Advancing health equity by emphasizing inclusivity and advocating for the well-being of children and individuals with special needs and neurodiversity.
Advocating for a more inclusive and brighter future for all children.
The sterile and unfamiliar environment of doctor's offices can be overwhelming for any child. However, for children with special needs, this experience often transcends mere discomfort, becoming a potential source of fear and trauma.
Our Mission
At the root of our mission is the commitment to train healthcare providers in delivering specialized and empathetic care to children in the field of pediatrics who have special needs.
We recognize the many unique challenges and considerations that come with providing healthcare for this, and our goal is to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet these distinctive needs effectively.
Through extensive training programs, we aim to promote a healthcare environment that is not only medically proficient but also deeply adjusted to the diverse requirements of each child.
25% of patients reported they had difficulty finding a healthcare professional who understood their disabilities
It is more often discovered then many believe, that those with special needs often feel belittled, unheard and discriminated against just because they have disabilities.
We strive to create to a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare landscape for children with special needs in the field of pediatrics.
About me
Hello! My name is Jenna Koenig. I am a passionate and driven individual currently navigating the exciting journey of college with the unwavering goal of pursuing a career in medicine, specifically in the field of pediatrics.
My passion for medicine began at a very young age. I have a profound sense of empathy and a natural inclination towards helping others. I discovered early on the deep impact that healthcare professionals can have on the lives of children and their families. This realization became the catalyst for my aspiration to make a positive difference in the world of pediatrics - especially those with special needs.
I am actively involved in volunteering at Dr. Maria San Jorge’s Pediatrics office which has allowed me to gained firsthand experience in understanding the unique needs of pediatric patients. This hands-on involvement has provided me with a passion and love for changing lives while also creating deep, trusting relationships.
I have been very involved with the Best Buddies club - an organization for children with special needs. This allowed me to find a love in being a mentor and creating trusting connections with my buddies.
Having such a passion in this area, pushed me to expand my knowledge. I received a certification “Healthcare Access for People with Disabilities. Part 1: People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities,” and I’m currently earning Part 2: “Health Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.” I’m also working toward a certification from the National University of Singapore, “Handling children in a healthcare setting.”
Support for Clinicians
It can be easier than we think to create an inclusive environment.
Skills and strategies providers can be aware of are:
Plan ahead: Ask for extra help/accommodations a patient may need
Allow sufficient time for history and speaking with patients
Communicate with other providers as a team
Talk directly to the patient. Do not immediately turn to the caregiver
Ask how they can help and respect the answer
Use respectful 1st person language. What they may have does not define who they are.
“In these days, doctors know little about autism. They blame it on distant parents who don't communicate enough with their children”
― Pénélope Bagieu, Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World
Contact
Feel free to contact with any questions.
Hope to be an advocate? Fill out the form!
Email
jennakoenig@icloud.com