Wichita, Texas, is a vibrant community that shines brightly in the heart of North Texas, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and modern conveniences. This welcoming city boasts a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to Wichita's charming downtown, where unique shops, delightful eateries, and local businesses thrive. The city’s commitment to community spirit is palpable, evident through
its exciting events and festivals held throughout the year, which bring together people from all walks of life.
For nature enthusiasts, Wichita offers an exceptional range of outdoor activities with lush parks and scenic trails that cater to leisurely strolls, brisk runs, or contemplative bike rides. The city's commitment to maintaining these beautiful green spaces highlights its dedication to quality of life.
Families find Wichita, Texas, particularly appealing
Embrace the Charm of Wichita, Texas
4 | HelloWichita Falls, Texas • Spring Issue
Hello Wichita Falls, Texas • Spring Issue |5
due to its strong education system and a variety of recreational facilities that ensure plenty of activities for children of all ages. The city is a testament to the perfect balance between small-town intimacy and metropolitan conveniences, making it an ideal place to put down roots. Embrace the calm and vibrant lifestyle that Wichita offers, where community spirit and Southern hospitality meld seamlessly.
Embrace the Charm of Wichita, Texas
Embrace the Charm of Wichita, Texas: A Hidden Gem in the Lone Star State
Wichita, Texas, is a vibrant community that shines brightly in the heart of North Texas, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and modern conveniences. This welcoming city boasts a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to Wichita's charming downtown, where unique shops, delightful eateries, and local businesses thrive. The city’s commitment to community spirit is palpable, evident through its exciting events and festivals held throughout the year, which bring together people from all walks of life.
For nature enthusiasts, Wichita offers an exceptional range of outdoor activities with lush parks and scenic trails that cater to leisurely strolls, brisk runs, or contemplative bike rides. The city's commitment to maintaining these beautiful green spaces highlights its dedication to quality of life.
Families find Wichita, Texas, particularly appealing due to its strong education system and a variety of recreational facilities that ensure plenty of activities for children of all ages. The city is a testament to the perfect balance between small-town intimacy and metropolitan conveniences, making it an ideal place to put down roots. Embrace the calm and vibrant lifestyle that Wichita offers, where community spirit and Southern hospitality meld seamlessly.
What to Do Before Talking to Insurance After a Crash
After a crash, one of the first things many people do is contact their insurance company. While notifying them is necessary, what you say in those early conversations matters greatly. Insurance companies record statements and may use your words to limit what they pay. Preparing before you speak with
them is a step that protects your claim.The best first action is to write down exactly what happened. Do this as soon as possible while the events are still fresh. Include the date, time, location, weather conditions, and a description of how the accident occurred. Mention any damage or injuries
6 | HelloWichita Falls, Texas • Spring Issue
What to Do Before Talking to Insurance After a Crash
After a crash, one of the first things many people do is contact their insurance company. While notifying them is necessary, what you say in those early conversations matters greatly. Insurance companies record statements and may use your words to limit what they pay. Preparing before you speak with them is a step that protects your claim.
The best first action is to write down exactly what happened. Do this as soon as possible while the events are still fresh. Include the date, time, location, weather conditions, and a description of how the accident occurred. Mention any damage or injuries you noticed right away. These notes will serve as your reference so that your story stays consistent later.
When you do speak with insurance, stick to facts. Avoid making guesses or assumptions. If there are details you are unsure of, it is better to say that you do not know. Even casual phrases such as “I’m fine” or “It was no big deal” can be taken out of context and used to downplay your injuries.
Avoid giving opinions about fault. Let investigators and reports handle those conclusions. Your focus should be on sharing accurate information about what you directly experienced. Providing only facts keeps your statement strong and prevents misunderstandings.
Another helpful step is to review any photos, witness information, or police reports you may have. These items back up your version of events and give you confidence when describing what happened. If possible, keep copies of everything in one place so you are ready when asked.
The words you choose after a crash can shape how your entire claim is viewed and handled.
