Flashback: A Stage, a Gesture, and a Lesson in Humanity

As a parent, and as someone who advocates for greater understanding and inclusion for neurodivergent people and people with disability, I often find that the most important lessons are not learned in formal settings. They come from moments. From watching people. From seeing humanity show up in unexpected ways.

Back in July 2025, we reached an incredible milestone with the launch of Nat and Logan’s books. It was everything we hoped it would be. Joyful, emotional, and a genuine celebration of their hard work and creativity.

But this blog is not really about the books.

As we move into a new year, I have found myself reflecting on something I felt and learned that day, something that has stayed with me long after the event itself.

We often hear the word inclusion used everywhere. Inclusion in workplaces. Inclusion in schools. Inclusion in sport. It is a word that sounds good in policies, speeches, and mission statements.

What I was reminded of that day is how often inclusion only happens when someone’s value is recognised. When they can contribute something measurable. When it fits a narrative. When it is convenient.

But true inclusion does not look like that.

That day, a young woman with a disability was invited onto the stage to give a short plug for her business. She did that, and then something quietly powerful happened. She began inviting her friends onto the stage. Then she turned to my wife and me. Then she opened her arms to the audience and invited complete strangers to join her.

She did not stop to ask who was important or relevant. She did not filter people by status, ability, or popularity. She simply saw people and invited them.

That is inclusion.

People with disabilities often live on the outside looking in. They know what it feels like to be left out, overlooked, or merely tolerated rather than truly welcomed. So when they are given a chance to open a door, they tend to open it wide.

That moment reminded me that inclusion is not about who you are or what you bring to the table. It is about being human. It is about belonging.

As a parent and advocate, this lesson feels especially important as we look ahead. Inclusion is not something we switch on for events, launches, or good intentions. It is something we practise daily. In classrooms. In workplaces. In communities. In the small choices we make about who we invite in and who we make space for.

Let us stop including people because of what they offer. Let us start including people simply because they are.

If you are a parent, educator, or community leader, I hope this story encourages you to pause and reflect on how inclusion shows up in your world. Sometimes it is not about doing more. Sometimes it is about opening the circle wider.

Just someone lucky enough to witness it.

Shane 🫶

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