INTRODUCING ROXANNE CHANG, ESQ.
Roxanne Chang, Esq., co-chair of the SNA Public Policy Committee and a member of the SNA Board of Directors, started her professional career as a clinical-behavioral limited licensed psychologist before deciding to attend law school. Here’s more about Roxanne and her path into practicing special needs law:
I started my professional career as a clinical-behavioral limited licensed psychologist, working with people with dementia and developmental disabilities. I really loved working with both populations, but felt the need to continue my education. I then learned about elder law and special needs law! I decided to pursue my law degree to more effectively advocate and assist individuals with disabilities to improve their quality of life and care.
To this day, hands down the best part about being a special needs attorney is meeting the individuals with disabilities and their families and hearing their stories. It is always a reminder to me about being grateful for what I have, and the importance of having a quality of life. I also continue to be awestruck and humbled by the dedication, love, and resilience of my clients.
To excel at being special needs attorney, it is crucial to have effective communication and listening skills, and be fully present with your clients. It is also imperative to be patient and empathetic with your clients. Lastly, a special needs attorney should always keep in mind that regardless of who is the client is (e.g., family members), we should never forget about the individual with disabilities and their experiences, and ensure that any steps taken to assist the client also preserves self-determination, personhood, citizenship, independence, and quality of life and care of the person with disabilities as much as possible.
I am an advocate for people with disabilities and people with dementia, to ensure that they access the supports and services that they need to lead a meaningful life and to be a valued member of their community.
A good portion of my career, particularly early on, focused on improving the way care and support is provided to individuals with dementia through designing memory care programs and meaningful activities for persons with dementia, and developing state-wide conferences for health care providers and direct care workers on innovative dementia care. These individuals with dementia I was so fortunate to know, gifted me awareness of the importance of being able to share our stories and connecting to the world around us, mindfulness, and perspective on life that I deeply cherish and continue to embrace today.
My ideal way to spend a Saturday includes: hiking or being out in nature, watching live music, cooking, eating and drinking with my husband, hanging out around a campfire with my beloved friends and family, and loving on our kitties in between!