Chapters4Change

This episode shares the storytelling of Dr. Gillian Parekh, a passionate researcher, educator, and Canada Research Chair, Inclusion, Disability, and Education (Tier 2) at York University in Toronto Ontario. Gillian shares her formative lived experiences with disability arguing that inclusion in an ongoing, never-ending process which must fluidly adapt and change based on the time, space, and individuals within a particular educational environment. As well, Gillian acknowledges the need to centre student agency and voice in decision-making processes and community-building endeavours. Finally, change-making considerations are shared, including the rethinking of language use itself, such as the term 'special'.  Gillian is one of the co-authors of York University's 'Equity and Human Rights in Education: Critical Reflective Practice Guide' (2022) [https://www.criticalreflectivepractice.com/].  The guide challenges those working within the field of special education to take part in reflective practice to challenge bias and racism and move toward greater equity within public education. Relevant links: https://www.sinsinvalid.org/ https://truthout.org/articles/abled-bodied-leftists-cannot-abandon-disabled-solidarity-to-move-on-from-covid/ https://www.yorku.ca/edu/unleading/

This episode shares the storytelling of Michelle Cousins and her 14-year-old daughter Colette as they discuss Colette’s access issues within her high school in Toronto Ontario. Every school day since the start of the new school year, Michelle has been sitting in her van parked close to the school to ensure she is available to assist Colette when needed. This is their story. Intro & Outro Music: A New Beginning by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com To access more information about the Chapters4Change podcast, including podcast episodes, transcripts, initiatives, and additional links, please go to Chapters4Change.com/podcast To take part in the Action for Access in Education Initiative, please click here!

Welcome to the Chapters4Change podcast! This podcast was created to provide a platform for storytelling and story-listening to take place, pushing narratives toward transformative change and justice within the field of education. The podcast will share the storytelling of students, parents, educators, authors, and community changemakers as we unlearn and relearn and challenge our own biases and assumptions. We all have stories to tell, but whose stories are we really taking the time to listen to? Episode 1: Access in Education will launch December 3, 2022 on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  The episode shares the storytelling of Michelle Cousins and her 14-year-old daughter Colette as they discuss Colette’s access issues within her high school in Toronto Ontario.  Intro & Outro Music: A New Beginning by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com To access more information about the Chapters4Change podcast, including podcast episodes, transcripts, initiatives, and additional links, please go to Chapters4Change.com/podcast