Finding Community: Social Media for Families of Children with Disabilities

Presented by Rachel Martens on February 8, 2018.

Disability is a culture of identity to which parents aren’t given a handbook, and families of children with disabilities often experience significant stress and feelings of isolation. Social media can be an excellent tool for connecting with other families to share lived experience, support, resources and mentorship, while the accessibility of social media can bridge the barriers of geographic distance and rare diagnoses.

About the Presenter:
​
Rachel Martens is mom to a busy eleven year old born with a rare chromosome diagnosis, CP, and autism. She partners with CanChild as a Family Engagement Facilitator for their online group Parents Participating in Research. She has partnered as well in one publication with the team and is currently working on multiple projects. She has a deep interest in furthering pediatric disability policy on a federal level. Rachel currently lives in Calgary and in her down time loves coffee, crochet and fitness.