Disability Advocate

I’ve been working hard at making people aware of chronic illnesses especially invisible chronic illnesses and all types of disABILITES. One of the ways I do this is by blogging. But I do some other things too.

I’m an active member of DOUA – Disabled Online Users Association. This group is a non-profit that assists people with any type of disability become active in the work force by selling online. Most of the selling is done on eBay but we do teach and learn about other selling venues, paid blogging, and other ways to earn money and promote our businesses. I’m a mentor there and try to help where I can but mostly cheer on others. I still have problems remembering things due to brain fog but I do what I can and do it all with a smile and a sense of humor.

Another thing I do along with my Hubby is promote some non-profit organizations on our website. We also have two Squidoo lenses on my chronic illnesses. One is about Sjogren’s Syndrome and the other is about Myasthenia Gravis. In these lenses there are a lot of links to information and support online. You can find both our website and our Squidoo lenses on my sidebar under eBay Info and Links.

Through Squidoo, we allow people to contact us and I’ve received email asking about how to get a diagnosis, how to cope and what to do when your family doesn’t understand, etc. Although I’m not a medical professional, I love to support people in their path of chronic illness.

I’m also a co-leader of a support group for people with chronic illnesses. We meet once a month and it’s a joy to be with our members.

How do I do it all? I don’t do it every day! I spread things out. And there’s days I go without touching our website or our lenses, sometimes weeks. My family and friends help a lot as does my church family. For example when I was sick and it was time for the support group, they had someone as a backup to open the doors and get the kitchen ready. My friends at DOUA are the most wonderful group of people you can meet. I’m so blessed to have them in my life.
One of my goals is learning to not over-do so asking for help is something I’m working on and getting better at.

Tell me about how you advocate for people with a certain chronic illness, disABILITIY or all people with CI’s or disABILITIES. Let’s share and brainstorm.