Do you ever look back and think, "What did I just say?"

 

My husband used to say the most embarrassing things when we went to our children's parent-teacher conferences. Neither one of us will forget going to our son Matt's kindergarten parent-teacher conference. 

 

The teacher was sharing what a quiet, thoughtful child Matt was and I guess she could tell from our shocked faces that Matt wasn't like that at home.  She quickly added, "We know some children are different at school than they are at home."

 

Without missing a beat my husband Jim replied, "Yes, I bet you're different at home sitting on the couch in your underwear, having a beer and watching TV."

I could have crawled under the table we were sitting at but it was one of those low-to-the ground kindergarten tables.

 

Geez!  How could my husband say that to this nice, sweet, older kindergarten teacher!

As an advocate I have said things I am not proud of. I suspect as I continue to shed my ableist thoughts and words I will have more of these moments.

 

This Thursday I'll be sharing four things I used to say and what I say now.

I used to say, "Ask to get a copy of the draft IEP at least 5 days before the IEP meeting."  

Now I say...

 

I used to say, "We are more alike than different."

 

Now I say...

 

I'd love your company on Thursday, April 28th so you don't make the advocacy mistakes I've made. 

Let's get together at Noon Mtn. Time, 2 pm ET, 1 pm CT, 11 am PT 

 

 

Let's keep collaborating and taking action to make positive changes in public education!

 

P.S. If you're interested working with others to create systemic change in our public education just reply to this email and let's talk!