Inclusion and Disability Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

Aaron DeVries

Welcome to The Inclusive Dad Podcast, where we explore all things inclusion and make it practical!! Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron Devries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad

  1. 2d ago

    216 - Everyone Deserves the Chance to Drive with Karl Kates

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Karl Kates, founder of Drive Wise Academy, to explore how inclusive driver's education is changing lives. Karl shares how decades in special education inspired him to help people with disabilities, anxiety, and unique learning needs gain the confidence to drive safely. From teaching the first person with Down syndrome in Iowa to earn a driver's license to adapting vehicles for wheelchair users, Karl proves that success comes from meeting people where they are. This conversation challenges assumptions about ability, highlights practical accommodations, and shows why inclusion starts with believing in potential.  Key Takeaways: Meet Them Where They Are - Inclusive teaching begins by adapting to each person's strengths, challenges, and learning style. Potential Over Labels - People should be seen for their abilities rather than defined by a diagnosis or disability. Practice Builds Confidence - Patience, repetition, and encouragement help learners overcome fear and achieve success. Accommodations Create Access - Simple adaptations and personalized strategies make independence possible for more people. Challenge Your Assumptions - Inclusion grows when we replace fear and judgment with curiosity and opportunity. Karl Kate’s definition of inclusion: Inclusion is a way of living, a way of thinking, believing, planning and acting.  Karl Kate’s Bio: Karl Kates is an educator, adaptive driving specialist, and founder of Drive Wise Academy. With a background in special education and adaptive driver training, Karl has dedicated his career to helping individuals of all abilities gain the skills, confidence, and independence that come with safe driving. Through Drive Wise Academy, Karl works with teens, adults, and individuals with disabilities or unique learning needs, providing personalized instruction tailored to each student’s goals and abilities. Passionate about accessibility and inclusion, Karl believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the freedom and independence that driving can provide. His work focuses on breaking down barriers to driver education and empowering students to succeed both on and off the road. Connect with Karl Kate: Website: https://www.drivewiseacademy.org/ SPAM© Count: Host: Yes Current Guest: Yes Cumulative Guest Stats: Yes - 95 No - 119 ☕ Buy me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad⁠ Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedadpodcast.com/newsletter/ Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad⁠

    216 - Everyone Deserves the Chance to Drive with Karl Kates

  2. 6d ago

    215 - How Play Creates Belonging for Everyone with Tina Hoang

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Tina Hoang, a speaker and advocate living with cerebral palsy, for a heartfelt conversation about inclusion, resilience, and rediscovering play. Tina shares how her disability shaped her perspective, why simply inviting someone to join can change a life, and how embracing playfulness creates belonging for everyone. Together they explore cultural views of disability, independence, caregiving, and the importance of moving beyond society's expectations. This inspiring conversation challenges listeners to rethink inclusion—not as a policy, but as a daily invitation to connect, move, laugh, and ensure no one feels left out. Key Takeaways: Always Invite - Inclusion starts by simply asking someone if they'd like to join, giving everyone the opportunity to belong. Play Builds Belonging - Playfulness isn't just for children—it creates connection, joy, and more inclusive communities. Beyond Disability - A disability doesn't define someone's potential or limit their ability to live a meaningful life. Challenge Labels - Moving beyond pity and stereotypes empowers people with disabilities to embrace independence and confidence. Move Freely - Allowing yourself to move, dance, and express joy helps create authenticity and encourages others to do the same. Tina Hoang’s definition of inclusion: Inclusion is a psychologically safe place where people belong, can be vulnerable, and can share what is important to them. Tina Hoang’s Bio: Tina Hoang is a playful disabled Vietnamese woman who believes that every human being is meant to be playful until the day they die. She believes knowing your own version of playfulness brings out the most authentic self.  Being a recovering people pleaser, she seeks other people pleasers to let them know to let go of societal/cultural beliefs and lean into their playful side so that they can spread more joy to the world. She hopes to inspire people to lean into their most playful side and show it publicly. Tina's purest and silliest playfulness is when she is dancing like no one's watching. Connect with Tina Hoang: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-o-hoang/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playfully.unrestricted Email: tinaohoang@gmail.com SPAM© Count: Host: Yes Current Guest: Yes Cumulative Guest Stats: Yes - 94 No - 119 ☕ Buy me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad⁠ Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedadpodcast.com/newsletter/ Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad⁠

    215 - How Play Creates Belonging for Everyone with Tina Hoang

  3. Jul 21

    214 - Why Inclusion Fails Without Psychological Safety with Lisa Richer

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Lisa Richer, a neurodivergent success partner, consultant, and parent of two neurodivergent sons. Lisa shares how her own late diagnosis, elite gymnastics career, and years of advocacy shaped her approach to inclusion. Together they explore psychological safety, the importance of curiosity over judgment, and why true inclusion requires collaboration instead of conflict. Lisa introduces her practical frameworks for creating lasting change in schools, workplaces, and communities while offering valuable insights for parents, educators, and professionals who want to build environments where every person feels they truly belong and can succeed. Key Takeaways: Psychological Safety - Inclusion begins when people feel safe to belong, be vulnerable, and share their authentic selves. Curious Conversations - Ask questions to genuinely understand another person's perspective rather than preparing your response. Collaborative Advocacy - Working with families and educators creates stronger outcomes than approaching challenges as opposing sides. Small Steps Matter - Lasting inclusion happens through consistent reflection, practice, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Beyond Accessibility - Accessibility is about more than physical spaces—it means creating environments where everyone can participate and thrive. Lisa Richer’s definition of inclusion: Inclusion is a psychologically safe place where people belong, can be vulnerable, and can share what is important to them. Lisa Richer’s Bio: Lisa Richer is a Neurodivergent Success Partner and Advocate transforming “stuck” into success for students, athletes, parents, and professionals. As the creator of the Clarity | Confidence | Courage Journey Map™, she brings the what and how to partner with your why. Together, you’ll navigate internal, relational, and systemic roadblocks so you can truly thrive. Connect with Lisa Richer: Website: https://journey2bloom.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journey2bloom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaricher/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journey2bloom/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Journey2bloom Email: lisa@journey2bloom.com SPAM© Count: Host: Yes Current Guest: No Cumulative Guest Stats: Yes - 93 No - 119 ☕ Buy me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad⁠ Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedadpodcast.com/newsletter/ Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad⁠

    214 - Why Inclusion Fails Without Psychological Safety with Lisa Richer

  4. Jul 17

    213 - The World Doesn't Need More Labels—It Needs More Inclusion with Antar Salim

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Antar Salim, a father, educator, and advocate whose youngest daughter has Down syndrome. Antar shares the emotional journey of receiving a prenatal diagnosis, the faith and family conversations that shaped their decision, and how his daughter has transformed his understanding of patience, purpose, and inclusion. Together, they explore why every person deserves the opportunity to flourish, the importance of recognizing individual strengths over perceived limitations, and how authentic relationships can grow through shared experiences. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that every life has value and every person has something meaningful to contribute.   Key Takeaways: Every Life - Every person has inherent value, and inclusion begins by recognizing that every life is a gift. Find Superpowers - Focus on people's strengths and unique abilities instead of their limitations. Shared Journeys - Parents and caregivers grow stronger through honest conversations and supportive communities. Purposeful Parenting - Helping children flourish into the best version of themselves is one of a parent's greatest responsibilities. Inclusive Mindset - True inclusion means embracing different ways of navigating the world rather than expecting everyone to fit one standard. Antar Salim’s definition of inclusion: Inclusion is creating a place where everyone is valued, accepted, and given the chance to contribute and thrive while being able to show up as their true selves. Antar Salim’s Bio: Antar Salim is a college educator, father of three, and passionate advocate for inclusion. Inspired by his youngest daughter with Down syndrome, he encourages others to recognize every person's unique strengths and create communities where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. Connect with Antar Salim: Email: fromengtophd@yahoo.com SPAM© Count: Host: Yes Current Guest: No Cumulative Guest Stats: Yes - 93 No - 118 ☕ Buy me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad⁠ Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedadpodcast.com/newsletter/ Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad⁠

    213 - The World Doesn't Need More Labels—It Needs More Inclusion with Antar Salim

