Hi, I'm Rosemary aka Rosie:A writer, editor, and public speaker that helps people capture the lived experiences of disabled people with a tone of fairness, dignity, and respect in their public facing communications and in their everyday lives. I am also the author of Stumbling Through Space and Time: Living Life With Dyspraxia, a book that uses my own lived experiences as a dyspraxic person to educate people about dyspraxia.
With my work, I challenge expectations about what creating a fair and inclusive environment for disabled people looks like. I also make information about neurodiversity and chronic illnesses accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of education. I tackle subjects that affect disabled people with a great deal of sensitivity and dignity because it has always directly affected my life. I knew I was neurodivergent by age 4, had my first iron deficiency fainting spell by age 13, and am a recent hypothyroidism diagnosis. Where am I based?Although I'm originally from Toronto, Canada, I moved to Marrakech (Morocco) in the fall of 2021 to accommodate the European Time Zone needs of my husband James, a WHO consultant for the Global Diabetes Compact.
These days, I divide up my time evenly between Morocco and Canada. My typical clientele is a mixture of British, Canadian, and American publications and businesses. If you're curious what time zone to plan around, I am on Casablanca time (GMT+1) when I am in Morocco, and Eastern standard time (EST) when I am in Canada. When I work remotely from cities outside of Canada and Morocco, all clients I am working with at that point in time will be notified ahead of time to enable transparent and productive communication. What do I typically offer?I am available for writing, speaking, and editing commissions. As an author always looking for opportunities to introduce my work to new audiences, I'll also occasionally accept press invites to be interviewed for live streams, podcasts, radio shows, articles, and other forms of media.
Here are a few examples of the topics I have covered before:
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How my perspective can help youMy disabled lived experience perspective typically attracts the following clientele:
To cater to the interests of all the above types of people, my typical project prioritises accessibility and inclusive language, while framing social issues that affect disabled people in a non- patronising but also realistic way. I am a firm believer in the disability community principle of "nothing for us without us, along with the social model of disability. The social model, which was created by disabled people states that disabled people are disabled by barriers in society not by their impairment or difference. How do my principles show up in my work?Through careful research and direct conversations with members of the disabled community, I tackle issues that affect disabled people.
I will never write, speak about, or edit anything that is intended to represent the viewpoints of the disability community without consulting the opinions of disabled people affected by the issues that I am discussing. When applicable, I will also seek the opinions of medical practitioners and others who work with and/or care about disabled people affected by the issues I am discussing. All you have to do is follow me on social media to find out that I am very outspoken about my experiences as a disabled person, but I also recognise that not everyone's experiences are the same as mine. Being a voice of a historically marginalised community makes me feel like I must approach every story with an open-mind and no assumptions whatsoever. Overall, what keeps me grounded in the reality of being a disabled person on a global scale is my involvement in the disability advocacy community. My disability advocacy network includes the founder of Dyspraxia Magazine, Billy Stanley of Dyspraxic Help 4 U, and independent advocacy groups such as Dyspraxic Women's Network and Dyspraxic Alliance. Currently, I'm serving on the board of Dyspraxic Me, a peer support network for dyspraxic teens and young adults. /
Rosemary is a delight to work with and her work is rewarding to edit. She sets the stage well, does her research, and brings a needed perspective to the table. Her story for Medicinal Media on sensory processing issues and apps has inspired our readers and we're so grateful for her words and voice.
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My professional background
When I was in school, I started writing after overcoming enormous difficulties with learning how to read and write, a past struggle which gave me the gift of being able to explain things simply and clearly. Here's how that has translated on a professional level:
I have a digital marketing background of 10+ years:
From 2009-2014, I gained experience in digital marketing and content writing by starting my own blog, and working for Toronto not-for-profit organisations such as the Toronto Fringe Festival, Parks and Recreation Ontario, and Shakespeare in Action.
How long have I been freelancing and what are some examples of the writing clients I have worked with?
Since 2014, I have done writing work for organisations such as E-Bay, Befunky, The Luupe, Saatva Mattress company, and Yellowpages Canada. I started off by being a copywriter and content writer. Then I quickly realised I was much happier focusing on projects with an accessibility, diversity, and inclusion of disabled people angle, because that put my lived experience as a neurodivergent disabled person to good use. I typically do editorial writing both bylined and ghostwritten for digital magazines and company blogs. Although occasionally I'll write for print magazines as well.
What are some examples of editing work I have done?
I have done editing work for organisations such as Lexxic, the Hip Lives Blog, and the Toronto Workforce Innovation Group (TWIG). I have edited everything from blogs and website copy to educational brochures.
Where has my writing been featured?
I have been published in a long list of magazines including: Shape Magazine, Broken Pencil Magazine, Happiful Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Spacing, and Reader's Digest.
What are some examples of public speaking projects I have done?
I have done speaking engagements for organisations such as Reach PLC, Delinian's disability awareness and education program, and Neuro Pride Ireland's #NeuroPrideDay.
Where have I been featured (in the press)?
I have been interviewed on a long list of radio shows and podcasts including the All 4 Inclusion Podcast, Rethreading Madness, a Vancouver Co-op Radio Program, and The Neurodiversity Podcast. For a recent list of press and media projects, check out my press page.
From 2009-2014, I gained experience in digital marketing and content writing by starting my own blog, and working for Toronto not-for-profit organisations such as the Toronto Fringe Festival, Parks and Recreation Ontario, and Shakespeare in Action.
How long have I been freelancing and what are some examples of the writing clients I have worked with?
