The Inclusion Room- home of Nico Strong

09/04/2026

A bunch of people tagged me when southwick shared thay they had this chair. We were able to use it today.

They said Nico was the first one to ever use it!
He was a little small for it, I wish I had a special tomato chair to go in it (I forgot to bring it.)

However, it made getting him into the water so much easier!! Usually I hold him. 1. He is heavy and 2. It is super hard when the waves hit.

It was so special hearing his little giggles. I HIGHLY recommend using this if you have a kiddo (or adult) who uses a wheel chair. It was SO much fun!

09/04/2026

School is almost in session!!! Let's talk IEP's. When the school invites you to your child's CSE meeting, you are part of a team. It should never feel like us vs. Them. Each member: you, the teacher, therapist et ) are an important part of your childs success. Below are 10 ways you can prepare for a CSE meeting.

1. Review your current IEP. Do you understand how to look at it, read it? Are there things that no longer fit your child's needs? Do you feel orher/more supports are necessary?

2. Write down any concerns you may have. If applicable ask your child what they may feel they need to be successful.

3. Think about your child's areas of strengths. The IEP should point out what helps them to be successful. Has anything changed in this area? Does your child have any new strengths or interests?

4. Gather and bring supportive information. Doctor reports , evaluations, teacher reports... anything that helps explain your childs needs.

5. Talk with your child beforehand!! If it is not appropriate to bring your child to the meeting (age, understanding), if you can still ask them what they like, what they dislike.. what might help them to make their day easier. Their voice is important too, think nothing about me without me.

6. Know what you're asking for and why. If you're asking for more support, have the "evidence" or reasoning as to why this is needed (see #4).

7. Prepare any questions you may have. Also, you don't necessarily have to know all the terminology. Don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions when needed.

8. Bring a support person if needed- spouse, educational advocate, family peer advocate etc.

9. Remember you are part of the team. YOU are the expert on your child. Your thoughts, questions and concerns should be take it into consideration..

10. Take notes and follow up. Write down next steps, once you receive a copy of the IEP, be sure to carefully review it.

If you ever need resources, or help feel free to reach out!

09/03/2026

Coming soon!

09/03/2026

09/02/2026

Join us today at 8:00 PM for a reading of our first published book "Ask me to play". It will be read by a very special guest! We hope to see you there!

09/02/2026

I just want to remind you that nobody can tell you what you "can't do". He has accomplished so much!

08/31/2026

We went camping this weekend.

We went to a water park. We rode paddle boats. We cruised around on the golf cart—aka, went on a “bear hunt.” We laughed. We explored. We did it all.

And we posted it.

Because we want families to know that when your child receives a diagnosis, it isn’t a period.

Your story doesn’t end there.

There is still so much life to live. So much adventure to have. So many memories waiting to be made.

But I also want to tell you the part we don’t always post.

The next day?

I can barely move. My back is killing me. My body hurts. I’m exhausted.

Would I do it again?

One thousand times, YES.

Because here’s the truth: Your child can do incredible things. Your family can have incredible adventures. YOU can do incredible things.

But sometimes, it’s going to be hard.

It’s going to take planning.
It’s going to take sacrifice.
It’s going to take creativity.
Sometimes your body is going to pay for it.
Sometimes you’re going to come home completely exhausted and wonder how you even pulled it off.

I don’t say that to discourage you.

In fact, I say it for the exact opposite reason.

I would NEVER want another caregiver to look at our page, see the smiling pictures and adventures, and quietly wonder, “Why can’t I do that?”

Please know: we struggle too.

We will post the fun.

But we will also tell you how hard it can be to make the fun happen.

Because both things can be true.

The climb can be hard—and the view can still be worth it.

The exhaustion can be real—and so can the joy.

And those smiles, those belly laughs, those ridiculous bear hunts, and those memories our kids will carry with them?

Worth it. Every single time.

So to the caregiver whose hard work goes unnoticed by so many:

That stops here.

We see you.

We see everything it takes just to get out the door. We see the planning, lifting, packing, adapting, worrying, advocating, sacrificing and pushing through.

You are doing more than people know.

Please don’t let the climb convince you that you aren’t capable of the adventure.

Take the adventure.

Take the pictures.
Make the memories.
Laugh until your stomach hurts.
Rest when you need to.
And know that it doesn’t have to look easy to be beautiful.

A diagnosis isn't a period.

There is so much adventure left. 💚

08/31/2026

When you are just at peace in your moment. 🤣