Insurance companies may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize costs. They analyze every statement you make, so clear and careful communication matters. If you are unsure about how to answer a question, it is acceptable to say you need time to confirm the details.
By preparing notes, reviewing evidence, and sticking to facts, you protect yourself from unintentional mistakes. This preparation ensures that your claim reflects the reality of what happened, not a version influenced by pressure or miscommunication.
Brad Altman
you noticed right away. These notes will serve as your reference so that your story stays consistent later.When you do speak with insurance, stick to facts. Avoid making guesses or assumptions. If there are details you are unsure of, it is better to say that you do not know. Even casual phrases such as “I’m fine” or
“It was no big deal” can be taken out of context and used to downplay your injuries.Avoid giving opinions about fault. Let investigators and reports handle those conclusions. Your focus should be on sharing accurate information about what you directly experienced. Providing only facts keeps your statement strong and prevents misunderstandings.Another helpful step is to review any photos, witness information, or police reports you may have. These items back up your version of events and give you confidence when describing what happened. If possible, keep copies of everything in one place so you are ready when asked....
The words you choose after a crash can shape how your entire claim is viewed and handled.
About the Author
Brad Altman is an AV (Preeminent) rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell and has been practicing law for more than 26 years. He has devoted his career to representing clients who have undergone serious damages, injuries, and death caused by the actions of other persons or corporations.
HelloWichita Falls, Texas • Spring Issue |7
Guiding the Next Generation: A Parent’s Role in Support & Understanding
Raising a child is both rewarding and complex, but when a child has a disability or mental health condition, the path can feel even more uncertain. Parents often find themselves balancing their instincts to protect with the need to prepare their children for an independent future. The world young people
face today is not the same as the one their parents grew up in, and that difference makes the role of a supportive parent more important than ever.The first step in guiding a child with unique needs is listening. Children and teens want to be heard, and for those with disabilities or mental health
8 | HelloWichita Falls, Texas • Spring Issue
Guiding the Next Generation: A Parent’s Role in Support & Understanding
Raising a child is both rewarding and complex, but when a child has a disability or mental health condition, the path can feel even more uncertain. Parents often find themselves balancing their instincts to protect with the need to prepare their children for an independent future. The world young people face today is not the same as the one their parents grew up in, and that difference makes the role of a supportive parent more important than ever.
The first step in guiding a child with unique needs is listening. Children and teens want to be heard, and for those with disabilities or mental health conditions, that need is even stronger. Their experiences may not match what their parents once knew, and less visible environments can shape their challenges. Children may be navigating a world that feels very different from what their parents remember, and some of the hardest parts of their experiences are the ones that cannot always be seen. By listening carefully and without judgment, parents show respect for their child’s perspective. That respect builds trust, which becomes the foundation for growth and resilience.
Listening also allows parents to pick up on subtle changes in mood, behavior, or social patterns. For children who struggle with anxiety or depression, small signals can carry big meaning. A sudden drop in school performance, withdrawal from friends, or frustration with daily routines may point to needs that are not being met. Parents who notice these patterns can respond with patience rather than punishment, helping the child feel supported instead of misunderstood.
Learning is just as critical. Parents who take time to educate themselves about a child’s condition or disability are better prepared to support their needs. A diagnosis may explain part of the picture, but it does not tell the whole story. Each child has strengths, preferences, and goals that go beyond labels. Understanding how conditions affect learning, communication, or social interaction helps parents advocate effectively, whether at school, in medical settings, or in the community.
That learning often includes staying up to date with evolving resources. New therapies, teaching approaches, and assistive technologies appear every year, and these tools can make a significant difference. Parents who remain curious and open to new information show their children that growth is always possible. At the same time, it is important to balance hope with realistic expectations. Recognizing both challenges and opportunities helps families set goals that feel attainable rather than overwhelming.
Programs that offer support for people with disabilities have different program-specific requirements, which can feel overwhelming when there are different steps needed when accessing support.
