Pandemic Learning and IEP’s
It seems that too many decisions around education are happening without much input from families and youth, yet it is on the home front that distance learning policies rely so heavily on in order to work. Managing disruption in routines, coping with challenging behaviors and worrying about academic regression are just some of the issues […]
The People’s Convention: Why It’s Important to Join Organizations.
I’ve had over a week now to digest the many great lessons learned at the Center for Popular Democracy’s (CPD) Our Vision, Our Future: People’s Convention held in Detroit, MI from July 25-27th. In the time since coming home, and post watching the Democratic primary debates that also took place in Detroit shortly after the […]
Emotional Intelligence: A Foundation in Recovery from Oppressive Behaviors and Improving the System of Care
I continue to unpack what has happened during and since the events in Charlottesville, VA, since I have recently also experienced many personal and family-based crises that require public attention directly linked to the failed system of care. Defined as a spectrum of effective, community-based services and support, this system of care is not just for […]
Caretaker in Maleness: The Economy of Male Teachers and Healthcare Professionals
Last week, I was invited to speak with the Male Caregivers Advocacy Support Group, an initiative of Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN). It was truly an honor and pleasure to be surrounded with black men that are committed to being strong support for their loved ones with disabilities. It brought tears to my […]
Nurtured in Politics: Growing Up in Washington, DC
Unless one is living under a rock, or is a millennial that didn’t grow in Washington, DC, most are aware and saddened by the passing of longtime news anchor Jim Vance. Reflecting on how much he and co-anchor Doreen Genzler were furniture in memories of my youth in DC also here prompted more bittersweet thoughts […]
ESSA and Special Education: the Spectrum of Hopes and Fears of a Parent Advocate
We are only half-way through 2017 and already, this year has proven to be groundbreaking in regards to Local and Federal policies regarding delivery of care education services for students with disabilities. From the landmarks Supreme Court ruling in the March 2017 Endrews F. v Douglass County School District, which ruled in favor of academically challenging […]
What Happens Next in DC Child Find Policies is Up to Parents and Allies of Children with Disabilities
After a weekend of much needed rest and reflection, I have had some time to think not just about what independence means to me but what it means for my children. Frederick Douglass was not only a hero in the anti-slavery movement, he was also prolific in articulating great ideas expressed in speeches such as […]
Medicaid and Me
It is wonderful news to hear that the vote on the massive tax-cut for the wealthy bill (disguised as a health care bill) has been postponed for at least another week and a half. Yet as a mother and head of household of two young children with autism whose quality of care is heavily dependent […]
Part 2: What is Basic Income
In the last post on Basic Income, I alluded to the pilot program that was just approved in Hawaii as well as the project in Ontario, Canada sponsored by the Poverty Reduction Strategy Office (PRSO). I had the pleasure of meeting Karen Glass, the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Ontario PRSO, who is a willing […]
Disabilities Competency: Lessons of a Parent Advocate
Over the past year, I have been privileged to meet many people operating at various levels of disabilities advocacy in Washington, DC. Ranging from elected officials to accomplished advocates to parents/caretakers to self-advocates, it has been a heartwarming exposure to people who are also passionate around improving our community through personal and political measures to […]