Anne Cohen

About Anne Cohen

Anne became a mother in 2013 to an enchanting baby boy. Her joy for her son was over shadowed by her experience with navigating the health care system in ways she did not expect. Her dream is to create support services for new mothers so no one has to experience what she went through.

She is also a Disability and Health Policy Consultant. Her experiences in navigating the complexities of the health care system and identifying providers to deliver quality care has made her an advocate for people with disabilities. As a disability advocate she emphasizes working within the health care system in order to empower consumers to have a direct impact on the delivery of care.

You can see more of Anne’s writing on her blog Spasticmama.wordpress.com

Through her blog she explores the joy and struggles of learning to be a mom. Along the way she hopes to share some of her stories as a mom with a disability, not for pity, not to be an inspiration but because it is a fundamental part of me. Anne is a spastic mom that frequently spills milk and rebels against the notion of “Leaning In.” she prefers to recline with a cup of tea!

To learn more about her work as a Disability and Health Policy Consultant see her Linkedin page. http://www.linkedin.com/pub/anne-cohen/7/28a/945

Spastic Mama: Stay Calm and Lead On

March 23, 2017 by Anne Cohen Leave a Comment

Over the last several years, both due to personal reasons and because I could clearly see the signs of the impending political upheaval that was going to take over, I was filled with anxiety. I couldn’t understand why others didn’t see the signs, the growing discontent among many individuals who felt they had been left […]

Spastic Mama: International Traveling with a Toddler

November 3, 2016 by Anne Cohen 3 Comments

I’m turning forty next year. When discussing possible plans with a friend of mine she echoed my feelings exactly, “When you grow up with a disability and you turn forty you deserve a parade.” A parade not because you are an inspiration, but for dragging your body through forty years of physical pain, while attempting […]

The ADA is Turning 26: My Rights as a Parent are Not Protected

July 19, 2016 by Anne Cohen 1 Comment

Twenty-six years ago, through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), our nation committed itself to eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities. Despite the tremendous progress we have made in improving the accessibility of our streets, buildings, and public transportation, the ADA has not protected the rights of parents with disabilities. The ADA and other disability […]

Spastic Mama: The Public Parent

June 28, 2016 by Anne Cohen Leave a Comment

It was a sweltering day, with blurred eyed shoppers navigating through our local farmer’s market. My son howled for strawberry lemonade — waiting in a long line with a squirmy three-year-old, keeping patience among a herd of thirsty adults was a challenge. “Why do we wait mommy?” My son pleaded, shoving to the front of […]

Spastic Mama: You Must Think Moments

May 11, 2016 by Anne Cohen 1 Comment

A friend of mine has always amazed me. She has juggled three kids; two of them twins, has lived abroad with her family, has forged a deep commitment to her faith and community and is a writer. She balanced all of this while acknowledging her own needs for personal and professional growth. None of this […]

Spastic Mama: It’s hard for you Mommy. Let me Help.

May 4, 2016 by Anne Cohen 1 Comment

My son is nearly three and loves to cook, especially for friends. It’s not uncommon for him to wake me up in the morning, pull the pillows and blankets off the bed and declare we are having a party. “Mommy get up, get up! Friends are coming! Let’s make muffin cakes.” With muscles not yet […]