What if the services your child depends on were quietly taken away? 

What if special education funding was cut, IDEA was weakened, and students with disabilities were left without the support they need?
 

This isn’t just a possibility. It’s already happening.

In this episode, of The Art of Advocacy Sue Swenson, a nationally recognized human rights leader and former Acting Assistant Secretary for Special Education, breaks down what’s really going on behind the scenes. 

She shares why parents, educators, and advocates need to take action now to protect inclusive education and ensure every child gets the education they deserve.
 

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by special education policies, confused by changes in funding, or just plain exhausted from fighting for your child’s rights, this conversation is for you.
 

What You’ll Take Away From This Episode:

• Why true inclusion benefits all students, not just those with disabilities.
  
   
• How privatization is threatening special education and what that means for your child.
  
   
• The tactics being used to spread misinformation and silence parents.
  
   
• Why public accountability for special education is failing and how we can change that.
  
   
• Simple but powerful ways parents and advocates can push for real change.
  
   

Sue doesn’t just talk about the problems, she gives practical, actionable steps you can take right now.
 

Where to Jump In:

• Introduction and Linda McMahon’s Testimony – 00:00
  
   
• Grounding Exercise for Stress Relief – 02:23
  
   
• Welcoming Special Guest Sue Swenson – 05:01
  
   
• Sue Swenson’s Personal Journey – 07:22
  
   
• The Importance of Inclusion in Education – 09:44
  
   
• Advocacy and Systemic Change – 11:15
  
   
• Global Perspective on Disability Rights – 20:39
  
   
• Call to Action: Engaging in Democracy – 27:01
  
   
• Beware of Misinformation – 35:24
  
   
• Impact on Education and Teachers – 36:48
  
   
• The Role of Anger in Advocacy – 39:52
  
   
• Building Community Support – 40:22
  
   
• Empathy and Broader Advocacy – 42:57
  
   
• Disability Policy Seminar – 45:52
  
   
• Global Advocacy and Inclusion – 49:38
  
   
• Final Thoughts and Encouragement – 58:40
   

What You Can Do Right Now

The decisions being made today will shape the future of special education for years to come. 

Parents, educators, and advocates need to step up and make their voices heard.

Here’s how you can take action:

• Attend a school board meeting and speak up about the importance of inclusion.
  
   
• Join or support a disability rights organization.
  
   
• Start a conversation with other parents and form a local advocacy group.
  
   
• Learn about upcoming policy changes and help spread awareness.
  
   

This fight is too important to sit on the sidelines. 

Now is the time to get involved.
 

Watch the full conversation here.

What steps are you taking to speak up and out?

Reply to this email or join the conversation on our Art of Advocacy Facebook page.
 

Together, we are making a difference.
 

P.S. Links for organizations mentioned in the video.

Inclusion International Works globally to promote the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.

The ARC – A national organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) – Provides advocacy and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Disability Policy Seminar (DPS) – An annual event in Washington, D.C., where advocates learn about key policy issues and meet with legislators.

Partners in Policymaking – A leadership training program for parents and self-advocates in the disability community.