Since 2014, I have done writing work for organisations such as E-Bay, Befunky, The Luupe, Saatva Mattress company, and Yellowpages Canada. I started off by being a copywriter and content writer. Then I quickly realised I was much happier focusing on projects with an accessibility, diversity, and inclusion of disabled people angle, because that put my lived experience as a neurodivergent disabled person to good use. I typically do editorial writing both bylined and ghostwritten for digital magazines and company blogs. Although occasionally I'll write for print magazines as well.
What are some examples of editing work I have done?
I have done editing work for organisations such as Lexxic, the Hip Lives Blog, and the Toronto Workforce Innovation Group (TWIG). I have edited everything from blogs and website copy to educational brochures.
Where has my writing been featured?
I have been published in a long list of magazines including: Shape Magazine, Broken Pencil Magazine, Happiful Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Spacing, and Reader's Digest.
What are some examples of public speaking projects I have done?
I have done speaking engagements for organisations such as Reach PLC, Delinian's disability awareness and education program, and Neuro Pride Ireland's #NeuroPrideDay.
Where have I been featured (in the press)?
I have been interviewed on a long list of radio shows and podcasts including the All 4 Inclusion Podcast, Rethreading Madness, a Vancouver Co-op Radio Program, and The Neurodiversity Podcast. For a recent list of press and media projects, check out my press page.
Relevant courses & education:
- I have a bachelor of arts degree in English and Drama Studies (Glendon College York University), and also took an intro to creative writing course as part of my studies.
- I studied editing for digital and print publications at George Brown College.
- I took writing classes and workshops at University of Toronto's Summer Writing School
- I have participated in several writing groups and mentorship programs run by publishing professionals and experienced professional writers. This includes manuscript mentorship with Greg Ioannou of Iguana Books and Toronto artist training programs such as Paprika Festival.
Want to reach out to me about writing, editing, or public speaking projects you want to commission me for? Contact me to make applicable arrangements, find out if I am available for new projects at the moment, and share your project requirements.
I am also a traditionally published author
More details about my book are available below.
My book is available through Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP), part of the John Murray Press Division of Hachette UK.
Stumbling Through Space and Time: Living Life With Dyspraxia's international English language debut was September 21, 2022, and the book is available in bookstores in North America, the UK, Ireland, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, some parts of Asia and Africa, and popular online book retailers such as Bookshop and Amazon.
Since its release, the book has been proudly loved and endorsed by Neurodiversity at Oxford, Dyspraxia Reddit, Dyspraxia DCD America, Sensory Integration Education's Sensory Awareness Guide, Dyspraxia Foundation's resource page, and Dyspraxic Adults: A Forum For Adults With Dyspraxia.
It has also featured in health and well-being library catalogues such as The Wellington City Library's Good Health collection, the Edinburgh Napier University Well-Being Collection, and Denver Public Library's Celebrating Neurodiversity: Books For Adults book recommendation list. During a 2023 reading challenge, my book was a Books by Authors With a Non-apparent Disability category staff pick at my hometown library, Toronto Public Library.
Here is JKP's official premise:
"Rosemary shares her experience of growing up dyspraxic, and how it impacts her sense of space, time and co-ordination. Diagnosed with DCD at the age of four, Rosemary shares her insights and experience dealing with challenges, from coping with bullies in school to choosing a dyspraxia-friendly university, pursuing self-employment and travelling abroad.
Rosemary shares guidance for others about what helped her develop her skills, including ballet and gymnastics, the Wilbarger Protocol (brushing therapy) and equestrian therapy. Full of practical tips and insights into the strategies that gave Rosemary the confidence to succeed, this is an essential guide for other dyspraxics and those supporting them, which shows you how you too can thrive as a dyspraxic person."
Stumbling Through Space and Time: Living Life With Dyspraxia's international English language debut was September 21, 2022, and the book is available in bookstores in North America, the UK, Ireland, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, some parts of Asia and Africa, and popular online book retailers such as Bookshop and Amazon.
Since its release, the book has been proudly loved and endorsed by Neurodiversity at Oxford, Dyspraxia Reddit, Dyspraxia DCD America, Sensory Integration Education's Sensory Awareness Guide, Dyspraxia Foundation's resource page, and Dyspraxic Adults: A Forum For Adults With Dyspraxia.
It has also featured in health and well-being library catalogues such as The Wellington City Library's Good Health collection, the Edinburgh Napier University Well-Being Collection, and Denver Public Library's Celebrating Neurodiversity: Books For Adults book recommendation list. During a 2023 reading challenge, my book was a Books by Authors With a Non-apparent Disability category staff pick at my hometown library, Toronto Public Library.
Here is JKP's official premise:
"Rosemary shares her experience of growing up dyspraxic, and how it impacts her sense of space, time and co-ordination. Diagnosed with DCD at the age of four, Rosemary shares her insights and experience dealing with challenges, from coping with bullies in school to choosing a dyspraxia-friendly university, pursuing self-employment and travelling abroad.
Rosemary shares guidance for others about what helped her develop her skills, including ballet and gymnastics, the Wilbarger Protocol (brushing therapy) and equestrian therapy. Full of practical tips and insights into the strategies that gave Rosemary the confidence to succeed, this is an essential guide for other dyspraxics and those supporting them, which shows you how you too can thrive as a dyspraxic person."
Advice: if you want to talk to me about my book:
If you publish books in another language besides English, and want to apply for foreign rights and translation privileges (or you know someone who is interested in doing that), contact my publisher directly.
If you are a journalist or content creator who wants to discuss my book and its subject matter with me, check out my press page.
If you are a journalist or content creator who wants to discuss my book and its subject matter with me, check out my press page.