Dr. Leah Kelley, Ed.D. (she/her) is an education consultant, writer, activist, teacher educator, and parent who identifies as neurodivergent and otherwise disabled. Her research interests include connecting disability studies in education (DSE) to educational practice, strength-based perspectives for supporting neurodiversity, addressing ableism, inclusive practices and pedagogy, and cultivating advocacy. Leah is a sought-after speaker, captivating audiences with her storytelling, practical wisdom, and relational approach.
Leah completed a Doctorate in Education at Simon Fraser University with a focus on connecting disability studies to educational practice. She is currently bringing her 25+ years of experience in public schools as a primary teacher, inclusion resource teacher (K-12), and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Helping Teacher into her work with pre-service teachers in university classrooms.
Leah continues to pursue research, and other opportunities to bring the concepts of critical disability studies to teacher education. She is committed to making the ideas and concepts of Disability Studies accessible for teachers, parents, and others.
30 Days of Autism is written from the perspective of a Neurodivergent and otherwise disabled educator, and consultant, working with educators, future educators, families, as a parent of an Autistic son (now and adult), and as an disability rights activist.
“My goal remains to share what I notice and what I am learning about disability, education, pedagogy, parenting, and child development, from a strength-based perspective that encourages and promotes understanding, acceptance, and pride for those of us who experience and process the world differently.
I believe in kindness, the potential in each of us, and the power of one small voice… (well perhaps not so small… one insistent and passionate voice) to bring about change…”
Workshop and Presentation Topics Include:
• Addressing Ableism, Cultivating Advocacy, and Dreaming Possibility for Inclusive Practices and Pedagogy
• Perspective Taking and Social & Emotional Understanding with Literacy Activities in the Inclusive Classroom Setting
• Neurodiversity: Strategies for Inclusion in the Regular Education Classroom
• Building Collaborative Relationships between Home & School
• Autism and Neurodiversity: Thinking about Perspectives
• Transition as Process: Supporting Self-Determination, Agency and Advocacy in Development
Contact:
email: info@leahmkelley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/30-Days-of-Autism-Leah-Kelley/154311301315814?sk=wall
Twitter: @Leah_Kelley
Linked in: linkedin.com/in/leah-m-kelley-med-edd-7423753a
Published Work:
Moore, A. & Kelley, L. (2024).“‘This is No Time for Being Underwater’: Ableism, Rape Culture, and Care Work in The Nowhere Girls,” Research on Diversity in Youth Literature, vol. 5, no. 2, 2024. https://iopn.library.illinois.edu/journals/rdyl/article/view/1159/1145
Kelley, L.M. (2023). The Person Who Arrives: Connecting Disability Studies and Educational Practice for Teachers, Parents, and Others. Canada: Tellwell Talent.
Kelley, L. (2018). The Teacher’s Kid: It’s not what you think… BCTF Teacher. November -December 2018, 31(2), 5. Retrieved from: https://issuu.com/teachernewsmag/docs/bctf_nov_dec_teacher_issuu/4?ff&e=6001376/65747902
Kelley, L. (2019). Let’s talk about Language: Is disability a bad word? BCTF Teacher. January-February 2019, 31(3), 16-17. Retrieved from: https://issuu.com/teachernewsmag/docs/teacher_magazine_jan_feb_2019/16?ff&e=6001376/66935084
Kelley, L. (2019). Talking Language: Ableism and Opportunity? BCTF Teacher. November-December 2019, 32(2), 22-23. Retrieved from:https://issuu.com/teachernewsmag/docs/teacher_magazine_nov_dec_2019/22?ff
“Dear Teacher: A letter from H”…Listening to Autism 13-year-old Style, International Bureau of Education of the UNESCO in partnership with the Gulf Arab States Educational Research Center (GASERC) based in Bahrain. This article is included in the guides/resources for the development of inclusive schools and classrooms in seven Arab States of the Gulf.
Treasures I found at the Thrift Shop: Autism and Understanding: English Practice, (BCTELA Journal, Spring 2012) bctela.posterous.com/treasures-i-found-at-the thriftshop-by-leah-kelley
Ladybugs: English Practice, (BCTELA Journal, Spring 2011) bctela.posterous.com/ladybugs-by-leah-kelley
Olden Days of Summer: English Practice, (BCTELA Journal, Spring 2011) bctela.posterous.com/olden-days-of-summer-by-leah-kelley
Interviews:
Embracing Radical Acceptance: A Journey of Inclusion and Understanding with Dr. Leah Kelley (April 2024)Think Inclusive Podcast, Tim Villegas, Season 11, Ep. 26: https://shows.acast.com/think-inclusive/episodes/embracing-radical-acceptance-leah-kelley?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2NvxD1CsD_b13Ck03QVUiUdVNUlXZ8v0yOPs18TX1eP7U27dw8yyL0M80_aem_AYSVwJhqpnhuTXa7h_HeO17UlAfwhHKd_7RziuuRLAxBkJBQqpPzI4NI4zfsdJPRQ4UKtiQcT5i4AgCSeUgBXe4l
Creating Belonging, Connection, and Community with Dr. Leah Kelley (November 2023). Beyond Awareness Podcast: Disability Awareness that Matters,
Teaching Tolerance Issue 53, Summer 2016 (A Publication of the Southern Poverty Law Society) ~ interview for article: A New Frame of Mind: What autistic students wish you knew about who they are and how they learn
Film:
Vectors of Autism: A Documentary about Laura Nagle (pre-release version premiered April 13, 2012) John Schaffer, Director; Susan Marks, Producer; Leah Kelley, Co-Producer
Autism Positivity Project:
I have been part of the blogging collective Thinking About Perspectives and together we collaborated to create the Autism Positivity 2012 (to 2015) Flashblog Event and Website. http://autismpositivity.wordpress.com/
Thirty Days of Autism 