2023 Pennsylvania Department of Education (In-Person) Conference
44. Mikayla’s Voice
Session Dates
Thursday March 02, 2023 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Hershey Lodge and Convention Center
Closed
“Miss Kim” and Mikayla’s Voice co-presenters share their own unique stories to promote inclusive opportunities for all kids and show how Mikayla’s Voice does disability awareness differently. For almost nine years, Mikayla and her mom traveled across the commonwealth presenting inclusion assemblies to over 35,000 students sharing the book “Our Friend Mikayla,” their own personal stories, and an invitation to be Mikayla’s Voice for inclusion and kindness. After Mikayla passed, Kim knew she could continue to share her family’s personal story, but felt it was important for students to meet someone with a disability. Mikayla’s story cannot be viewed as an exception. Lots of people enjoy full, rich, inclusive lives. She enlisted the help of other children and young adults with disabilities who share their challenges and struggles, strengths and successes. They welcome any and all questions leading to further thoughtful discussion.
Quinn is on the cross-country team at Misericordia University, Sara is studying to be an equestrian barn manager and therapeutic riding instructor, Holden is the author/illustrator of “The SpOt,” and Logan competes in USA Powerlifting. They introduce themselves as they would like to be seen and share things about themselves that make them proud. We all have challenges and insecurities. No one wants these pointed out first, or to be defined by them. You can’t possibly teach everything about every disability because everyone with a disability is different, so we don’t even try. Rather, the focus should be on everyone’s interests and talents as the foundation for genuine connection and friendship.
Target Audience
General education and special education administrators and teachers, paraprofessionals, school psychologists, professional development staff, and families of students with disabilities are encouraged to attend.
Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate individuals who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and who need assistance at this event. Contact: Debra Jordan at (610) 878-7224 or
djordan@pattan.net.