Too long to wait!

Why is it important?

Only your closest friends really “get it.”  Parenting a child or loved one with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is personal to the core.  Your story needs to be told and told in a way that opens the door to your world as a self advocate, parent, or family member. 

How do we leverage stories in advocacy?

We know that while a member of the General Assembly might be interested in your story, they will hear legitimate stories of desperation and need all day long.  What can make yours stick and how can we help them "get it?"  

1. One way is to personalize it in their context, their family, their community.  
2. Another is to tell it in concert with a group of people who have similar experiences, in your county, MCO, or across this network.  
3. A third way is to share the story with a suggestion of how services for your loved one can be easily accomplished by legislation.  You can suggest options for them which demonstrate your understanding of their difficult roles.  

When we tell our story to a neighbor, an editor or a legislator, we offer characters of unique strength and perseverance. For most of us, those superlatives come from sacrifice, fear, and living daily with the unknown and unexpected.  The power of your story is more than one of economics and legislation, but of your hopes and dreams for the potential that exists for your guardian, your child or your family with support.  Please consider sharing your story and together we will create a collective story that shines a light on the lost developmental opportunities for 15,000 North Carolinians. Your story and the impact on your family as you wait MATTERS!   We have samples on our webpage. 

The important thing – keep telling your story!