To listen to part 1 of this episode click here. The transcript of this episode will be available soon. Check back often.
After finally freeing Becky from a life of neglect, abuse and captivity, Linda and Becky set their sights on the good life with a “come-hell-or-high-water-just-watch-us!” attitude.
Linda began advocating for Becky to become a student at her local school because she knew that Becky needed to be immersed in a life rich in language, learning, opportunities and relationships.
First the school board said that Becky should go back to the institution for her education.
Ummm… NO.
Then they suggested that Becky go to a segregated school.
Ummm… NO.
The best they could figure out was a segregated class in a regular school in the next town over. It was a start. But that start didn’t go well. In fact, it landed the school board in a human rights complaint.
And Becky and Linda won the legal right to an inclusive education for all children with disabilities.
Becky and Linda’s conviction that Becky belonged resulted in the legal right of children with disabilities to attend their local school.
When I think of Becky’s life and all of what she accomplished, all of the opportunities that my son has now, I think…
#becauseofbecky
It is silly perhaps. But my mind really does go to hashtag because of becky.
Becky didn’t just lead the way in inclusive education but she also won some firsts in the health care field making it possible for other children with complex medical needs to live their lives in community. Kids like my son.
Linda’s approach to a life of belong was based on the principles of:
- Adaptation, changing what needed changing in order for someone to access the world
- Support, providing what was needed in order to facilitate success, and
- Equal challenge, if there is something that someone cannot do, it should be substituted with a growth opportunity that was equally as challenging as what one’s peers are pursuing.
Linda says, “It was impossible not to take one more step forward on her behalf, one more step forward. I was relentless, just like she was.”
Tell me what you think in the comments below. Tell Linda how her story has impacted you.
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Special thanks to Linda Till for joining me this week. Until next time!
