Welcome to Jen's Pond

I'm writing about something that’s been on my mind lately, because it’s showing up again. Recently, there have been comments questioning whether people with disabilities can or should serve in the highest levels of leadership. And when someone questions the capability of any person with a disability, it lands on the entire disability community. The message tells millions of people, “Leadership isn’t for you.” It’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and I can’t be silent. In honor of those I serve, those I care deeply for, those I work with, those I don’t   know, those that have come before me to fight for true equality and belonging… I want to say clearly: this is simply not true. I’ve spent more than thirty years working alongside people with disabilities and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: disability does not diminish intelligence, leadership, or the ability to make decisions. People with disabilities learn, communicate, and navigate the world in many di...

How many of you have watched the movie from 1976 The Network?  I haven't, though I keep thinking I should because of the famous scene that is typically called the "Mad as hell" scene. I'll insert it here for you, if you're interested. Be warned, there's a few curse words, including 'hell'.  This scene seems to resonate with me every time I watch it. I can't get away from this one line in particular, "I'm a human being, my life has value."  So many people are fighting to be recognized, to be understood, to be cared about. So many people are fighting so many systems... they're waiting in line for services... services that usually refer to people as a number. Are we taking time to really see and hear them? To show that yes, they are  valued and that the service system is here to help them be bolder, not to take away.  It takes courage to come to the system for help. People want to feel valued and the system can make people feel the o...

  Can we talk about “special needs proms?” The photos I have seen from a recent event are beautiful. I am genuinely glad the people who attended had a great time. Joy matters . But joy in a separate space does not equal inclusion. A separate prom is still segregation, even when it is wrapped in kindness. If a community can come together to create a big, joyful event, it is worth asking why we cannot create that same joy with everyone, more often, in the actual community. Why is separation still the default instead of inclusion. I also understand the value of disability‑specific spaces. Programs like the Youth Leadership Forum are important because they build identity, leadership, and community among people who share lived experience. These spaces exist to empower people, not to replace access to the broader community. A prom is different. A prom is a community milestone that everyone should have access to. Creating a separate version does not build belonging. It replaces it. I...