Let's Be Moved Together!

Moved to Include is a space where we can discuss openly and share ideas on how we can get to the heart of inclusion for all. Whether you're brand new to the conversation or a seasoned advocate, I invite you to join me in exploring what inclusion is and how we can create change in our own communities!

New Episode is finally here!!!! ⤵️

In this episode, I chat with Sara Pot, a mother of four and family engagement advocate with two daughters, both who have Chitayat-Hall Syndrome.

In our conversation, we chat about the importance of “sense-making,” to cope with the uncertainty and complexities that come with caregiving, but also the joy 🥰 in learning and honouring our child’s unique personalities and the stories they want to share with the world.🌎

We chat about the pivotal moments that helped her family thrive, from the life-changing role that therapies have played to the building of a support network of people and professionals who truly “get it.”

Sara also gives us a glimpse into her role as a family engagement team member at CanChild, and the remarkable work they do to improve the lives of children with disabilities and their families.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder of the power of perspective and the importance of coming together to learn from each other. 🤗

So come along with me as we listen, learn, and lead the way for others to be moved to include.❤️💛🩵

Check out this episode on my website or on most platforms that you listen to your favourite podcast! (Link in bio!)🔗

#movedtoinclude #advocacy #inclusion #familyengagement #chilhooddisability #caregiving #journeytoinclusion #sensemaking

No words needed to capture this moment I get with P. ☀️

Everyday when he wakes up (unless he's sick because let's be real who is ever happy when they don't feel well) He says to me "Sit mama."

Take the time to sit. The journey is far more important than the destination, even if it's the toughest. The Sun will come.

Thanks buddy!

#nothingdownaboutit #downsyndromeparents #downsyndrome #advocacy #journeytoinclusion #parentadvocate #herecomesthesun

Can I share a secret? ⤵️ 💔💔💔

You might hear an energetic, passionate person in my podcast, but inside there is sometimes sadness 😥 for the reality that there are still people that think it's a choice to be inclusive.

I've never really documented the hard days, but I wonder if there is someone out there that needs to know that they are not alone and know there can be days of much frustration, anger and hopelessness, but there also can be days of great joy, excitement and happiness.

Last month this was me...sitting in my room so done with hearing time and time again the lack of inclusivity in something I am so passionate about Physical activity 😡

I would love to say, that the feedback from my expertise as a PE specialist, movement resource teacher, volunteer and now parent of a child with a disability has been accepted with open arms 🤗 and with swift action..... But more often than not it feels that offering inclusive movement programming is considered... Dare I say.. OPTIONAL

This has been especially true in the last past year when I've chosen to speak up... And it takes a toll on your emotions, your mind and you sometimes you just don't want to be resilient anymore.

This was one of these moments... 😥

Do you have days like these?

How do you stay hopeful and keep going?

⤵️ I want to hear them! Comment below 🩵💛

#advocacy #parentadvocate #inclusionisnotoptional #resilience #sometimesyouneedtocry #movedtoinclude #specialeducation #listen #learn #lead

You need to hear this! Trust me!!!!!

Have any of you felt that it feels that no matter what you are doing there is always a wall in the way? 🧱🧱🧱

This is something that I needed to hear and it came at the right place at the right time. ➡️➡️➡️➡️

I know there are other advocates, no matter what the cause where there are times that we feel that we are chasing others to join the Bus of what we believe to be true. IT IS EXHAUSTING!!!! 🤯

Hearing these words from Shelley in this episode, gave more perspective of a way that we can still honour the important work we still need to do related to inclusion and equity, but while also ensuring you don’t burn out ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Perhaps it’s not the wall that’s the barrier, it is the fact that we are not on the BUS!!! 🚍

So join me in getting on the most meaningful and rewarding bus of all!!! Trust me, it’s worth chasing and being on.

And if you don’t get on the bus right away….don’t worry it will be back, and we’ll be waiting with a big invitation and seat for you in it :) 🤗🤗🤗

Want more ah huh moments! Don’t miss this episode with Shelley and check out her book “One Without the Other!” it is also available on Spotify!!!!!!!

