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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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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