A Little Yellow Bus and a Big Metal Fence

Once upon a time in a land not too far away, there was a brother and a sister who loved each other very much.  Each day, the sister went to school and learned many new things.  But her brother was not allowed to go to school because he had a disability.  This saddened the girl very much.  Until one day, a new law was passed that said that all little boys and girls could go to school, even if they had a disability.  This made the girl very happy.

A little yellow bus picked up her brother for his first day of school.  At school, the little girl could hardly sit still until it was time for recess.  She ran to her brother’s playground, eager to play with him.  But when she got there, she was stopped by a big metal fence.  The teacher stood on the other side of the fence with the girl’s brother and told her that she had to go to her own playground. The girl asked if her brother could come with her to her playground.  But that wasn’t allowed either.

That day planted a seed of desire for creating a world where all people truly have the same opportunities.  That seed has since sprouted, and through many more experiences, has planted more seedlings which continue to sprout and blossom.

Today, Diana Pastora Carson, M.Ed., is a member of the Board of Directors of Disability Rights California.  She also teaches a Disability Studies course through San Diego State University’s Interwork Institute. Most days, Diana can be found teaching third grade with inclusion of students with disabilities.  She is also the author of All the Muchos in the World, a bilingual picture book for children.

Joaquin Carson has survived segregated education, social isolation, and lack of understanding amidst his communication attempts:  “Having difficulty speaking is not the same thing as having nothing to say!”  The experience of being disabled by his environment more than his autism continues to inspire the work of his sister.  Joaquin currently resides in a state hospital two hours away from his family as a result of societal ignorance and apathy.  Our goal is to assist Joaquin (and thousands like him) in creating a life that he loves in his own home, in his own community, near his family.  By educating today’s communities, tomorrow will be filled with great possibilities.  Your support of Ability Awareness in Action© helps to make this goal a reality.  Spread the word about our trainings and our work within your community!

Ability Awareness in Action© is a product of life experiences with Joaquin, students, and supportive parents, mentors and colleagues.

Joaquin & Diana Pastora Carson