Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Jeaneen Tang, a speech-language pathologist, advocate, and author of Play Dumb and Sabotage. They discuss Jeaneen’s journey in early intervention, navigating IEPs, and her personal experiences raising a child with disabilities. The conversation covers practical strategies for fostering language development, building inclusive communities, and empowering parents to support their children. Jeaneen emphasizes the importance of collaboration among parents, educators, and peers, and shares actionable tips to create opportunities for meaningful communication and growth. This insightful episode inspires inclusion and advocacy for all.

Key Takeaways:

Early Intervention Matters: Addressing developmental needs early is critical to achieving long-term success and progress.

Inclusive Collaboration: Effective inclusion requires teamwork among parents, educators, and peers.

Practical Communication Strategies: Techniques like "play dumb" and "sabotage" encourage children to develop language skills naturally.

Navigating IEPs: Parents need to be informed advocates, leveraging support and understanding legal rights.

Perspective Shift: Empathy grows by seeing the world through the eyes of individuals with disabilities.

About the Guest(s):

Jeaneen Tang:

I'm not only a speech-language pathologist, but I'm also a mother of a special needs son. Che is 11 years old now. When he was just 13 months old, he had a tragic accident and fell from the bed, suffering a traumatic brain injury. A few days later in the hospital, he had a stroke. The doctors told us he may never walk or talk, but they were wrong. I believe my years of experience with working with children with special needs and early language development plays a huge role in the way Che has developed and continues to develop. 

Having worked in schools, preschools, and providing early intervention in homes, I've gotten to see how the way we interact with children shapes the way they develop. Although there are many children who truly need speech therapy services due to a disability, diagnosis, or impairment, I feel a good number of children who are identified as needing early intervention speech therapy could be prevented if we have more parent, caregiver, and educator training on strategies to present and practice language.

Jeaneen's definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is creating an environment that is accepting and encouraging to a person who might learn differently or might present differently.

Connect with Jeaneen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeaneen.tang

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jt808/

Website: https://www.playdumbandsabotage.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeaneen-tang-707a6730/

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/4fH7jGD

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest: 

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 21

No - 20

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