About the Guest(s):

Lisa Aquila is a dedicated advocate for disability rights and Vice Chair of the Board at Disability Equality in Education (DEE). Lisa's journey into disability advocacy began after a career as a home care attendant was cut short due to her own disability. As an education outreach specialist, she has been pivotal in lobbying for disability-inclusive curriculum legislation, co-founding the Coalition on Disability Inclusive Curriculum, and advancing the social model of disability. Her work aims to integrate disability discourse into general education, inspiring future generations to embrace diversity.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas welcomes Lisa Aquila, a fervent advocate for disability rights and Vice Chair at Disability Equality in Education. They explore the importance of integrating disability into K-12 education, emphasizing that disability is a natural part of human diversity. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Lisa outlines her journey from home care attendant to becoming a key figure in disability advocacy.

Lisa shares her experience spearheading the disability-inclusive curriculum initiative, highlighting the success of the program piloted in Pennsylvania. The conversation delves into the social model of disability, focusing on how societal barriers can be dismantled through education. Both Lisa and Tim discuss the potential of early education in changing perceptions, advocating for resources and support systems that enable teachers to effectively incorporate disability studies into classrooms nationwide.

Complete show notes + transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/disability-inclusive-curriculum-changing-mindsets-in-pennsylvania-schools-and-nationwide/

Key Takeaways:

• Disability is a natural part of human diversity and should be woven into everyday conversations and education to dismantle stigma.
• The disability-inclusive curriculum aims to educate K-12 students on the contributions of disabled individuals, promoting understanding and acceptance.
• Lisa Aquila and DEE work under the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us," ensuring that disabled voices are central in creating educational content.
• The pilot project in Pennsylvania offers a blueprint for disability education that could inspire similar initiatives nationwide.
• Teachers have continuous support for integrating these lessons into their classrooms, fostering a more inclusive generation.

Resources:

Disability Equality in Education (DEE): https://www.disabilityequalityeducation.org/

DEE email: [email protected]

Call DEE at (724)726-1155

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