How Your Parent Expertise Can Help Teachers

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How Your Parent Expertise Can Help Teachers

When my child was first diagnosed with ADHD, I was completely overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure how to help him or what resources were available. As additional diagnoses were added to the list, I decided it was time to get educated.

Simply put – I’ve become a semi-expert on my son (acknowledging he’s the true expert).

This means I often (if not always) know how to motivate and support my son more than his teachers, support staff or other family members.

Armed with all this knowledge, I encourage you to share your learnings with your child’s teachers.

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Navigating Gaslighting When Advocating for Your Child

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Navigating Gaslighting When Advocating for Your Child

Have you ever advocated for your child only to have your words twisted and facts distorted to the point where you question what’s true? Sadly, one real challenge that way too many parents and caregivers face when advocating for their kids is gaslighting.

 Wikipedia defines gaslighting as “manipulating someone into questioning their own perception of reality.”

Learn how to prevent this from happening to you or responding when it’s clearly gaslighting.

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Autism Acceptance Month: Shining a Light on the True Cost of Neglect

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Autism Acceptance Month: Shining a Light on the True Cost of Neglect

April is Autism Awareness Acceptance Month. It’s a month where organizations and individuals try to raise the profile of autism, highlighting the successes of many incredible people. With 1 in 29 children in British Columbia having been formally diagnosed with autism, chances are you know an autistic individual.

While there’s lots of talk about autism acceptance, sadly governments and employers have taken little action to truly support these individuals so they can lead their best lives.

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Unleashing Confidence: Our Journey with a Service Dog

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Unleashing Confidence: Our Journey with a Service Dog

Since she little, my daughter has gravitated towards animals. Over the years, she’s ridden horses, had dogs, raised ducks and helped at barns. While I knew the important role animals play in her life, I had no idea how transformative getting a service dog would be to her confidence and independence.

Our service dog journey began with a panic attack. Having panic attacks wasn’t new. But the location of the panic attack, touring a university campus on a high school field trip, was the catalyst our service dog journey.

This panic attack made our daughter realize she couldn’t go to university without a support animal. The campus environment is just too overwhelming – lots of people, different buildings and lots to process.

We had no idea how difficult it is to get a service dog.

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Empowering Voices: Importance of Self-Advocacy for People with Disabilities

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Empowering Voices: Importance of Self-Advocacy for People with Disabilities

I consider myself a strong advocate. I take an active role in advocating for kids with disabilities and don’t shy away from asking tough questions.

I’ve taken my advocacy skills for granted until the day I had to stand up for my brother. It realized that what comes naturally to me is a challenge for him. Being raised in the 80s and 90s, he was never encouraged to ask questions, give his opinion or speak up for himself.

Sadly, this is the case for many people with disabilities. While there are now self-advocacy groups and conferences, not everyone feels empowered to use their voice.

Yet self-advocacy skills are key to increasing independence, improving quality of life and creating a truly inclusive world.

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How Being a Podcast Host Made Me an Active Listener

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How Being a Podcast Host Made Me an Active Listener

As a professional communicator and consultant, I’ve always prided myself on being a good listener. My job is to hear my client’s concerns, aspirations and challenges, then come up with easy to implement solutions. While this sounds great, once I took on the role of podcast host, I realized I needed to up my active listening skills.

Learn some tips to help you improve your active listening skills.

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Educate Yourself to Advocate for Change

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Educate Yourself to Advocate for Change

In terms of how to get started - it begins with education. It’s an ongoing process of listening, asking questions, seeking out learning opportunities and continuing to grow my knowledge base.  

I get this can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t need to be.

It’s not about formal education (although some may choose this route). Rather, it’s looking for the opportunities to expand your understanding of a topic of interest to help in your advocacy journey.

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Even Superheroes Need a Break

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Even Superheroes Need a Break

Like many parents, I’m juggling a lot of balls. Running a consulting business, being a podcast host, mom, wife, speaker, advocate and much more. It can be a lot and at time some of the balls drop.

It’s taken me years to accept the limit of how many balls I can juggle, and being okay with watching balls drop. And to be honest, it’s still a work in progress.

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Back to School = New Round of Advocacy

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Back to School = New Round of Advocacy

Just the thought of a new school year gives me anxiety. Anxiety about the change in routine for my child. Anxiety about having to explain and fight for their needs to a new teacher. Anxiety about starting yet another round of advocating for my child.

While many parents and caregivers have some level of anxiety about a new school year, this anxiety is heightened when you have a child with disabilities.

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Don’t Underestimate the Power of Grassroots Advocacy

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Don’t Underestimate the Power of Grassroots Advocacy

When people hear the word advocacy, too often they think of lobbyists or formal advocacy at a national level. While there’s a place for this type of work, often the most successful and impactful advocacy starts at the grassroot level. Don’t underestimate the power of grassroots advocacy.

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