Paige Dublin

E-mail: pdubli@lsuhsc.edu

1. Past/current experiences working in the field of disabilities:

I first started working with individuals with disabilities when I was 13 through Camp Friendship, a summer camp for children with spina bifida. My passion for working with the disability community was catalyzed when I was injured and on crutches one summer at camp and realized first hand how inaccessible the world can be. The children and families at Camp Friendship demonstrated tenacity and resilience so that the kids could achieve anything and everything. It was then that and I knew I wanted to become a health care professional to join forces in order to make the community more inclusive and accessible. Since then, I have continued to expand my passion for working with those with disabilities, volunteering with Spina Bifida of Greater New Orleans, Hearts and Hooves, working as a personal caregiver for a teenager with disabilities, being a member of the 2022-2023 IPP cohort, and serving as the service chair of my DPT Class of 2024.

2. Goals for your LEND training experience:

My goals for the LEND training experience are to gain a better understanding of maternal and child health so that I can expand my tool belt of resources, not only as a service provider, but as a community member and advocate. I want to be able to better serve my clients and their families so that they may live their lives to the fullest.

3. What do you wish to contribute, in the future, as a professional/self-advocate/family member in the field:

I hope to apply the knowledge I gain from LEND in the future as an aspiring physical therapist to foster an environment of inclusivity and empowerment for not only my future clients and their families, but other healthcare professionals, legislatures, and the community.