Top Care Providers in San Jose, CA
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Progressive Speech and Hearing Corp
By bbert at Citysearch July 09, 2011
Our two year old spent a few months with them in 2010. The sessions would start late, but end right on time. The practitioner wasn't patient with our kid, giving up on every activity very quickly. She would blame the kid after every session. In their estimation, they didn't feel the kid was improving, so naturally we asked them to cancel the therapy, so we could find a different place. To our surprise, they immediately became rude, and dug up the clause to show that we had to give them an advance notice - meaning we'd have to pay for a minimum of 4 more classes. We can understand the presence of this clause to avoid empty schedules, but if you've already admitted that your therapy isn't working for the kid, shouldn't you waive such a requirement? In effect, they asked us to pay for 4 more sessions, even though the sessions were not even going to help the kid. Sounded like a profiteering tactic to us. As if this wasn't enough, here's the slap on the face. We told them that if we were contractually obligated, we'd just pay for the sessions, and just not show up, since the kid was not going to be helped anyway. To our horror, they told us that if we didn't show up for the sessions, they'd charge us an EXTRA fee for not showing up. So, we HAD to pay for the extra sessions that they TOLD US weren't helping, AND had to show up in person so they don't charge us extra. Fortunately, we moved our kid to a different provider and therapist - and within 3 sessions, our kid had made a bond with the therapist, and now looks forward to the sessions, as opposed to being morose and aloof with the therapist at Progressive. And the difference in improvement week over week is stark! In sum - it's clear that this is an institution all about money-making, and not interested in helping the kids at all. Beware. ...read more
Progressive Speech and Hearing Corp
By smileyface7 at Citysearch August 07, 2008
We've been with Progressive Speech for years. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I am always treated like family. My son loves his time at the office and I've been pleased with the quality of services. The therapy staff is great. I've had the opportunity to work with several of the therapists there and although all of them have their own style, all are really good. We are very lucky that they accept insurance benefits because it cuts down on out of pocket expenses. I consider it a bonus! Their work is worth paying out of pocket anyway! The downside is that the waiting room can get crowded at times but it's a large space that can fit many people. Their phones are busy and you don't always get an assistant right away but they are good at calling you back. The message tells you if you are getting the second voicemail so you can choose to leave a message or call back. Their administrative assistants are pleasant and try to help you solve any problems you might have or with scheduling or questions. They are patient with the children who are in the waiting room as well. I've recommended their services to others and will continue to do so. ...read more
Progressive Speech and Hearing Corp
By jbandson at Citysearch July 11, 2008
I am very happy with the service my son has recieved in the last 4 years, they make him feel so proud when he leaves each week and Jen is so awesome with him. He works really hard and plays lot's with Ms. Jen. When we began our seach for a therapist we met Dawn and her and our son worked great! Dawn diagnosed him with a speech disorder I never heard of and I was unsure what to do with the diagnosis. Dawn assured us he would be fine and she explained everything to me and said she would work with our son and do the best she can, and since then she and Ms. Jen have. We are so lucky to have them in our lives, and the amount of time and work they put into my sons life is nothing compared. I'm sorry for the other families, but I put my sons needs infront of everything else, and I have never heard a bad thing come out of these hard workers mouths, ever. I think you should loosen up. The service is professional and they all are very experienced, I read the profiles on their website and I was glad I stayed, and will stay. I would recommend them to anyone who asks. I just want to say, it is hard enough to deal with a speech problem with your child and then have to read neg. things about a great therapy place, so I hope my experience helps in your search. Good Luck. Jess ...read more
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ARM vs. Fixed Rate Mortgage - Differences, Pros And Cons
So, you’re ready to invest in your new home. Let me guess: you’re weighing the merits of anadjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and a fixed-rate mortgage. How are they different from each other and more importantly, which one is best for you? The Interest Rates Difference When you choose a fixed-rate loan, it is obvious that the interest rate will not change. An adjustable-rate mortgage, as its name implies, resets and repackages its interest rate at specific intervals. Nevertheless, it can be advantageous for homebuyers with specific goals. With an ARM, you start off with a set interest for a specified period of time. Then, the lender will periodically adjust the rate after that period. Sometimes, you will see the notation “5/1” in your ARM; this means that the rate will be constant for five years and then the lender will adjust it annually afterward. Currently, some lenders are extending the initial rate lock period from