One of my favorite questions to ask my podcast guests is this:
IF YOU COULD DREAM BIG, FOR THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY, WHAT WOULD YOU CREATE OR CHANGE?
I am going to answer my own question today.
*I dream about every mom having loving, life-giving friends, who sit in close proximity to them, emotionally and physically. Who truly “get” them, validate them, and understand them.
I dream about every mom knowing in her SOUL, and within her community, that she is not alone.
*I dream about every mom asking for help and having all the resources to get the help they need. And the ability to fully TRUST someone else to care for their child.
*I dream about a top-notch respite agency that is international, where the best respite babysitters are employed, PAID VERY WELL, who are nurses, or behaviorists or Mary Poppins-style-joyful-children-loving humans and are HIGHLY TRAINED. Respite workers who are 1000% trustworthy, committed to their jobs, with the right heart, mindset and skills.
*I dream about every state and country having a big beautiful home designed for kids and adults with ALL TYPES of needs, with the best staff and programming. So that, parents can drop off their kid or adult kid for the weekend. Like camp for the kid and a BREAK for the parents and siblings.
*I dream about all SIBLINGS coming together, sharing their stories and strength, and NOT FEELING SO ALONE and traumatized. That siblings would feel validated, seen, heard and understood in their difficult journey. I dream of siblings having rest and respite opportunities as well.
*I dream about parents and single moms having access to free parent coaching and couples or individual therapy.
*I dream about Adult Day Programs all over the world, that are way more than a glorified babysitting situation. Where our adults are given dignity, purpose, quality care, joy and love.
*I dream about a change in our cultural narrative that contributes to us feeling devastated when a diagnosis is delivered to us. If our culture, society, and programs, could be more compassionate, comprehensive and resourceful, we would feel differently when our families are hit with medical or psychological crises.
*I dream of NO MORE STIGMA for those who suffer with mental health challenges. And access–for all–to the best therapeutic interventions.
AND. SO. MUCH. MORE.
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