About The Guest(s): Heather Avis is an author, speaker, and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome. She is the founder of The Lucky Few, a foundation that aims to shift the narrative around Down syndrome and create spaces of belonging for everyone. Heather shares her personal experiences as a mother of three adopted children, two of whom have Down syndrome, and uses storytelling to challenge societal perceptions and promote inclusion.

Summary: Heather Avis and Tim Villegas engage in a thought-provoking conversation about intentional inclusion and the power of storytelling in transforming perceptions. They delve into the challenges and progress in creating inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities, as well as the need to address ableism within the disability community itself. Heather emphasizes the importance of intentional adjustments and thoughtful consideration to foster true inclusion. They also discuss the impact of the fight for inclusion on parents and caregivers, highlighting the need to prioritize the well-being and hearts of disabled individuals. Ultimately, the conversation centers around recognizing the full humanity and worth of individuals with disabilities, irrespective of societal expectations.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/wjkXhhny49k-OJu1BbN1twhWTho

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusion necessitates deliberate adjustments and thoughtful consideration of the impact of decisions.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for changing perceptions and creating spaces of belonging.
• Addressing and dismantling ableism within the disability community is crucial for achieving genuine inclusion.
• The fight for inclusion can be emotionally taxing for parents and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of disabled individuals.
• Inclusion should extend beyond societal expectations and encompass the recognition of the full humanity and worth of individuals with disabilities.

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Heather Avis:

Website: https://www.theluckyfew.co/

Everyone Belongs: https://www.theluckyfew.co/collections/everyone-belongs

MCIE:

Website: https://www.mcie.org/

Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/

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