5 Tips for Advocating for Your Cerebral Palsy Child
You don’t have to feel helpless if you are the parent of a cerebral palsy child. You are your child’s greatest advocate and though it may not always seem to be the case, your voice does matter. Below are five tips on how to be the most effective advocate for your child:
1. Choose an issue of importance to you and your child – Is it education? Accessibility? Healthcare? Once you have your issue, ask yourself what you would like to see accomplished and then list ways in which this might be achieved.
2. Find other supporters – Parents, healthcare groups, disability organizations, and government officials working on similar issues can be of great assistance to you.
3. Share your story – Educate others by sharing your story with lawmakers, civic groups, non-profit organizations and professional societies. You may even want to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
4. Never give up – Changing policy is no easy feat, but don’t let this get you down. Persistence is key.
5. Vote – Make sure to choose candidates whose interests are in line with yours.