the traditional 5 years to 7, 10 or even 15 years. This makes the ARM even more attractive than other types of mortgages. Index plus Margin When the initial fixed-rate period is over, the lender will use the formula ‘index plus margin’to set your interest rate. For the index, they can use a published interest rate as LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offer Rate) or a private interest rate from the lender. The margin is usually a small markup on the rate which the lender will determine. In many cases, the ARM interest rates are initially lower than a 30-year fixed-rate loan (often by as much as one percentage point), but you should remember that an ARM rate may reset higher several times over the life of the loan. Why Pick an ARM? If you’re the kind of the first-time homebuyer who is dynamic and wants to keep your options open, an ARM may work better for you. As long as you’re prepared to move on before the introductory period ends, you’ll probably maximize the advantage of making lower payments for your house. Here’s a bonus: since your lender will qualify you based on your lower monthly payment, you could qualify for a higher-priced house than you would with a fixed-rate mortgage. Here’s how it will go: after you’ve completed your initial period, the lender will determine your new rate. They will base it on an index, which will act as the new benchmark interest rate, plus their set margin amount to calculate the new rate. Now, the new rate will either increase or decrease your monthly payments – which may appear to be a bit risky if you are a conservative borrower. The good news is, most ARMs have limits on how much the lender can change the interest rate (therefore the monthly payment) at the end of each adjustment period or over the term of the loan. On top of that, should market conditions push the rates down, it will be to the advantage of the ARM borrowers. So, before you sign on the dotted line, give careful consideration to the initial rate, initial rate period, and the adjustment periods when assessing an ARM. Advantages of ARMs There are a few reasons that sway homebuyers to opt for an adjustable-rate mortgage. Here are some of them: Lower Initial Interest Rate ARMs typically carry a lower initial interest rate when compared to a 30-year fixed mortgage. With an ARM, youpay the same interestrate for the initial three, five, seven or ten years. After that period, lenders change it semi-annually or annually for the rest of the 30-year loan period. Take note that the interest rate during the initial period for an ARM is lower than the rate on a fixed-rate or interest-only mortgage. This is why many finance experts call this a starter or teaser rate because it entices borrowers to sign up for a loan. The low initial interest rate for an ARM helps in getting a mortgage and acquiring a home more cost-effectively than with other loan or mortgage products. Flexibility An ARM would be more suitable for you if you are strongly anticipating a major life change in the next few years, like moving or selling your house. You can take advantage of ARMs fixed-rate period and sell the house before it expires and the unpredictable interest rate phase begins. Lower Initial Monthly Payment It’s simple: if you get a lower initial interest rate with an ARM, you’ll pay less initial monthly mortgage payments. Lower monthly payments will save you money on your total monthly housing expense. More savings means more financial flexibility when you buy a home or refinance your mortgage. Of course, the rate can increase during the life of the loan (and so will your monthly payments) - that’s a fact. The bottom line is this: a lower initial payment can give you additional financial breathing room when you need it the most. Rate and Payment Caps Here’s another good thing about ARMs: it might have several types of caps that limit the spikes on your mortgage rate and the size of your payment. These would include interest-rate caps or limits on how much the rate can change each time it adjusts and on the number of rate change over the loan’s term. There’s also the cap on how much the payment can grow each time the lender adjusts the rate. You can ask your lender for an explanation of the risks and a sample computation of how much would your maximum payment be. Mortgage Rate May Drop While we’re on the subject, here’s another benefit of an ARM: your mortgage rate may actually go down. This is a good probability if the interest rates decrease. When your mortgage enters the adjustable rate period, the rate changes on an annual or semi-annual basis. During this period, you will have the fully-indexed rate, a rate that will fluctuate according to the movement of an index. This index could be theLIBOR or the treasury rate, two rates that move up or down according to the economic situation. If the index goes up, your mortgage rate rises accordingly. If the index goes down, your rate follows suit. A lower mortgage rate brings down your monthly payment and saves you money. Realistically, it is very difficult to predict how interest rates will behave several years in the future. The nice thing is, when the rates eventually go down, an ARM will help you take advantage of it by giving you lower monthly interest and payment. Why Choose A Fixed-Rate Mortgage? Here’s a home buyer who has a stable career, lives and/or works in an area he truly loves and has decided to establish roots in that community. Does that sound like you? If it does, then a fixed-rate mortgage might interest you. This kind of loan is also best suited for people who are near retirement. Why? Because fixed payments make it easier for