If you think that in case of a fire, all students are evacuated from school buildings, do I have news for you… Across the nation, schools are placing physically disabled students in “rescue rooms” instead of being evacuated. Let that sink in: Physically disabled students who attend schools with more than one floor, are not […] The post Disabled Students Left Inside School Buildings During Fires appeared first on Ellen Armendáriz Stumbo ..read more

Yes, it’s true,  there is no other you.The way in which you’re different is the way that makes you, you. It’s the way you move, the way you talk, the way you look. Every part of who you are is beautiful and unique. We each have gifts, you have yours too.And yours matter just as much. In this big world you […] The post You Are the Best You appeared first on Ellen Armendáriz Stumbo ..read more

The person who enjoys the first snowfall of the season. Who doesn’t mind going to a grocery store on snowy roads — or clear roads. A person who can shake off that feeling of uncertainty of helplessness of wishing things were different for my kids and your kids. It’s been a long stretch for this […] The post I Wish I Were appeared first on Ellen Armendáriz Stumbo ..read more

Many parents talk about how difficult it is to parent teenagers. And while yes, it is a period of time when kids are pushing boundaries wanting to become independent, I personally love having teenagers. Perhaps the most difficult part of having disabled teens has been my own personal adjustment. Not because of them, but because […] The post My Approach to Parenting Disabled Teenagers appeared first on Ellen Armendáriz Stumbo ..read more

This is a guest post by Brett Marie, a fellow writer. He reached out to share about his new book coming out and how his daughter, who has Down syndrome, influenced his writing. I have not read his book, but I told him I’d be glad to share about his journey here on the blog. […] The post How My Daughter With Down Syndrome Influenced My Writing appeared first on Ellen Stumbo ..read more

I parent two disabled kids, and I have been told multiple times I’m “so brave.” (Insert eye roll.) Maybe I should start asking people exactly what they mean by that phrase. I wonder if they realize how problematic and ableist that comment is. Do they think I am “brave” for taking my kids out in […] The post I’m Not ‘Brave’ for Parenting My Disabled Kids appeared first on Ellen Stumbo ..read more

Parenting is a big job. I have yet to meet a parent who thinks this parenting gig is easy, and when your child has a disability, the job can feel overwhelming at times.  While most parents are focused on helping their kids become responsible and independent, we are doing the same, except we have to […] The post 5 Things I Can Do to Become a Better Parent to My Disabled Kids appeared first on Ellen Stumbo ..read more

In America, our productivity defines our worth. Being less productive at work means costing a company money. It means being viewed as less valuable employees who are more deserving of aforementioned abuse. Disabled employees face daily microaggressions and ableism from all directions - all while simply trying to make a living wage. The post Why People With Disabilities Work ‘Menial’ Jobs appeared first on Ellen Stumbo ..read more

This is part two of an interview Erin and I did with our friend Main. If you have not listened to the first part. You can find the transcript and show notes HERE. Listen to the show on on iTunes or Stitcher or Spotify. The best way to support the podcast is by leaving a review on iTunes. Episode outline: Physical […] The post Disability Culture and Identity Part 2 appeared first on Ellen Stumbo ..read more

If you parent kids with disabilities and you are nondisabled, chances are you don’t know much about disability culture. Personally, learning about my children’s culture has been a journey and a process, something I don’t always get right and I am still learning. In this episode of the Unexceptional Moms Podcast, Erin and I talk […] The post Let’s Talk About Disability Culture and Identity appeared first on Ellen Stumbo ..read more