253: Finding Balance: The Dance of Advocacy & Parenting | Joanne De Simone, Author & Advocate

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Parenting is a rewarding journey filled with love, laughter, and joy. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From sleepless nights to tantrums in the grocery store, every parent faces obstacles along the way. But what happens when those challenges are compounded by raising a child with disabilities?

In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with Joanne De Simone, a special education advocate, and author of “Fall and Recovery: Raising Children with Disabilities through Lessons Learned in Dance”, about the challenges of raising a child with disabilities and navigating the healthcare and education systems. Joanne, a former professional dancer turned advocate, shares her journey and the importance of building community support for parents facing similar struggles. She also discusses her role in securing a legislative change that allowed her son, Sebastian, to participate in NCAA D3 intercollegiate sports, a huge win in her commitment to inclusivity. True change for children with disabilities comes through relentless advocacy, collective support, and the belief that every challenge can be met with hope and resilience.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Common challenges parents face when raising a child with disabilities

• How parents can advocate for inclusive environments in the education system

• Why community support is important for parents of children with disabilities

• How can embracing hope and possibility lead to personal growth

Resources from this Episode:

Website: https://special-educationmom.com/

Read: “Fall and Recovery: Raising Children with Disabilities through Lessons Learned in Dance”

Facebook: @special-educationmom

Twitter/X, Instagram: @jojdesimone

LinkedIn: @joanne-de-simone

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

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