Change Leader: Larry Bissonette
Our first Change Leader is artist and disability rights advocate, Larry Bissonnette. Larry's art, writing, presentations, and films are changing perceptions about disability around the world. His quote in Wretches & Jabberers, "More like you than not" says it all.
Open Letter To Jon Stewart
When I met Jon Stewart I was very disappointed by his lack of knowledge and sensitivity toward autism. During a recent interview, while still a bit condescending, his views seem to have evolved. This is my open letter to him.
The Case for Inclusion Part Two: What Does Inclusion Look Like?
It should always be the objective of public education to serve all students no matter what their disability label. It should always be the objective to give the right amount of support for all children.
I Feel Tired
Some parents understand that autism is a natural part of some children’s lives and they fight the societal attitudes toward autistics. That’s love. Some parents don’t, and they fight, and hurt, their own children. This is not love and is one of the things that make me very tired.
A Sensory Garden for Zoë and Oliver
One of Ollibean's contributors, the lovely and amazing, Julie Lohoefener of Bloom Garden Shop, let's us in on some great tips on creating a non-toxic Sensory Garden with your kids.
The Loud Hands Project
Love this video published by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Share it, Post it, Donate at http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Loud-Hands-Project?a=351448 so they will make more:)
Senator Harkin Delivers Speech in ASL Upon ADA Passage in 1990
Upon passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 13th, 1990, Senator Tom Harkin delivered a speech on the Senate floor in American Sign Language. Harkin, whose brother Frank was deaf, was the lead Senate author of the ADA, which was enacted later that year. His speech is the first in American Sign Language to be delivered from the Senate floor.
My Top Ten
These are the top 10, now top 18 things I need for teachers, therapists, doctors, friends and family to know.
We Are Not In Our Own World
We need to be careful about how we think about and talk about people with disabilities. One example is the reference that those who are autistic or deaf or blind or have some sort of movement differences are “in their own world.”
Judith Heumann: Changing the System
Her activism is clearly rooted in a strong sense of justice. Early on she learned that
The Case for Inclusion: Does All Really Mean All?
Tim Villegas of Think Inclusive on the motivation to change from educating students with disabilities in segregated settings to inclusive settings where all means all.
Alexis Clarkson: OlliNepal
We should all strive to see the beauty and potential in everything, and everyone, and to me, that is inclusion. "
Matt W’s Field Day Race
Matt ran an amazing race on field day at Worthington, Ohio’s Colonial Hills Elementary School.
According to the Youtube video, Matt was given the opportunity to sit out, but after watching this






