This week I am joined by special guest and picture book author Karen Autio of I Can, Too. In this episode we have a conversation about supporting inclusion and teaching children about disability and adaptive equipment.

We cover several important points, these are some of the highlights:

1. Books as mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors
2. The difference between empathy and sympathy
3. Disability is not a bad word
4. Adaptive equipment is an important tool for a disabled person, how to help children understand the importance of not touching
5. Understand your role in inclusion and Karen's responsibility as disability adjacent creator

Important Links Shared in this Episode:

• Karen's personal Website
• Karen's Facebook Page
• Karen's Instagram Page
• Free downloadable parent and teacher resources for I CAN, TOO! on the Scholastic Canada website (scroll down to the Extras section): https://www.scholastic.ca/books/view/i-can-too
• Link to the all-abilities inclusive playground being built in West Kelowna, BC, that Karen is donating a portion of her royalties to: https://juliasjunction.ca/

Affiliate Note: Amazon book recommendations use affiliate links, which means I (Tara) get a small commission from the sale of each book.

• Purchase a copy of I Can, Too HERE

Authors Cited in this Episode:

• James Catchpole author of What Happened to You
• Amanda Leduc
• Lynn Miller Lachman
• Trudy Ludwig

I Can, Too is authored by Karen Autio, Illustrated by Laura Watson and Published by Scholastic

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You can also submit questions directly to me at info@taragratto.ca or by heading to our website HERE

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The music for this podcast is written and produced by Jazlyn B with the guidance of Sabine Ndalamba

Note: This podcast is created for educational purposes only. Any references links, resources or content are not intended as a substitute for medical or professional mental health advice.