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We're joined by Lindsey Larson, an inspiring OT professional and homeschooling mom who found herself unexpectedly all-in on homeschooling following her daughter's severe stroke. Lindsey opens up about her unexpected shift into pediatrics and the creation of her impactful children's book, "Meeting Exceptional Friends."

During our conversation, Lindsey discusses her mission to educate both children and their caregivers about disabilities through engaging storytelling. She also shares her exciting role as the incoming director of Disability Book Week, an initiative aimed at promoting disability-inclusive literature.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Lindsey’s Journey to Pediatric Occupational Therapy (Peds)
• Birth of her child and the subsequent stroke
• Transition to Pediatrics out of necessity
• Initial reluctance and societal perceptions of homeschooling
• Daughter’s preschool experience
• Homeschooling her second daughter
• Transition of her second daughter to public school
• Tailoring education to fit family needs
• Flexibility and adaptation in educational approaches
• Observations in the community regarding disabilities
• Response to the need for inclusive education
• Creation of her book "Meeting Exceptional Friends"
• Aimed at educating both children and parents about disabilities
• The concept of the book: playground setting and inclusion
• The repetitive phrase, "That's a great question"
• Encouraging open discussion about disabilities
• Amber Johnston’s concept: Windows and Mirrors
• Recommendations for other books and authors
• Disability Book Week and its mission
• Expansion of booklists to include more disability representations
• Limited physical book collections due to military life
• Heavy reliance on library resources
• Emphasis on supporting self-published authors
• The positive influence of inclusive books on her children
• Daughter’s essay on fire safety considering disabilities
• Encouragement to use Disability Book Week as a resource
• Importance of advocating for more inclusive books in libraries

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Handwriting Focus Group from Homeschool OT
• Vision Therapy Screening Assessment from Homeschool OT
• Meeting Exceptional Friends by Lindsey Larsen
• Disability Book Week Website
• Books to Uplift Perspectives and Experiences of Disability from NEA
• Books as Mirrors & Windows With Simply Charlotte Mason
• Episode 20: Tailored Kid’s Activities from Crafts to Sleep: Insights from Connie O'Neill

Connect with our Guest, Lindsey Larsen

Lindsey Larsen earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University. She currently works as a clinical abstractor for a genetic company. She is also the mother to two amazing daughters, a homeschool educator, parenting coach, military spouse, children’s book author, and the incoming director of Disability Book Week.

Lindsey’s older daughter, Madelyn, survived a massive stroke in infancy which resulted in a variety of disabilities. Lindsey began homeschooling her children, so both of her children could succeed in their own unique way.

In 2022, Lindsey decided to write a children’s picture book based on her personal experiences, to educate all children about visible and invisible disabilities. Lindsey’s book, Meeting Exceptional Friends recently won the 2023 Nautilus Book Awards for best picture book/fiction ages 2-6 and the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Bronze Award for best Educational Picture Book. Lindsey is leaping into a new role as the director of Disability Book Week, a volunteer organization that promotes and celebrates disability-inclusive books as well as authors with disabilities.