them to forecast their expenses. Like any other product, a fixed-rate mortgage has its own pros and cons – especially when you place it head-to-head with an ARM or interest only mortgage. On the plus side, you have the assurance that your interest rate and the monthly payment will stay constant, flexible mortgage length options, and peace of mind. On the minus side, it has a higher interest rate and monthly payment, and you lock yourself into the mortgage if you cannot refinance it. Anyway, there are a few reasons that move homebuyers to opt for a fixed-rate mortgage. Here are some of them: Payments Remain Constant In a fixed-rate mortgage, the lender amortizes the payment on that mortgage. Basically, the lender is computing for the total amount of the loan plus interest over the course of the loan. They then spread the total amount over the course of the loan or more specifically, divide it by the number of monthly payments you should make. And because theinterest rate will not change, this monthly payment amount will not change too. Here’s the kicker: your monthly mortgage payment on a fixed-rate mortgage will remain the same over the life of the loan but you might have to pay other expenses too. You might have to shell out some cash for homeowner’s insurance premiums and property taxes, for instance. Interest Rate Will Not Increase You know that in an ARM, the interest rate can change every year. This exposes the borrower for potentially unpleasant surprises that he may have to bear for an entire year. Needless to say, your loan has the potential to become more and more expensive over time. In a fixed-rate mortgage, you do away with that uncertainty. Your advantage is that the interest rate will stay ‘as is’ for as long as you keep the loan active. So, don’t expect any unpleasant surprises down the road. Whatever rate the lender give you up front will be the same one you’ll have for the full 30-year term. Comparing Loan Options is Easier If you like things simple even when shopping for your loan, a fixed-rate mortgage should be your bet. There’s hardly anything different between what various lenders offer – you just need to compare interest rates and closing costs. With the ARM, you have to consider too many moving parts aside from closing costs: introductory interest rate, length of the introductory period, how much the rate can change each period, and how much the rate can change over the entire loan term. You could also opt for a graduated payment mortgage where you start with a lower payment and gradually pay more over time. Flexible Mortgage Term Options One thing that puts a fixed-rate mortgage over other mortgage programs is that it offers more flexible term options. Lenders are making available for borrowers a range of terms including 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. You might even stumble upon a lender who will be willing to offer a 40-year term, albeit rarely. With a fixed-rate mortgage, you will find that the interest somewhat follows the term: shorter terms mean lower rates and longer terms mean higher rates. This is how it works: a mortgage with a shorter term and lower rates lower your total interest expense over the life of your loan. However, you will be, in effect, paying a higher monthly payment because you are paying back the entire loan over a shorter repayment period. The good news is because you now have a range of terms to choose from, it will be easier to select one that closely meets your financial objectives. Choose the Right Mortgage As you compare an ARM against a fixed-rate mortgage, you have to decide according to your situation. If you like stable monthly payments and knowing exactly how your total interest would add up for the entire term of the loan, it’s a fixed-rate mortgage for you. It could also be your choice if you intend to stay in the house even after the fixed introductory period is over. But if you are planning to be in the home only for a few years, you could take advantage of an ARM’s lower introductory rate. And if you foresee the interest rates to go down, getting an ARM will help your secure lower rates in the future, saving you the costs of refinancing. Here’s the main point: whether you determine a fixed-rate mortgage or an ARM is the best one for you, you need to understand all the details of the product. Many times, what’s in the fine print will spell out what’s best for your home financing situation. The Smart Investoris a free online academy having guides and tools to help you make consumer spending decisions. ...read more
By Renee In Home Care August 05, 2019
Pontoon Boats Are Great for Fishing
A pontoon boat is often a flattish boat that utilizes pontoons to float. These pontoons have a lot of reserve buoyancy and permit designers to produce massive deck plans fitted wonderful sorts of accommodations, including expansive lounge areas, stand-up bars, and sun pads. Better tube design also has allowed builders to put ever-increasing numbers of horsepower on the stern.Pontoon boat drafts might be as shallow as eight inches, which reduces chance of running aground and underwater damage. For us, one of the many reasons we want a boat is the opportunity to have our family and friends join us us on the lake. The slower speed of the pontoon of boat motors allows our family and friends to take pleasure from the lake life experience without fear. We’ve had everyone from babies to women that are pregnant to people normally scared of water out on the lake without problems.The pontoon boat creates even more of a relaxing experience and something that is suitable for relatives and buddies of all ages! Following are the