{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"253: Finding Balance: The Dance of Advocacy & Parenting | Joanne De Simone, Author & Advocate","description":"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 \u201cFall and Recovery: Raising Children with Disabilities through Lessons Learned in Dance\u201d, 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: \u201cFall and Recovery: Raising Children with Disabilities through Lessons Learned in Dance\u201d 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   Follow and Review: We\u2019d love for you to follow us if you haven\u2019t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We\u2019d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select \u201cRatings and Reviews\u201d and \u201cWrite a Review\u201d then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.   ","author_name":"Parenting Impossible \u2013 The Special Needs Survival Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/parentingimpossible.libsyn.com\/website","html":"