You can access the episode by listening to it on my website (Link in Bio: @movedtoinclude) or check out the links in my bio listen to it on Spotify, Apple or Amazon music!!

#getonthebus #drivetowardsinclusion #inclusion #belonging #advocate #advocacy #raiseyourvoice #burnout #parentadvocate #selfadvocate #disability

"Everyone has a place."

All the thoughts I feel when Paddy continues to grow and I see the most meaningful and inclusive relationship that he is building with his sister. 🩵💛

I think a lot of adults can learn from this 5 year old little girl who already knows that her brother has a place.

How are we making spaces in our hearts and in our communities for ALL abilities and individuals?

Maybe you have a story to tell as a self advocate or a community leader.

Wherever you are on your journey I want to hear it!

Check out the link in my bio @movedtoinclude and fill out the contact page to share your story!

#movedtoinclude #advocacy #inclusion #parentadvocate #selfadvocate #yourvoice #yourstory #everyonehasaplace #education #specialeducation

When I came across Shelley's work and her storytelling 📖 I was brought into a world where I could see a path forward towards true inclusion and belief in the possibility of change despite feeling everything in front of me felt the exact opposite!!

Fast forward a few years and I knew I wanted to have her on an episode and when she said yes it was a check off my 🪣 bucket list!!!

If you haven't gotten to know Shelley Moore—she is an educator, researcher, consultant, and storyteller whose work in inclusive education is nothing short of amazing 🤩!

Shelley’s journey—starting with her unconventional learning style and evolving into the innovative ideas shared through her ‘5 Moore Minute’ videos—has transformed how we view education and highlighted the power of storytelling in illustrating what inclusion can truly look like in our communities.

In this conversation, we explore the key differences between integration and true inclusion, the vital role of student voice 📢 and why fostering an inclusive mindset is essential for driving meaningful change in 🏫 school communities.

If you are a parent or an educator, this is a conversation that you don’t want to miss, as Shelley also shares her exciting new project, as well as other innovative ways to think about barriers when advocating for a more inclusive world. 🌎

Don't wait ➡️➡️➡️➡️➡️ LISTEN NOW!!!

You can listen to the episode by checking out the podcast page on my website www.movedtoinclude.com
(Link in Bio: @movedtoinclude)
and wherever you listen to your favourite podcast.🎙️

If you want to learn more about Shelley Moore check out her information in the show notes and you can check out her website at
https://www.drshelleymoore.com/

#movedtoinclude #inclusion #advocacy #parentadvocate #specialeducation #education #storyteller #integration #drivethebus #onewithouttheother

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"Awkward conversations about telling others how they can be more inclusive" 🫤

Dyane and I talked about the importance of giving feedback to create change for our kiddos and the big theme that came up wasn't the act of giving it, but the fear in how the person would take it.🫨

Have you ever not given feedback because of what the other person would think?

We dove into stories of what we have experienced, but an important thing we share is that we have to get uncomfortable to grow. 🌱 It's important to accept a place of failure when it comes to getting feedback about being inclusive and focus rather on NOW I KNOW BETTER so I CAN DO BETTER!

I'm curious how other advocates navigate becoming more confident in doing this, as well as dealing with situations where the person takes it as judgement rather than a call to action to do better?

Missed this episode?

Check it out on my website www.movedtoinckude.con (link in BIO) or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts!!

#knowbetterdobetter
#yourvoice
#specialeducation
#movedtoinclude
#inclusion
#advocacy
#courageousconversations
#education

"Just look at me mom..."

What a great conversation that brought up some tough conversations about comparison, especially when your child is very different than others.

I'm so glad that Dyane and I talked about this topic with compassion, vulnerability and without judgement.

Take a listen to this great conversation even if you aren't a caregiver, but an educator, community leader or simply if you have it in your heart ❤️ to get to know someone else's story.

You won't regret it! 😍

You can listen on most podcast platforms or check out my website at www.movedtoinclude.com!!! (Link in BIO)

#movedtoinclude #inclusion #comparisonisthethiefofjoy

Episode 3 is here!!!!

This was such a fun session to do with my fellow parent advocate and friend Dyane! Can you believe it...we actually talked for an hour before we even started recording 😯

I'm so thankful 🙏 to have met some other caregivers in this journey and if you haven't connected with anyone Dyane is your person!!!!!!

