54 reasons’ Post

Talking to young people about inclusion is the most powerful message. It was an honour this week to deliver three assemblies at Henry Bloom Primary School as part of their fortnight celebrating 'It's Great to be Me'. Talking about children with disabilities, how some disabilities are hidden, and the wonderful ways in which these children communicate. The kids were so brilliant! Asking amazing questions, and coming up with their own ideas on how kindness and patience can help everybody to feel included. And how although we're all different, we're all the same. Kids are the best, because they don't need to learn this- they already know. <iframe src="https://accionvegana.org/accio/0ITbvNmLulGZltmbpxmL3d3d6MHc0/https://lnkd.in/e54JAbUE" width="500" height="744" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe>

The arts enrich our lives. Get to know three arts and culture focused nonprofits that are creating beauty in various fields as they promote inclusion and access for those with disabilities in this article from Let's Get Moving Journal: https://bit.ly/4afcvPj

Life can get busy with never-ending to-do lists, but how often do we pause to add “just be” to the list? Kids need that time too—a chance to just be themselves. That’s why we created Big Tree Hangout. ✔️ To be present. ✔️ To be curious. ✔️ To be creative. ✔️ To be confident. It’s a place where kids can: 🎮 Play games and have fun 🎨 Explore creativity and new hobbies 🤝 Build friendships that last a lifetime 📚 Learn and grow in an inclusive community For homeschoolers, it’s a chance to socialize. For kids with disabilities, it’s a space where inclusion is more than a promise—it’s our foundation. At Big Tree Hangout, we embrace wonder, play, and connection. A space for everyone to thrive. 💚 ➡️ Follow us to learn more, and let’s build a place where every child belongs. We would love your support! https://lnkd.in/edeakuBP

I'm late to the party here, but I wanted to make sure folks in my network knew about the Ramp Your Voice! free virtual conference on this Friday, June 7th. The line up is incredible! From the site: "Illuminating the richness of Black disabled people - our joys and truths This conference will intentionally center Black disabled perspectives and create spaces to candidly discuss the topics that matter to us, as well as learn about the talented individuals who are a part of our dynamic community. At the Ramp Your Voice! Conference, we will make the unseen seen and form new connections across fields and endeavors, to lift up and support the intellectual, creative, and joyful talent that runs right through our powerful community. This will go beyond the typical conference - we want to spotlight what WE do. There will be two focal points for the conference: Ramp Your Talent - Showcase Black disabled people’s gifts & abilities to spotlight who we are creatively. This is where the artistry for the conference comes into play. Ramp Your Passion - Display what it looks like to turn your passions into careers or even just expanding your self care and personal knowledge. This houses a more niched, but vital, focus. The idea behind both Ramp Your Talent and Ramp Your Passion is simple - the desire to have a conference that isn’t just intellectually-heavy with facts and data. The intention to display a full holistic charm of the community is the goal. “Solely centering Black disabled voices is an intentional, unapologetic action, one that is long overdue to occur and is strongly needed for us to truly be seen and heard without concerning the gazes of others.” - Vilissa Thompson, LMSW, Founder of Ramp Your Voice!" Live Captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided. https://lnkd.in/gvp_5GXv #Disability #Learning #Diversity #DEI #Access

Celebrating Inclusivity in Play: The Story of Wardhere. Tonight, I want to share the remarkable story of a young boy named Wardhere. Despite being born without both hands, his indomitable spirit and joy for life remind us of the boundless possibilities of inclusive play. Inclusive play is essential—it opens doors for children of all abilities, allowing them to explore, interact, and grow together. It's not about every play element being accessible to everyone, but rather about the collective experience being equally enriching for each child. Wardhere's story is a testament to this. His ability to engage in play, just like his peers, showcases the power of adaptability and resilience. It also underscores the need for play areas that cater to diverse needs, ensuring that every child can lead their play adventures, regardless of physical abilities. Let's take a moment to appreciate the joy that inclusive play brings to all children and the lessons we can learn from their unyielding spirit. Wardhere's journey is a beacon of inspiration and a call to action for all of us to support and advocate for inclusive play spaces in our communities. #inclusiveplay #accessibility #inspiration #communitydevelopment #leavenoonebehind #disabilityinclusion #inclusionmatters

