School Leadership & Inclusion: Rethinking Special Education with Leroy Slanzi - Episode 49

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

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with school principal and special education advocate Leroy Slanzi about creating truly inclusive school environments. They discuss the importance of centralizing student services, fostering empathy, and ensuring students with disabilities are meaningfully included. Leroy shares insights from his books on leadership, mental health, and emotional regulation, emphasizing structured play and mindfulness as key strategies. He also provides actionable steps for parents advocating for inclusion and school leaders striving for systemic change. This conversation highlights the necessity of shifting perspectives to build compassionate, supportive, and accessible schools for all.

Key Takeaways:

Centralized Services – Placing student services at the heart of the school fosters inclusion, accessibility, and support for all students.

Structured Play – Play-based learning enhances emotional regulation and social skills, benefiting both neurodivergent and neurotypical students.

Flexible Inclusion – Inclusion should be individualized; students should be placed in environments where they can thrive, not forced into a one-size-fits-all model.

Parental Advocacy – Parents can use human rights laws and structured communication to push for more inclusive educational settings.

Leadership Matters – School and district leaders play a crucial role in shaping inclusive cultures by prioritizing empathy, accessibility, and teacher support.

Leroy’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is when our kids and our population as a whole can see past a behavior and think "What is this person struggling with? How can I help?"

Leroy’s Bio:

Leroy Slanzi is an experienced educator with a remarkable 25-year career in education. As an author, he penned the influential book "Emotional Schools," delving into the importance of emotional intelligence and mental health in the education system. Leroy also excels as a facilitator of professional development sessions, has been on numerous podcasts and is a sought-after for his work that helps parents, teachers and schools through the chaos life brings.

Connect with Leroy:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorleroyslanzi?igsh=M2gxcnBlODVpdG1r

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leroy-slanzi-3632b2233/

Website: https://leroyslanzi.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leroy.slanzi.9

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9OH1J2G2mG6ZSWgRLZSHLQ

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/4gqyO7C

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 23

No - 24

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