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(CW – for outdated ableist terms in article) In my work as an educator and an activist, I have long wondered why it is so difficult for us to use the word “disability.”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

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

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

Forward and back…16 years of Ausome!

Posted on November 22, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

This fabulous young man turned 16 today… It was a day of looking back and looking forward… a low-key, laid-back day with very few demands. In reality, today was a sort of culmination of small birthday events that have been … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, Advocacy, Autism, Autistic, B films, Parent, privilege, Rail Against Stigma, Space and Pace, TASH | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Corbett O’Toole on Enduring Activism: “Dancing for the Win”

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I met Corbett O’Toole at TASH in Chicago. We hung out – we talked – she is fabulous – we quickly became friends. Corbett invited me to attend her talk to the University of Illinois at Chicago Disabilities Studies Doctoral … Continue reading →

Posted in 504 sit in, acceptance, Activist, Advocacy, advocate, Autism, Berkley, Corbett O'Toole, Visual Notes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments