|
A Black pediatrician’s post, Jess Daigle’s, came up on my Facebook feed today.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18ip3uwSF3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
She was responding to the article — Black Boys Matter: Why are they Disappearing from Schools?
https://wordinblack.com/2025/04/black-boys-matter-why-are-they-disappearing-from-schools/
I’d like to share her message while expanding on its applicability.
As a Black woman and mom, she’s seen her fair share of systemic failures based on race-informed decisions and actions, or inaction.
- What she shared in her post about how she’s managing this reality is apropos for parents of kids with special needs.
Why?
Because they too, as a group, must continually fight for their right to exist.
To belong.
For full inclusion.
To simply get the support they need to grow into their highest potential.
There are many reasons for this attitude and behavior of exclusion.
Some people in positions of authority try to ignore ADA (Americans with Disabilities) laws.
A friend’s son with dyslexia told me this:
- At UCLA in every class, every semester, with every teacher, he had to fight to be allowed to use his predetermined and preapproved accommodations.
Many parents of kids with special needs are stretched to breaking point just taking care of ADLs (activities of daily living — feeding, dressing, bathing, etc.) and keeping a roof over their heads.
Many don’t have a lot of extra energy to fight the system for their child’s rights to be upheld.
It’s SO easy for these kids to fall through the cracks.
Of systems that aren’t fully functioning in their favor.
Dr. Daigle’s insights and recommendations may serve all parents of kids with special needs.
But especially kids with invisible disabilities.
Especially special needs kids with behavioral challenges.
Especially kids mistakenly put into special ed. ! (Read the article.)
Especially special needs kids .. of color.
Here are the doctor’s wise and important words to live by:
— “You must be present.
— You must be intentional.
— You must build a village.
— And you must have a strategy.”
And how do you implement this?
“You show [others] that your kids matter.
— You show up.
— You support each other.
— You raise your voices.
— You rally around your children and lift them up [in spite of systems that sideline them].”
It’s a never ending push to change communities and systems.
- For for those of us working toward systemic change, we can push the concept “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
If we push this narrative, more of those interested in equity and equality will find ways to make change happen.
Julie Browne, Author
MASTERS of CHANGE
#DisabilityRights
#DifferentlyAbled
#DisabilityAwareness
#SpecialNeedsFamilies
#SpecialNeedsMoms
#SystemicRacism
|
