Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes disability advocate Jenna Udenberg. Jenna shares her journey from being diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age seven to becoming a passionate accessibility educator and founder of Above & Beyond With U. She discusses her experiences growing up in a wheelchair, challenges with ADA compliance, and the importance of going beyond minimum accessibility standards. Jenna also talks about her book Within My Spokes, her Bush Fellowship experience, and how businesses can create truly inclusive spaces. The episode highlights advocacy, community, and the power of universal design.

Key Takeaways:

Inclusion Defined – True inclusion means creating spaces where people feel safe, valued, and authentically themselves.

Beyond ADA – Legal accessibility standards are a starting point, but real inclusion comes from understanding individual needs.

Disability is Freedom – Mobility aids, like wheelchairs, provide independence, not limitations.

Universal Design Benefits All – Accessibility improvements help not just disabled individuals but parents, seniors, and the entire community.

Advocacy is Essential – Creating an inclusive world requires ongoing conversations, action, and challenging outdated mindsets.

About the Guest(s):

Jenna Udenberg:

Jenna Udenberg is a lifelong resident from the Northshore of Minnesota and is a former music educator of 19 years.  She has used a manual wheelchair since the age of 8 due to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.  Jenna is a 2017 Blandin Foundation Community Leader and a 2020 Bush Fellow.  Writing for the Lake County Press in her column, Local View from 4 foot 2, inspires vulnerability and the sharing of lived experiences from the seated perspective.  In her free time, you can find Jenna outdoors on paved trails or fishing with friends, playing board and card games, as well as coaching the Robo Dweebs, a LEGO robotics team.

Jenna's definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is a welcoming space where you're celebrated, valued, simply allowed to be and your basic needs are met.

Connect with Jenna:

Website: https://www.aboveandbeyondwithu.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091881005060

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/above-beyond-with-u/posts/?feedView=all

Buy her book: https://amzn.to/4haGdsn

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest: 

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 35

No - 47

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