Denied a Seat in the Band: When Schools Ignore Inclusion with Karla Hildebrand - Episode 50

Inclusion and Disability Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

In this episode ofThe Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Karla Hildebrand to share her daughter Maddie’s fight for accessibility in school. Maddie, a talented musician with a mitochondrial disorder and autism, has been denied equitable participation in her junior high band program due to inaccessible facilities and systemic neglect. Karla recounts their struggles, advocacy efforts, and the emotional toll on their family. Despite legal roadblocks and school inaction, their persistence led to broader awareness. This episode highlights the urgent need for inclusion, the power of advocacy, and the strength found in community support.

Key Takeaways:

Systemic Barriers – Schools often deny accessibility based on flawed assumptions, ignoring legal and ethical obligations.

Power of Advocacy – Persistence and seeking allies, including state officials, can push systemic change.

Emotional Toll – Exclusion has lasting effects on children’s mental health and self-worth.

Community Support – Connecting with advocates and public figures like Pink can amplify a cause.

Inclusive Action – True inclusion means making programs, not just buildings, accessible to all.

Karla’s definition of inclusion:

The freedom to be yourself, to be included and do anything that everyone else has the ability to do.

Links:

Karla’s Speech to the School Board:https://www.facebook.com/100000310191097/videos/2026071217911334/

Muddy River News:https://muddyrivernews.com/noteworthy/mother-of-handicapped-student-challenges-qps-to-address-ada-compliance-and-equal-education-access/20250123075938/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIYLntleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUEWSfC6Hm7IQedKQn9ShU1BKMKfULZsKdduP_K4fHZyOB1lBCoeW0NpmQ_aem_GMUlllj9LE5Pg9-LokSjPA

KHQA Coverage:https://khqa.com/news/local/mother-appeals-for-wheelchair-access-at-quincy-junior-high?fbclid=IwY2xjawIYLp9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQGZel3nUIsF6OTthZHA3BWYIH5ad4AielsHrCl00PXXsr5W-b1Ry-FAGQ_aem_DboR4-Q-Ayxg7Sf-IdlP_Q#

https://khqa.com/news/local/quincy-mother-urges-school-board-for-better-ada-access-at-qjhs?fbclid=IwY2xjawIYLuZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfs67dNsmfT4U8iJhDCxoEOSS4r66wwBWFQ7riIxxJmWkwO25O9Gs8jE3Q_aem_2cy-BIxARYEf-cCnyUms5g

Pink’s Reel:https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-kmiHBI7P7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 24

No - 24

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