Embracing Inclusion: Navigating Disability in Education and Parenting with Kelley Coleman

About the Guest(s):

Kelley Coleman is an influential advocate and author specializing in parenting children with disabilities. Over a decade into her journey of raising a child with multiple disabilities, Kelley has become a voice of insight and support for many parents navigating similar paths. She recently authored the book, "Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child," where she imparts practical advice on various aspects of managing disabilities, both in daily family life and navigating the education system. Kelley is a champion for inclusivity, grounded in her personal experiences and extensive engagement with parents, educators, and the disabled community.

Episode Summary:

In this captivating episode of "Think Inclusive," host Tim Villegas interviews Kelley Coleman, offering a heartfelt discussion about parenting a disabled child and striving for inclusive education. Kelley shares insights from her book, "Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child," drawing from her decade-long journey of raising a child with multiple disabilities. Her perspective challenges listeners to rethink societal perceptions of disability and underscores the importance of fostering strong, collaborative relationships between parents and educators.

Kelley discusses the power of vision statements in IEP meetings to streamline educational goals for children with disabilities. The episode presents a balanced view, recognizing both the struggles and triumphs associated with advocating for the best educational outcomes for disabled children. The conversation expands to discussing inclusivity in schools, the undercurrent of fear surrounding disability, and strategies for educators to better support inclusive practices. The insights shared in the conversation are aligned with current themes in education and disability advocacy, offering a roadmap for both parents and educators to foster a more inclusive environment.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/e5WjDGn5-klsWtmOr0C48R8LL6Q

Key Takeaways:

• Creating a vision statement for a child with disabilities is crucial for setting clear, achievable educational goals and establishing a unified direction for their learning journey.
• Establishing ongoing communication between parents and teachers is essential for building trust and fostering a collaborative approach to education and inclusion.
• Normalizing disability in society reduces fear and stigma, which can lead to more meaningful and supportive interactions between disabled and non-disabled individuals.
• Teachers require sufficient training and resources to implement effective inclusive practices, which simultaneously benefit students with and without disabilities.
• The Paralympics exemplifies a successful platform for showcasing the excellence of disabled athletes without resorting to inspiration porn.

Resources:

Kelley's Website: https://www.kelleycoleman.com/

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

Thanks to our sponsor, IXL: https://ixl.com/inclusive

Donate to MCIE: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Donate

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