Community

“One dad was so kind to let August play with his son’s cars and explained to his son to push the cars back and forth with him even when August said nothing when asked and ran back to the slide. He talked his son through August wanting to hug him over and over again, as I gave my usual apologetic look. But boy, does this feel better than the moments I want to cry at the park because parents pull their children away from August when he wants to hug them, your child says no, and August laughs or parents get really angry when he does the opposite and pushes them because he does not understand the variance of emotion.”

~Harmony Harvell~

"As speech pathologists, we go through extensive training to prepare us for working with children and adults with differing needs. We often approach our clients with open hearts, but clinical minds. Listening to Larkin and Harmony speak about their experiences with their boys and how much emotional, mental, physical and time-intensive labor they have put into figuring out what works best and advocating for them reminded us that these kids are so much more than clients with whatever diagnosis they may have. It is imperative to consider the bigger picture when working with clients with differing needs to give them the best individualized approach, and this presentation was a fabulous reminder of that."

Just Two Moms gave a fantastic presentation to the moms in my community about inclusion in addition to a great assembly my 5 year old daughter attended at school. It eye-opening to hear their personal experiences and understand the challenges they have had, and continue to overcome. My daughter and I use their mantra “be the one” in so many situations because accepting those who are different and unique starts with a foundation of kindness, curiosity, and inclusion. The presentation really made me feel comfortable about how to talk to my daughter about friends who have differences - what we can say or do to help, what questions we can ask, and how we lead with kindness. This is such a great program and am proud to be in a community and school system where inclusion, awareness, and acceptance of those with disabilities is recognized.

Larkin and Harmony graciously shared their personal experience of having children with special needs and the importance of inclusivity. Their presentation was informative and sparked important conversations about inclusion and how to teach children to "be the one". It allowed me a chance to see my school community through another lens and make shifts to be sure that all kids and families are heard.

"As California Teacher of the year and an advocate for Inclusive Education, I can’t say enough great things about Just Two Moms. These moms share their inspiring heartfelt stories in hopes to elicit change and acceptance within our communities. I invited Larkin and Harmony to present to my SCOE class of future public school teachers last year. This presentation left the audience motivated to be the change within their classrooms and to see our differences as strengths instead of a weakness. These future teachers left inspired to adapt their classroom strategies to be inclusive and welcoming to all disabilities. They are true advocates for a universally designed world where we all can contribute something."