PD VOICES MATTER:
INTRODUCING THE VOICES OF PARKINSON’S COUNCIL
APDA recently launched its first Voices of Parkinson’s Council to ensure that the perspectives and priorities of the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community are central to our work. The experiences and insights of people living with PD and their care partners help shape and enhance our programs, research, advocacy, and resources.
The Council currently includes fifteen members from across the country — a diverse group of individuals living with PD and care partners, representing a wide range of ages and years with the disease. Applicants shared their personal connection to PD and motivation for joining, and each participated in an interview with a member of our Programs & Services team before the final selection. Over time, we plan to grow the Council and will be sure to share information when applications reopen.
“The creation of our Voices of Parkinson’s Council is a meaningful step toward ensuring that the voices of those living with Parkinson’s and their care partners are at the heart of everything we do,” says Leslie A. Chambers, President & CEO, APDA. “Their lived experience, wisdom, and insight bring clarity and perspective that no data alone can provide. We are incredibly grateful for their willingness to guide us, to challenge us, and to help us see where we can do better — so that our programs truly meet the needs of this community and we serve with the respect, understanding, and impact it deserves. Their participation inspires us and will strengthen everything we do.”
This Council has already provided valuable feedback on recent funding requests, weighing in on which grants would be most beneficial to people with PD, and also gave helpful feedback on APDA’s new public service announcement which is under development.
You can view a list of our Council members here.