Let’s talk about punishment – that tried-and-true societal tradition of using negative consequences to “teach lessons.” Detention, the schoolyard classic, is the perfect example. Take a kid with unprocessed emotions, sensory overload, or communication deficits, stick them in a room with a desk, and magically expect improved behavior. Makes sense, right? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. […]
For many people with disabilities (or those who love and support them) the “car” we’re chasing might represent an inclusive education, an accessible workplace, equitable healthcare, or a sense of independence. When we finally catch up to these goals, we sometimes find ourselves unsure of the next step. We’re told to dream big, to aim […]
Welcome to the thrilling world of leadership, where communication can sometimes feel like trying to coach a match with a cotton ball in your mouth. With constant updates, initiatives, and “urgent” messages flying in from every direction, it’s no wonder leaders feel like they’re dodging defenders instead of focusing on their goals. If you’re a […]
In the world of adaptive sports, education, and beyond, I’ve met individuals with incredible resilience and strength. I continually hear stories that highlight not only the challenges of living with disabilities, but also the vulnerability and raw humanity that comes with them. It’s these moments – these connections – that drive home the importance of […]
You’ve probably heard it before: when something bad happens, people say, “Let me know how I can help.” But how often do you actually take them up on that offer? It’s common not to, whether because we’re not in the right headspace, are busy caring for others, or don’t know what help they can realistically […]
When I began my career in education, I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. Later, when I moved into Applied Behavior Analysis, I was drawn to the structure and environment, but I found myself limited in my role due to minimal training. Volunteering at the age of 11 with an adaptive soccer […]
As I rode along in the backseat of a ridiculously expensive rideshare, something caught my attention – a row of perfectly uniform palm trees. They stood tall, each nearly identical in growth. At first, I thought nothing of it, but then it hit me how unnatural that looked. It wasn’t just that there were numerous […]