Think Inclusive

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Priya Lalvani is a professor of Disability Studies at Montclair State University, where she also coordinates inclusive education graduate programs. Holding a PhD in developmental psychology from CUNY and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Columbia University, Dr. Lalvani brings over 14 years of professional experience working with young adults with disabilities in New York City. Her academic focus is on ableism, the segregation of students with disabilities in educational settings, and she has authored over 20 research articles alongside the co-authored book, "Undoing Ableism."

Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Priya Lalvani, an esteemed professor and advocate for the rights of children with disabilities. The episode kicks off with Dr. Lalvani's poignant thoughts on the paradox of segregating children to foster a sense of belonging, asking difficult questions about educational environments that fail these students. This podcast episode is an insightful dive into the history and ongoing challenges of parent advocacy in special education.

Dr. Priya Lalvani shares her extensive research on ableism in education, uncovering systemic resistance parents face when fighting for inclusive educational practices. A significant part of the discussion revolves around Dr. Lalvani's recent study on "battle fatigue" experienced by parents advocating within the system, offering both a critique of current practices and practical solutions to overcome these barriers. This episode is a must-listen for educators, policymakers, and advocates passionate about genuine inclusion, as it delves deeply into the responsibilities and challenges of creating inclusive spaces for all learners.

Complete show notes + transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/battle-fatigue-the-fight-for-inclusive-education-with-dr-priya-lalvani/

Key Takeaways:

• Segregation vs. Inclusion: Dr. Lalvani questions the logic behind segregating students with disabilities to create spaces of belonging, advocating instead for transforming existing educational environments to become more inclusive.
• Parent Advocacy and Systemic Challenges: The history and current landscape of parent advocacy in special education reveal systemic barriers that make the fight for inclusion strenuous for families.
• Battle Fatigue in Advocacy: Dr. Lalvani introduces the concept of "battle fatigue," describing the emotional and physical toll on parents as they continuously advocate for their children’s rights in a resistant educational system.
• Privilege Disparities: The discussion highlights how disparities in privilege affect the efficacy of advocacy efforts, with certain families able to leverage resources and knowledge to push for change more effectively than others.
• Policy Recommendations: Practical solutions, such as improving professional development for educators on IDEA and inclusive practices, could shift the current paradigm towards more effective inclusion.

Resources:

Undoing Ableism: https://bookshop.org/p/books/undoing-ableism-teaching-about-disability-in-k-12-classrooms-susan-baglieri/

Battle Fatigue: Parents, Institutionalized Ableism, and the “Fight” for Inclusive Education: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15407969241259365

Thank you to our sponsor, IXL: https://www.ixl.com/inclusive

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