Making Sense of It All: Coping, Caregiving and Coming Together

I Don't Do Disability And The Other Lies I've Told Myself

In this heartfelt episode, I chat with Adelle Purdham, an author, educator, and mom of three. Adele opens up about her journey of parenting a child with Down Syndrome and how it led her to confront her own ableism. She discusses her new book 'I Don't Do Disability and Other Lies I've Told Myself,' which captures the highs and lows of her experience and aims to help other parents and caregivers on similar paths. Adele shares touching stories that highlight the importance of love and acceptance, and how our society needs to do better for those with disabilities. Looking for ways to check your own biases and become a better advocate for your child? This episode is packed with insights, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice that you won't want to miss. Tune in and join us on this journey towards creating a more inclusive and loving world! Adelle's Website: https://adellepurdham.ca/ [https://adellepurdham.ca/] Buy her book! "I Don't Do Disability And Other Lies I've Told Myself." [https://adellepurdham.ca/i-dont-do-disability-and-other-lies-ive-told-myself/] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Inclusivity 01:06 Guest Introduction and Book Discussion 02:14 Journey of Advocacy and Writing 06:59 Confronting Ableism 13:26 Experiences and Reflections 21:36 Societal Perceptions and Personal Growth 26:25 Understanding Disability as Part of the Human Condition 26:50 Personal Experiences and Perspectives on Disability 29:02 The Importance of Advocacy and Education 30:13 Writing and Sharing Personal Stories 32:22 Challenges and Subtle Discrimination 35:32 Historical Context and Institutionalization 40:16 Advice for Parents and Caregivers 45:57 Final Thoughts and Resources

Changing the Lens: Why Disability Matters to Everyone

Today on the podcast I chat with Elyse Lappano, a pro in disability services and adapted physical activity with over 15 years of experience – and my former university housemate and masters student! In this episode, we reconnect and chat about our ongoing journey toward making the world more inclusive and accessible. We reflect and get candid about our learning and conversation back in university, where we had some pretty eye opening realization and conversations related to inclusion. We go one to chat about the value of having inclusion embedded in professional and education experiences and how much they both shaped our careers and mindsets related to disability.  We’ll dive into talking about the power of curiosity, the importance of open conversations, and why disability is something that should matter to everyone.This episode will definitely challenge you to see how ableism shows up in your life and move you to continue to ask questions about why this still exists.. So let’s listen, learn, and lead the way toward a more inclusive world! Episode Links & Tools: Interested in connecting with Elyse? Check out her website at https://lappanohowe.com/ Brock University: SNAP Program https://brocku.ca/capa/programs/snap/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:04 Reconnecting and Reflecting on University Days 04:05 Elyse's Journey in Disability Services 08:55 The Importance of Inclusion in All Professions 18:09 Challenges and Strategies for Promoting Accessibility 23:29 The Role of Education in Fostering Inclusion 28:28 Navigating Professional and Personal Growth 32:26 Learning Through Helping 33:07 The Power of Asking Questions 35:43 Setting the Tone for Conversations 38:59 Introducing LaPanoHow Consulting 40:45 Collaborative Consulting Approach 42:21 Tailored Services for Diverse Needs 44:57 Sustaining Advocacy and Social Justice 49:08 The Importance of Community Support 51:04 Reflecting on the Journey 56:03 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Making Sense of It All: Coping, Caregiving and Coming Together

In this episode, I chat with Sarah Pot, a mother of four and family engagement advocate with two daughters, both who have Chitayat-Hall Syndrome. In our conversation,  we chat about the importance of “sense-making,” to cope with the uncertainty and complexities that come with caregiving, but also the joy in learning and honouring our child’s unique personalities and the stories they want to share with the world.   We chat about the pivotal moments that helped her family thrive, from the life-changing role that therapies have played to the building of a support network of people and professionals who truly “get it.” Sarah also gives us a glimpse into her role as a family engagement team member at CanChild, and the remarkable work they do to improve the lives of children with disabilities and their families.  This conversation is a beautiful reminder of the power of perspective and the importance of coming together to learn from each other. Chapters: 00:00- Introduction to the Episode 01:08- Meeting Sarah Pott: A Journey Through Caregiving 02:26- Sarah's Story: Navigating Early Challenges 05:14 -The Diagnosis Journey: Rachel and Janneke 08:31- Sense-making and Coping Strategies 17:21 -Community Support and Professional Engagement 23:12- Balancing Family Dynamics 25:46- Empowering Children to Lead 26:38- Understanding Individual Needs 29:05- The Importance of Storytelling 30:49- Inclusive Communication Strategies 34:22- Family Engagement in Research 41:07- Strength-Based Approach to Disability 47:41 -Implementing Family Engagement 53:10- Final Thoughts and Resources Episode Link & Tools: * Check out the work Sarah and other team members are doing at ⁠CanChild.⁠ [https://www.canchild.ca/en/research-in-practice/family-engagement-program#:~:text=The%20Family%20Engagement%20Program%20includes,service%20providers%2C%20and%20decision%20makers.] Check out the ⁠F-Word tools ⁠ [https://canchild.ca/en/research-in-practice/f-words-in-childhood-disability]from CanChild that Sarah chats about!

A Story To Be Told: The Path Forward to Create True Inclusion in Schools and Beyond

Welcome to Moved To Include! I'm your host, Jillian and in this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Shelley Moore—an educator, researcher, consultant, and storyteller whose work in inclusive education is nothing short of amazing! Shelley’s journey—starting with her unconventional learning style and evolving into the innovative ideas shared through her ‘5 Moore Minute’ videos—has transformed how we view education and highlighted the power of storytelling in illustrating what inclusion can truly look like in our communities. In this conversation, we explore the key differences between integration and true inclusion, the vital role of student voice, and why fostering an inclusive mindset is essential for driving meaningful change in school communities. If you are a parent or an educator, this is a conversation that you don’t want to miss, as Shelley also shares her exciting new project, as well as other innovative ways to think about barriers when advocating for a more inclusive world. So come along with me as we listen, learn and lead the way for others to be Moved to Include.

A Mother's Mission: Shattering Barriers and Navigating an Inaccessible World

Welcome to move to include. I'm your host, Jillian and today I'm excited to have Dyanne Pinto, a friend and fellow parent advocate!  Diane is a devoted mother whose life changed dramatically when her daughter, Joanna, was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange syndrome. In this episode, she shares the emotional journey of shock and uncertainty that followed, along with the challenges in navigating an inaccessible world.  But amidst these challenges, Diane’s unwavering determination shines through. She is not only committed to ensuring that Joanna experiences life to the fullest, but also is blazing a trail for future children with similar needs and supporting other parents in their own journey.  This story is a powerful reminder of perseverance and the strength found when we can all come together as allies for inclusion letting us know that we are truly not alone.  So come along with me as we listen, learn and lead the way for others to be Moved to Include!