Your Story. Your Voice. Be Heard.
Cynthia Lockrey shares her insights and experience as a patient advocate and her patient advocacy work. Blog posts include topics such as patient storytelling, working with healthcare professionals and advocating for children.
Over the last month, I’ve delivered a number of workshops on How to Share Your Story and Advocate for Change. In discussions with participants about advocacy challenges a common theme has emerged – conversations with family members.
While you’d hope that family members would be non-judgemental and supportive of individuals with disabilities, sadly this isn’t always the case. They can be the harshest critics.
Read MoreIt’s amazing how often the topic of boundaries comes up in the work I do with my clients and other caregivers – particularly the consequences of not setting boundaries. I’ve had many conversations over the years on why setting boundaries is important, not only for you, but those around you.
Read MoreWhen children are young, as parents and caregivers we tend to be their voice. But as our kids grow and have opinions of their own, we make the shift from being their voice to their megaphone to their cheerleader.
What this shift looks like and when it happens depends on the individual. What is important is we encourage self-advocacy in kids, regardless of their ability. This is not only an important life skill, but also essential to having personal safety and fulfillment.
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As kids head back to school, many parents and caregivers will be rolling up their sleeves and advocating for the supports their child needs and deserves. While some of us are seasoned veterans when it comes to advocacy, I know it doesn’t come easy to everyone.
Advocating for your child, or any child, can be frustrating, lonely and overwhelming. It can also cause friction with family members, educators and even friends.
Here’s the thing – advocacy is not a popularity contest.
Read MoreLike millions of people around the world, I gasped when Will Smith got on the stage during the Academy Awards and slapped Chris Rock across the face. This after Chris Rock made fun of Jada Pinkett Smith’s medical condition - alopecia.
But reacting with violence does not equal advocacy. Rather, it distracts from the real conversation - understanding and accepting a medical condition or disability.
Read MoreWouldn’t it be great if you could send your child back to school in September, trusting they would get the support they need to reach their full potential? Or at least make it through the day. While many parents of diverse learners wish for this, sadly with overstretched education systems, this isn’t the reality.
Read MoreYour lived experience matters – a lot! By embracing this experience, you can make a heart connection, which is the most powerful connection of all.
Read MoreIt can be frustrating and overwhelming to have ongoing battles to get your child the support they need in school. But it’s important you keep fighting - because if you don’t fight for your child, no one else will.
Read MoreIn honour of World Autism Awareness/Acceptance Day (April 2), I’m sharing some life lessons I’ve learned from raising an autistic child. This journey has not only made me a better mom, but a better person. It has helped me have more patience and compassion with others.
Read MoreNever underestimate the power one person’s voice can make. Hear how one tweet led to an organizational change.
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Cynthia Lockrey is a change maker + communications expert.
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