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opportunities to benefit our own children and helping other families; even making it a little easier for families to find resources when they need them.

The leadership of parents, representing the voice of families in meaningful roles within programs and communities, is crucial to positive outcomes and accountability. Being a parent leader can range from: sharing the names of specialists, meeting with new families, volunteering to serve on Boards or Advisory groups, working in the disability space, to even starting a nonprofit. The common theme is wanting to make positive changes for the benefit of other families. As I write this, I have new excit

ing adventures and challenges coming my way for 2023. My past volunteer experience, involvement with non-profits, and my employment with the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network has helped me build the knowledge and skills to move to another position that will enable me to add the parent voice and be in a position to help more families. •

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Pamela Aasen is the parent of two adult sons with Usher syndrome. She was a Special Education Teacher for 25 years and most recently was the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Mentoring and Family Engagement Project Director for the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network from 2017-2022. She is the Education Advisor for Ava's Voice and a Volunteer Ambassador for the Usher Syndrome Coalition.