David engages with Denise Marshall, Executive Director of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), to discuss the essential work of protecting and advancing the rights of students with disabilities. Denise shares her journey from working on behavior support at the Kennedy Krieger Institute to her leadership role at COPAA, which champions equal educational opportunities for all students. The conversation explores the challenges of advocating for disability rights in the current political climate, the importance of inclusion, the need for bipartisan support, and the critical role of organizations like COPAA in providing advocacy and support for families. The episode also delves into the controversies surrounding communication methods for non-speaking students and the systemic bias they face. Finally, Denise emphasizes the importance of continued activism and collective voice in securing and defending the rights and dignity of students with disabilities.

Visit https://www.copaa.org/

Topics

01:07 Guest Introduction: Denise Marshall

02:02 Denise's Journey in Disability Rights Advocacy

07:53 The Mission and Impact of COPA

11:51 Challenges and Advocacy in Special Education

18:41 Concerns About Eroding Protections

31:03 Debating the Evidence Base for Spelling Communication

31:32 Advocacy Efforts and Challenges with ASHA

32:24 The Importance of Communication Rights

34:40 State Legislation and Communication Rights

38:23 Collaboration and Advocacy Strategies

40:10 Fact or Fiction: Disability Rights and Partisanship

42:02 Tip of the Week: Advocacy and Communication

46:01 COPAA's Agenda and Future Goals

51:54 Concluding Thoughts on Advocacy and Inclusion