Image description: Photo of two people's hands gently cupping soil around a small, green seedling in an outdoor setting. The plant has several dewy leaves and is centered in fresh earth, symbolizing growth and care. One person is wearing a striped shirt, while the other is out of frame except for their hands. The background is softly blurred with warm, golden sunlight filtering through trees and grass.
I have been angry a lot lately. Mostly about the attack on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and its potential implications for those we serve. As an educator, I am fearful that we are ‘rolling backwards’ away from the inclusive environments we have created in our school systems and the opportunities ALL students have been given. I am devastatingly sad by the examples of hatefulness and lack of empathy that our children are witnessing.
Yep, that’s been me.
When I feel this way and need to find my way out, (no judgement here please) I can usually find a quote by Mr. Rogers, Winnie the Pooh, or Maya Angelou (quite a diverse group I know) that gives me a lift or changes my perspective. In this circumstance, however, I decided to ask my friends and colleagues to point out some amazing things that continue to happen that gives them hope, specifically for those with disabilities and those who support them. I received overwhelming response – I’m just sorry I couldn’t include everyone’s replies.
Today, and moving forward, when you need a reminder or a lift – keep these things – that are still happening – in mind. I know I will.
• “During times of uncertainty, I find hope in my community. I see it in our community providers, educators, advocates, and faith leaders who work together for the common good and celebrate shared stories of resilience and adaptability.”
• “Listening to people try their best to be creative and innovative to fulfill the mission and work. People are not letting go of the vision or North Star . . . the work, the people and what we collectively are trying to achieve.”
• “RESILIENCE – I am constantly amazed and supported in these challenging times at the resilience of people with disabilities, their families and those that support them. That resilience shows in a commitment to reach everyone, support one another and live diversity, equity and inclusion. Whatever the world may say, people or a particular leader – it is that resilience that gives me hope and optimism for the future.”
• “What gives me hope is seeing someone use technology to do something they used to need help with. It’s a quiet kind of breakthrough, but it means they don’t have to rely on staff as much, and that changes everything. That’s what real independence looks like.”
• “Even in the face of recent uncertainty, what gives me hope is the light I see in the people we serve. Unshaken, brilliant, and full of possibility. Every day, I witness acts of inclusion that remind me we are moving forward: a community that embraces differences, a team that leads with heart, and individuals with disabilities who continue to rise when given the opportunity. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not fading-they’re growing stronger, and that gives me the courage to keep pushing forward.”
• “I find hope in my students, who dust themselves off and keep going despite the difficulty of a task.”
• “What’s giving me hope is seeing our schools and libraries making meaningful changes to support individuals with disabilities. And even more, it’s the way our community has come alongside us — whether it’s through donations, time, or simply showing they care. It’s those everyday acts of kindness and inclusion that remind me we’re moving in the right direction.”
• “What gives me hope is watching our youngest learners in Pre-K naturally accept and include their peers with disabilities. I have had students who use communication devices, and it’s amazing to see how quickly the other children picked up on how to use it, without hesitation or judgment. They wait patiently for the child’s responses, celebrate the child’s words, and treat them like any other friend. Pre-K is the foundation and where true inclusion is built within children, and seeing it happen so organically reminds me this starts with our littlest of learners.”
• “…citizens who are made up of the woven intricacies of differences that make the very fabric of America- won’t be ignored. We find a way to make our voice heard, our faces seen, our feelings felt, the message spread. And THAT gives me hope.”
A huge thanks to those who shared what continues to make them hopeful and to everyone who keeps showing up and fighting the good fight to make sure that ALL people are treated with equity, dignity and respect.
“In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” – Maya Angelou