Inclusion Isn’t a Program—It’s a Culture Shift with Lisa Drennan - Episode 70

Inclusion and Disability Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Lisa Drennan, founder of MERGE Consulting, about building authentic inclusion in community spaces. Lisa shares her journey from working in specialized programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to leading system-wide inclusion initiatives. Together, they discuss the importance of shifting from segregated programs to inclusive environments where everyone participates side by side. Lisa outlines her five models of participation—from exclusion to full inclusion—and emphasizes the need for systemic change, community education, and listening to the disability community to create spaces of true belonging.

Key Takeaways:

Authentic Inclusion - Inclusion is not a program or event but intentional work to create spaces where everyone belongs.

Five Participation Models - Lisa outlines five models—exclusion, specialized, integrated, unified/buddy, and full inclusion—emphasizing that full inclusion changes systems, not people.

Power of Storytelling - Sharing personal stories can shift mindsets and help organizations understand the real impact of inclusive practices.

Listening First - True inclusion requires listening to people with disabilities and their families—“Nothing about us without us.”

Sustainable Change - Inclusion isn’t about quick fixes but creating lasting cultural shifts in communities, programs, and organizations.

Lisa’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is intentional work that a community or organization does to ensure that every person is welcomed and supported to successfully participate and belong.

Lisa’s Bio:

Lisa's journey starts as a direct support professional and recreation director at New England Village (NEV), in Pembroke, MA. Her dedication to wellness and enrichment at NEV led her to serve as the former Director of the Sollar Wellness Center. As a former Senior Leadership Team member at New England Village, she co-developed Positive Support Techniques guidelines and Best Practices for Instructors, a training for effective fitness and enrichment class instruction.

Lisa served as the first-ever Association Director of Inclusion for the South Shore YMCA in Norwell, MA. During her tenure, she elevated the inclusion initiative by spearheading innovative program development, implementing comprehensive staff training, and fostering effective education and awareness throughout the YMCA community. Her influence extended nationally as the former Chairperson of YMCA of the USA's Diverse Abilities Working Group, where she provided a platform for education, resources, and consultation, positively impacting YMCA organizations across the country.

Upon starting MERGE, her commitment to community inclusion is further reflected in her role as an Advisory Board Member for the DDS & ARC of Massachusetts joint Widening The Circle Project, where she served as the primary author of the Pathways To Friendship toolkit for recreation and community professionals. In academia, Lisa extends her passion for inclusion as an Adjunct Professor of Adaptive Physical Activity at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Connect with Lisa:

Website: https://www.mergeconsulting.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mergeinclusionconsulting

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mergeinclusion/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-drennan-merge/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mergeinclusion

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 31

No - 37

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