Decades Later, the Fight for Educational Supports for Kids with Disabilities Remains Unchanged

/
Decades Later, the Fight for Educational Supports for Kids with Disabilities Remains Unchanged

This summer, I spent time cleaning out my parents’ basement. Having lived in the same house for over 50 years, it was a treasure trove of old magazines, family photos, expired foods, vases and so much more.

One of the interesting things I came across in my purging was a binder from the 1980s about my brother. I know many parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities are familiar with this binder (I have a few in my house). It’s a summary of letters to the school, medical and therapy reports, assessments, and report cards.

Read More

Back to School = New Round of Advocacy

/
Back to School = New Round of Advocacy

Just the thought of a new school year gives me anxiety. Anxiety about the change in routine for my child. Anxiety about having to explain and fight for their needs to a new teacher. Anxiety about starting yet another round of advocating for my child.

While many parents and caregivers have some level of anxiety about a new school year, this anxiety is heightened when you have a child with disabilities.

Read More

Why We Need to Embrace Not Fear Our Kids' Labels

/
Why We Need to Embrace Not Fear Our Kids' Labels

A common fear I hear from parents and caregivers is not wanting their child to be labelled. There can be so much resistance to getting a child assessed or accepting the diagnosis due to this unnecessary fear. Yet we need to embrace not fear labels.

Read More

5 Ways to Encourage Self-Advocacy in Kids

/
5 Ways to Encourage Self-Advocacy in Kids

When children are young, as parents and caregivers we tend to be their voice. But as our kids grow and have opinions of their own, we make the shift from being their voice to their megaphone to their cheerleader.

What this shift looks like and when it happens depends on the individual. What is important is we encourage self-advocacy in kids, regardless of their ability. This is not only an important life skill, but also essential to having personal safety and fulfillment.

 

Read More

Why Advocacy is Critical to Supporting Kids with Disabilities

/
Why Advocacy is Critical to Supporting Kids with Disabilities

I really wish I didn’t have to write this article. I wish that kids with disabilities and complex needs would get the support they require to not just survive but thrive. I wish they had the education, learning supports, therapy and career counselling needed to help them live their best lives.  

Sadly, this isn’t the case and is the reason why advocacy is critical to supporting kids with disabilities.

Read More

Why Being a Truly Inclusive School Shouldn’t Be Scary

/
Why Being a Truly Inclusive School Shouldn’t Be Scary

Despite all the talk about diversity and inclusion in classrooms, many schools and families still struggle with what this actually means and why it matters. Just having a child with disabilities or complex needs in a classroom isn’t enough. They need to be seen as a valued member of the school community.

Too often the conversation focuses on the challenges versus gifts these students bring to the classroom.

How can any kid be successful with this approach?

Read More

Pink Shirt Day Ignores High Bullying Risk for Diverse Learners

/
Pink Shirt Day Ignores High Bullying Risk for Diverse Learners

February 23 is Pink Shirt Day and February is also Kindness month. Both get lots of coverage at schools and in the media. The growing awareness of Pink Shirt Day has shone a spotlight on bullying. But has it moved the needle in preventing bullying?

Not for diverse learners and kids with disabilities. While these students are most likely to be bullied, Pink Shirt Day ignores their high bullying risk.

Read More

Strengthen Your Parenting Skills by Asking for Help

/
Strengthen Your Parenting Skills by Asking for Help

There’s a reason why the saying it takes a village to raise a child has been around for generations. As parents, we need all the help we can get. Don’t let Instagram perfect images deter you from reaching out and asking for help.

Read More

It’s Time to Sharpen Your Advocacy Skills for a New School Year

/
It’s Time to Sharpen Your Advocacy Skills for a New School Year

Wouldn’t it be great if you could send your child back to school in September, trusting they would get the support they need to reach their full potential? Or at least make it through the day. While many parents of diverse learners wish for this, sadly with overstretched education systems, this isn’t the reality.

Read More

5 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Raising an Autistic Child

/
5 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Raising an Autistic Child

In honour of World Autism Awareness/Acceptance Day (April 2), I’m sharing some life lessons I’ve learned from raising an autistic child. This journey has not only made me a better mom, but a better person. It has helped me have more patience and compassion with others.

Read More