Inclusion and Disability Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes physicist and educator Kenneth Mims, founder of Neurodiversity Education Research Center (NERC) and Science Prep Academy. Kenneth shares how his personal journey—including the loss of his brother—shaped his strength-based approach to supporting autistic and neurodivergent students. He challenges deficit-focused models of education and advocates for micro-schools, int...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron DeVries sits down with BE Alink, inventor, author, and founder of the Alinker walking bike, for a bold and thought-provoking conversation about inclusion, identity, and systems that were never built for everyone. BE challenges the idea of “fixing bodies” and instead invites us to rethink mobility, disability, and belonging. Together, they explore why inclusion often feeds exc...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with ADHD and executive functioning coach Tiara Brumberg for a deeply human conversation about neurodiversity, inclusion, and grace. Tiara shares her personal journey—from occupational therapy to coaching, from supporting families to receiving her own ADHD diagnosis—and reframes inclusion as curiosity, support, and universal design. Together, they explore practical ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with certified caregiver coach and mom of a daughter with Down syndrome, Lynette Weldon. Together, they explore the often unseen realities of caregiving—from identity loss and financial strain to gratitude, boundaries, and self-compassion. Lynette shares her personal journey, practical strategies for avoiding burnout, and why caregivers must learn to ask for help wi...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host Aaron sits down with Coach Yana, a children’s confidence coach using video games like Roblox and Minecraft to build social skills, confidence, and belonging. Together, they explore what true inclusion really means, why many kids feel pressure to “fit in,” and how safe, intentional spaces can help children thrive—especially neurodivergent kids. Coach Yana shares her personal journey...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes therapist, TEDx speaker, and disability advocate Hufsa Ahmad for a candid conversation about mental health, recovery, and what true inclusion requires. Hufsa shares her journey from engineer to therapist, living with bipolar disorder, ADHD, and chronic pain while challenging stigma in both professional and personal spaces. Together, they explore the power of humor in...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes pastor, attorney, and author Joe Infranco to explore a fascinating intersection of faith, neurodiversity, and communication. Joe shares the story behind his book Decoding Cody and how relationships with non-speaking autistic individuals reshaped his understanding of intelligence, dignity, and spiritual awareness. Together, they discuss the power of assuming competenc...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Jon Zweifler, autism dad and founder of Reed AI, to explore what inclusion really looks like when it’s built into everyday systems—not just good intentions. Jon shares his journey parenting a minimally verbal autistic son, unpacking how natural language, technology, and thoughtful design can unlock understanding without forcing people to mask or adapt unnatural...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with executive coach and neurodiversity advocate Jane Singleton to explore what inclusion really looks like in everyday life. Jane reframes inclusion as a behavior rooted in curiosity rather than judgment and challenges listeners to ask better questions before making assumptions. Together, they unpack stigma, invisible disabilities, anxiety, and the importance of no...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Scott Martin—husband, father, author, coach, teacher, and quad amputee—for a powerful conversation about resilience, identity, and inclusion. Scott shares his journey from collegiate athletics to sudden disability, navigating discrimination, depression, and rebuilding purpose through coaching, parenting, and storytelling. Together, they explore what true inclus...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with author and creative thinker Angie Dixon to explore late autism diagnosis, autistic burnout, and what true inclusion really looks like. Angie shares how discovering she was autistic later in life reshaped her identity, creativity, and parenting, and why inclusion means making space before someone has to ask. Together, they discuss masking, multi-passionate creat...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with educator, school principal, author, and autism advocate Jennifer Kaufman to explore inclusion through the lens of grandparenting. Jennifer shares how her professional expertise was deeply reshaped by becoming a grandmother to an autistic grandson. Together, they unpack misconceptions about autism, the importance of shifting expectations, and how grandparents ca...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Stephen Wagstaff to explore what it truly means to thrive where life finds you. After a life-altering spinal cord injury at 19, Stephen shares his journey through disability, faith, caregiving, marriage and purpose. Together, they unpack a powerful reframe of inclusion—from doing things for people with disabilities to doing things with them. Stephen also offers...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with special education leader and advocate Jake Edgar to unpack what inclusion really looks like in practice. Drawing from nearly 15 years in self-contained classrooms, public schools, and residential behavioral settings, Jake shares why inclusion is a delicate balance—not too little support, not too much. Together, they explore the fears schools face around “gettin...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Jacob Esser—dad, advocate, and founder of Dads of Down Syndrome—to explore what inclusion really looks like when it’s lived out daily. Jacob shares his powerful definition of inclusion as helping others realize they matter, reflects on his journey into the Down syndrome community through his son Levi, and opens up about the fear, love, and growth that come with...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Dr. David Palmer, educator, advocate, and father of six neurodivergent children, for a powerful conversation about inclusion, belonging, and nervous system regulation. Drawing from his journey as a parent, teacher, and adult diagnosed with ADHD, Dr. Palmer challenges traditional views of behavior, discipline, and compliance. Together, they explore the critical differ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Dr. James Perdue, known as the “Professor of Perseverance,” to talk about resilience, inclusion, and life after a spinal cord injury. James shares the life-altering moment that left him paralyzed, his journey through depression and acceptance, and how perseverance reshaped his purpose. Together, they explore what true inclusion looks like in sports, schools, an...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Tim Villegas, Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and founder of the Think Inclusive podcast. Tim shares his personal journey from special education teacher to national inclusion advocate and unpacks what inclusion really means beyond placement. Together, they explore why leadership buy-in is essential, how belonging re...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with neuroinclusion expert and therapist Pasha Marlowe for a powerful conversation about what true inclusion really looks like. Together, they unpack late-in-life neurodivergent discovery, challenge limiting societal norms, and explore how leaders can build workplaces that honor all minds and bodies. Pasha shares actionable insights on expanding the definition of ne...