Advocacy in Action: How Parents Can Challenge Systemic Ableism with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh - Episode 61

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

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with educational therapist Dr. Bibi Pirayesh about the intersection of learning disabilities and social justice. They discuss the barriers within education systems, the need for systemic change, and the importance of advocacy. Dr. Pirayesh shares insights on the role of educational therapy, the challenges of inclusion, and practical strategies for parents navigating special education. They also explore the societal impact of ableism and how shifting perspectives on disability can foster real inclusion. The conversation highlights the power of collective advocacy in transforming schools and communities.

Key Takeaways:

Educational Therapy – A crucial but often overlooked resource for students with learning differences.

Systemic Ableism – Schools reflect broader societal biases, making true inclusion an uphill battle.

Parent Advocacy – Parents must actively challenge schools and seek support to ensure their child's inclusion.

Disability & Justice – Learning disabilities are a social justice issue, as they influence power and opportunity.

Reframing Inclusion – Inclusion isn’t about fitting in; it's about changing systems to value all learners equally.

Dr. Pirayesh’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is something that comes out of power structures and systems that are inherently ableist.

Dr. Pirayesh’s Bio:

Dr. Pirayesh holds a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Education from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University where her work focused primarily on children’s development of mathematical thinking and cognitive neuroscience. She has worked as a learning specialist and educational therapist in private practice for over a decade.

While the emphasis of her work is on remediating learning disabilities in a one-on-one setting, she is also a sought after speaker and community advocate for children and families around learning rights. She works with children grades 1-12 and covers a wide range of learning difficulties including dyslexia, ADHD, and spectrum disorders.

In 2020, Dr. Pirayesh launched The Difference is Not Deficit Project to help promote the importance of seeing learning disability as a social justice issue. In addition to her private practice and advocacy work, Dr. Pirayesh is also adjunct faculty at Pepperdine University and is involved with a number of service organizations including The Association of Educational Therapists.

Connect with Dr. Pirayesh:

Website: https://www.oneofonekids.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.bibipirayesh/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oneofonekids2215

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bibi-pirayesh-b771331/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 29

No - 30

☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad

Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates

Want to create videos like this? Check out StreamYard:https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6041699795730432

Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron Devries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad