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.
A common fear I hear from parents and caregivers is not wanting their child to be labelled. There can be so much resistance to getting a child assessed or accepting the diagnosis due to this unnecessary fear. Yet we need to embrace not fear labels.
Read MoreAs parents, we’re all too aware the impacts these cuts have had on our children’s mental health, personal safety and academic performance. But I doubt many of our elected official know what’s happening.
Why? Because parents and caregivers are so busy raising and fighting for our kids, that we don’t have a lot of time and energy leftover to advocate at the provincial level.
But without making some noise, and sharing our stories, our kids will continue to fall behind.
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 MoreIt’s time we not only acknowledge the emotional load but also look for way to lighten it for parents. After all, by taking some weight off our backs, it gives us more energy to support our incredible kids.
Read MoreCOVID has furthered the gap between kids with special needs and neurotypical learners. In many cases, these students have less resources and supports to help them navigate the new restrictions and classroom routines. The result - kids are struggling like we’ve never seen before.
Read MoreIt has taken me years to come to terms with the fact that the demands placed on me as a mom can make a bad friend. I’ve learning to release the mom guilt and not try to be all things to everyone. While I know I’m not alone, it can be a lonely and isolating journey.
Read MoreI’ve spent a lot of time lately being “That Parent.” You know, the parent that advocate for their child and holds people accountable for promises made. I have embraced the label and wear it proudly.
Read MoreKids with special needs are often overlooked in healthcare, education and in policy development. Yet by not supporting these vulnerable children today, we are creating a mental health, underemployment and homelessness crisis of tomorrow. Now is the time to invest in these kids to get them the support they need, when they need it most.
Read MoreInclusion is a big buzz word in education yet many parents don’t understand how inclusion benefits all students.
Read MoreSHOP
Training videos, e-books and books to provide advice, tools and insight into the world of patient engagement as an advocate and volunteer.
Speak your truth. Share your story.
