Disability, Motherhood, and the Fight for Belonging with Julie Barth - Episode 113

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

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Julie Barth, a mother of six and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach. Julie shares her journey raising a daughter with primordial dwarfism and another with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Together, they explore the realities of disability parenting, the meaning of true inclusion, and the power of resilience. Julie challenges outdated systems and emphasizes trusting your parental instincts, even in the face of medical or societal pressure. Her insights are raw, heartfelt, and deeply practical for anyone committed to a more inclusive world.

Key Takeaways:

Redefining Inclusion – True inclusion means removing stereotypes and meeting people where they are, not where society thinks they should be.
Everyday Resilience – Resilience is about showing up daily, finding joy in small moments, and trusting that crises don’t last forever.
Trust Your Gut – Parents must advocate for their children, even when it challenges doctors, educators, or traditional norms.
Curiosity Over Pity – Encouraging respectful curiosity helps build understanding, while ignoring difference often increases isolation.
Parent-Led Priorities – Therapies and interventions should support life, not replace it—families get to decide what matters most.

Julie’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion means resisting the urge to fit people into our stereotypes, and instead honoring them for who they truly are.

Julie’s Bio:

JULIE BARTH is a writer, mother of six, trauma survivor, and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women-led households in times of crisis. Julie’s memoir, NOTES FROM A BLACKBERRY, is a deeply moving account of love, loss, and resilience, chronicling her journey as a special needs parent while navigating the heartbreaking realities of her first husband’s battle with cancer.

After navigating the complexities of her daughter's rare genetic condition, she found herself a window in her late 30s with four small children. Perhaps her greatest struggle is enduring years of emotional abuse at the hands of her second relationship and unpacking all that came with going from surviving to thriving.

Connect with Julie:

Website: https://www.juliebarthauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julie.e.barth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie_barth_author/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebarthauthor/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 45

No - 66

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