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What is TEDx? In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxJacksonville, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxJacksonville event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

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Iva Ballou | Facial Difference Advocate

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Iva Ballou | Facial Difference Advocate

Please note: Iva’s talk is still pending approval by TED. Check back soon! A facial difference affects more than the way one speaks. It can also affect learning, behavior, social abilities, self-confidence, and everyday interactions with others. Corrective surgery can help a child better navigate a world where people with facial differences are a common phobia. But as Iva Ballou knows from personal experience, in the United States whether a child with a cleft or craniofacial anomalies receives the medical attention and surgeries they desperately need depends entirely on which state they happen to live in. Third-party payers often deny coverage for orthodontic care of cleft palates and craniofacial patients on the basis that such procedures are cosmetic or medically unnecessary. Today, complete comprehensive cleft care varies not just from state to state, but from country to country. And that needs to change.

Take Action:
1) Join the Movement: Advocate for Change! Support the Ensuring Lasting Smile Act and be a part of transforming the lives of individuals with facial differences. Your voice matters.
2) Connect with Empowerment: Reach out to organizations such as NFED and Smile Train and communities dedicated to cleft advocacy and support. Together, we can make a difference and create lasting smiles.
3) Share the Inspiration: Spread the message of hope and resilience. Share this talk with your friends, family, and networks to raise awareness about the Ensuring Lasting Smile Act and its life-changing potential.

Iva Ballou | Legislating hope through the Ensuring Lasting Smile Act

Iva Ballou is the Community Development Manager for Smile Train, a Motivational Speaker, Cleft Confidence Coach, and a Facial Difference Advocate who uses her gifts to increase awareness and education for the facial difference community. She is also a co-host of the Love Meets Joy podcast. She discusses her journey and all things cleft in this honest and empowering series. Through finding her RealSophisticatedJoy, she now empowers others to pivot from shame to confidence in their journey.

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