Welcome to The Inclusive Dad Podcast!!
Inclusion and Disability Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

The Inclusive Dad Podcast

Welcome to The Inclusive Dad Podcast, where we explore all things inclusion and make it practical!!

Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron Devries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad

Recent Episodes

212 - Systemic Ableism Is Everywhere—Now What? with Jennifer Chassman Browne
July 14, 2026

212 - Systemic Ableism Is Everywhere—Now What? with Jennifer Chassman Browne

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes disability advocate, educator, and speaker Jennifer Chassman Browne for a powerful conversation about moving beyond accessibility and embracing true belonging. Jennifer shares how living with visible arthritis transformed the way others treated her, why good intentions can still exclude people, and how simple shifts in mindset create meaningful inclusion. Together they explore disability etiquette, systemic ableism, accessible des
211 - Can a Blind Person Hike, Fish, and Fix a House? Absolutely. with Jeff Skoglund
July 10, 2026

211 - Can a Blind Person Hike, Fish, and Fix a House? Absolutely. with Jeff Skoglund

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Jeff Skoglund, also known as the Blind Outdoorsman, for an honest conversation about life with progressive vision loss, resilience, and practical inclusion. Jeff shares how he adapted after becoming legally blind, how his guide dog helps him navigate everyday life, and why accessibility benefits everyone. From home maintenance and technology to a recent heart attack that highlighted the importance of respectful communication in he
210 - STOP Making These Special Needs Planning Mistakes! with Mary McDirmid
July 7, 2026

210 - STOP Making These Special Needs Planning Mistakes! with Mary McDirmid

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes financial planner and parent advocate Mary McDirmid for a practical conversation about preparing for the future of loved ones with disabilities. Drawing from her personal journey raising her daughter with a rare disease, Mary explains special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and common planning mistakes that can jeopardize essential benefits. Beyond finances, the discussion explores curiosity, respectful conversations, and why inclusi
209 - The Power of a Mindset Shift: How MS Changed Everything with Dr. Patti Bevilacqua
July 3, 2026

209 - The Power of a Mindset Shift: How MS Changed Everything with Dr. Patti Bevilacqua

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Dr. Patti Bevilacqua, educator, author, TEDx speaker, and longtime advocate living with multiple sclerosis. Patti shares how her diagnosis reshaped her identity, taught her the power of mindset shifts, and deepened her understanding of inclusion. Together, they explore invisible disabilities, the importance of curiosity over assumptions, and why asking “How can I help?” matters more than taking control. Patti offers practica
208 - Mindfulness, MS, and Breaking Through Disability Barriers with Regina Beach
June 30, 2026

208 - Mindfulness, MS, and Breaking Through Disability Barriers with Regina Beach

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Regina Beach, a disability advocate, writer, and wellness educator living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Regina shares her journey from being an active classroom teacher to navigating life with an acquired disability and redefining what participation, accessibility, and inclusion truly mean. Together, they discuss the realities of living with MS, the importance of designing spaces with access in mind, and how mindfulness, meditatio
207 - Why "Being Nice" Isn't Inclusion with Sean Adelman
June 26, 2026

207 - Why "Being Nice" Isn't Inclusion with Sean Adelman

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Sean Adelman, orthopedic trauma surgeon, author, and father of a daughter with down syndrome. Sean shares how becoming a parent reshaped his understanding of inclusion, success, and happiness. Together, they explore the difference between acceptance and true inclusion, the importance of raising expectations, and why advocacy matters in healthcare, education, and everyday life. Sean discusses the power of seeing possibilities inste