Category Archives: ableism

Let’s talk about language: Is disability a bad word?

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

(CW – for outdated ableist terms in article) In my work as an educator and an activist, I have long wondered why it is so difficult for us to use the word “disability.” The word “special” and the notion of … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, Autism, BCTF, Disability, Discrimination, prejudice, Public Education, Special Education, the R word | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Dysregulated: Excavation and Big Feels

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I am sad and oh so dysregulated. In some ways I don’t feel like I have a good reason – not when I compare what is going on for me with what so many others are currently experiencing in this … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, ADD/ADHD, Disability, Disclosure, executive function, neurodivergent | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

On the ABLEISM of Participation Marks

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I was recently involved in an online discussion that has me considering that the common practice or focus on participation is often stacked against people who might participate or engage differently. When I encounter a situation where I am graded … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, ADD/ADHD, Disability, Distributed Learning, Educator, privilege, Visual Notes | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Counting… The Day of Mourning and the Disability Clothesline

Posted on February 28, 2018 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

By Emma Van der Klift On March 1st of every year for the last three, a small group of activists – mostly activists with disabilities – have gathered together at Woodland’s Memorial Gardens in New Westminster, BC. The Gardens are … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, Activist, ASAN, Disability Day of Mourning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Neurotypical Wife: Welcome to Las Vegas

Posted on January 8, 2018 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I was reading another hilarious post by The Neurotypical Wife and I requested, “Please – oh please – do you think it might be possible that this could be made available in a graphic or a letter that I could … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, Autism, Autistic, Journey, Neurodiversity, Neurotypical, satire, The Neurotypical Wife | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

I am intermittence…

Posted on September 11, 2017 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I feel the coming and going of my capacities and resources. I am intermittence. I would like to be more at ease with this and trust to the natural process and rhythm of the tidal bits of me. I want … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, ADD/ADHD, Disability, Disclosure, executive function, neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, poem, poetry, privilege | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Behavior Plan For Parents of Newly Diagnosed Autistic Children

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Behavior Plan For Parents of Newly Diagnosed Autistic Children:   by Lei Wiley-Mydske Your feelings about autism are constructed by living in a world that fears and stigmatizes disabled lives.  Your distress about an autism diagnosis are most certainly because … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, Autism, Autistic, Diagnosis, neurodivergent | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Love more loudly…

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Wednesday morning after the US election my sister, Michelle, shared: “What I will tell my children this morning…?  It’s not enough to be kind and believe in the good. We must love more loudly. We must make inclusion thunder. We … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, Activist, Collective Responsibility, inclusion, privilege, Silence, social justice | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Proud to be Myself: An Autistic Person on Garry’s Mod

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I got home late from work today, lugging my books and bags and laptop and some likely-less-that-healthy Chinese food for H and me to have for an easy dinner, as Craig had a gig. H greeted me at the door … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, advocate, ASAN, Autism, Autistic, Disability, neurodivergent, TASH | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Disability Day of Mourning: The Loss of Innocence

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

A few weeks back I asked H if he would like to attend the ASAN Vancouver Disability Day of Mourning Vigil with me on March 1st, at the Woodlands Memorial Gardens in New Westminster, BC. He asked what the vigil … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, Activist, Advocacy, ASAN, autism stigma, Autistic, Boycott Autism Speaks, Death, Disability, Grief, prejudice, Rail Against Stigma | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments