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We live in a world that operates on a “one-size-fits-most” formula. If you do not fall within this narrow range of "normal," the problem is considered to be yours. There is no broader understanding of diversity and no room for disability (and it will soon get even worse). This ultimately puts all the pressure on the individual, which means that everyone is responsible for advocating for themselves to seek out the required resources and accommodations, which is beyond exhausting for most. Additionally, to compound these ridiculous expectations, an official diagnosis (often expensive and difficult to get because there are not enough practitioners) is required to receive accommodations. Instead of providing them to whoever needs them, based on the individual - they are withheld because some folks may be "cheating" the system. A few are fortunate; with little help, they can eventually blunder through the thousands of hoops placed in their way to get what they need. Most are not. They live on the cliff’s edge of survival, barely hanging on - with stress often compounding their issues. As someone who is neuro-spicy, with many learning disabilities that were never identified when I was young and in school, I am one of the lucky ones who was just stubborn and confident (cocky) enough to push my way through to get things done (with no official accommodations - only the "hacks" I devised for myself). Until recently, I never understood how much extra energy I had to expend to get there and why fatigue has always hovered in the background. After 60 years, I have (mostly) figured out what works best, personally, to access and comprehend information and learn new things. With that understanding, I try to apply those adaptations (and any others that I think will be helpful) to my daily interactions with my DRC kiddos and to everything I provide for families to help them navigate the homeschooling process. Do I get frustrated when these modifications are not helpful for some people and they still do not understand the information or can't begin to advocate for themselves? Absolutely! Do I return to the drawing board and try to invent something different that is accessible for everyone, as new information presents itself --- so they can learn how to stand up for themselves? Again, yes, absolutely! Leaving folks behind simply because they have different brain neurology, learning, or physical disabilities is unconscionable. No one should be struggling because of inaccessibility. If something isn't working for everyone - go back and fix it. Period! Accessibility is the first step towards equity. DRC News This post was inspired by the uncomfortable feeling of bumping up against my failure to provide useful, comprehensible consulting information to some new families. Along with phone calls, texts, and emails, the homeschool guide that I wrote last year - simply wasn't enough. I knew that I had to make a video version - but was struggling with how to do that effectively. Then, this past week, I realized that I could create a presentation and do a voice over. Hopefully, the combination of pictures, written, & spoken words helps more people understand the concept of self-directed homeschooling with or without DRC's help, and how to advocate for their kids. If not - it will continue to evolve until everyone can access the info. Find the YouTube video below. This week passed in a blur - again. We are happy to welcome a new teen to the crew and discover that he is another chef in training. Several kiddos have also discovered that they thoroughly enjoy the game of LIFE. It seemed to take over the chill space a few days in a row.  The Pop-ups Crew enjoyed time together at the Massena Public Library and the Nicandri Nature Center. Thanks to both for hosting us again this week. If you know of a homeschool family, please let them know about our Pop-ups. Anyone is welcome to join in the fun.  You can help us continue our work of making self-directed education accessible to anyone who wishes to participate. Read our Fall '24 Funding Appeal here. 
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