Category: DocAlign

  • Which is better for you? wordpress.com or wordpress.org

    Which is better for you, wordpress.com or wordpress.org? If you’re not sure where to start, this post will help you understand the difference and get you closer to knowing which is a better fit for your business.

    WordPress.com (by Automattic)

    WordPress.com is a web building hosted platform. It has themes and plugins you can install for free or for a fee. WordPress.com is managed by Automattic (the company behind WordPress). This means that users don’t purchase their own hosting or manage their own servers. It’s user-friendly interface with a lot of templates to choose from. For beginners or if you’re not interested in full control of your website down to the maintenance of it, WordPress.com is a good way to go.

    WordPress.org

    WordPress.org is free software you control. You download it and use your own web host service. You handle maintenance. Files are located on your server. You have access to WordPress plugins, and can create and/or install custom themes and plugins. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or doubtful, you can try WordPress.com for free.

    Which is better?

    I’ve used both. I’m not a developer. I help businesses and busy people create websites that are simple and effective. Both have learning curves that I still learn through while I’m working with each of them. It comes down to what you’re trying to do with your website? I’m all about keeping things simple. You don’t need a lot to get started. An effective website means it functions, people can contact you, and you showcase your content in a user friendly manner. Making a simple, yet effective website can be done with either WordPress platforms.

    Final Thoughts

    I’d go with WordPress.com. Put your effort and attention on SEO and making awesome, amazing content. If you’re looking for a partner to help you get started, let’s chat. It’s really a joy working with others and learning about you and your project. I’d be honored to work with you. Contact me.

    Check out my projects:

    Unlimited Detailing, Inc. refreshed website, worked on SEO and content, maintain weekly blog, maintain Google Business Profile updates and services

    Maidz Pro Created simple website for new cleaning business. Helping the business respond to a solicitation for government contract work.

    Bark and Celebrate Created simple website for new dog treat business. The goal is to get subscribers to help business establish regular work that creates job skills training for adults with developmental disabilities.

    DocAlign My small business that I’m always working with to improve and create great content for amazing people like you.

    Dog Principal Working on SEO to improve local presence to generate leads.

    Quantum 84 Coatings, LLC Created simple website for new business with budget. Helping to generate leads and create content for the ideal customer/target audience.

    All of the websites have a goal and focus. Marketing or otherwise. It’s important for me to understand you, your business, and your end goal. Let’s talk. Can’t wait. ❤️

    let’s build your website

  • communication partner Do’s and Don’ts

    Communication is Priority

    I have two goals for Audric this year: communication and self-care. Communication is the priority. The class we’re taking is a game changer. I used to talk at Audric and around him. Including him in conversation is a different feeling. He’s a non-speaker. I used to think his receptive language skills were so low. I misunderstood and now I’m learning. And I’m getting better each day.

    Communication Self-awareness and Practice

    It takes practice, a shift in mindset and unlearning habits. Audric and I are getting to know each other in this new way. It’s a lot of fun. He’s a good teacher. Very patient and kind.

    Communication Do’s and Dont’s with Audric

    I developed a list of do’s and don’ts for his support staff. This way we can all start to be consistent when we communicate with him. It requires effort from everyone who works with Audric. The first step in better fitting, consistent communication is to want to do it. The second step is awareness. Really checking yourself and changing the language to support him.

    1. Limit questions (facts or preferences to no more than 4 per hour). 
    2. Give choices (but limit choices to no more than 2 per hour). 
    3. Avoid yes/no questions.
    4. Make clear, concise statements. 
    5. Speak to Audric not around him. So use “You/your” and not “He/Him”.  
    6. Be mindful and avoid statements ending in questions (tone, body language like nodding/shaking head, and words that creates a question seeking affirmation/acknowledgment/ response). Ex. You want to drink milk, right? We’re going to the store, okay? My name is Amy, remember? Etc. 
    7. Speak with Audric as an adult (tendency is to sometimes speak to him like a toddler).
    8. Refer to him by his name instead of “Buddy”
    April 2017, visiting grandparents in Ohio. Audric teaching his grandparents how to communicate with him has been a barrier. Everyone makes it work the best they can.

  • Week 3 Communication partner

    We talked about Valentine’s Day. The older version of myself would say, Audric doesn’t understand. And he doesn’t pay attention to holidays. Or he doesn’t care. But I’m unlearning the conditioning I taught myself. Audric does pay attention. He gets it at his pace.

    Today’s class didn’t feel the most productive. We weren’t spelling out full words. He’s tired. We ended up leaving 25 minutes early. And he wanted to leave after 30 minutes of being there. It was a different day, but not wasted. Sometimes I feel like if it’s not the most productive, then I’ve failed.

    The class is teaching me that it’s not a linear path. The teacher showed me on the first day, it’s like a ladder. The questions go up in reasoning, and the first step is making choices. And right now, we at the first step, and that’s okay. The biggest thing to remember is that it’s an ongoing journey. Some learners take weeks to months to years to do what we’re asking and teaching Audric to do. His teacher tells me, he’ll get there.

  • Week 2 Communication Partner

    It’s been a week since starting class. The topic was dreams. Audric says he dreams.

    It’s fun getting to know him like this. I’m so used to taking care of him that I don’t take time to listen and get to know him. This class teaches me to be an effective communication partner, and set me up to see Audric beyond his basic needs and preferences.

    Before this class, I took a 6-series coaching session for AAC users. The big takeaway was making sure to count to 10 to give Audric time to process, think, and respond. Anyone who works with him is instructed to do the same thing. Consistency in communication with Audric is important, and it’s a priority.

    We avoid true/false and yes/no questions. We create the pause between every statement. Sentences are clear and concise. And we limit choices. At first it felt like I was taking his autonomy, but it actually supports him.

    He’s not overwhelmed and agitated. He’s not getting constant decision fatigue. He is provided a consistent communication style across providers.

    Another huge thing I shifted in my behavior and communication with Audric is accepting his “no”. Until the end of last year, his “no’s” weren’t respected. I’d convince, negotiate, or just straight up say, “this is happening”.

    This class is teaching me how to support Audric because he has so much to say. And helping him express himself this way is so different than what I’ve been taught and trained to do. Finally, it’s about meeting him where he is.

    I can’t help but think, oh man, why did I wait so long. He could be so much further along but this is a thought for another day with my therapist.

    At the end of class, he was happy to say bye to everyone. I think he feels safe and heard. Then he skipped his way to the car. He amazes me always.

    I sit to his right. We’re waiting for class to start. Stencils, devices, and materials to communicate!

  • Week 1 Communication Partner

    The class is limited to five learners. All learners use a device to communicate. And everyone has a 1:1 provider they come with. Audric’s been learning TouchChat. But this class is way different. We’re learning how to spell responses. We start with stencils. He uses a pencil and pokes it through the letter. The response effort is good. He’s doesn’t resist or give up. Watching him, witnessing how he tries and wants to communicate is amazing to me.

    In his first class, he pointed to the first letter of his choice (response). On the second day, I worked with him to spell words out. He was phenomenal.

    The teacher walks around and since everyone else has more experience, she took some time to coach us. She modeled once and I did the rest. She monitored and gave feedback.

    Audric sat the entire two hours. He listened. He appeared relaxed. We packed snacks and participated with all the questions. I left him to use the restroom, no problem. He was waiting for me at his table still looking relaxed. It’s a welcoming environment.

    I feel bad I didn’t start this sooner but I can’t hold onto that. I started and that’s all that matters. He knows everyone in the class (learners and their providers). Turns out they all rock climb together too. This is only the first week, but I feel so good. You know that feeling you get when it just feels right. I feel joy. I feel relaxed. This is amazing. I love being his communication partner. And I can’t wait to see how next week goes.

  • 10 Reasons Why Doc Prep Services Can Save You Time and Stress | DocAlign

    10 reasons why Doc Prep Services can Save you time and stress

    Document preparation refers to the process of gathering information, completing forms, and assembling all the necessary paperwork for a specific purpose. Doc prep service can be a lifesaver when you need to deal with paperwork for various purposes. And I have 10 reasons why doc prep is one of DocAlign’s favorite services on offer:

    1. You save time and effort- Gathering information, filling out forms, and assembling documents can be a time-consuming and tedious process. DocAlign takes care of this for you, freeing up your valuable time.
    2. Ensures Accuracy– Many documents involve legal or financial jargon, and even small mistakes can have significant consequences. DocAlign can ensure the accuracy of the information you provide and avoid costly errors.
    3. Reduces Stress: Dealing with complex paperwork can be stressful. DocAlign alleviates that stress by handling the process efficiently and professionally.
    4. Provides Peace of Mind: Knowing your documents are completed correctly and meet all the requirements can give you peace of mind and avoid potential delays or rejections.
    5. Knowledge and Expertise: DocAlign is professional and has experience in handling various document types. I guide you through the process to ensure you have the necessary paperwork for your specific situation.
    6. Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While there might be an upfront fee for using a doc prep service, it can save you money in the long run compared to potential mistakes or delays that could require resubmitting documents or hiring an attorney to fix errors.
    7. Meets Deadlines: DocAlign understand the importance of meeting deadlines.
    8. Confidentiality and Security: DocAlign takes privacy seriously and protect your confidential information.
    9. Accessibility and Convenience: DocAlign keeps communication consistent and convenient.
    10. Focus on What Matters: DocAlign simplifies your day so that you can focus your time and energy on what matters.

    Whether it’s running a business, managing your finances, or simply enjoying your free time, a doc prep service can free you up to do what matters most. Contact DocAlign when you’re ready to get started.

    Get Started →

  • Empowering Small Businesses with Effective Digital Marketing

    Empowering Small Businesses with Effective Digital Marketing

    Digital marketing Let’s you be Creative

    Digital marketing is essentially any marketing you do online. It encompasses a wide range of activities, but some of the most common include:

    • Social media marketing: Using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with your audience, share content, and promote your business.
    • Content marketing: Creating valuable and informative content (like blog posts, infographics, or videos) to attract and engage potential customers.
    • Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimizing your website and online content to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords.
    • Email marketing: Building an email list and sending targeted emails to promote your products or services, share news, and build relationships with customers.
    • Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising: Running ads on search engines and other websites, where you only pay when someone clicks on your ad.

    Here’s how digital marketing can be a game-changer for small businesses with a limited budget:

    1. Cost-effective: Compared to traditional advertising methods like print or TV, digital marketing offers a much wider range of budget-friendly options. You can start small and scale your campaigns up as you see success. Many platforms offer free or freemium plans with basic features, and there are numerous free tools available to help you create content and manage your campaigns.
    2. Targeted Reach: Unlike throwing darts in the dark with traditional marketing, digital marketing allows you to target your ideal customers with laser focus. By understanding your target audience’s demographics, interests, and online behavior, you can tailor your message to resonate with the people most likely to convert into customers.
    3. Measurable Results: Forget guessing about the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. With digital marketing, everything is trackable. You can see exactly how many people see your content, click on your links, and engage with your brand. This data allows you to measure your return on investment (ROI) and optimize your campaigns for better results.
    4. Global Reach: The internet levels the playing field for small businesses. With a well-executed digital marketing strategy, you can reach a global audience without breaking the bank. This opens up a world of potential customers that you wouldn’t have access to with traditional marketing methods.

    In short, digital marketing gives small businesses with small budgets the power to compete with larger companies. It allows you to target the right audience, measure your results, and constantly improve your marketing efforts.

    Your Digital Marketing Partner on a budget

    When we work together, we make actionable goals and I measure progress. If you’re a small business and trying to scale, don’t do it alone. Trust me. I know it’s the cheapest way to go, but having someone help you really lets you allocate your time, attention, and efforts in other ways, like providing services to your clients. Or building the products you want to sell to your clients.

    I keep my work transparent with you. It’s important to know how your money is being used. I get it. I use services that align to your marketing goals. Here are services I’ve used and clients have used for different reasons. You tell me whatYoast because I find it’s robust, even their free version. Yoast helps your SEO. Google Ads is another service I like to use. I review everything with you to make sure everything is aligned to your marketing goal. Here are some plugins and services I’ve used:

    • Google Ads
    • Yoast
    • WordPress
    • Squarespace (used to be Google Domains)
    • Hubspot
    • LiveChat

    When you’re ready to get started, reach out to me. You don’t need a lot to start, just a clear direction of what you want from marketing. I started my business with a Google Ad. I had a $60 budget. I used word of mouth referrals. It’s a slow, and frustrating process, sometimes. But it’s something that calls you. Go for it. In the meantime, know you’re doing something amazing, and others should know about it! ❤️

  • Aba therapy

    HOME ABA THERAPY – JOURNEY TO INDEPENDENCE

    Starting home ABA Therapy

    We started home ABA therapy. The technician and Audric are a good match. Since Audric can stay in school until he turns 21, I decided to homeschool him this last month (May-mid June) see how it goes through the summer. If it goes well, he’ll keep going with ABA into the fall. Most of the agencies consider 21 the age to start accepting young adults like Audric into their adult learning programs.

    Transitioning post high school

    Audric’s 18. Besides, it’s going to be a big adjustment (probably more for me) when he does age out of the public school system. So with homeschool, I’m still able to enroll him back into the high school if ABA doesn’t work out, instead taking him out of school permanently.

    All the while, I like ABA therapy for him. The company we’re working with requires another adult to be present (besides Audric and the tech) during ABA therapy. I don’t have to participate, but I’m on-call support if the tech has any questions or Audric needs my help with something. And now that the first week is over, I think it’ll get better. I feel good about this.

    4 month goal

    I think about Audric’s future a lot. My goal for him with ABA for the next 4 months is to see progress that it’s helping him continue to learn more independence.

    Life with Audric

    I added a button on his device of his new tech. So when it’s about 30 minutes before session starts, we talk about his tech coming. We get to practice using his “Words”- it’s what we call his device. Audric can adapt easier at times than others. Like transitioning to a new schedule and a different person at the same time at home-he can do in about a week.

    While we’re waiting for the tech to arrive, we talk about how we’re feeling using his Words. Sometimes he starts to hop on one foot and laugh when the tech comes because he’s excited. It’s fun seeing him happy. It’s Here’s a picture of his device he uses to communicate with. He likes to listen to music on his phone and speaker. He uses an iPad with TouchChat (software) for communication. And his daily activity box with mini-lessons.

    Activity box, phone, speaker, and iPad

  • Hate Filling Out Forms? Discover DocAlign – Your Solution to Form-Filling Woes

    Can you help me fill out these forms?

    Yes! I really, reeeaallly enjoy filling out forms. I don’t know what it is, but I do. I’m pretty good at them too, so I started helping family and friends. And started doing it for others because I found that people really don’t like filling out forms. I get it. If I have to plan a trip, I prefer to use a travel agent. I get so overwhelmed by the thought of coordinating the flight with the hotel, that I stop before I start. I talk myself out of some great traveling experiences, lol.

    Here are my 5 reasons for why I love filling out forms

    1. Structure and Organization: Forms provide clear structure and organization
    2. Completion and Accomplishment: There’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing a form.
    3. Attention to Detail: I like the focus and attention to detail required to fill out forms accurately.
    4. Learning and Knowledge: Forms can introduce new information or concepts that make me a better form-filler-outer.
    5. Problem-Solving: Filling out forms can sometimes involve a bit of problem-solving, like figuring out which box to check or how to phrase an answer.

    The only reason you need DocAlign

    Because you hate filling out forms! That’s it. So let’s get started.

    Here’s a short list of forms I’ve completed

    • MDOT MBE/DBE/ACDBE/SBE Certification
    • Permanent Residency Application
    • Legal Guardianship
    • Medical Forms
    • Loan Applications
    • and more