When Exclusion Becomes Normal: Why Schools Must Do More for Students with Disabilities

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When Exclusion Becomes Normal: Why Schools Must Do More for Students with Disabilities

Do you ever have conversations that haunt you? Where you play what the other person said on a loop in your mind, to the point it becomes a sore you can’t stop picking?

I recently had one of those conversations. A conversation where the person made a flippant remark that hit me hard. A conversation where I wished I had called out the comment instead of letting its audacity blindside me.

The conversation was about a high school student and the subtle, and not so subtle, ways they have been bullied and excluded by their classmates over the years. Going beyond the name calling and talking about this student behind their back, they’ve also had students throw garbage on them and film them during a medical episode, accuse them of faking their disability (which includes the use of a wheelchair), locking them in a classroom, and more.

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Why I’m Embracing a Structure Free Summer for My Child

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Why I’m Embracing a Structure Free Summer for My Child

We’ve finally made it to the end of the school year with two months of summer ahead of us. While some parents rush to sign their kids up for camps, activities and outings to fill the days, I’m embracing the free space. 

As mom of an autistic child, the school year is tough! It’s full of hurdles to navigate from sun up to sundown.

By the time summer rolls around we’re all emotionally and physically exhausted. There’s no mental capacity left to schedule more activities.

Embracing a structure free summer gives us all the break we so desperately need.

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Why Getting a Diagnosis Matters

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Why Getting a Diagnosis Matters

Over the years as a speaker and advocate, I often have people say to me – oh I know my child is (insert condition) but I don’t see the point of getting a diagnosis. Or – I know I have (insert condition) so I don’t need a diagnosis.

Each time I hear this it takes all my effort to keep my internal voice from screaming at them – having a diagnosis matters!!

In the age of Dr. Google, we have a wealth of information at our fingertips. While it’s great to be able to educate yourself on a condition, it’s important to remember you are not a medical professional (and even if you are, you need an unbiased opinion).

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Back to School = New Round of Advocacy

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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.

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Why We Need to Embrace Not Fear Our Kids' Labels

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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.

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