Have you ever felt powerless but knew something needed to change? Have you ever felt like you are navigating through a world not made for someone with disabilities?
If you have ever felt like this, you are not alone! Florida is home to over 2.8 million people with disabilities, and legislators rely on personal stories like yours to guide their decisions.
We regularly receive requests for families to give personal feedback, but families often don’t know the practical steps to make their voices heard. Did you know that there are regular public meetings held on issues important to us and that government documents must be available in a format you can access, and reasonable accommodation must be provided for you to attend these meetings and voice your concerns. You can also write your representatives.
Keep it Simple
- Research the issue
- Choose two points you want to make
- Include your personal story backed up with facts from YOUR research
- Present this in under two minutes or one page written
- Add a visual to make your story more memorable with either pictures or diagrams
Keep in mind that advocacy takes time, and to ensure your issue stays on the radar, build trust by avoiding emotionally charged or blanket statements.
Avoid This: “I can’t get any of our supplies!”
Try This: “My child requires an excessive amount of ostomy water changes, but due to the Medicaid limits on supplies, my doctor was unable to succeed in advocating for our unique needs, and we ran out of supplies, resulting in an open wound from using alternative, less suitable options.”
Follow up on your requests with your representative, and join with others facing the same issues to amplify your voices.
Atlantic Care wants to provide you with a platform for this kind of support.
Do you have a need or concern but don’t know how to frame it so you will be heard?
Do you need resources and don’t know where to turn?
Do you have a unique item or resource that could benefit other families?
Let’s talk about it!
Sign up to join us virtually on November 7th at 11 am for our first Compass Connections group meeting, empowering families of medically fragile children and adults through compassionate support, practical education, and trusted resources. We are here to guide caregivers every step of the way, connecting them with community, building confidence in caregiving, and helping every patient thrive.
You can call us at our main line, 407-270-5501, or call Melissa directly at 321-432-5335. We look forward to meeting with you!
Sincerely,
Melissa Tallent, Nurse Navigator
Jessica Nelson, Instructional Designer
