2:00-3:00 PM Eastern, Thursday, April 23, 2026

Ten Tips to Creating an Inclusive and Independent Life

Michelle Tetschner

Raymond and his mom speak of their personal successes and strategies that they have used in Raymond's life to promote independence and inclusion in his school career and life. Raymond will share some of his school stories of theatre, sports teams and belonging. He will use a Power Point/Canva presentation with pictures so he can talk about the events. He will use subtitles to ensure he is understood and his message is received.

Michelle will speak more to a parents view point, of processes and methods that worked in their lives. She will speak to ten tips and tricks she has used to gain more inclusion for Raymond has he went through elementary school, to college and now as a young adult. She too will utilize pictures, showcasing events and creating a vibrant and fun presentation that parents and educators will love.

Participants will:

• Learn ten tips on how to build, create and formulate a vision statement that leads to an independent life for your loved one.
• Have learned and heard from a self advocate what some of the highlights have been in his school years-and why they were important to him.
• Have a better understanding of the battles that families have, creating inclusion and how meaningful inclusion is to our entire world. And how to make changes in your community to promote inclusion.

Michelle Tetschner is a proud mom to three boys, the youngest is Raymond who happens to rock an extra chromosome. She is the author of the book: "Fully Included~Stories to Inspire Inclusion" with her husband Stacy. She also has over 25 stories published on disability and Down syndrome.

Michelle has been featured on several podcasts and webinars as a leading expert on inclusion in both public and private Catholic schools. She is the current president/founder of FIRE Foundation NE Florida.

She describes herself as a "passionate inclusion’ista" who has fought yearly for her son Raymond to be included in school. She has coached hundreds of parents with inspiration and guidance for school meetings and IEPs.

Her son Raymond, is used to being the first. He was one of the first students in Phoenix, AZ to be fully included in Catholic school. He went on to be the inaugural student of a brand new program in Maryland, as well as the first student with Down syndrome, in the diocese of St Petersburg- to graduate fully included. He is an amazing drummer, actor, and an amazing guy who loves God and his family.

Michelle believes we all live in one world, and longs for the day when everyone chooses to open their hearts and minds to seeing each person's gifts and talents first.