She is a devoted mother whose life changed dramatically when her daughter, Joanna, was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange syndrome and in this episode, she shares the emotional journey of shock and uncertainty that followed, along with the challenges in navigating an inaccessible ♿ world.

But amidst these challenges, Diane’s unwavering determination🌞 shines through. She is not only committed to ensuring that Joanna experiences life to the fullest, but also is blazing a trail for future children with similar needs and supporting other parents in their own journey.

This story is a powerful 💪 reminder of perseverance and the strength found when we can all come together as allies for inclusion letting us know that we are truly not alone.

So come along with me as we listen, learn and lead the way for others to be #Movedtoinclude!

🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️You can listen via most podcast platforms or check out the website at www.movedtoinclude.com!!!

#inclusion #caregiver #advocacy #moved #inaccessibility #friendship #findyourpeople

A great highlight from this episode about the privilege of service. This episode really gets to the deep heart and intention that true inclusion is.

The reality is that everyone of us will experience disability in some form in our lives whether that is from birth, throughout our lives or near the end of our lives as we age.

When we support and GET to have the opportunity to serve others with disabilities and diverse needs it HAS to come first and foremost from an intention of compassion, care and purposeful programming!!!!

Serving others enriches our communities and should come from a place of respect and dignity. Inclusion is about serving with ❤️.

If you haven't listened to this episode take a moment to learn from Steffanie as she shares her story and vision on building a more inclusive community.

www.movedtoinclude.com

#servewithheart #movedtoinclude #inclusion #service #compassion #care

Who needed to hear this????

Yep🙋‍♀️!

How many times do we let fear take the wheel and assume it means something bad will happen. Loved this realization that Steff shared on this episode and the wisdom of leaning into fear as a parent advocate and leader.

There are so many things that she shares in our conversation together and it definitely has made me even more motivated to reflect on what my fears are....

😞What if he won't fit in?
🥲What will he do if I'm not there for him?
🥺What if he can't share his voice?
😬What if he doesn't get enough support?
😤What if no one listens or cares?

What are your fears when it comes to advocacy and fostering inclusion? Feel free to share them in the comments!!!!!

Don't forget to join the conversation and listen in!!!! 🎙️ Check out movedtoinclude.com for this latest podcast episode or on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.♥️

#movedtoinclude
#welcometotheotherside
#fear #success #parent advocacy #disabilityadvocate

So glad to have had Steffanie Bjorgan @red_roof_retreat on the podcast!!!! She’s a mom🤱, a fierce advocate 📢 for kids with disabilities and diverse needs, and a non-profit business owner 💼 and her story is truly inspiring. Steffanie shares her journey after a difficult postpartum diagnosis for her son, and how she navigated her own emotions and the realities of supporting a child with complex needs.

She turned her heartbreak 💔 to hope 🙏in creating a non-profit and over the years, she’s created a warm and welcoming community that provides inclusive programming to so many individuals and families. We’ll chat about some big ideas such as how to build effective advocacy skills and the power of community support and inclusive mindsets 🤯

Steffanie's journey has been fueled by innovation and determination and will certainly change the way you look at overcoming obstacles.🧗

So come along with me as we listen, learn and lead the way for others to be Moved to Include!

#inclusion #nonprofit #community #disabilityadvocate #advocacy #physicalactivity #camplife #hope
@red_roof_retreat @niagaraonthelakereport

A pretty vulnerable conversation, but something that we don't talk about enough....😢

Dealing with all those feelings 💔 after finding out your child's diagnosis and feeling ashamed for having them.

Listen up... It's OK!!! And we need to talk about it!!!!

Take a listen to the conversation as we dove into chatting about our initial reactions and the grief that found its place for a moment in our journey.

It sometimes still shows up, but less and less as our world hopefully becomes more and more inclusive.

Join the Conversation and listen in!!!! 🎙️ Check out movedtoinclude.com for this latest podcast episode.

#movedtoinclude #
grief #inclusion #welcometoholland #itsgoingtobeokay

It takes a village and you are not alone! 🫂

This is something that both my husband and I learned very early on, but for me I sometimes have a hard time reaching out and feeling that I have to do it on my own because I don't want to burden anyone?

