Why Advocacy Is Not a Popularity Contest

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Why Advocacy Is Not a Popularity Contest

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.

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Why Saying Change Takes Time Harms Kids

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Why Saying Change Takes Time Harms Kids

As a mom of a child with autism, and an advocate, the saying “Change Takes Time” is one I hear way too often. Honestly, it’s a cop out for not doing the hard work needed today instead of sloughing it off for tomorrow.

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Why Education Reform Starts with Parent Advocacy

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Why Education Reform Starts with Parent Advocacy

As 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.

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It's Time to Embrace the Gifts Diverse Learners Bring to the Classroom

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It's Time to Embrace the Gifts Diverse Learners Bring to the Classroom

It’s time to celebrate the gifts diverse learners bring instead of focusing on the challenges.

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5 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Raising an Autistic Child

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5 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Raising an Autistic Child

In 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.

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It’s Time to Talk About the Emotional Load Parents of Kids with Special Needs Carry

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It’s Time to Talk About the Emotional Load Parents of Kids with Special Needs Carry

It’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.

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Kids with Special Needs Continue to be Forgotten

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Kids with Special Needs Continue to be Forgotten

COVID 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.

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The Missing Students - Where Are the Kids with Special Needs in COVID Plans?

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The Missing Students - Where Are the Kids with Special Needs in COVID Plans?

As back to school plans unfold, there is little mention of supports for kids with special needs. What is being done to ensure vulnerable learners are not forgotten during this challenging school year?

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