2022-2023 Wise Webinar Series

Medical Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

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This presentation is part of the WISE series of trainings titled “Learning from Our Best Teachers, Individuals with Disabilities”.   Vickie Horschel is a caregiver/advocate from Seattle Washington, who has had to navigate the Health Care System for herself and others.  She shares advice on helping individuals having their voice heard by medical professionals.  Vickie believes that persons with disabilities often need a disability rights ambassador to be heard. The health care system can be a scary place and people might feel threatened to voice their opinions. Health professionals may have biases, including the false belief that people with developmental disabilities are not workers, that can cause people to have longer periods of time off the job.  She will draw using real life experience to share ideas of helping Individuals to become Medical Self-Advocates.   The webinar is again moderated by Chuy Campuzano, a Consultant/Trainer/Podcaster from Chicago Illinois.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the Journey of one person navigating the health care system for herself and becoming an advocate for others.
• Experience some powerful stories from Vickie’s past dealing with medical professionals.
• Learn how to develop a Real person-centered approach to medical advocacy.
• Gain some insight on how to give medical professionals information to better serve persons with disabilities with dignity and respect. 

Vickie Horschel    

My name is Vickie Horschel from Seattle, WA. I’ve been a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities for several decades. I believe all humans should be treated with respect and dignity, which I fight for as an advocate. I am a strong medical advocate for people with disabilities. I also help those in my community by assisting them with personal care tasks. In my life, I have fought for housing rights for those with disabilities. I am on the Board of Directors at Disability Rights Washington (DRW). I’ve been on many DRW Committees, including a committee that worked to stop sexual abuse in long-term care settings. In my time as an advocate, I have served on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, the Washington State Rehabilitation Council, and The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Consumer Advisory Council.