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One of the many hats I wear is that I am on the EPAC for the Epilepsy Foundation. EPAC=Education Policy Advisory Committee Sharing something they shared with me today: Dear Lisa, Happy National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM)! After the mid-term election next week, members of Congress will return to Washington, D.C., and will need to finish working on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget. Now is the perfect time for you to reach out to your elected officials and ask them to support increased investments in critical epilepsy-related programs and research in the final FY 2023 budget. The Epilepsy Foundation and many grassroots advocates have been meeting with lawmakers over the past year to ask them to support $13 million for the CDC's Epilepsy Program, $164 Million for the Safe Motherhood & Infant Health Program, and $19 Million for the VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence. With increased funding for these important programs, we can expand quality epilepsy services that reduce healthcare costs, improve health outcomes, and help raise public awareness. We have provided template letters, but we strongly encourage you to share your own personal experience as a member of the epilepsy community and why this funding matters. With gratitude, Laura Weidner Vice President, Government Relations & Advocacy Epilepsy Foundation

I've been advocating for people with disabilities for almost 20 years. Before my kids were born I worked in student services at a law school and part of my responsibilities was as a disability services coordinator. I found that I genuinely had a passion for it and attended all the conferences and read as many books as I could to try to help my students. Then my oldest son was born with a genetic syndrome that came with many challenges (Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, and more) so I started learning about IDEA , IEPs and everything else that goes along with having a child with disabilities. Over the years I would share my knowledge through online platforms, through the parent support and resource group I helped start in my school district and through my county Parent Advisory Committee. l found that there are a lot of families out there that really need help so with a little convincing from some friends and family, I decided to start my own special ed advocacy and consulting company. I mainly work with clients in my own state of Michigan, but have given presentations to local and national audiences (which is another interest of mine). It's been a very rewarding career helping families navigate the process and become better advocates themselves. I'm also happy to have this forum to be able to provide my insight and knowledge to help others and look forward to learning from all of you as well.