Center for Family Involvement Blog
The Center for Family Involvement works with families to increase their skills as advocates, mentors, and leaders so that people with disabilities and their families can lead the lives they want.
Our blog shares snippets of the unique journeys many of us are on – from the celebrations, struggles, joys, pains, and more.
No Less Human: Why I Celebrate Disability Pride
Lynne Fetter [Content Note: This essay describes a suicide attempt. If you are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, we strongly advise against reading this essay. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please dial 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) 911...
INCLUSIVE HEALTHCARE: HIGHLIGHTING BEST PRACTICES FOR DISABILITY
Finding the right medical team can be tough when you have a disability.
We talked to people with disabilities and their families about some of the little ways healthcare professionals have made a big differnce.
FINDING YOUR WAY IN A DIAGNOSTIC ODYSSEY
Few things can shake you to your core as deeply as your child facing lifelong health challenges. Whether it's an obvious abnormality during a prenatal scan or seemingly minor developmental delays that stack up over time, it is traumatizing. Compounding...
UNSUNG HEROES: SEB’S STORY
‘Tis the season of celebration and, at times, excess. The Center for Family Involvement wants to take a moment to recognize seemingly simplistic acts of kindness that can change lives. The Partnership for People with Disabilities’ Assistant Director of Research...
UNSUNG HEROES: MOLLY DELINGER-WRAY
Who are the unsung heroes in your life?
Join the Center for Family Involvement in celebrating those whose seemingly small acts of kindness make a huge impact.
UNSUNG HEROES: LISA’S STORY
Some unsung heroes' impact is so great, we think of them decades later. The Center for Family Involvement's Rural Outreach Specialist and Family to Family's Regional Coordinator for Southwest Virginia Lisa Richard shares: “Twenty five years ago when our daughter Zoe,...
UNSUNG HEROES: RENEE’S STORY
With celebrations all around us, the Center for Family Involvement is taking a moment to celebrate the people in our lives who have no idea what a huge difference they have made, the unsung heroes. Our co-director of the Family to Family Network of Virginia Renée...
UNSUNG HEROES: REBECCA’S STORY
Heroism is rarely the bold acts we see in movies. Often it’s as simple as sharing empathy. Our Family to Family Regional Network Coordinator for Blue Ridge/Western Virginia Rebecca Stickler tells us her story: “I am the parent of four children with disabilities....
UNSUNG HEROES: NICKIE’S STORY
Real heroes don’t wear capes. Often they are regular people who have the courage to speak the truth. The Center for Family Involvement’s Co-Director and Director of the Family to Family Network Virginia Nickie Brandenburger shares: “When I reflect on the early...
UNSUNG HEROES: JEN’S STORY
Who are the unsung heroes in your life?
Join the Center for Family Involvement in celebrating those whose seemingly small acts of kindness make a huge impact.