How can we draw inspiration from the obstacles that life sends our way? What can we learn from the challenges that others face in life? What do those lessons tell us about how we can best support children with disabilities? Jani Kozlowski—parent, professional, and advocate for families and persons with disabilities—answered these questions with her keynote address at the 2018 National Early Childhood Inclusion Institute.

As an early childhood professional with a disability, a child of a parent with a disability, and the mother of a son with a disability, Kozlowski brought a unique perspective to inclusion in early care and education. In this session, Jani shares personal stories and reflections that highlight the human potential for overcoming challenges, and she shares strategies for how to shift attitudes in early education so that we will always view children with disabilities as individuals that demonstrate tremendous strength, grit, and resilience.

The video also includes short welcome addresses from Inclusion Institute Chair Emerita Pamela Winton (at the start), FPG Director Aysenil Belger (at 3:10), and Inclusion Institute Chair Tracey West (at 9:20). The keynote begins at 17:35.