ScenarioWhile attending a conference sponsored by a national nursing organization, you were captivated by the keynote speaker, a nurse currently employed as a lobbyist advocating for local and state healthcare legislation, who recently announced her candidacy for a position in the State Congress. Meeting this individual was the moment you realized you wanted to impact the healthcare of your local community through participation in her campaign for office. You expressed interest in opening her local community campaign office if she would provide mentorship.She responded, “Absolutely I would be your mentor. Political advocacy begins with understanding the needs of your community, so research your community’s needs, develop a solution for a priority issue you would champion as a political candidate for local office, and present your ideas in a White Paper next time we meet.”InstructionsResearchUsing your zip code, investigate areas of interest in your local community, and identify a gap in services that you believe is a priority need for resolution.Review evidence in professional journals and information on the internet available from local, state, and national government organizations, major news entities, political parties, and professional healthcare organizations. Research political issues in healthcare.White paperWrite a succinct summary of the proposed solution for the gap in services within the local community (no more than two paragraphs)Provide detailed background information with an explanation of the priority need, including identified health determinantsOffer thorough descriptions of the proposed solution, including:Phases of implementation withSpecific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timely (SMART) goals for each phaseDetailed explanations for these considerationsFinancialPolicyLegalEthicalStrategies for collaboration with external and internal stakeholders to gain buy-inA detailed plan for initial and ongoing communication and dissemination of informationUse of images such as tables and graphs recommendedWrite a concise, powerful conclusion to convince the reader the proposed solution is necessary (no more than one paragraph)Include relevant, comprehensive evidence from credible sourcesUse professional language and attribution for credible sources with correct APA citation, spelling, and grammarResourcesClick here for a Library and Learning Services page on writing a Summary.Click here for a Library and Learning Services page on creating a White Paper.Click here for a Library and Learning Services page on using the SMART Method.Click here for a Library and Learning Services page on Credible Sources.Click here for a Library and Learning Services APA Guide.

There are multiple types of exceptionalities with some being more severe than others. For example, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy are types of exceptionalities that affect the cognitive, behavioral, and physical functioning of a child or adolescent. Children and adolescents with learning disorders and pervasive disorders such as autism spectrum disorders or Asperger syndrome may have difficulty with social interactions and often require academic remediation. No matter the exceptionality, it can have a dramatic impact on family functioning. For example, stress levels can increase between spouses, the physical demands of caring for children and adolescents with exceptionalities can be exhausting, and managing difficult behaviors of a child or adolescent can take a toll on all members of a family. Parents may feel guilt, remorse, sadness, and grief over having a child with exceptionality.If you plan to work with children or adolescents with exceptionalities, you must have a firm understanding of the various types of exceptionalities so you can understand the needs of the child and adolescent. It also provides you an understanding of the needs of the family so you can develop and implement effective interventions. Keep in mind when working with parents of children with exceptionalities that while they generally love their children, it can be challenging to care for them and you must help the parents feel supported and free of judgment.For this Discussion, search the Walden Library, current literature, and reputable sources on the Internet and select a journal article researching a type of exceptionality. Consider the impact the exceptionality may have on a family. Reflect upon whether a female or male child might impact the family functioning differently. Consider what type of intervention and support you might provide the family to improve family functioning.With these thoughts in mind:By Day 3Post a brief description of the exceptionality you selected. Then, explain two ways the exceptionality may affect family functioning and how. Finally, explain one evidence-based intervention and how you might use it to improve family functioning. Be specific and support your response using the article you selected.