A Call to Arms from an Aussie Advocate

I'm pretty sure Jennie Fenton, a parent and advocate from Australia is my new best friend. Alright, I suppose it's only fair to confess that we've never met and she most certainly has no idea that I exist. BUT... I've declared us BFFs because her words from a 2014 TEDx talk left me reinvigorated, hopeful, and very slightly choked up. As a longtime warrior in the often discouraging fight for social change and full citizenship for all people, I could definitely use a hopeful voice.

Jennie shares the story of her journey through the despair resulting from the diagnosis of her young daughter's disability to a major change in her attitudes about community and belonging. She eloquently and passionately paints a picture of a hopeful society where change is not only possible but imminent. Jennie suggests that the first step to meaningful and lasting change is to examine our beliefs about people with disabilities and ask ourselves whether those beliefs are really serving us well.