Decided to post some tips each time they arise in education and advocacy.  Also please feel free to ask questions or post ideas for me to blog about.  For those who don't know me, I am a mother, professor, wife and sibling that through these 4 roles focus my work and passion on giving voice to people with disabilities.  My work has centered mostly in middle and high school inclusive settings with a great passion in urban settings. I also have a passion for how technology can be used in teacher preparation and for leveling the playing field for kids with disabilities.  With that said my first tip is to advocate.

Too many times we think oh someone else will standup for that person or help them out.  Just recently a mother collapsed in a jet bridge getting on a plane with a 5 year old daughter. I was surprised that no one stepped up (including the airline employees) and their solution was to take her off the plane.  I entertained her daughter and advocated for her. She was surprised a stranger would do this.  I was surprised not everyone stopped to help. I know from working with people with disabilities often times they remind me that giving is the greatest gift we have in life.  I hope you will find a way to advocate for someone in a simple way in the near future.  Whether it be helping a stranger, writing a letter to congress (remember keep it short with bullets as they have lots of letters to read) or just doing something unexcited.  Everyone time we advocate and support each other this Earth is a better place.