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February is Inclusive Education Month, and we’re kicking off a three-part series featuring three dads who don’t take their role lightly.

In this first episode of REA-L Conversations, Marta sits down with Alex, Pepe, and Domenic to talk about how their understanding of an inclusive life has evolved over time.

They speak honestly about:

• The power of having just one champion who believes in your child
• How labels in school can open doors to funding, and close doors to opportunity
• A teacher’s high expectations can make all the difference
• Having the opportunity to dream about your future in the same way any student is supported to do this sets students up for success.
• What they would say to their younger selves in those intense early years

Domenic shares what it’s like to see his daughter complete her studies at the University of British Columbia, live independently, and be known by name in her community; a reminder that possibility and hope are real.

Pepe reflects on moving from tears at diagnosis to seeing exponential growth when someone believes in potential. And Alex speaks candidly about the daily tunnel vision of parenting; the grind, the exhaustion, and the importance of stopping to “smell the roses” when you can.

This conversation doesn’t offer polished answers. It offers lived experience. It reminds us that inclusive lives are built through high expectations, small steps, strong relationships, and persistence; especially when the system feels broken.

If you’re in the early years, wondering what’s possible, this episode is for you.
 If you’re further along and need a reminder of why this work is so important, this episode is for you too.

Because this work is harder in isolation. And Dads have important perspectives to share.

Stay connected and join us in the conversation.

REA-L Conversations is a family-led podcast about supporting our family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities to live regular, equitable, authentic lives rooted in community, not separate from it.

Through honest conversation and shared learning, families explore what it takes to hold high expectations and build lives woven into the everyday fabric of our neighbourhoods and cities.

These conversations don't offer polished answers. They offer lived experience, and reminds us that inclusive lives are built with intention, small steps, strong relationships, and persistence.

Stay connected and join us in the conversation