Joyner and Shubha discuss what it looks like to parent from a place of accepting that our kids, and ourselves, have needs. Not trying to question them or change them. And we share examples of what that really looks like. Even when it's HARD. Even when it means our non-speaking kid needs to stay in the kitchen 24/7, even for showering. And we talk about how often the need we and our kids have is actually a paradigm shift. The harm it does to parents and families when this isn't the approach taken by professionals. And what does this all have to do with the resistance in Minnesota? A lot.

• (00:20) - We all have needs. What are our needs right now? Does anyone have special needs? How to access needs.
• (13:00) - Examples of accepting and embracing a need around movement and eating
• (24:00) - It's hard when Needs are viewed through a list of "standard" needs. Sometimes the only need is a paradigm shift. Example of meeting paradigm shift need by finding amazing school.
• (42:40) - Parenting non-speaking kids means centering trust, because we often know what our kids need, but not Why. Practical examples of how we support our kids to feel trusted, in non-traditional ways.
• (01:12:00) - Adults put their access needs onto disabled kids, because they cling to normalcy. The MN occupation and why normalcy is killing us.

References:

• Bri Guerra, nonspeaking advocate for change
• The book Shubha made for A- on all the ways to say no
• Pictello Shubha made to show A- we wanted to know his concerns

Joyner and Shubha introduce themselves, their identities, and their kids, exploring risks, systemic power, and disabled family life under occupation in Minneapolis.

The discussion about Minneapolis begins about 40 minutes from the end.

Referenced in this episode:

• Talila A. Lewis' definition of ableism
• Disability Justice

Shubha cries, sharing 3 clips of songs that are so meaningful in their liberated parenting. That remind them of their kid. That could have been the perfect theme songs if we had the rights.