In Episode 165 of the Young Dad Podcast, Aaron DeVries, known as the Inclusive Dad, discusses his journey of raising a daughter with epilepsy, advocating for inclusion in schools, and the importance of empathy and responsibility in creating a more inclusive world.
The Inclusive Dad: Championing Inclusion for Children with Disabilities - Young Dad Podcast Ep. 165
In a world that often sidelines those who don't fit the mold, being an advocate for inclusion isn't just noble—it's necessary. Episode 165 of the Young Dad Podcast shines a spotlight on Aaron DeVries, a father of two and a fierce advocate known as the Inclusive Dad. His journey of raising a daughter with epilepsy has not only shaped his parenting approach but also fueled his passion for making the world a better, more inclusive place for all children, particularly those with disabilities.
In this episode, Aaron and Jay delve into the often-overlooked challenges of navigating the education system, the importance of empathy, and the need for parents to think creatively when supporting children with special needs. Here’s a sneak peek into what this episode covers: we’ll be talking about Aaron’s experiences with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, the importance of advocating for your child, and how small acts of inclusion can ripple out to create big changes. Ready to dive in?
The Inclusive Dad’s Journey: Raising a Child with Disabilities
Aaron DeVries didn’t set out to become an advocate, but life had other plans. As a father of two, with one child facing the challenges of epilepsy, Aaron quickly realized that navigating the world as a parent of a child with disabilities required a different kind of strength and persistence. It was a journey that demanded not just love and patience, but also advocacy and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
"You're a dad of two, your children are a little bit older now, they're adult children. And you call yourself the Inclusive Dad to help make the world a better place for your kids and for other kids as well who have disabilities," Jay notes during the podcast. Aaron's experiences with his daughter, particularly in the educational system, have shaped his mission to advocate for inclusion—not just for his own child but for all children who face similar challenges.
The Power Imbalance in Education: Navigating IEP Meetings
One of the biggest hurdles Aaron encountered was navigating the IEP meetings that determine the educational path for children with disabilities. These meetings often come with a significant power imbalance, where parents may feel overwhelmed by the school’s agenda and recommendations.
“There still is today. I see it all the time. Like there is a level of segregation within the schools where it's like, okay, well, we just need to teach this kid life skills versus teaching them math,” Aaron points out. This segregation isn’t just physical; it’s a mindset that limits the potential of children with disabilities by underestimating their abilities and pigeonholing them into limited educational tracks.
Aaron emphasizes the importance of having an advocate in these meetings—someone who can help balance the power dynamic and ensure that your child’s needs are fully represented. It’s not just about fighting for inclusion; it’s about making sure that children with disabilities have the same opportunities to learn and grow as their peers.
Challenging the Status Quo: Thinking Outside the Box
“Just because you've always done it some way doesn't mean that's the right way,” Aaron reminds us. This mindset is crucial when it comes to raising a child with disabilities. The traditional methods of education and parenting often don’t fit the unique needs of these children, and it’s up to parents to think outside the box and find what works best for their child.
For Aaron, this meant advocating for his daughter’s right to be included in general education classrooms, where she could learn alongside her peers rather than being segregated into a life skills program. It also meant finding ways to support her love of music and choir, even when traditional activities or social settings weren’t a perfect fit.
“She always loved music and choir, so she loved going to choir, being in concerts, doing all that good stuff,” Aaron shares. His daughter’s passion for music became a focal point in her education, and Aaron worked tirelessly to ensure she had the opportunity to pursue it.
But inclusion isn’t just about academics or extracurricular activities. It’s also about social connections. Aaron’s daughter, like many children with disabilities, prefers to connect with friends through video chats rather than face-to-face interactions. While this might seem unconventional to some, it’s what works best for her—and that’s what truly matters.
Creating a Ripple Effect: Small Acts of Inclusion
Aaron’s approach to inclusion is both practical and inspirational. He believes that creating a more inclusive world doesn’t require grand gestures; it starts with small, everyday actions. “If I do something small each day for inclusion, you do something small and we get that going, other people start doing it, it's just going to be a ripple effect to change the world,” he says.
These small actions can be as simple as advocating for your child’s right to be included in a classroom, educating others about the challenges children with disabilities face, or even just modeling empathy and understanding in your daily interactions. The key is consistency—by making inclusion a part of your everyday life, you can help create a culture that values and supports all children, regardless of their abilities.
The Importance of Co-Parenting and Self-Care
Raising a child with disabilities is undoubtedly challenging, and Aaron highlights the importance of co-parenting and effective communication in navigating this journey. It’s crucial for both parents to be on the same page, to support each other, and to work together to find the best solutions for their child.
But perhaps just as important is the need for self-care. The demands of parenting, particularly when raising a child with special needs, can be overwhelming. Aaron encourages young fathers to prioritize their own well-being, finding healthy coping mechanisms and making time for self-care. “You can't pour from an empty cup,” as the saying goes, and taking care of yourself is essential to being the best parent you can be.
Final Thoughts
Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their abilities. In Episode 165 of the Young Dad Podcast, Aaron DeVries, the Inclusive Dad, offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with disabilities. From navigating the education system to advocating for inclusion, Aaron’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that empathy, creativity, and persistence can have on our children’s lives.
As parents, we all have a role to play in creating a more inclusive world. Whether it’s through small daily actions, challenging the status quo, or simply being there for our children, we can make a difference. So take a page from Aaron’s book—think outside the box, advocate for your child, and remember that inclusion starts with each of us.
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