Inclusion by Marina, A Stroke Survivor [Video]

In this video, Marina, a 13-year-old 7th grader who survived a stroke 3 years ago, shares her thoughts on the effectiveness of inclusion in schools.

Despite her experience with aphasia, a language disorder caused by her stroke, Marina believes that schools can implement inclusive practices without incurring additional costs, ultimately benefiting all students, including those with invisible disabilities.

Marina also discusses her experience attending Virtual Connections Open Chats led by Carol Dow-Richards, a mother whose son, David, had a stroke at the age of 10, similar to Marina’s experience.

Carol is an advocate for the inclusion of people with aphasia, and through her work, she showcases how aphasia caused by stroke or brain injury can improve over time, as demonstrated by her son’s progress year after year, despite his severe aphasia and speech difficulties in the beginning.

Carol and her son started the award winning nonprofit the Aphasia Recovery Connection to help end the isolation of aphasia and also combat some of the misconceptions others – yes, including educators – sometimes have about aphasia.

Marina’s intellect remains intact.

But….aphasia is something most educators aren’t trained on and it is important that there is collaboration with speech language pathologists and sometimes advocacy is needed to ensure the rights of those with communication disabilities are protected. We applaud Marina for raising her voice to advocate for herself and in doing so helping advocate for change. Society is slow to change, but education and awareness are the first steps.

Aphasia Recovery Connection is a nonprofit organization that envisions a world inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their disabilities. This powerful message serves as a reminder that inclusive is not only achievable but essential for creating a more equitable society.

– Marina is 13 years old and in 7th grade.
– She had a stroke 3 years ago.
– She goes to a group once a week.
– The group has people with different abilities.
– Some can talk a lot, while others use communication boards.
– Some can read and write well, while others can’t.
– They are together and then split into two groups.
– Everyone uses the tools they need to learn.
– The group has amazing discussions.
– Maria has been in the group for two years.
– She thinks schools can do the same thing.
– It doesn’t cost anything and is easy to do.
– It’s good for all kids, including those with and without disabilities.
– Maria learned how to communicate with people who couldn’t talk.
– The group helped Maria as much as it helped the others.