Today on the podcast I chat with Elyse Lappano, a pro in disability services and adapted physical activity with over 15 years of experience – and my former university housemate and masters student! In this episode, we reconnect and chat about our ongoing journey toward making the world more inclusive and accessible.

We reflect and get candid about our learning and conversation back in university, where we had some pretty eye opening realization and conversations related to inclusion. We go one to chat about the value of having inclusion embedded in professional and education experiences and how much they both shaped our careers and mindsets related to disability.

We’ll dive into talking about the power of curiosity, the importance of open conversations, and why disability is something that should matter to everyone.This episode will definitely challenge you to see how ableism shows up in your life and move you to continue to ask questions about why this still exists.. So let’s listen, learn, and lead the way toward a more inclusive world!

Episode Links & Tools:

Interested in connecting with Elyse? Check out her website at https://lappanohowe.com/

Brock University: SNAP Program https://brocku.ca/capa/programs/snap/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:04 Reconnecting and Reflecting on University Days

04:05 Elyse's Journey in Disability Services

08:55 The Importance of Inclusion in All Professions

18:09 Challenges and Strategies for Promoting Accessibility

23:29 The Role of Education in Fostering Inclusion

28:28 Navigating Professional and Personal Growth

32:26 Learning Through Helping

33:07 The Power of Asking Questions

35:43 Setting the Tone for Conversations

38:59 Introducing LaPanoHow Consulting

40:45 Collaborative Consulting Approach

42:21 Tailored Services for Diverse Needs

44:57 Sustaining Advocacy and Social Justice

49:08 The Importance of Community Support

51:04 Reflecting on the Journey

56:03 Final Thoughts and Gratitude