Building Inclusive Communities Beyond Schools with Merge Consulting

Lisa Drennan — inclusion expert, trainer, consultant, and founder of Merge Inclusion Consulting. She draws on 37 years of leadership supporting people with disabilities and helps community organizations (like YMCAs, rec programs, camps, libraries, and faith groups) build inclusive cultures where everyone has a meaningful role. Host Tim Villegas talks with Lisa Drennan about moving inclusion beyond schools and into community life—especially recreation spaces like YMCAs, summer camps, JCCs, Boys & Girls Clubs, libraries, and arts programs. They cover practical advocacy steps for families (start at the top, ask about barriers, and suggest training), the mindset shift from “we can’t” to “how do we get to yes,” and why inclusion must be an organization‑wide commitment, not a one‑off program or single staff role. Lisa also shares a free toolkit she authored with The Arc of Massachusetts to help community organizations spark authentic friendships between people with and without disabilities.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/lisa-drennan-inclusive-recreation/