In This Episode So often there is a disconnect between what parents and students want and need, and what school systems offer students. In this episode, Diana talks with Shubha Bala, a parent of a pre-schooler. In spite of his young age, Shubha and her partner have already felt disappointment and frustration with their son's school experience. We discuss some of the ideological differences that have been at the heart of the embattled territory between family and school.  My hope with providing a forum for Shubha to voice her perspectives, concerns, and successes is that my esteemed colleagues would gain a new understanding and appreciation for the love and commitment that guides families in advocating for their children. And with this new understanding, a renewed commitment to embracing the big picture in the scheme of long-term life quality for our individual students and their families. Furthermore, may those of us in the education field recognize that we are sometimes unintentionally vilified not through any fault of our own, but by our automatic association with an education system that is often outdated and inherently ableist and oppressive, both to students and educators. It is also my hope that this interview with Shubha will provide families hope and a sense of validation, community, and empowerment.  Please feel free to share this episode far and wide to help me take our communities Beyond Awareness!  Shubha Bala's Website   Links Mentioned or Related Shubhazine Sins Invalid PDF of Keira Gets a Talker Order a paper copy of Keira Gets a Talker Editable Canva Template of Keira Gets a Talker Gestalt Processing Neider Family Blog Curious George Gets a Talker All Neurotypes Website & Summer Camp    Stay Connected with Diana Diana's Website, including blog Free Resource - 5 Keys to Going Beyond Awareness  Beyond Awareness: Bringing Disability into Diversity in K-12 Schools & Communities - Diana's Book Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights - Diana's Children's Book Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights Thematic Unit/ Disability History Lesson Plans "Beyond Awareness" Digital Course Diana's TEDx Talk Beyond Awareness Facebook Page Diana on Instagram Beyond Awareness Tote Bag  Beyond Awareness Pullover Hoodie Beyond Awareness Raglan Baseball T-Shirt Beyond Awareness Journal/Notebook Diana's Teachers Pay Teachers Store - Disability as Diversity Diana's Brand New Resource! Beyond Disability Awareness: An Educator's Guide, Published by National Professional Resources, Inc. (NPR, Inc.)   Credits and Image Description Intro and outro music courtesy of Emmanuel Castro. Podcast cover photo by Rachel Schlesinger Photography. Podcast cover image description: Black and white photograph of Diana, a Spanish-American woman with long, wavy, brown hair. She is wearing a flowy, white blouse and smiles at camera as she leans against wooden building. Photo is colorfully framed with gold and orange rays of seeming sunshine on top half, and with solid sage green color on bottom half. Text reads "Beyond Awareness: Disability Awareness That Matters, Diana Pastora Carson, M.Ed."