How One School is Rewriting the Story for Kids Like Dempsey

🌟 Welcome to Episode #4 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟

🎙️ Before this podcast, we launched our journey on Substack—where we shared sharp takes on current events, deep dives into policy, and personal reflections on the state of politics. Now, we’re bringing that same energy—and our signature voice—straight to your favorite podcast platform!
This week, we’re honored to bring you one of the most powerful and heartfelt conversations we’ve had so far. ❤️‍🔥

👩‍🏫 Meet Sher U-F, a trailblazing educator who leads the Compass Classroom at Glen Lake Elementary—a space designed for students with the most significant disabilities.

👩‍👦 And meet Kelly Becker, mother to Dempsey, a child with complex disabilities whose presence in the world is quietly revolutionary.
🎢 In this episode, we talk about:

What true inclusion looks like—and how it transforms everyone involved

❤️ How Dempsey, though nonverbal, is teaching his classmates kindness, empathy, and strength

🧑🏻‍🦼‍➡️Why accessible playgrounds and classrooms are just the beginning

💔 The pain of public misconceptions and the beauty of breaking them

👀 Why being seen matters just as much as being accommodated

🎥 Special thanks to Hopkins School District and videographer Thomas Riley for allowing us to share their moving video about the incredible work being done at Glen Lake Elementary. What they’ve built there isn’t just a program—it’s a model for how schools everywhere could and should show up for kids of all abilities. You can find the video here: https://vimeo.com/1031702405?&login=true#_=_

📚 We also spotlight a beautiful children’s book A Swing for Samara by Minnesota author and illustrator Nancy Carlson, inspired by Glen Lake’s accessible playground. It’s a joyful reminder that all children deserve to swing, climb, laugh, and play—together. You can find more about Nancy here: https://nancycarlson.com/

♿ Build accessible playgrounds! What started as The Glen Lake Accessible Playground Project blossomed into a non-profit. Students at West Middle School in the Hopkins District continue to raise money to build accessible playgrounds across Minnesota. https://www.mnplayforall.org/

✨ Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, policymaker, or just someone who believes in a more compassionate world, this episode is for you. Here are some useful links for inclusive education information:

• The Pacer Center https://www.pacer.org/
• The Inclusion Project https://www.inclusionproject.org/
• The Nora Project https://thenoraproject.ngo/

💌 If this conversation moved you, taught you, or made you think—please like, comment, and share. It helps us get these stories in front of more eyes and helps us keep growing this incredible community of listeners who care deeply.

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🕯️ Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark.

💪 And remember: we are stronger together.

#ThePoliticsChicks #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness #AccessiblePlay #RepresentationMatters #DempseyStrong #KindnessIsPower #GlenLakeElementary