Overcoming Roadblocks: Building a More Inclusive World with Tonya Wollum - Episode 38

Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron engages with Tonya Wollum, IEP coach and host of the Water Prairie Chronicles. Together, they discuss Tonya's personal experiences raising two college-aged children with disabilities, her evolving understanding of inclusion, and the challenges faced by families navigating educational systems. Tonya shares her journey as an advocate and offers practical advice for fostering inclusion in schools and communities. The conversation also touches on parenting dynamics, faith, and how disability perspectives have influenced their lives. This insightful dialogue highlights the importance of proactive collaboration to create truly inclusive environments.

Key Takeaways:

Inclusion Definition: Inclusion is ensuring everyone belongs and can fully participate, as Verna Myers said: "Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance."

Parent Advocacy: Parents play a critical role in guiding schools by offering practical solutions and demonstrating inclusivity.

Testing Challenges: Standardized assessments often fail to reflect the true capabilities of children with disabilities.

Sibling Impact: Recognizing and supporting siblings is crucial when focusing on a child with disabilities.

Faith and Disability: Disability experiences can challenge and enrich personal beliefs, fostering growth and understanding.

Tonya’s definition of inclusion:

To me, INCLUSION means belonging. I think it looks different for each individual, but the feeling of inclusion is when every person in a group can be themselves while also being comfortable with those who are around them. It's when the people near you both accept you and work with any unique needs you may have so you are an active participant in whatever the group is doing. I think Verna Myers said it best when she said, "Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance." Everyone should be asked to dance and have the confidence of being accepted while dancing in their own unique style!

Tonya’s Bio:

Tonya Wollum is an IEP Coach, podcast host, and disability advocate. She works one-on-one with parents to guide them to a peaceful partnership with their child's IEP team, and she provides virtual mentors for special needs parents through the interviews she presents as the host of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast. Tonya knows firsthand how difficult it is to know how to support your special needs child, and she seeks to provide knowledge to parents and caregivers as well as to those who support a family living life with a disability. She's doing her part to help create a more inclusive world where we can celebrate what makes each person unique!

Connect with Tonya:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/water.prairie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waterprairie

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@waterprairie

Website: https://waterprairie.com/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 19

No - 17

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