Smashing ableism: building a better society for children and young people — Mary Lavender
How do school environments and practices unintentionally reinforce ableism—and how can we actively dismantle these barriers? Mary Lavender invites you to reflect deeply on the attitudes, policies, and routines that impact disabled children and young people, and explores practical ways to create truly inclusive, empowering spaces.
From advocating for robust AAC and reasonable adjustments to challenging long-standing interventions and amplifying disabled voices in decision-making, Mary’s session is a call to action for educators committed to equity and respect.
About the speaker:
Mary Lavender is an award-winning Speech and Language Therapist, autistic advocate, and international speaker with over 20 years in the NHS. Passionate about digital innovation. She is dedicated to creating a world where SEND children and young people can truly thrive.