Do you ever feel that way?

Join in on the conversation on this episode about Becoming Parent Advocates and the ways you might be able to build your confidence in your own journey to leading others to be Moved to Include!

#findyourvillge #journeytoinclusion #parentadvocate #youarenotalone

Check out the latest podcast🎙️episodes on my website www.movedtoinclude.com as well as on Spotify
, Apple and or Amazon music.

Hello friends!!!

So after a long hiatus of an amazing summer of family time and an overwhelming but rewarding back to school season for my own kiddos and myself at a new school... I'm back!!! And i'm relaunching my Podcast🎙️with a slightly different focus...

It is still about sharing our stories and ideas, building connections and amplifying voices to get to the heart of what it means to be inclusive in our communities, but...since June it was on my heart to expand the conversation to have advocacy at the heart of it. In order to do this I have centered each episode on 3 important pillars of being an advocate and the ways in which we don't just "do" inclusion, but live it!

These are LISTENING👂...LEARNING🙋‍♀️....and LEADING📢!

So here is Episode 1: Becoming Parent Advocates

In this first episode I have invited my husband and partner Tom to share our own journey as new parent advocates and reflect on the lesson learned so far as we come to understand what inclusion is and what it looks like for our son with Down Syndrome.

We’ll dive into our initial fears and visions for our evolving understanding of what inclusion is while also reflecting on the differences of our lived experiences and how that shaped our initial reactions of the diagnosis we had for our son.

We also touch on the importance of community support, adapting to new challenges and our own personal growth in our own journey of advocacy that might help you understand yours!

So join me in listening, learning as well as our story on leading the way for others to be moved, to include!

Check out my website (www.movedtoinclude.com), Spotify, Apple or Amazon Music to listen in!!!

#itsoktostartagain #inclusion #advocacy #parentadvocate #movedtoinclude #raiseyourvoice

Last week I had an amazing experience at one of the Summer Academy Workshops on Student Led Podcast offered by ETFO. @cheyandpav shared the power of using Podcast with their students to give them a platform to share their stories and promote student voice. 🎙️🔊

As I finally “almost” set up my creative space, and my own kiddos were exploring it, I thought about what their stories and voices are right now? What would they say if they were given the chance?

So… using my new “budget friendly” microphone and headphones, we recorded a mini podcast episode and I was blown away by their motivation to speak and share!

Here is the first one that Paddy and I did using a platform @descript_app. Obviously it is about dancing, because it’s P and life is always a Party with him! 🕺🪩

So I challenge you to think about ......

☑️ How could we incorporate Podcasting in specialized education focused classrooms to promote communication skills and student voice?
☑️What would these students say or want to share?
☑️What skills could they develop that would create opportunities for them in the future?
☑️How could this build confidence in their abilities, gifts and talents?

♥️💙💛

I've been MIA as the summer has begun and I've taken some needed vacation, but also therapy and medical appointments are in full swing!

We try to maximize this flexible time I have to dedicate more time for Speech, OT, and PT and I'm learning so much that I can't wait to share. With that comes some appointments that are very stressful and as P gets bigger and understanding the world around him....he remembers more and the doctor, audiologists and optometrist are not in his circle of trust sort of speak 😆

I look back at this appointment and realize how scary it can be for him and knowing that he really relies on visual pictures, signs, predictability, and routine and as such...he kind of was set up to want to run out of the room. He is trying so hard in this video to communicate his feelings with key words like "home" "all done" and "ya" in response to my questions.

You can see me use some signs with him, but what I wish I had was a first, then, next board or a list of visual pictures of what the doctor would be touching, using etc...

The reality is I don't have any of the tools yet (totally forgot to ask his SLP to send me a copy of a language mat around going to the doctor's).... But I have one for the dentist so here is to hoping that experience won't be as stressful in August!

I really want to find more ways to have this on the go for him so he can communicate during stressful situations and newer experiences. I also want to build the capacity to make them myself....but where so I start? Well I'll share that a bit later!!!!

