About the Guest(s):

Dr. Leah Kelley is a distinguished neurodivergent education consultant, author, activist, educator, and parent. With 25 years of experience as a public school teacher, her roles have included primary teacher, inclusion resource teacher, and SEL Mental Health helping teacher. Leah is known for her national and international presentations on neurodiversity, advocacy, and inclusion, as well as her popular blog “30 Days of Autism.” She is a sought-after speaker recognized for her storytelling and practical wisdom, encapsulated in her book “The Person Who Arrives: Connecting Disability Studies to Educational Practice for Teachers, Parents, and Others.”

Dr. Kari Gustafson is an instructor and researcher specializing at the intersection of neurodiversity, disability studies, education, and role-playing games. Kari holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Education from Simon Fraser University, where their dissertation delved into relationality and inclusion within role-playing games like D&D. Currently a faculty member in the Disability and Community Studies program at Douglas College, Kari brings a unique perspective to educational practices that prioritize strength-based collaboration and inclusivity.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Leah Kelley and Dr. Kari Gustafson. The conversation delves into the importance of play and creativity within the context of inclusion, education, and disability studies. As advocates for neurodiversity, Leah and Kari offer insightful perspectives on how play can be an essential tool for both personal growth and collaborative learning, especially for individuals with disabilities.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/exploring-plays-role-in-inclusion-and-personal-growth/

Key Takeaways:

-Play is a vital tool for imagination, personal growth, and collaborative learning in neurodiverse and inclusive settings.

-Societal pressures often replace play with structured therapies, particularly for children with disabilities, emphasizing the need to reclaim play.

-Role-playing games, such as D&D, offer collaborative storytelling experiences that promote inclusivity and value diverse strengths.

Embracing play can lead to increased joy and energy, benefiting personal well-being and educational outcomes.

-Facilitating inclusive environments that prioritize creativity and play helps individuals thrive and fosters strength-based collaboration.

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