“When you have someone at the table with a disability, you quickly see how they’ve had to navigate a world that’s not designed for them. They are problem solvers. They’ve had to learn to organize so many aspects of their lives. They see dimensions to our world we might be oblivious to.” ~ Lisa Drennan

There was a time—not so long ago—when people with disabilities were often hidden away in institutions, their individuality separated from the rest of the world. Fortunately for Lisa Drennan, a childhood family friend with a disability was welcomed fully into her life and community. That relationship allowed her to see, firsthand, what it meant to navigate the world with a different set of circumstances —planting early seeds of understanding, empathy, and belonging that continue to guide her work today.

At 17, Lisa secured a job with a neighborhood agency that supported people with disabilities. There she developed a passion for figuring out how to support people who navigate life with additional physical and / or developmental challenges, as they strive to be included in all aspects of society. Her time at this organization was so important to Lisa that she now serves on its board of directors.

Since we all have differences of one sort or another, Lisa views inclusion as a win-win for everybody. She believes that as we celebrate, honor and accommodate these differences, we pave the way for each of us to grow into the best version of ourselves. Inclusive mindsets and practices benefit everyone.

Lisa founded MERGE Inclusion Consulting in 2018 to further her efforts to put this belief into action. Through MERGE, Lisa provides training to community organizations and helps them brainstorm about ways to be more welcoming to people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Lisa also talks to the community of people who experience disabilities about navigating their lives powerfully through accessing their community, contributing in meaningful ways.

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**Video broadcast available** on YouTube @imperfectbest

**Learn more about Jason Freeman** at AwkwardlyAwesome.com

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This is a link to a free download “A Toolkit For Community Recreation, Cultural, and Faith Organizations” which Lisa talks about during the show-

https://thearcofmass.org/toolkit-organization/

IMPORTANT NOTE- after you click the link and enter your name and email, it will take you to

another page with the link to download the PDF.