reasons why we need a pontoon boat: Perfect for entertaining Do you know that another name for a pontoon is a party boat? It’s true! Check it out on Google if you don’t believe me. Because of the amount of space and storage you have on a pontoon boat, you can literally have a full-blown party on it. We even have a bbq grill that attaches to the side of our pontoon to grill on. Think hamburgers, hotdogs, some yummy cocktails and a day on the water.If that alone doesn’t sell you on buying a pontoon boat, I don’t what will! Do you know that another term for a pontoon is usually a party boat? It’s true! Check it out on Google in case you don’t remember that. Because of the volume of space and storage you've on a pontoon boat, you'll be able to literally employ a full-blown party into it. We even possess a bbq grill that attaches aside of our pontoon to grill on. Think hamburgers, hotdogs, some yummy cocktails as well as a day on the water. Great for Fishing One of our absolute favorite things you can do on our pontoon boat is fishing. There’s much open space on the pontoon that anybody can have their own area on the boat without having to worry about lines crossing or hooks getting caught. The pontoon boat and the comfortability of it really help the experience too. I’m unsure I’d be singing exactly the same tune if I were stuck over a fishing boat all night. Travel on the Water in Style Pontoon boats allow passengers to stand up and walk around without having to squeeze past others or seats! With their open floor plan, the seats on a pontoon are usually at either side of the boat, ensuring you can sit opposite one another and talk without having to shout. You may want to take advantage of the glorious sun and catch a few rays, and perhaps even take in a spot of fishing. If it’s a sunny day and the sun is too hot, then relax under the shade of the Bimini, or cool down into the water using a water slide.Whatever your choice, there’s no denying that spending time aboard these boats is the penultimate in relaxation, and is the major reason to buy or own one. If you already have a pontoon boat and want to lean boat guide for operating pontoon boat, you can visit pontoonboatsreview.com for more details. ...read more
By Renee In Home Care July 29, 2019
Choose a wheel size for your mountain biking
Most people know that regular exercise is good for you, but few know the cycling is specifically good for your both physical and mental health. Following are some reasons why Mountain Biking can help you build healthy body. Less stress on joints Cycling is low impact because it’s a non-load bearing sport, and therefore the act of sitting takes pressure off your joints and reduces on the risk of injury. Mountain biking also builds, strengthens and tones your muscles so if you ride regularly, the muscles in your legs, thighs, gluts and hips will strengthen, assisting to protect your hip and knee joints. Happier Heart Muscle Steep climbs will challenge your cardiovascular strength and with a bit of perseverance the recovery periods of these rides will decrease over time and you will find it is easier to finish longer and even more challenging rides. As your power to ride longer and further improves your heart become stronger which decreases potential risk of coronary heart disease. Improve Mood in the Natural World Mountain biking is a good way to experience the wonders of the natural world and take in the beauty of the world close to you. Singletrack trails that lead through beautiful pine forests of British Columbia or across the desert landscapes of Moab offer the opportunity to make deeper connections together with the natural world and ultimately, these experiences foster a greater appreciation for nature. After knowing the benefits of riding mountain biking, now is the time to choose the best one as your equipment. Following are the tips for buying a good one. Get the right size Any other thing is secondary to the correct frame size. But don't rely on stated size as many companies are switching to small, medium and larger instead of increasingly inaccurate numbers, there’s no standardised idea of what, for instance, constitutes large. One brand’s large can match another's medium. Choose a wheel size Diameters have settled to an easy, binary choice of 27.5in (650b, aggressive trail and downhill) or 29in (XC and trail). However, wide-rimmed Plus sizes and the recent trend towards 29in downhill wheels are muddying the waters. While strong, stiff and light(ish) 29ers will undoubtedly become more common in the next few years – along with suitable tires and frames – for now the choice remains largely the same: favor bigger hoops for big miles, or smaller, stronger ones for smashing trails. Plus sizes can really pay off on hardtails, but they’re sensitive to tire pressure and there’s some question over whether they’re really here to stay. Choose hardtail or full-suss The rear shock, bearings, linkage and other manufacturing complication of full suspension all cost money. Consequently, you’re more likely to get a better parts spec on a hardtail over a full-suss bike on the same price. You’ll tight on maintenance and fewer things to go wrong, too. On the other hand, full-suss bikes are more advanced than in the past, so their advantages can easily still outweigh their disadvantages. There’s you should not dismiss either, but forget having to ‘learn’ with a hardtail before getting ‘a big bike’ – it’s a myth. If you want to know more about mountain bikes, you can visit mbikingsite.com which provides the latest professional mtb guide and other great information. ...read more
By Renee In Home Care July 16, 2019