Did you know? According to Burke: Play That Moves You, communities develop and rally around recreation spaces. This includes developing a passion for the greenspaces, and we protect what we are passionate about. The most important way we can develop into our best selves is through play. Bennett's Village cannot wait to provide this opportunity for development to all members of our community! [Image description: A light blue background is dotted with opaque sparkles with black letters at the top stating "Why and inclusive play space?" A light blue circle is in the center with the words "Children develop socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively, creatively, and communicatively through play." in black letters. A group of 4 children with a variety of colored clothing and backpacks are standing in a line and laughing. Burke: Play That Moves You is cited in the bottom left corner.] #BennettsVillage #APlaceForAllToPlay #Play4All #ItTakesAVillage #InclusivePlayground #InclusivePlay #InclusivePlaySpace #PlayIsLearning #DesignForAll #BuildCommunity #PlaygroundFun #Accessibility #InclusionMatters #Inclusion #AllAbilities #LoweringBarriersToPlay #Charlottesville #CharlottesvilleVA #CvilleVA #BennettsVillagePlaySpace #AccessiblePlaySpaces #AllAbilitiesWelcome #ILoveCville #AlbemarleCounty

🌈 In recent years, the search for an inclusive, supportive environment has become a central concern for many families. For Black, queer, non-Christian homeschooling families, this search can be even more challenging. As someone who has lived in various cities across the United States and is tired of its anti-Black racism, anti-trans politics, and general lack of community, I empathize with the desire to find a better place to raise a family. For those who choose to remain in the U.S., joining groups working towards systemic change can provide a sense of community and shared purpose. For families considering relocating outside the U.S., moving can offer opportunities for greater acceptance, safety, and community support that may not be available domestically. The choice to stay and make change or to go is highly personal and dependent on individual circumstances and needs. Decisions made by BIPOC families for their survival and well-being should be respected and not judged. In this Substack, I try to listen to the needs of the community, and do extensive research to help save families time and stress. That said, I identify as a straight, white woman of Eastern European descent. To research this topic, I did a deep dive on what BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ families have to say about the best (and worst) places to provide a secular homeschooling education to their kids.

📣 Where Should I Visit Next? Calling All Schools! 📣 Next year, I’m planning to bring Austin’s Amazing Adventures: The Big Test to more schools, and I need your help! Which schools should I visit to share Austin’s story? 🦸 This book isn’t just a story—it’s a tool for change. It brings representation to children with disabilities and additional needs, fostering empathy, breaking down social barriers, and encouraging a world where everyone belongs. Through these engaging adventures, kids learn the power of inclusion and the strength of embracing differences. Let me know in the comments which schools I should bring Austin’s Amazing Adventures to and why you believe stories like these are so important in mainstream classrooms! Tag any schools, teachers, or parents who might want to get involved. Let’s work together to make inclusion the norm, not the exception! 💬 Share, comment, and let’s make sure every child knows they are seen, valued, and celebrated! For more information on Austin ‘s amazing adventures the big test visit https://lnkd.in/e6xw3fKA

🎈 Embracing the beautiful mosaic of family diversity is the key to a more inclusive world! 🌍✨ In today's fast-evolving society, recognizing and celebrating non-traditional family dynamics, like families with two moms or two dads, enriches the tapestry of our communities. Each family is unique and filled with unconditional love that deserves to be cherished. 💖👨👨👦👦👩👩👧👦 Teachers, you have the power to shape perceptions! 🌟 By promoting inclusion through training and creating a classroom environment that mirrors diversity, we nurture acceptance and understanding in young minds. 📚💡 Engaging in open discussions and encouraging diverse perspectives help us bridge gaps and foster empathy. To parents navigating these waters, your role in affirming and educating your child about family diversity is crucial. Your open conversations and positive reinforcements are the bedrock of their resilience and self-acceptance. 🗣️💬 Together, when families, educators, and communities unite in support, we eliminate bias and pave the way for a future where every child and family feels valued. Let's continue to strive for acceptance and understanding. Let's redefine what 'normal' means—celebrating love in all its forms. 🌈💪 [#FamilyDiversity, #InclusionMatters, #CelebrateDifferences, #EmpowerEducators] READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/dEUwcwh7