Bridging the Chasm: Supporting Inclusive School Leadership

Facilitator’s Guide: Walking in Two Different Shoes

Presentation Title:

Walking in Two Different Shoes: Bridging the Chasm Between Inclusive Policy and Lived Reality

Length:

60 minutes + 10–15 min Q&A

Objectives:

  • Equip school leaders with the language and lens to recognize ableism and neurodiversity.
  • Connect IDEA policy with lived family experiences.
  • Identify systemic leadership actions that dismantle exclusionary practices.

Slide-by-Slide Flow (Abbreviated)

Slide Title Notes Time
1 Title Introduce self with dual role—educator and parent. 2 min
2–4 Medical vs Social Model Define and contrast models. Ask: “Which is more present in your school?” 5 min
5–6 Lived Experience Share story of child’s alphabet mastery & assumptions about competence. 5 min
7–8 Ableism Define. Show real-world consequences (organ donation exclusion). 5 min
9–10 War of Attrition Explain Medicaid appeal loop. Reflect on school barriers. 5 min
11 Behavior as Communication Explain AAC. Emphasize presuming competence. 5 min
12 Data on Restraints Emphasize trauma-informed leadership. 5 min
13 Culture of Ableism Share educator quotes. Reflect on bias and language. 5 min
14 Compounded Challenge Introduce experiential activity (handout). 5 min
15 Leadership Commitments Discuss five actions. Invite reflection. 10 min
16 Bridge Slide Close with leadership call to action. 3 min
17 Q&A Open discussion. 10 min

Downloadable Toolkit Materials

Optional Implementation Tools

Use this package for: PD sessions, IEP team trainings, new administrator onboarding, equity task force events.

Site Metadata

  • Author: Sarah Wenger
  • Affiliation: Ed.D Student at Millersville University
  • NELP Standards: 7 & 8 Aligned