.
19 Little achildren cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are all alive in him because of his bmercy.
20 And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the aatonement of him and the power of his redemption.
22 For behold that all little children are aalive in Christ, and also all they that are without the blaw. For the power of credemption cometh on all them that have dno law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent; and unto such baptism availeth nothing—
23 But it is mockery before God, denying the mercies of Christ, and the power of his Holy Spirit, and putting trust in adead works.
24 Behold, my son, this thing ought not to be; for arepentance is unto them that are under condemnation and under the curse of a broken law.
And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are adesirous to come into the bfold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are awilling to mourn with those that bmourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as cwitnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the dfirst resurrection, that ye may have eternal life
(Note from Blog Author which are my own thoughts: People who are found unaccountable are also typically unable to bear one anothers burdens, mourn with those that mourn, etc...)
Other scriptures about accountability are listed here
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