Author: Kathleen M. Cleaver
Published: 2025/02/03
Publication Type: Literature / Review
Topic: Disability Publications – Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis – Introduction – Main
Synopsis: Advocating for inclusive, lifelong disability support, Kaelynn Partlow’s ‘Life on the Bridge’ underscores the urgent need for equitable programs across all autism and disability spectrums, challenging systemic neglect of severe cases.
Introduction
What About Us?
I recently read the book, Life on the Bridge, by Kaelynn Partlow. Kaelynn, diagnosed with autism at the age of ten, writes about her experiences of growing up with autism and her work as a therapist for children and adults with autism. One paragraph in her book hits hard in my experiences as a mother, teacher and sibling living in the world of disability.
Main Item
“Autism is a really broad spectrum with many variances, many rates of progress, many differing needs. Decades ago, a common misconception was that all autism was a matter of being extremely affected, unable to communicate, often institutionalized… and onward the stereotypes would go. However, in our modern autism community, the most vulnerable now have the least representation.” – Kaelynn Partlow.
Continued below image.
The image of the book cover features a person standing outdoors on a wooden bridge, with a background of lush green trees. The person is wearing a white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, accessorized with a necklace. Large white text at the top of the image reads Life on the Bridge, while to the right, additional text states, linking my world to yours as an autistic therapist. At the bottom, the name Kaelynn Partlow is displayed in white text.
Continued…
Kaelynn’s statement about autism rings true for all disabilities. We are reframing our education practices to accommodate Neurodiverse students who show progress in an academic setting while disparaging the special classes and programs for children with severe disabilities. Colleges are opening learning support programs for students with mild to moderate disabilities while the more severe students face the end to most of their services once they age out of the school program and long waiting lists for admission to a quality adult day program due to the lack of funding. It is time that we have a continuum of high quality programs for children and adults nor matter the severity of their disability!
Author Credentials:
Kathleen M. Cleaver holds a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and the education of children whose primary disability is a visual impairment (TVI). During her thirty-year career as a teacher, Kathleen received the Penn-Del AER Elinor Long Award and the AER Membership Award for her service and contributions to the education of children with visual impairments. She also received the Elizabeth Nolan O’Donnell Achievement Award for years of dedicated service to St. Lucy Day School for Children with Visual Impairments. Explore Kathleen’s complete biography for comprehensive insights into her background, expertise, and accomplishments.
Citing Information and Page References
Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): Cleaver, K. M. (2025, February 3). Life on the Bridge: What About Us?. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 8, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/publications/what-about-us.php
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