Tag Archives: advocacy

Crossing the line: The Danger of Compliance

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

As Amy Sequenzia so eloquently states: “ABA is not only abusive to Autistic children, it makes ableism and abuse acceptable. “Experts” want 40 hours/week of this and parents who don’t comply can lose their children. ABA creates a culture of … Continue reading →

Posted in ABA, ableism, Autism, Behaviour, Compliance, family, Intervention, Parent | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

And Then You Cry ‘Victim’

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

When Autistic adults are ignored or gaslighted or tone policed and told they “shouldn’t be so angry” or they are “not like my child,” then the opportunity to learn from the real autism experts is missed. It may not be … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Advocacy, advocate, Autism, listening, poem, poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

#Crapcessibility

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I have been hanging in Bellingham with my friend Corbett O’Toole, who raised a child with a disability and is disabled herself. We have had a spectacular time. We’ve seen a few sights, driven Chuckanut Drive, and enjoyed some fabulous … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, Activist, Autism, Corbett O'Toole, Crapcessibility, perspective of others | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

This Teacher will Rail Against Injustice

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

We (BC Teachers) are in the midst of negotiations – at the table with a government that is unwilling to negotiate. We are at stage two of a three stage plan of action – which currently involves rotating strikes. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, BC Teachers Federation, Christy Clark, Educator, Public Education, social justice, Teacher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Liquid Man – A Poem of Acceptance #StopCombatingMe

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

If you follow my blog you will know my family lives in Vancouver, Canada – and it may appear that we are removed from what happens with bills and acts and legislation in the US – but the reality is … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Activist, ASAN, Autism, Autism Poem, social justice | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Autism, Empathy, and The R Word

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Originally posted on Thirty Days of Autism:
I have to tell you that my son, H, loved watching a somewhat irritating internet show called ‘Fred’ – which I think is rather much of a sensation with the early teen or…

Posted in acceptance, Advocacy, Autism, diversity, empathy, the R word | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Advocating: Love not Fear!

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

H just shared with me: “In Tales from the Darkside from 1983 – there is one episode where there is a monster in this boy’s room, and he advocates for himself and tells the monster ‘Hey this is my room’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, advocate, Autism, flashblog, letting go, Neurodiversity, social justice, Space and Pace | Tagged , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Doctor Who and St. Nick: What my child needed for Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

H woke up early this morning…“It is Christmas, Mom! C’mon… get up!” Then quoting Mr. Scrooge he added, “I don’t know what to do! I’m as light as a feather, I’m as happy as an angel, I’m as merry as … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, diversity, Doctor Who, family, self-advocacy, St. Nick | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

I am H: This is Autism

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

H is proud to share this image. I love his PRIDE! Rail against the stigma!! Last Monday, Autism Speaks told the world that autism is:  . . . living in despair  . . . fear of the future  . . … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, advocate, Autism, autism stigma, Autistic People Speaking, diversity, Neurodiversity, This is Autism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

H’s Advocacy and The Teachers’ Response

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Those of you who follow Thirty Days of Autism likely know that H co presented with me at the BCTELA Provincial Conference (BC Teachers of English Language Arts) this past weekend. You can read more about that here and here. … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, advocate, Autism, Autistic People Speaking, BC Teachers Federation, BCTELA 2013, BCTF, Dear Teacher: A letter from H, diversity, Educator, Laura Nagle, listening, Neurodiversity, self-advocacy, Speaking, Special Education, Teacher, Vectors of Autism | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments