INTERVIEW: Special Education & Equity with JackBeNimble’s Judith Bradley

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text animation=”slideInDown”]The Prichard Committee has used our Equity Lens Campaign to focus and highlight how equity is embedded into public education in Kentucky, as well as the importance and relevance of equity in schools. As we continue this exploration, Prichard has identified several experts in equity that will share their perspectives on where we are in the Bluegrass and where we need to progress to improve equity outcomes.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text animation=”slideInLeft”]Our first interview is with Judith Bradley. Judith is the 2018 recipient of the Beverly Nickell Raimondo Parent Leadership Award from the Prichard Committee. Judith is founder and managing partner of JackBeNimble, a non-profit organization dedicated to re-imagining special education systems so that they work for students, families, educators, and policymakers alike. She is the parent of an autistic young adult, Jack, now a college junior and national self-advocate. Judith has served by appointment of the governor on the Kentucky Employment First initiative and she presently serves on the Kentucky Department of Education’s Parent Advisory Committee. She also serves locally on her school district’s special education advisory council and on the National Council for Parent Advocates and Attorneys (COPAA) Government and Policy committee.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video media_url=”https://youtu.be/vs2KHYwArPA” animation=”slideInRight” animation_delay=”.2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text animation=”slideInUp”]She is actively involved in multiple efforts to expand educational opportunities for students with disabilities and serves as a special education family advocate, supporting families for whom accessing services is difficult. She is a vocal and persistent voice for including students with disabilities in discussions of equity and for the transformation of both policy and practices which limit opportunities. Judith’s goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of ability, has a level playing field from which to launch as independent a life as possible. She presents to regional and national audiences on topics related to equity and inclusion of students with disabilities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]