Category Archives: Disability

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(CW – for outdated ableist terms in article) In my work as an educator and an activist, I have long wondered why it is so difficult for us to use the word “disability.”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

The Teacher’s Kid – It’s not what you think…

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I had the opportunity this evening to enter into a discussion with a colleague: a fellow teacher who is also the parent of a five-year-old Autistic son. So as we talked this man commented, “It is great that you are … Continue reading →

Posted in Activist, Advocacy, Autism, childhood, Disability, Educator, neurodivergent, Parent, prejudice, Teacher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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

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

Why can’t we all get along?!?

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I am 100% in agreement that the stigma and ableism perpetuated by groups and organizations like The Mighty are harmful to the Disability Community, because they are misrepresenting ableism as advocacy. There is much action afoot to have The Mighty … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, Activist, Advocacy, Autism, Autistic, Disability, listening, Neurodiversity | Tagged , , , , , | 18 Comments

The Inclusive Giraffe Party: Epilepsy and Accommodation

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I brought my giraffe puppets to the TASH Conference in Portland, Oregon…  and then my friends and I made this! Link: The Inclusive Giraffe Party – Video Transcription Kassiane Sibley: Kassiane Sibley Giraffe(s) Puppeteer: Leah Kelley Camera: Lei Wiley-Mydske Video … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Autistic, Collective Responsibility, Disability, inclusion, Neurodiversity, TASH | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Packing and Unpacking: Distance Education and the Social Model of Disability

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I am finally packed. Gah – I am so terrible at packing… It taxes my executive function because… anticipating… and predicting… and sorting… and organizing… and planning… and DECISIONS!! So now that this is done, I will tell you about … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Autism, Disability, Distance Education, Distributed Learning, diversity, Educator, executive function, inclusion, Special Education | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments