Some Big News and Some Little News

I haven't been writing here quite as often as I normally do.  That's because I'm writing a new book!  I am excited to tell you that I have the privilege of co-authoring this new project with my esteemed caregiving colleague and friend, Vickie Cammack.  I've known Vickie for many years and our ideas, experiences and perspectives complement each other's really well.  We haven't given a name to this new 'baby' yet, but it will be a sort of field guide for caregivers of all ages and stages.  Stay tuned for more news on the book as it develops!

I have a couple of other projects on the go, too.  One I love is a large research project which (if we are successful at our bid for significant funding from the government) will examine the life course of children with disabilities and their families.  Another piece of research I'm advising on is a tool for clinicians in Neonatal Intensive Care Units to use in order to help them better communicate to parents a diagnosis of neurological injury .  Research related to disability requires someone to read through the materials and comment from a family perspective. On these projects, that's me! I'm excited about this new research direction in my life - it's a big adventure and one that I hope will reap benefits for families and medical professionals alike.

On November 1st, I'll be speaking at the Ontario Association of Children's Rehabilitation Services (OACRS) conference in Toronto.  I'll be talking to parents about self-care and how to take those benefits forward into relationships within the family and within the circle of care.  I'm interested in how self-care of caregivers can have a positive impact on relationships with medical professionals.

I'm exited and a little nervous about this new work.  I will keep blogging, of course, but if you don't see me here quite so often over the next few months, you'll know I'm in my office reading or writing.