My Child Advocate

On Monday, March 5, 2012, I drove my daughter to the State Capitol in Hartford so she could testify on behalf of House Bill 5357, which is in regards to providing deaf and hearing-impaired children a Bill of Rights.

Rachel, 11 years old, sat down at her computer and wrote her one-page testimony based on her experience within her school system.  She has attended PPT meetings in which we have discussed her plans for services and has always been a good advocate for herself.

Sometimes you have to give back.  Having her testify seemed to be the right thing to do.  And as you will see, it is right up her alley to advocate for those who don't have a voice.



Or click here to watch Rachel on CT-N which aired live on March 5.

After her testimony, many people approached her and told her what a fantastic job she did.  Rep. Tom Reynolds, Ledyard, and Rep. Sandy Nafis, Newington, made a point to leave the hearing to come outside to tell Rachel what a great job she did.

I think so, too!


Dianne Stone and Rachel Kane, H.B. 5357 Hearing at the Capitol













To Rachel, Mommy is very proud of you.  But more important than that, you should be very proud of yourself for sharing your experiences for the betterment of the rights of others.  You amaze me!!


 

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was awesome!!!

Dianne said...

Rachel never ceases to amaze me. Every day I am in her presence I am grateful. In so many ways, she is MY role model.

Jackie said...

It was really encouraging to hear your testimony Rachel. You should be proud of yourself for all that you have and all that you will continue to accomplish. You show very strong advocacy skills. Keep it up! :D

Anonymous said...

Excellent job advocating for children with hearing loss! I am a mom of a toddler with a hearing impairment. Thank you for sharing your story.

Phil Genova said...

What a proud moment for all, especially Rachel who once again demonstrates just how talented an individual she truly is!

Melissa D. said...

wow again and again....such a gem you have there!

Maureen said...

Wow! She is an extraordinary young lady! Thank you so much for including me in the village! It is my privilege to have the opportunity to work with Rachel. Hope to see you soon!

Jenn C. said...

What a mature, delightful, articulate young lady Rachel has become. I have to tell you, I did tear up watching her give her speech and answer questions so eloquently.

Clearly, Rachel and your family are doing very well. So nice to see Rachel and Diane (and hear you!) in the video. If Rachel remembers me, tell her I say, "Hello." I do think of her quite often.

Meredith said...

OMG!!! She is fantastic! I couldn't be prouder. She was amazing!!!!!

Sheila said...

That is SOOOO awesome!!!

Diane N. said...

WOW how awesome and Diane also was very articulate I think that testimony made a big impression on the committee. I shared this with Ellen too. BRAVO!!

Brenda E. said...

I watched the video of Rachel at the State Capitol and it was hard to believe she's only in the 6th grade! The articulation, poise and self confidence she presented, in what would be an intimidating situation even for an adult, was amazing. You must be so very proud of her.
The speech she wrote was excellent and she was so relaxed during her question and answer session.
Being a secretary I deal with the paperwork and contact people on the phone - so I rarely have the opportunity to put a face to the name of the student Phil meets with. It was so nice to see what a lovely young lady your daughter is.
I'm sure over the years she will continue to advocate not only for herself but for others. She is destined to do great things.
My best to you and Rachel.

Elizabeth C. said...

Diane Nelson forwarded to me the link to Rachel’s testimony, which I was really tickled to see! You have done such a fantastic job in all that you have done for her—she was terrific in giving her speech and then fielding questions from the committee members—you have much to be proud of, for sure.

I was wondering if you might let us create a link to her talk on the Soundbridge website--?

Kristen H said...

Holy S$&t. She is amazing. No wonder you are proud. She is so brave!!!!!! Go Rachel!!!!!!!

Carolyn W said...

Wow....you are such a good mom and she is such a great kid! Tell her congratulations!

Cathy B said...

Way to go Rachel...

Fran F said...

You must be so proud! She is an amazing person and very intelligent! Lots of love & peace to the both of you!!

Jocelyne said...

Great job Rachel!

Anna Marie said...

She is truly fantastic! Her parents should be very proud! And the Senate would be very lucky to have someone who is so articulate and smart!

Julie said...

Got a little misty watching rachel in action....she was captivating and in full command!

Kimothy said...

Rachel is AMAZING and is incredibly talented. It's an honor to be a part of her life!

SK, always a pleasure to read your Kaneclusions-so vivid, and funny-well worth the 18 hour wait! What's next?