165: Creating a More Inclusive World

"You're a dad of two, you became a dad, your children are little bit older now, they're adult children. And you call yourself the inclusive dad to help make the world a better place for your kids and for other kids as well who have disabilities."
"If I do something small each day for inclusion, you do something small and we get that going, other people start doing it, it's just going to be a ripple effect to change the world."
"There still is today. I see it all the time. Like there is a level of segregation within the schools where it's like, okay, well, we just need to teach this kid life skills versus teaching them math."
"Just because you've always done it some way doesn't mean that's the right way."
"She always loved music and choir, so she loved going to choir, being in concerts, doing all that good stuff."
"She prefers to just video chat with friends, not go out and do stuff."

Summary
In this episode of the Young Dad podcast, host Jay interviews Aaron DeVries, also known as the Inclusive Dad, about his passion for inclusion for people with disabilities. Aaron shares his personal story of raising a daughter with epilepsy and navigating the education system to ensure her inclusion in general education classrooms. They discuss the power imbalance in IEP meetings, the importance of having an advocate, and the challenges of proving that a child can stay in a general education setting. Aaron emphasizes the need for empathy and personal responsibility in creating a more inclusive world. In this conversation, Aaron DeVries shares his experiences as a father raising a daughter with disabilities. He discusses the importance of inclusion and the challenges and triumphs his daughter has faced throughout her education and into adulthood. Aaron emphasizes the need for parents to think outside the box and find what works best for their child, even if it deviates from traditional methods. He also highlights the significance of social connections and the role of co-parenting in supporting a child with disabilities. Aaron encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and offers advice for young fathers navigating the journey of raising a child with special needs.

Takeaways
Aaron DeVries, also known as the Inclusive Dad, is passionate about inclusion for people with disabilities.
He shares his personal story of raising a daughter with epilepsy and advocating for her inclusion in general education classrooms.
IEP meetings often have a power imbalance, and having an advocate can help parents navigate the process.
Children with disabilities should have equal access to education and the opportunity to learn at their own pace.
Creating a more inclusive world requires empathy and personal responsibility. Think outside the box and find what works best for your child, even if it deviates from traditional methods.
Social connections and friendships are important for children with disabilities.
Co-parenting and effective communication are crucial in supporting a child with special needs.
Prioritize self-care and find healthy coping mechanisms to navigate the challenges of raising a child with disabilities.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Business Matters
03:13 Aaron's Story and the Inclusive Dad
06:54 Understanding Grand Mal Seizures and the Start of the Fight for Inclusion
09:17 The Issue of Segregation in Schools
14:26 Starting the Fight for Inclusion and the Power Imbalance in IEP Meetings
22:39 Gradual Inclusion and the Challenges of Assessments
30:40 Getting Back into General Education and the Short Leash
34:57 Thinking Outside the Box: Advocating for Your Child's Needs
36:32 The Importance of Self-Care and Coping Mechanisms
42:55 Creating a More Inclusive World: One Step at a Time
49:49 Trusting Your Instincts as a Parent

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