Representation is essential in advocacy work and the push for legislation. When it comes to autism and disability advocacy, listening, engaging, and understanding the experiences of people of color is crucial to changing the narrative. Elizabeth Morgan joins the show to help us understand the importance of connecting with stories of people of color with disabilities and their families.

Elizabeth is an Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership at the University of California, Sacramento, and program coordinator for the CED at the Mind Institute. Her area of research includes early childhood and early intervention services with a specific interest in underrepresented populations.

Jeiri and Elizabeth’s conversation explores the ways in which representation matters. Elizabeth explains the importance of bringing pieces of your identity as a person of color into the classroom and curriculum. She also takes us behind the scenes of her thesis, how she dug deep into the conversations surrounding disparities, and why she felt empowered as a Black mother with a learning disability to create an impact by simply being herself. 

Elizabeth also speaks truth to power, of the dangers of terms and labels. She sparks the conversation of why a careless approach to language can be a huge disservice to people of color and people of color with disabilities.

This is an important conversation that highlights the multifaceted nature of advocacy. Tune in as Elizabeth and Jeiri share the importance of highlighting Black and Brown voices, and why we should fight for systems that work for everyone.

View all episodes and transcripts at http://www.aucd.org/podcast


This episode was funded by the Administration for Community Living through technical assistance contract # HHSP233201600066C. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Administration on Community Living, US Department of Health and Human Services, or the US Government.

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