Heart, Hands, and Hope: My Journey as Co-President of RCWDA
A reflection by Dr. Aderonke Adejuyigbe, Co-President of RCWDA and long-time disability-rights advocate, on how empathy, lived experience as a caregiver, and inclusive leadership guide her work. She highlights the importance of the Caregiver Support Group and the Member Mentorship program in fostering support, solidarity, and resilience across our global community.
Heart, Hands, and Hope: My Journey as Co-President of RCWDA
Serving as Co-President is a profoundly meaningful chapter in my life, rooted in my core belief that genuine community grows where humanity, humility, and compassion lead. This conviction directly fuels my dedication to two cornerstone initiatives: our Caregiver Support Group and our Member Mentorship program.
Building a Circle of Support for Caregivers
In 2023, with the encouragement and support of our founder, Mr. Kenneth Masson, we launched the RCWDA Caregiver Support Group. This group is built for every kind of caregiver whether paid professionals like direct support staff, or unpaid individuals such as family, friends, or community supporters. As defined by research, a caregiver is “an individual paid or unpaid who supports a person with disabilities by assisting with daily activities and coordinating needed services” (Rodríguez-Vélez et al., 2024).
As a caregiver myself, I know intimately the profound joys, challenges, and emotional weight this role carries. Our group provides a safe, welcoming space to share experiences, release burdens, and find collective strength. The research is clear: such support groups are vital, as they are proven to reduce stress, build resilience, and prevent burnout (Wei et al., 2012; Leng et al., 2020), while fostering essential solidarity.
Empowering Leaders Through Mentorship
Our mentorship program, also envisioned by Mr. Masson, allows me to walk alongside members as they discover their advocacy voice and step confidently into leadership. My approach is grounded in person-centered thinking and deep listening. It is an honor to guide these journeys, and I am continually inspired by the contributions my mentees make to global disability inclusion. This is a two-way street; I learn just as much from their unique perspectives as we navigate complex challenges together.
Insights from 35 Years of Experience
My career spanning over three decades has revealed a critical distinction: unpaid, informal caregivers (often family members) typically face greater challenges, as they must navigate complex support systems without formal training. My own research (Adejuyigbe, 2019) underscores the unique coordination challenges in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This evidence confirms that safe spaces for shared learning are not just beneficial, but essential for sustaining these vital caregivers and preventing burnout.
Our Forward-Looking Vision
My dream is for RCWDA to solidify its role as a premier global hub for disability advocacy, caregiver empowerment, and inclusive leadership. Our shared goals are clear:
- Expand our caregiver support networks across more regions.
- Develop a structured, sustainable mentorship program.
- Increase our club’s capacity to influence global disability advocacy.
- Pursue grant opportunities to strengthen RCWDA initiatives and fully support our mission's Eight Pillars.
Together, we are building a community where every voice is valued, every story is honored, and every person is empowered to thrive.
About the Author
Dr. Aderonke Adejuyigbe is Co-President of RCWDA and a global disability-rights advocate. With over 35 years of experience, she specializes in care and services coordination, person-centered practices, caregiver empowerment, inclusive community development, and leadership mentoring.
Dr. Adejuyigbe is a tireless advocate for her youngest sister, who has developmental disabilities, which fuels her personal commitment to this work. She is dedicated to strengthening caregiver support systems, advancing disability inclusion worldwide, and ensuring meaningful participation for individuals with disabilities in all areas of life.
References
Adejuyigbe, A. (2019). Perceptions of residential care administrators about challenges in coordinating support systems: A hermeneutic phenomenological study (Publication No. 27835854) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Phoenix]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.
Leng, M., Zhao, Y., Xiao, H., Li, C., & Wang, Z. (2020). Internet-based supportive interventions for family caregivers of people with dementia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research.
Rodríguez-Vélez, M. E., Cantillo-Medina, C. P., & Perdomo-Romero, A. Y. (2024). Benefits of being part of a support group for caregivers of children with multiple disabilities: A qualitative study. Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Pública.
Wei, Y.-S., et al. (2012). Support groups for caregivers of intellectually disabled family members: Effects on physical–psychological health and social support. Journal of Clinical Nursing.