  5. Jul 14

    212 - Systemic Ableism Is Everywhere—Now What? with Jennifer Chassman Browne

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes disability advocate, educator, and speaker Jennifer Chassman Browne for a powerful conversation about moving beyond accessibility and embracing true belonging. Jennifer shares how living with visible arthritis transformed the way others treated her, why good intentions can still exclude people, and how simple shifts in mindset create meaningful inclusion. Together they explore disability etiquette, systemic ableism, accessible design, and the importance of seeing the whole person—not just their disability. This episode will challenge assumptions, spark self-reflection, and inspire listeners to create spaces where everyone genuinely belongs. Key Takeaways: Belonging Matters - Accessibility is important, but true inclusion happens when people feel they genuinely belong. Ask First - Instead of making assumptions, respectfully ask people what they need and listen to their answers. Challenge Assumptions - Visible disabilities should never define someone's identity or determine how others interact with them. Design Intentionally - Thoughtful planning creates environments where everyone has meaningful choices and equal participation. See Whole People - Recognize disability as one part of a person's identity while appreciating their full humanity. Jennifer Chassman Browne’s definition of inclusion: Inclusion is creating spaces and experiences for everyone where people, regardless of their disability, their identity, their needs, feel welcome and able to participate. Jennifer Chassman Browne’s Bio: Jenn has lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis since she was six years old.  For most of her professional life, she has been an English teacher and school leader, and has loved the time that she spent with the teenagers that she taught, many of whom she still has in her life. In her work as a DEI and Disability Advocate, Jenn educates people about the strengths and gifts that people with disabilities have.  She also helps people to understand that those living with disabilities need allies, systems, and structures that ensure their access and inclusion. Jenn has also earned certification as a listener poet and is invested in using poetry and storytelling to help build connections between people and to aid in the development of empathy, understanding, and belonging. Jenn is a keynote speaker and writer. She has also written a book, See US, Know Us; Profiles of Disability which is available for pre-order and will be out in October 2026. Connect with Jennifer Chassman Browne: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferChassmanBrowneAuthor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-chassman-browne-97768b24a/ Website: https://jenniferchassmanbrowne.com/ Website: https://newground.us/index.html SPAM© Count: Host: Yes Current Guest: No Cumulative Guest Stats: Yes - 93 No - 117 ☕ Buy me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad⁠ Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: ⁠https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates⁠ Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad⁠

    212 - Systemic Ableism Is Everywhere—Now What? with Jennifer Chassman Browne

  6. Jul 10

    211 - Can a Blind Person Hike, Fish, and Fix a House? Absolutely. with Jeff Skoglund

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Jeff Skoglund, also known as the Blind Outdoorsman, for an honest conversation about life with progressive vision loss, resilience, and practical inclusion. Jeff shares how he adapted after becoming legally blind, how his guide dog helps him navigate everyday life, and why accessibility benefits everyone. From home maintenance and technology to a recent heart attack that highlighted the importance of respectful communication in healthcare, Jeff offers practical insights that challenge assumptions about blindness. This episode reminds us that disability doesn't define potential—it simply changes how we approach life.  Key Takeaways: Challenge Assumptions - Blindness doesn't mean inability—people with vision loss continue living full, independent, and meaningful lives. Accessible Design - Planning for accessibility from the beginning creates better experiences for everyone, not just people with disabilities. Respectful Communication - Asking someone what support they need is one of the simplest and most powerful acts of inclusion. Adaptive Technology - Tools, labels, guide dogs, and accessible technology empower independence in everyday life. Share Your Story - Your experiences may encourage, educate, or inspire someone who needs to hear them today. Jeff Skoglund’s definition of inclusion: Inclusion is making sure everyone has an equal opportunity to live their best life without being judged or treated differently for who they are. Jeff Skoglund’s Bio: Jeff Skoglund, known online as BlindOutdoorsman, is a Minnesota-based creator and storyteller who shares life outdoors through his experience with vision loss, humor, resilience, and lived experience. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, Jeff uses his platform to share real-life accessibility, adaptation, guide dog life with Natty, and outdoor adventures with his wife, Shauna. Through BlindOutdoorsman, Jeff hopes to help people think about vision loss a little differently while showing that life, adventure, and connection do not stop when vision changes. Jeff recently created a Facebook group called Blind & Low Vision Outdoors Minnesota. It’s a community for blind and low-vision people in Minnesota, along with allies, who are interested in getting outdoors through activities like hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, snowshoeing, and other outdoor adventures. Connect with Jeff Skoglund: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574843205853 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindoutdoorsman/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Blindoutdoorsman TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindoutdoorsman Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1740518473965596/ SPAM© Count: Host: Yes Current Guest: Yes Cumulative Guest Stats: Yes - 93 No - 116 ☕ Buy me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad⁠ Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: ⁠https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates⁠ Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad⁠

    211 - Can a Blind Person Hike, Fish, and Fix a House? Absolutely. with Jeff Skoglund

  7. Jul 7

    210 - STOP Making These Special Needs Planning Mistakes! with Mary McDirmid

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes financial planner and parent advocate Mary McDirmid for a practical conversation about preparing for the future of loved ones with disabilities. Drawing from her personal journey raising her daughter with a rare disease, Mary explains special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and common planning mistakes that can jeopardize essential benefits. Beyond finances, the discussion explores curiosity, respectful conversations, and why inclusion begins with assuming positive intent. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or advocate, this episode offers actionable guidance to protect your loved one's future while creating a more inclusive and understanding world.  Key Takeaways: Future Planning - Planning early helps families protect benefits, provide long-term care, and reduce uncertainty for loved ones with disabilities. Avoid Costly Mistakes - Simple oversights, like incorrect life insurance beneficiaries, can unintentionally jeopardize disability benefits. Respect Differences - Inclusion grows when we acknowledge our differences, assume positive intent, and remain curious about others' perspectives. Sibling Support - Thoughtful financial planning helps siblings remain siblings instead of carrying unnecessary financial and legal burdens. Accessible Knowledge - Every family deserves access to special needs planning information, regardless of their financial situation. Mary McDirmid’s definition of inclusion: Inclusion is acknowledging the tension between our similarities and differences and working through it together. Mary McDirmid’s Bio: When Mary isn’t helping families navigate the world of special needs financial planning, she is being a wife to Jay and a mom to Charlie and Ruth. In addition to her leadership role at All Needs Planning and a volunteer advocate for kids with rare diseases. She takes the title “Mom Boss’ seriously, just ask her! Mary understands the emotional and financial aspects of caring for a loved one with special needs because she is the parent of a child with a rare disease.  Connect with Mary McDirmid: Website: https://allneedsplanning.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllNeedsPlanning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allneedsplanning/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllNeedsPlanning TedX: https://youtu.be/_k6fXNWAHPM?si=pjbUwc_86uQZb6dm Buy her book: https://a.co/d/0dsKxDc6 SPAM© Count: Host: Yes Current Guest: No Cumulative Guest Stats: Yes - 92 No - 116 ☕ Buy me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad⁠ Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: ⁠https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates⁠ Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad⁠

    210 - STOP Making These Special Needs Planning Mistakes! with Mary McDirmid

  8. Jul 3

    209 - The Power of a Mindset Shift: How MS Changed Everything with Dr. Patti Bevilacqua

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Dr. Patti Bevilacqua, educator, author, TEDx speaker, and longtime advocate living with multiple sclerosis. Patti shares how her diagnosis reshaped her identity, taught her the power of mindset shifts, and deepened her understanding of inclusion. Together, they explore invisible disabilities, the importance of curiosity over assumptions, and why asking “How can I help?” matters more than taking control. Patti offers practical wisdom on self-advocacy, resilience, kindness, and finding opportunity in life's detours. This conversation is a powerful reminder that everyone carries unseen challenges and deserves to belong. Key Takeaways: Invisible Backpacks - Everyone carries unseen struggles, and approaching others with curiosity instead of assumptions creates deeper understanding. Ask, Don’t Assume - True inclusion begins by asking people what they need rather than deciding for them. Mindset Shifts - Reframing challenges as opportunities can transform how we experience disability and adversity. Redefining Movement - Movement is not only physical; we can move hearts, minds, ideas, and communities. Grace Over Judgment - Being kind to ourselves and others creates space for belonging, dignity, and connection. Dr. Patti Bevilacqua’s definition of inclusion: Inclusion is about creating a place where we all get a human experience, where we all get to experience humanity. Dr. Patti Bevilacqua’s Bio: I’m Dr. Patti Bevilacqua—bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and the driving force behind fearLESS with MS. and The Hidden Illness Advocate. In 1989, I stepped into my dream role as a high school PE teacher, passionate about shaping young lives. But just a year later, everything changed. A multiple sclerosis diagnosis forced me to leave the career I loved after only ten years. For over a decade, I felt lost, searching for purpose in a life I never planned. But here’s what I learned: “When life throws challenge your way, you have two choices—let them define you or rise above them. I chose to rise. With resilience, humor, and an unwavering spirit, I transformed my setbacks into stepping stones. I became a speaker, workshop leader, and storyteller, turning my journey into a source of strength for others.” Armed with a Ph.D., I launched MS stands for Mindset Shift and the fearLESS with MS. newsletter, creating a thriving community for those battling hidden illnesses. My story has been shared across 20+ podcasts, including The Hero Within, Chronically Living, and dissolving fear. Now, I dedicate my life to advocating for those with invisible illnesses, helping them shift their mindset, overcome fear, and embrace their inner strength. Because while MS may have changed my path, it never defined my purpose. Connect with Dr. Patti Bevilacqua: Website: https://patti-bevilacqua.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-bevilacqua/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fearlesswithms/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearlesswithms/ Substack: https://pattibevilacqua.substack.com/ SPAM© Count: Host: Yes Current Guest: Yes Cumulative Guest Stats: Yes - 92 No - 115 ☕ Buy me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad⁠ Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: ⁠https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates⁠ Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad⁠

    209 - The Power of a Mindset Shift: How MS Changed Everything with Dr. Patti Bevilacqua
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Inclusive Dad Podcast, where we explore all things inclusion and make it practical!! Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron Devries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad

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