I can’t wait to share this conversation with you—it’s one that’s so close to my heart because it’s with my son, Dylan. 

Together, we sat down to talk about his journey with inclusive education, starting from his time in a community preschool all the way to being a college student and guest speaker, helping others believe in possibilities. 

As we reflected, I was reminded of the importance of belonging. 

For Dylan, inclusion wasn’t just about being in the same classroom as his peers. 

It was about being seen, valued, and supported for who he is. Yes, there were challenges along the way, but those early experiences of inclusion gave him the confidence and foundation to grow into the amazing person he is today. 

During our conversation, we talked about so many things: what it meant for him to be part of his school and community, the ups and downs of high school, and how we navigated the transition to college.

 We shared tips for other parents, like advocating for inclusion, thinking beyond high school to college opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, and celebrating every step of the journey. 

We even touched on practical things like setting goals, building independence, interdependence, and identifying the supports needed for success in life after high school. 

Dylan’s story isn’t just ours—it’s a reminder of what’s possible for every child when we push for inclusive practices and believe in their abilities. 
 

Catch the replay by clicking on the video below.
Please click on the Closed Caption icon on YouTube so you'll have the captions on the video.
 

Want to listen to a certain part of our video?  Here are timestamps.

00:00 Happy New Year! 

01:03 Dylan's Early Years and Inclusion 

04:14 Elementary School Memories 07:04 Middle School Adventures 08:17 High School Highlights 

12:57 College Dreams and Realities 16:54 Auditing College Classes 21:27 Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering 

31:10 Dylan's Burlesque Journey 32:54 Final Thoughts and Advice

As a mom and an advocate, I’m here to tell you that your child has so much potential to pursue their dreams after high school – it doesn't have to be going to college like Dylan's dream.

Remember, your son or daughter's future doesn’t have to follow the "this is how we do things."

I'm here to work together with you to create opportunities where your child can shine, grow, and be fully included in their schools and communities.  

Your child deserves nothing less.