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 design, and the importance of seeing the whole person—not just their disability. This episode will challenge assumptions, spark self-reflection, and inspire listeners to create spaces where everyone genuinely belongs.

Key Takeaways:

Belonging Matters - Accessibility is important, but true inclusion happens when people feel they genuinely belong.

Ask First - Instead of making assumptions, respectfully ask people what they need and listen to their answers.

Challenge Assumptions - Visible disabilities should never define someone's identity or determine how others interact with them.

Design Intentionally - Thoughtful planning creates environments where everyone has meaningful choices and equal participation.

See Whole People - Recognize disability as one part of a person's identity while appreciating their full humanity.

Jennifer Chassman Browne’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is creating spaces and experiences for everyone where people, regardless of their disability, their identity, their needs, feel welcome and able to participate.

Jennifer Chassman Browne’s Bio:

Jenn has lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis since she was six years old.

For most of her professional life, she has been an English teacher and school leader, and has loved the time that she spent with the teenagers that she taught, many of whom she still has in her life.

In her work as a DEI and Disability Advocate, Jenn educates people about the strengths and gifts that people with disabilities have. She also helps people to understand that those living with disabilities need allies, systems, and structures that ensure their access and inclusion.

Jenn has also earned certification as a listener poet and is invested in using poetry and storytelling to help build connections between people and to aid in the development of empathy, understanding, and belonging.

Jenn is a keynote speaker and writer. She has also written a book, See US, Know Us; Profiles of Disability which is available for pre-order and will be out in October 2026.

Connect with Jennifer Chassman Browne:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferChassmanBrowneAuthor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-chassman-browne-97768b24a/

Website: https://jenniferchassmanbrowne.com/

Website: https://newground.us/index.html

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 93

No - 117

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