The rehabilitation center we’re affiliated with is an old school adapted with an elevator and sliding doors at the entrance but does not have adequate change spaces. The only two change tables at this center are polar opposites in design and both entirely...
My son and I have been on the receiving end of ableist remarks throughout his lifetime. Most of it is well-intentioned and meant to be encouraging. These seemingly-benign comments are a result of internalized ableism which is why it's hard to identify...
When my son was a newborn, his disability was only mildly noticeable. When he didn't have to meet milestones, it was easy to pretend he didn't have a diagnosis attached to him. As I nestled my baby in my arms, I also nestled cozily into ableism.⠀ ⠀ Moms will often...
Coming Soon Enter your name and email below to be notified when my Dismantling Internalized Ableism for Professionals program becomes available: I’m Gabriella Volpe, B.Ed. I am an educational consultant, licensed...
I often walk a fine line between honoring who my son is and teaching him the skills required to live a meaningful life.⠀ I first became aware of this tug of war when dealing with my son's sensory aversions. He has a strong objection to the texture of playdough. The...
Ableism robbed my son of the celebratory joy of his birth. My reaction to his diagnosis was steeped in ableism. It was handed to me in an ableist institution by ableist professionals who set us up with months-worth of ableist correctional practices. By the time I left...
Your essential homeschool roadmap to success! Welcome to your comprehensive resources for back-to-homeschool! It's time to gear up for an enriching learning experience tailored to your child's needs. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or embarking on this journey...
When families are up in arms about caring for our loved ones, it's not because we don't want to do it. It's because we don't want to do it in this way. Parents/guardians/caregivers hardly speak up about our reality because we are met with options that set our children...
The pediatrician hinted about a disorder while I sat in a chair and he stood over my son's incubator. I left confused and in tears.⠀ The official diagnosis was handed to me without support in the NICU. I held my son, the doctor casually leaned on the empty...
The year I won the award for perfect attendance, I was absent to accept it. I imagine the adults in the room swapped glances and chuckled at the irony of it all.⠀ When I was given the award along with my report card, I felt I didn't deserve it. I couldn't believe my...
Continue reading my essays, activities, and case studies for supporting the education of disabled/chronically ill and neurodivergent children.