I wish they had more visuals and tools such as this in community and healthcare settings. How cool would it be to be able to access something universal like this?
Until then we just keep trying our best and making situations for predictable and positive experiences.

FYI ....the Spidey suit he wouldn't take off from playing dress up with his sister that morning.

#aac #movedtoimclude #behaviourisaformofcommunication #nothingdownaboutit #

So..... Can we stop saying this? I don't know how many conversations I have had in the last 2 years where myself and my very knowledgeable and professional colleagues have encountered a situation where someone they're helping to think about being more inclusive in the programming chooses NOT to use more visuals as part of their programming. 😠WHY?.....because the person they are supporting speaks?

We use visuals everyday to interact with our world from traffic lights🚦, restaurant menus 🧾and even visual instructions 📝

So why do people get stuck when they are supporting someone that uses visuals to build their voice...even when someone who is an expert is advocating it.

It's EASIER to not! I know this first hand as I have struggled to find the best system to use my son's language mats in daily life....BUT I continue to incorporate little things each day and sometimes it's not perfect.

Not using visuals or the communication method that someone uses is a missed opportunity for that person to have THEIR VOICE!!!

So let's change that!!!!! First ask yourself, how would I feel if I couldn't communicate, how would my world be different? Would I be frustrated🥴, isolated unhappy? HECK YEs!!!!

So how can we create more opportunities for building communication skills especially in movement based programming?

------------------------------------------➡️

Stay tuned in August as I am going to drop some go to visual resource packs to help you in this journey :)

So let's get uncomfortable and do HARD things! You'll be a better human being for it ....I promise! ♥️💯

Summer⛱️ is in full swing and this kid loves his ice cream🍦! Usually Paddy hates slimey food as it's a big sensory thing for him, but not when it comes to this tasty treat. Something I've learned is that we all have sensory preferences when it comes to taste, smell, touch, sight, sound.

This is a simple thing to consider when planning anything for your kids (and adults too 😉) that can set them up for success! So embrace your sensory preferences and advocate for them...it makes you uniquely you
#neurodiverse #toothemusicdown #hugsarenotmyfriend #florescentlightingsucks #sensoryprocessing

So this is my latest video that I created that I hope will inspire you to think about how you could make a movement based Power Zone whether at school or even in your own home!

I've created so many videos as tools for school teams to learn about the opportunities they have in their unique spaces whether that is a hallway, room, corner of their classroom.

Every space, school needs, and available resources are different so the focus really has been to be innovative and think outside the box about how to create purposeful movement opportunities especially for those that need it to set up their energy for success at school...

How have you been innovative in making movement friendly spaces in your programs?

Want some of the resources you see? Stayed tuned!

I'm hoping to launch a free Power Zone Kit in August! I just have to get my licensing and copyright stuff in order to share :) In the meantime....

Stay in the know and be moved to include by checking out the podcast🎙️and blog 👩‍💻at movedtoinclude.com!!!!!!

#movedtoinclude #inclusion #meaningfulpe #specialeducation #movementmatters #peteacher

So here is my story and a glimpse of how a little human radically changed the chapter that I thought was next. Perhaps he will too... or maybe some of his friends who are to like him?

Whatever the case, don't be afraid or resistant...LEAN IN...LISTEN..LEARN as they have stories to tell and hearts ❤️💛💙 to change.

Sneek Peek at the website!! Take a look and get ready for it to be live in a few days...
❤️❤️❤️❤️🤞

#geterdone #itsnevertoolate #momgoals

I've been avoiding posting anything because I don't have the website finished, I haven't even written my first blog and my podcast mic is collecting dust since I bought it in December. I'm not ready and things are not the way I want them before I share them with the world....

However I was reminded yesterday by a podcast I was listening to with Adam Grant and his message was loud and clear "Few people wake up suddenly feeling prepared to lead or create. THEY BECOME PREPARED BY TAKING THE LEAP ANYWAY."

So here is my first leap...it may be small, but here I go. I hope you can join me.....

❤️💛💙Jillian

#taketheleap #movedtoinclude #inclusivephysicalactivity #thisgirlisonfire #nofearinfailure #whocanteachmehowtopodcast

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Let's Be Moved Together!

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