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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Why We Need to Embrace Not Fear Our Kids' Labels

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Why We Need to Embrace Not Fear Our Kids' Labels

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.

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Strengthen Your Advocacy Skills by Embracing the Power of Community

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Strengthen Your Advocacy Skills by Embracing the Power of Community

In every workshop I give on How to Advocate for Change, I talk about the power of community. Why? Because I’m a strong believer of tapping into the wisdom and experience of others in your advocacy journey.

Embracing the power of community has been key to many of my advocacy wins. It has also helped me grow as an advocate and mom.

While it might seem like a simple concept, I’m amazed at how many people don’t embrace the power of community. Often because they’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

Learn 4 easy ways to strengthen your advocacy skills by embracing the power of community.

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Why Setting Boundaries Is Important

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Why Setting Boundaries Is Important

It’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.

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5 Ways to Encourage Self-Advocacy in Kids

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5 Ways to Encourage Self-Advocacy in Kids

When 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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Volunteer With Passion, Not Obligation, to Make a Difference

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Volunteer With Passion, Not Obligation, to Make a Difference

As a responsible member of the community, there’s no getting around volunteering out of obligation. But when looking at how you spend the majority of your volunteer hours, and where you want to make a true difference, you need to ensure you’re volunteering with passion not obligation.

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Why Advocacy is Critical to Supporting Kids with Disabilities

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Why Advocacy is Critical to Supporting Kids with Disabilities

I really wish I didn’t have to write this article. I wish that kids with disabilities and complex needs would get the support they require to not just survive but thrive. I wish they had the education, learning supports, therapy and career counselling needed to help them live their best lives.  

Sadly, this isn’t the case and is the reason why advocacy is critical to supporting kids with disabilities.

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