Understanding Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy for Turner Syndrome is the path to obtaining support and services, and having the confidence to ask questions, problem solve, and learn to make decisions without influence or control of others. Knowing your rights and understanding your benefits is integral to creating a path of empowerment and success.

Caregivers and people with disabilities are often at a disadvantage and some of the most powerless members of society. Self-advocacy can provide the tools and experience to take greater control over their own lives.

Many women and families living with Turner syndrome have found that developing personal connections within the community, sharing information about the condition with others, partaking in research opportunities, and contributing to the common good to be rewarding and fulfilling.  Of course, every individual is unique, and you will follow the path that is right for you.

How We Can Help
The Foundation’s resources, webinars and the educational booklet, “A Lifetime of Advocacy: What Individuals and Families Need to Know” authored by Valerie A. Powers Smith, Esquire and Legal Advisor to the Turners Syndrome Foundation, will help you on your journey to access care through a variety of health care service systems; as well as, other federal and state sources that provide primary or additional coverage; and assist you in understanding the future lifetime planning tasks to be undertaken, where appropriate.

With self-determination and a positive attitude, you can learn to be an effective self-advocate.

“A Lifetime of Advocacy”

Valerie A. Powers Smith of counsel with Slovak, Baron & Empey, LLP has provided families with children and individuals living with Turner Syndrome and other special needs with a lifetime guide on how and when to advocate for services over one’s lifetime.  Many individuals feel uneducated about the disability benefits available; and are often confused how to access the same. This rings true when it comes to the health insurance system and future lifetime planning (such as, estate planning, special needs trusts, and guardianships).

Valerie A. Powers Smith, Esq., maintains her legal practice throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and California specializing in the following special needs and disability law subject areas:  health care insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, special needs trust, trust administration, estate planning & administration, guardianships, and accessing federal and state government disability-based benefits.  Valerie can be contacted at Slovak Baron & Empey, LLP at 103 Carnegie Center Blvd.; Ste. 300, Princeton, New Jersey; (609) 955-3393; (609) 520-8731 (f); or powers@sbelawyers.com.