Advocacy plays a central role in a parent’s journey. Schools, workplaces, and public services are required to provide accommodations, but parents often must speak up to ensure those rights are respected. Advocacy is not about pushing for special treatment. It is about making sure a child has equal access to opportunities. When parents advocate firmly and respectfully, they model for their children how to speak up for themselves in the future.
This role cannot be overstated. Although most organizations understand their obligation to provide reasonable accommodations, few have real experience putting those accommodations into practice. Every situation is unique, and parents can help by explaining the barriers that exist because of a disability, then working as partners in developing solutions. Advocacy works best when it invites collaboration rather than confrontation.
For example, an amputee who is without hands may apply for a job as a retail cashier. A parent can advocate by helping an employer understand that tasks like handling products or operating a register may be difficult for their child. By sharing information about wearable technology that allows scanning or eye-tracking devices to input data, the parent helps the employer see possibilities for success rather than obstacles. Ideally, children will learn to advocate for themselves as they grow older, but in their early years, parents should not hesitate to take the lead.
Parents bridge the gap between generations by listening, learning, and advocating for their children with consistency and compassion.
The generational gap is worth noting. Many parents grew up in a time when mental health struggles were less openly discussed or when disabilities were misunderstood and stigmatized. Today’s world has more awareness, but it also places new pressures on children. Social media, digital communication, and academic competition can magnify stress, especially for children with additional needs. Parents who recognize this shift can help by balancing expectations, setting realistic goals, and encouraging self-care.
Supporting independence is another important aspect of parenting a child with a disability or mental health condition. While it is natural to want to protect them, independence grows through opportunity and experience. Encouraging decision-making, teaching problem-solving, and allowing safe risks help children gain confidence. Even small steps, such as managing personal routines or speaking up in class, build skills for adulthood.
Parents may also face pressure from relatives, peers, or cultural expectations that they do not fully understand their child’s needs. Explaining a disability or condition can be exhausting, but parents who set boundaries and communicate clearly can protect their child from harmful misunderstandings. Creating an environment of acceptance at home makes it easier for children to face challenges in the wider world.
The journey can also bring challenges for parents themselves. Stress, fatigue, and worry often weigh heavily. Seeking support from other families, professionals, or community organizations can make the role more sustainable. Parents should not feel guilty for needing help; caring for themselves makes them better able to care for their children. In some cases, family counseling or peer support groups provide valuable spaces to share experiences and learn new strategies.
The ultimate goal for any parent is to prepare their child for a fulfilling and meaningful life. For children with disabilities or mental health conditions, that means having tools to navigate a world that may not always be understanding. Parents can provide those tools by modeling empathy, teaching resilience, and building support systems that last beyond childhood. With patience and knowledge, parents give their children the best chance to thrive.
Guiding the next generation is not about having all the answers. It is about walking alongside a child, adjusting to their needs, and believing in their potential. Parents who embrace that role create an environment where children feel seen, supported, and understood.
David Toogood
conditions, that need is even stronger. Their experiences may not match what their parents once knew, and less visible environments can shape their challenges. Children may be navigating a world that feels very different from what their parents remember, and some of the hardest parts of their experiences are the ones
that cannot always be seen. By listening carefully and without judgment, parents show respect for their child’s perspective. That respect builds trust, which becomes the foundation for growth and resilience.Listening also allows parents to pick up on subtle changes in mood, behavior, or social patterns. For children who struggle with anxiety or depression, small signals can carry big meaning. A sudden drop in school performance, withdrawal from friends, or frustration with daily routines may point to needs that are not being met. Parents who notice these patterns can respond with patience rather than punishment, helping the child...
Parents bridge the gap between generations by listening, learning, and advocating for their children with consistency and compassion.
About the Author
David Toogood is the President and CEO of Work Services Corporation, a nonprofit Community Rehabilitation Program employing more than 800 people in Texas and Oklahoma. He oversees the organization’s $30 million annual operations, which provide goods and services to government and commercial customers while advancing its mission to create job opportunities for people with disabilities.
