With National Work Life Balance around the corner, we spoke to Leanne Orkin, who manages work and 2 children, one who has sever learning difficulties.
Hi I’m Leanne Orkin, former fashion designer, full time property manager, single Mum to 2 gorgeous girls, dog owner, full time Carer, whose jobs include, DR, Physio, Occupational Therapist, Chef, Chauffeur, Hairdresser and Beautician to name just a few.
My eldest daughter Skyla was born in 2003. She has severe learning difficulties, Epilepsy, Autism, Scoliosis, food allergies, is Non Verbal, doubly incontinent and a wheelchair user. She remains undiagnosed and is under a team of Dr’s at both Great Ormond Street and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
She is also the happiest most loving child you could ever wish to meet.
For the past seven years I have worked with Local Authorities, Medical Professionals, Teachers, Charities and Social Enterprises to help deliver a range of training sessions, webinars and face to face presentations about Disability Awareness.
My passion is to make a difference in the world by being involved in educating, creating understanding, empathy and compassion not only for the child with the disability but often and more importantly to help give support to the families of those raising their disabled children often with limited family support.
The effect of raising a child with a disability has a huge impact on the immediate and external family.
This could include managing a career, having understanding employers, finding part time work, appropriate childcare, managing hospital appointments, parenting siblings, financial burden, isolation, depression and family breakdown to name a few.
My ultimate dream is to educate as many people as possible in order to create a more empathetic world that will enrich Skyla’s life for the better. I often use examples of my experience parenting Skyla and that of my friends to help highlight the ups and downs of life.
Sense of humour is key, and a glass of wine helps too!