MERGE Inclusion Consulting

Thrilled to be back at my home state conference. Well done to all involved in the planning!

Belonging is more than just sharing space – it’s about sharing lives. – Erik Carter ??????????? ??♀? In recreation spaces, true inclusion means more than just being present—it’s about connection, participation, and meaningful relationships. Let’s create spaces where everyone feels valued, engaged, and a real part of the community! #Belonging #InclusionMatters #RecreationForAll #CommunityConnections #ShareTheExperience #FriendshipMatters

?? WHO IS MERGE PRESENTING TO THIS WEEK??? ?? Teacher Naturalists at New England Botanical Gardens ?? ?? YMCA camp staff in food service & property maintenance ????? ?? Recreation professionals from across Massachusetts ??? Inclusion is for EVERYONE, and we love sharing strategies that make every space welcoming! ???? #InclusionForAll #DiversityEquityInclusion #RecreationForEveryone #InclusiveCommunities #AccessibilityMatters #MERGEInclusion

? Inclusion isn’t a luxury — it’s the ?? foundation for a better tomorrow for all. ?? ~ Lisa Drennan

?? EXCITING NEWS! ?? My latest article, "Creating Space For Support: Why families may not disclose their child's needs", is featured in the March issue of @Parks & Recreation Magazine! By making disclosure safe and routine, recreation programs can ease the fears around rejection, judgment or a desire to fit in and begin to build trust. ?? Read it here: https://lnkd.in/e-4pDyZY ?? I’d love to hear your thoughts! What steps can you take to create a welcoming environment for families to share support needs? Let’s keep the conversation going! #Inclusion #Belonging #ParksAndRec #communitylove #IncludeMe #SuccessfulSummerCamp #ForAll

?? MERGE is Back at ACANE! ?? Lisa Drennan is returning to the American Camp Association, New England's Camp Conference in Manchester, NH, from March 27-29, bringing game-changing strategies for inclusion at camp! ???? ?? Empowering Success: Inclusive Strategies for Challenging Behaviors ?? Friday, March 28 | ? 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM ?? DEI Backlash "Table Talk: Discussions ?? Friday, March 28 | ? 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM ?? Overcoming Inclusion Challenges at Camp: Moving Forward Together ?? Friday, March 28 | ? 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM Camp should be a place where everyone belongs—let’s make it happen! ???? ?? Will you be there? Drop a comment! ?? #ACANE2025 #InclusionAtCamp #AllCampersBelong #MERGEInclusionConsulting #DisabilityInclusion

Grateful for the opportunity to share insights on building a truly inclusive camp culture! Inclusion isn’t just one person’s job—it’s a mindset that every staff member plays a role in. When we all take ownership, every camper benefits. Thank you Project Real Job for providing a platform. #ProjectRealJob #WorkAtCamp

???? Words Matter! Supporting kids with executive functioning challenges starts with how we communicate. Instead of phrases that might add stress, try ones that empower and guide! ??? ?? Instead of: “Calm down” → ? “Let's take some breaths together?” ?? Instead of: “You’re late” → ? “I’m happy to see you!” ?? Instead of: “Forget it, I’ll just do it.” → ? “You can do this. I believe in you.” A little shift in language can make a BIG difference! ????

Inclusion is a team effort—a powerful chorus of voices working together to break down barriers and build a world where everyone belongs. ???? As Debra Ruh reminds us, true inclusion takes allies who challenge the status quo and stand beside us in the fight for accessibility, dignity, and respect. ?? Let's keep pushing forward, together. #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityForAll #StrongerTogether #Belonging

?? "If 1 of 20 kiddos has a disability, then 19 or 20 have the opportunity to learn about diversity, collaboration, inclusion, and friendship." ?? Every child benefits when we create spaces where everyone belongs. Let’s keep building inclusive communities together! ?? #InclusionMatters #FriendshipForAll #DisabilityInclusion #TeachInclusion