March 2024 Special Needs Living Magazine

Nothing Compares 2 U Laughing in the Purple Rain with Monte Bigelow

BY ANDREA HURR • PHOTOS BY JULIAN CURET

When you have a child with an intellectual and developmental disability, finding resources to ease your fears and coming up with creative ways to soothe your child are some of the top priorities you face. Tracy and Kip Bigelow, parents to Montgomery (Monte) have succeeded in these areas and learned a thing or two over the last 27 years.

Monte was born with cerebral palsy and has the brain functions of an 18-month-old. She is also blind, has epilepsy, behavioral issues, and is nonverbal. “One of our greatest challenges that we have experienced is her being nonverbal,” says mom Tracy. “We have learned to communicate in our own special way but it can be very overwhelming and frustrating when you know there is a problem, but she cannot communicate to you what is wrong.” This is how they discovered Monte’s love for music and just how important it is to her. “We have learned that music is very helpful to Monte, it has become a very big part of her life,” says Tracy. She goes on to say that if Monte is having a hard time, playing music, especially by Prince, turns her around and calms her down. The music by Prince worked so well that they made a special “Prince” room in their house where Monte loves to go to hang out and listen to his music. Besides her love for Prince, she loves all types of music and musical toys which help relieve her during difficult times.

“We have learned that music is very helpful to Monte, it has become a very big part of her life,”

Quoted as “our greatest resource throughout the years,” The Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Summit DD) has been a huge asset to Monte and her family. Monte’s SSA (Service & Support Administrator), Alison Taylor, has been a godsend. Through the Summit DD, they have learned so much and attended classes and workshops to help them better care for their daughter. Tracy states that there are so many resources available, especially with the ease of finding things on the internet, however, she suggests reaching out to your local board of Developmental Disabilities as one of your first steps towards receiving help with your child’s special needs diagnosis.

Because they did, they were able to give Monte a better quality of life.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t discuss the importance that Constant Companions has had on Monte and her parent’s lives. Hattie Larlham’s Constant Companions is an adult day support program.

Monte attends the program location in her hometown of Green. According to their website, Constant Companions, “adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities enjoy opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities, community outings, and volunteer projects.” Tracy just raves about them saying that Monte has made so many friends there. Because she gets to go out in the community on field trips, it has helped her behavior with the public, which is something they previously struggled with. Monte goes to Constant Companions 5 days a week. Her family learned from one of her outings that she loves baseball games, so now they make sure to go to one every year.

“We are very grateful for Constant Companions. I was always fearful of letting her go places and doing things without us, but I have learned that it’s ok to let her spread her wings and fly. We are so very proud of the progress and young lady that she has become,” says Tracy.

Tracy would like to acknowledge one of Monte’s caregivers, Morgan Garlick, who has helped them feel more comfortable with letting Monte try new experiences. One time Monte became very ill and had an extensive stay in the hospital where she lost her mobility to walk. When Monte returned to Constant Companions, Morgan worked with her and had her up and walking again in no time! “I can never thank her enough for her patience and willingness to help Monte. She is so patient, and caring and works so hard at taking care of all the people there. Monte and Morgan have a special bond.”

Monte is thriving as an adult because of the unwavering love and support from her family and their willingness to look for resources for help. Tracy’s advice is “to always be an advocate for your child. There will be many ups and downs on this long journey but being the voice of your child and advocating for them is so important. We always make sure that her needs are heard, and they are taken care of. A lot of time you can be met with resistance but always stand up for your child’s rights and be their voice!”