The Carroll Center for the Blind’s Post

As a seasoned Special Needs Specialist, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact of inclusive education on individuals with special needs. However, I’ve also encountered numerous barriers that hinder their ability to reach their full potential. This disparity inspired me to establish Special Strides, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between potential and opportunity. Our mission is to provide tailored support, education, and advocacy services, empowering individuals with special needs to thrive in inclusive environments. At Special Strides, we believe that every individual deserves: • Access to affordable quality education and resources. • A supportive community that fosters growth and acceptance. • Opportunities for social inclusion and participation. Through this initiative, I aim to create a ripple effect of inclusion, transforming lives, and shaping a more compassionate society. I invite you to join me on this journey, as we stride towards a more inclusive future together. • • • #specialstrides #inclusiveeducation #empowermentthrougheducation #specialneedsadvocate #disabilityinclusion #neurodiversitymatters #supportingspecialneeds #inclusionInaction #specialneedssupport #disabilityempowerment #educationforall #neurodiversityinclusion #specialneedsawareness #inclusivepractices #empoweringinclusion #specialstridesmission

Embrace being different; it's the essence of who you are. . . . Here's to the ones who shine bright with their own unique light. 🌟 Know that every child is a masterpiece, beautifully different and wonderfully special. 🚀 Let's embrace diversity, advocate for inclusion, and achieve success #together in our 21st-century global society! With Bright IDEA, everyone gets the chance to shine. ✨ ℹ️ Explore our services: https://lnkd.in/eV6vqHPG #UniqueKids #CelebrateDiversity #EmbracingUniquenessMonday #Embraceyourjourney #BrightIDEAConsulting #Education #InclusionMatters #BrightIDEAConsulting #Empowerment #DiversityAndInclusion#beyourownadvocate #equipandempoweryourself #beinformed #specialeducationservices #specialeducationresources #specialeducationcurriculum #specialeducationteachers #disabilityawareness #learningdisabilities #education #specialneedsawareness #collaborativeadvocacy #advocacy #advocate #inclusion #diversity #equity #accessibility #IEP #Section504

Advancing equity in one area lays the foundation for broader systemic change. Just as a rising tide lifts all boats, promoting equity in one domain invariably fosters advocacy for fairness and justice across all sectors. Whether it's championing diversity in the workplace, advocating for inclusive education policies, or fighting for equal access to healthcare, our efforts in one arena invariably spill over into others. By recognizing the interconnectedness of social justice issues, we acknowledge that progress in one area strengthens the collective push for equity everywhere. It's not enough to address inequities piecemeal; we must tackle them holistically, understanding that disparities in one realm often stem from broader systemic injustices. #Equity #Intersectionality #SocialJustice #SystemicChange

Yesterday afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending the International Nurses Day celebration with Andrew small, Jonathan Livingstone, where we had the opportunity to present the See ME First Campaign and our six staff networks. The See Me First initiative is a staff-led effort at Whittington Health to promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity. It sends a clear message that Whittington Health is a safe, non-judgemental space where all Black, Asian, and minority ethnic staff are treated with dignity and respect. Launched in October 2020, this campaign is part of their commitment to having zero tolerance for discrimination of any form. It ensures that staff who experience such behavior are supported in speaking up and challenging it in a safe manner. At Barts Health NHS Trust, we have embraced the See Me First campaign as an opportunity to renew our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion as part of our WeBelong Strategy. While the campaign founders primarily focused on race, we have expanded our focus to work intersectionally across all areas of difference. The See Me First campaign at Barts Health Trust encourages us to see each other first, focusing on the individual rather than judging them based on their differences such as race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, accent, and more. The engagement and sign-ups we received at the event were overwhelming, with colleagues expressing curiosity, gratitude, and excitement to be part of a campaign that aligns with their personal values and commitment to making a difference. The quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - 'people should not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character' - truly encapsulates the essence of the See Me First Campaign. If you are interested in learning more about the campaign, its background, and the founders, please reach out to Delia Mills or contactus@seemefirst.co.uk #SeeMeFirstCampaign #EqualityandInclusion #DiversityandBelonging #WeBelongTogether #InclusiveSpaces #NoPlaceforDiscrimination #DignityandRespect #EndDiscriminationNow

Transform your mind, transform your world. 🌟 Turn your what if's to reality. Embrace the power of change and watch yourself bloom. 🚀 Let's embrace diversity, advocate for inclusion, and achieve success together in our 21st-century global society! With Bright IDEA, everyone gets the chance to shine. ✨ ℹ️ Explore our services: https://lnkd.in/exU7b3JE #MindShiftMonday #SelfTransformation #Embraceyourjourney #BrightIDEAConsulting #Education #InclusionMatters #BrightIDEAConsulting #Empowerment #DiversityAndInclusion #beyourownadvocate #equipandempoweryourself #beinformed #specialeducationservices #specialeducationresources #specialeducationcurriculum #specialeducationteachers #disabilityawareness #learningdisabilities #education #specialneedsawareness #collaborativeadvocacy #advocacy #advocate #inclusion #diversity #equity #accessibility #IEP #Section504

Transform your mind, transform your world. 🌟 Turn your what if's to reality. Embrace the power of change and watch yourself bloom. 🚀 Let's embrace diversity, advocate for inclusion, and achieve success together in our 21st-century global society! With Bright IDEA, everyone gets the chance to shine. ✨ ℹ️ Explore our services: https://lnkd.in/eV6vqHPG #MindShiftMonday #SelfTransformation #Embraceyourjourney #BrightIDEAConsulting #Education #InclusionMatters #BrightIDEAConsulting #Empowerment #DiversityAndInclusion #beyourownadvocate #equipandempoweryourself #beinformed #specialeducationservices #specialeducationresources #specialeducationcurriculum #specialeducationteachers #disabilityawareness #learningdisabilities #education #specialneedsawareness #collaborativeadvocacy #advocacy #advocate #inclusion #diversity #equity #accessibility #IEP #Section504

Representation plays a crucial role in shaping young people's sense of identity and directly influences their self-esteem. When individuals see a lack of representation or encounter negative and stereotypical portrayals, it can pose challenges to their identity development and lead to unfavorable perceptions of their own groups. Brian K. Gibbs, PhD, MPA, is Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer for UMass Memorial Health. Brian understands the importance of representation and says, “That’s exactly the reason why I’m here — because there aren’t people who look like me in this profession.” Brian works in collaboration with executive leadership at Child Health Equity Center to establish educational training programs that lead to improved, more equitable delivery of healthcare for all patients, especially those from historically disadvantaged communities. Learn more about the Child Health Equity Center and our goals for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at https://lnkd.in/giHtcvRv. #RepresentationMatters #HealthcareEquality #ChildHealthEquity #SocialDeterminantsofHealth

Register for PAR's Sustainability Project Stakeholder Town Hall on February 8! Statewide provider association PAR - Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability will be hosting a stakeholder town hall to introduce and discuss The Sustainability Project to the public. The goal of the project is to begin discussions around a unified movement away from traditional fee-for-service models which have become systemically unwieldy and unsustainable. The project seeks to collaboratively develop innovative pilot models that support enhanced workforce stability, improve quality and flexibility of services, and decrease waiting lists for people needing services. The town hall will be held from 12:30-2:00 p.m. virtually on Zoom and in-person at the Hilton Harrisburg. This will be an opportunity for all stakeholders to learn about PAR's Transformative Service Models work, ask questions, and give feedback on the project. This will also be an opportunity to learn about how Performance-Based Contracting connects to The Sustainability Project. Register for the Stakeholder Meeting: https://ow.ly/yQmC50QxQx0 Learn more about the Sustainability Project: https://ow.ly/NvKy50QxQwZ Learn more about PAR: https://ow.ly/vHSj50QxQx3 #MainstayPA #EnrichingLivesUnlockingPotential #Advocacy #Pennsylvania#Disability

Inclusion matters. Children with special needs seek societal acceptance and inclusion. They face challenges in healthcare and education but exhibit resilience and love. Building an inclusive society involves public education, creating supportive environments, and providing robust support networks for parents. Inclusion requires a collective effort to embrace diversity and ensure every child feels valued and understood for a more compassionate future. #TheAryaFoundation #AdaptiveEquipment #InclusionMatters

Have you got your odd socks on? Today marks World Down Syndrome Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with Down syndrome. Did you know that approximately 1 in every 700 babies are born with Down syndrome worldwide? Despite the prevalence, there remains a significant need for greater understanding and support. Many individuals with Down syndrome face barriers to education, employment, and healthcare, limiting their opportunities for full participation in society. By supporting World Down Syndrome Day, we commit to promoting inclusivity, equality, and respect for individuals with Down syndrome. Whether through advocacy, education, or simply spreading awareness, each of us has a role to play in creating a more inclusive world. Together, we can build a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute their unique gifts to society. #Support #WorldDownSydromeDay #Inclusion #Business #Versalift