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

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes author and chronic illness advocate Sara Willoughby. Sara shares her journey with chronic illness, discussing the challenges of misdiagnosis, navigating relationships, and finding community through her online Diamonds Conference . She highlights the importance of inclusion through awareness and intentional invitation. Sara also refl...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews Dr. Craig Hane aka Dr. Del, a math educator passionate about making math accessible and practical. Dr. Del shares his insights on why traditional math education often fails students, the importance of teaching only the math people actually need, and how technology—like scientific calculators and AI tools—can revolutionize learning...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes disability advocate Jenna Udenberg. Jenna shares her journey from being diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age seven to becoming a passionate accessibility educator and founder of Above & Beyond With U . She discusses her experiences growing up in a wheelchair, challenges with ADA compliance, and the importance of g...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Emmy-winning filmmaker Dan Watt, director and producer of Everybody Dance , a documentary about the transformative power of dance for children with disabilities. Dan shares his journey from Hollywood producer to documentary filmmaker, driven by a passion for telling meaningful stories. He discusses the impact of inclusive dance spac...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Janet Elliott, author of The Alien Savant , to discuss her nonverbal autistic brother Michael’s journey. Janet shares personal stories of her family's fight for inclusion in a time when institutionalization was the norm. She highlights the importance of recognizing individual strengths, advocating for neurodivergent individuals, and...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews Devon Wieters, a disability advocate and podcast host. Devon shares her advocacy work on the SSI Restoration Act and the struggles disabled individuals face due to restrictive government policies. She discusses her experiences with cerebral palsy, accessibility, and the systemic challenges in disability services. The conversation...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with writer and speaker Emily Goodson about her journey with disability, self-acceptance, and inclusion. Emily shares her experience of acquiring a disability at age eight, navigating internalized ableism, and eventually embracing her identity. She discusses how disability has shaped her career in HR and made her a more empathetic lea...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron welcomes Lois Letchford, a literacy specialist and author, to discuss her son’s journey from being labeled as a failure in first grade to earning a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Oxford. Lois shares how traditional teaching failed her son and how she transformed his learning through creative, hands-on methods. They explore the impact of la...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron welcomes autism advocate and philanthropist Crystal Jordan. Crystal shares how her son’s autism diagnosis ignited her passion for advocacy, inclusion, and employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. She discusses her journey navigating the IEP process, the importance of workforce inclusion, and her efforts to introduce a legislat...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes financial expert Michael Ringel to discuss essential financial planning for families of children with disabilities. They explore the importance of planning for two lifetimes, strategies to protect government benefits, and the role of special needs trusts and ABLE accounts. Michael emphasizes the need for proactive estate planning to...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron welcomes Wendy Hooton, an author and advocate for Down syndrome inclusion. Wendy shares her journey of raising her son with Down Syndrome, highlighting the evolving meaning of inclusion throughout his life. She discusses her book, Big People Don’t Pee in the Park , which blends humor and heartfelt experiences to support parents navigating a...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Curtis "Curveball" Jackson, a blind entrepreneur, hip-hop artist, and podcast host. Curtis shares his journey growing up blind, navigating public school, and breaking societal expectations. He discusses his ventures in music, cybersecurity, and vending, emphasizing resilience and self-advocacy. Curtis talks about the importance o...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Jason Tuttle, a devoted father and advocate, about his journey raising two children with complex medical needs. Jason shares the profound challenges and joys of parenting children with disabilities, the emotional impact of losing his son, and how grief shaped his advocacy. They discuss the importance of inclusion, acceptance, and...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Michelle Steiner, a writer, speaker, and paraeducator, about her journey living with a learning disability. Diagnosed with dyscalculia in kindergarten, Michelle shares her experiences navigating school, social challenges, and adulthood. She highlights the importance of empathy, the value of community, and how her disability shape...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Jennifer Celeste Briggs, author of Watching Sarah Rise , to discuss her journey parenting a daughter with special needs. Jennifer shares how the Son-rise Program, a family-centered approach to autism, transformed their lives by focusing on connection, patience, and individualized learning. She highlights the importance of hono...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Stephanie Warlick, founder of 5 Foot View Consulting and author of Dark and Silent Office . They discuss the importance of digital and content accessibility in workplaces and how small, intentional actions can make a big impact. Stephanie shares her journey into accessibility advocacy, her definition of inclusion, and practical tips...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Lisa Drennan, founder of MERGE Consulting, about building authentic inclusion in community spaces. Lisa shares her journey from working in specialized programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to leading system-wide inclusion initiatives. Together, they discuss the importance of shifting from segre...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Darci Steiner, a nutritionist, author, and disability advocate, who shares her powerful journey living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Darci discusses the challenges of accessibility, the importance of awareness in inclusion, and how her faith and nutrition played pivotal roles in her healing journey. She emphasizes the...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Sharon Dunlevy, an educational advocate for children in foster care. Sharon shares her journey from special education and ministry to child welfare, highlighting systemic barriers faced by foster youth. They discuss the impact of trauma on education, the critical role of foster parents as advocates, and the importance of trauma-i...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Murphy Monroe, an autism advocate, parent, entrepreneur, and executive director of a circus school. Murphy shares his journey of self-discovery, including his late autism diagnosis and how it reshaped his personal and professional life. He discusses the importance of sensory-friendly spaces, the challenges people with autism face wi...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with historian, educator, and children's author Barbara Ann Mojica. Barbara shares her journey from history academia to special education, driven by her passion to reach every learner. They discuss her transition into writing children's books that foster critical thinking and make history engaging and accessible. The conversation dive...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron welcomes artist and graphic designer Katherine Klimitas, who shares her journey growing up with osteogenesis imperfecta. Katherine discusses the challenges and triumphs of navigating life in a wheelchair, the importance of true inclusion in schools and society, and how her passion for art became a career. She highlights misconceptions about...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes trauma counselor and anti-oppression coach Natalie Jovanic. They discuss the importance of dismantling systemic barriers in counseling, the role of privilege in inclusion, and how performative allyship hinders progress. Natalie shares personal experiences as a non-binary immigrant and insights on fostering meaningful inclusivity. Th...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Christopher Wyatt, an autistic self-advocate, educator, and father of two neurodiverse daughters. Christopher shares his insights on inclusion, universal design, and the persistent barriers in education. He discusses how outdated systems, resistance to change, and lack of input from people with disabilities hinder accessibility. Dra...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron welcomes Jason Richlin, a former respiratory therapist turned high school teacher and advocate for marginalized communities. Jason shares his personal journey as a neurodivergent individual, his experiences in education, and the importance of restorative justice. He discusses the challenges and strengths of neurodivergence, the impact of in...