Diversity Views

Celebrating Disability Awareness Month: Progress and Advocacy

When I started teaching almost 20 years ago, difference and disability were not openly discussed. There were hushed conversations about ADHD or Dyslexia and maybe passing references to autism, but accommodations were little more than extra time, and they were not always guaranteed. There was little consideration of what school was like for students whose brains learned differently or who needed something else. The terms neurodiverse or neurodivergent were not in use. We did not discuss the whole person, focusing only on the deficit. Fortunately, times have changed.

The neurodiversity movement, along with awareness days and months, has changed the conversation for the better. Neuroaffirming practices are becoming the norm, and we now recognize that individuals shouldn’t have to change (because they can’t); the focus is on altering the environment and attitudes. The result is a more informed and empathetic population, one where parents, students, and teachers can use their voices for good.

Disability Awareness Month is celebrated every July and plays an important role. It serves to recognize that many of us live with a disability (both visible and invisible), which can make seemingly simple tasks more challenging. The month celebrates and acknowledges the importance of community, advocacy, and identity. It encourages curiosity and discussion while highlighting that inclusion is about accessibility, challenging ableist thinking, and recognizing the dignity of all.

In doing so, we seek to ensure that each of us is the best advocate, co-advocate, and ally we can be. We take the time to understand that equality can only exist if people have access to what they need to level the playing field. Regardless of whether your child is neurodivergent or neurotypical, these are important conversations to have and explore together. Use this month to initiate these important conversations in your home or to learn more.

‘PINC’ Parent Information Night

A great way to become more informed and connected is by attending our PINC (Parents for the Inclusion of Neurodivergent Children) event on August 1st. This event is hosted by our inclusion team, with Claire Britton as the keynote speaker and a networking opportunity for our guests. At the time of writing this, we had fewer than 15 tickets left. Grab your ticket, and we look forward to meeting you on the 1st.