In a world built for neurotypicals, ‘Just Your Normal Missfit‘ is my journey into understanding and celebrating neurodiversity. Join me weekly as we explore learning disabilities like ADHD and dyslexia through personal stories, expert insights, and practical strategies. We’ll challenge the traditional education system and discover alternative paths for growth. This podcast is for parents, educators, and anyone who has ever felt they don’t fit in.
Creating Inclusive Spaces: Understanding Special Education with Sharmila Jois Vellal
About the Guest: Sharmila Jois Vellal
Sharmila is a special educator with over 20 years of experience in inclusive education. She is the founder-director of Anantha Academy for Special Education, where she creates safe spaces for children to thrive at their own pace. Sharmila is also a co-founder of Ishanya Center for Special Needs and Eka Educational and Charitable Trust. She serves on the board of SERPA, advocating for the rights of children with disabilities across Karnataka.
In this episode of Just Your ‘Normal’ Missfit, Sharmila shares her insights with host Ann gained from over two decades in inclusive education, her motivations behind establishing Anantha Academy, and her journey towards creating safe, empowering environments for children with diverse needs. The discussion also covers the importance of individualised education plans, early diagnosis, various therapy options, and the challenges parents face. Full of practical advice and wisdom, this episode is a resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in special education.
#SpecialEducation #Inclusion#Parenting #Neurodiversity #Empathy
Invisible Disabilities: A Parent’s Journey to find her and her child’s voice!
In this deep and eye-opening conversation, Suchitra shares her journey as a parent and advocate for inclusion, shining a light on the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of raising a child with invisible disabilities. From her early dreams of a career in forensic science to her lifelong dedication to disability advocacy, Suchitra takes us through her powerful story of resilience, love, and the pursuit of equality.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about making a difference, this conversation highlights the importance of exposure, understanding, and the power of asking the right questions. Discover the nuances of invisible disabilities, the reality of sensory issues, and the need for more awareness, empathy, and systemic change in India and beyond.
The Themes
- The transformative power of exposure and empathy
- The complexities of family dynamics around disability
- The impact of access to resources and systemic advocacy
- Balancing self-care with caregiving responsibilities
Understanding Learning Disabilities with Aruna Bhaskar
In this insightful episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, I sit down with Aruna Bhaskar, a dedicated special educator who has played a significant role in my own journey with learning disabilities. We dive into the complexities of dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and ADHD, discussing how these learning disabilities manifest, the emotional toll on children, and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Aruna shares practical strategies for parents, teachers, and caregivers, emphasizing the need for personalized learning, emotional support, and building a strong partnership between home and school. Whether you’re a parent navigating the world of learning disabilities or simply curious about the challenges neurodivergent individuals face, this episode offers valuable insights and hope for every child’s potential to thrive.
The podcast in full and shorter versions are also available on Instagram, Spotify and YouTube: