Autism and Psychiatric Diagnoses
At different times during my growing up and even during my adult years autism wasn’t something people knew much about. I often came in front of
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.”
Amy Sequenzia: “Just Me”
Amy Sequenzia writes about rejecting society's many labels. Perceptions such as “super spectacular” autistic and “low-functioning” are equally harmful .
One Day without Starbucks for Sebastien and Mitochondrial Disorders
Sebastien is an 11 year old boy, who likes to do things any other 11 year old boy likes to do- play video games, watch sports on tv (especially his favorite player, Lebron James), and play baseball.
Creators of Halo & Star Wars Renew Student’s Dream after Charter School Rejection
Self-advocate Tres Whitlock on how the NPR story, "Florida Charter Schools Failing Disabled Students" has impacted him.
Why The Lie We’ve Been Sold About Disability Is The Greatest Injustice
Stella Young of Ramp Up explains the Social Model of Disability, Inspiration Porn, and the lie we’ve been sold about disability in this nine
Ollibean Mama Spotlight
Connect and learn with other parents like Tonya who presume competence and celebrate their children for being exactly who they are. #allofakind
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.
“Possibilities Series: Abby”
The Possibilities Video Series illustrates the lives of individuals with disabilities who live, work and attend schools in their communities.
Thank You, Ed Roberts
"And we’re going to develop leadership, that has a fundamental difference and that is, it's inclusive . It believes in people, and in our strengths together . And we are going to change our society. " Ed Roberts
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.
Acceptance
Welcome new Ollibean writer, Amy Sequenzia! We know you’re going to love her blog and her poems……..
A Sister Stands with Her Brother: I Am Heard, I Am Important, and I Am Included
No one wants to be the excluded one, the one to stand alone in silence, the one left out of the conversation. No one wants to be forgotten. So why are some individuals treated this way? Luckily it just takes one person to stand up and include, and the rest will follow. Be that person, take a stand, make a difference.
Top 3 FAQs About Inclusive Education
Parents naturally want what is best for their child, particularly when it comes to education. If a parent is not very familiar with inclusive education or had a child in an inclusive school, they have
