Autism Inclusion in the Arts

EPISODE 11:

As many people in the autism community know, inclusion is a large and important topic. Art is also a topic that comes up in many conversations. But what about inclusion in the arts? In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Kelsey Brown. She is a speech-language pathology student, access advocate, and children’s book author. She currently resides in Boston, MA where she is a Master’s candidate in Communication Disorders at Emerson College, and is interning with the Augmentative Communication Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. She has also spent the last year as the Access and Inclusion Apprentice at Imagination Stage.

 

BIO

Kelsey Brown is a speech-language pathology student, access advocate, and children's book author. Originally hailing from Lexington, KY, Kelsey currently resides in Boston, MA where she is a Master's candidate in Communication Disorders (Emerson College). When not studying, writing reports, or promoting her book, Kelsey enjoys seeing theatre, reading, and eating tacos.

A graduate of The University of Georgia with degrees in Theatre and Communication Sciences and Disorders, Kelsey currently interns with the Augmentative Communication Program at Boston Children's Hospital as well as the Access Champions Podcast and spent the last year as the Access and Inclusion Apprentice at Imagination Stage. When she grows up, Kelsey wants to split her time as a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist and Art Access Consultant.

​In addition to her work in communication disorders and arts access, Kelsey has teamed up with her best friend and illustrator Joseph Wrightson to write a book! Come On, Calm! is a whimsical new children's book encouraging readers of all abilities to self soothe through sensory and breathing tasks.

 

CONCLUSION

Inclusion in the arts is so important for artists and performers with disabilities. Every artist, no matter what their background or disability, can share their diverse range of experiences and talents with others. Every artist can be celebrated, and we can all learn about and appreciate their gifts.

 

For more information on Kelsey’s book, please visit: http://kelseyrosebrown.com/comeoncalm.html