Awareness Weeks Are Fine but People With Disabilities Need a Lot More Than That

My son with autism is turning 19 in a couple weeks. In June, he’ll graduate from high school. I took a month-long break from writing…

If I Hadn’t Been in Class the Day We Talked About ‘Rules,’ My Classmates Would Have Some Strange Ideas about Autism

In class a few days ago, we started reading the book “Rules.” The book is about a girl about my age who has a brother…

How I’m Helping My Child With Special Needs Navigate Remote Learning

My children always start school two weeks before everyone else. So after two weeks of e-learning—or what I am calling two-weeks “in the trenches”—I feel…

No, It’s Not OK to Leave My Child Behind, Even in a National Crisis

As a disability advocate and a parent of a child with autism, I’m hearing stories from other parents of children with autism that break my…

My 7-Year-Old Helped Frame Her IEP Goals

Having a child with a disability, and becoming disabled myself, has put me through a boot-camp that prepared me for the war for quality services…

The Moment When You Realize Just How Much You #LoveTeaching

A few years ago I was asked to be a mentor teacher. Not to a new teacher at my school, or even in my district,…

My Daughter Has Autism and She Isn’t Just Learning Black History, She’s Ready to Teach It

Almost everyone in my family is a quick talker and quick answer-er. In fact, we hardly ever have a family discussion where people can complete…

Drop Your Assumptions About Kids With Special Needs and Their Families

As a parent of a child with special needs, I pay a lot of money to provide the services that she needs to be successful…

Fellow Black Parents, It’s Time to Break the Silence About Our Kids With Disabilities

My mom and society have taught me that it is rude to offer advice when no one asks for it. But Black folks aren’t talking about…

My Child With Autism Doesn’t Need or Want Your Pity

After attending an informational session for families about autism, Asperger’s and the difficulties of navigating being disabled and supporting your “differently wired” family member (their…