Mission: Inclusion
Creating Inclusive Literature for All Ages
Megan Craft is a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) from Texas, who has been constantly inspired by the children she has worked with throughout her career. As she got to know children from all walks of life, it became her mission to show the world inclusive characters in literature. Thus became “Mission: Inclusion,” a book series that Megan published on her own to show children everywhere that they are valued and seen. Read below to find out about Megan, how she’s expanding “Mission: Inclusion,” and the rewarding work of creating inclusive literature.
The Start of “Mission: Inclusion”
Megan grew up always knowing that she wanted to help others. As she learned about the different types of jobs that worked with children in therapies, she knew that becoming an SLP was her calling. After school, and working in private practice, Megan thought that she would NEVER enter a school to work with children in that sort of way. However, her path brought her to schools and to the world of writing.
Megan noticed that the families of her clients were all speaking about the same thing – a lack of inclusion for the needs of their children.
“While I was working with families, I was having a lot of the same conversations.They really can’t find toys, books, outfits to support their children, or even find them represented when they go out. At the time, I was not a parent, but now that I am a parent, it hits me even harder.”
Throughout her career, Megan kept coming back to the idea that she wanted to help ALL children be represented. She had always expressed a dream of writing a book. Finally, after 5 years in the school system, she decided to take the leap and get self published.
The Expansion of “Mission: Inclusion”
“Mission: Inclusion” is not just a one-size fits all book series, but is a robust collection of diverse characters for everyone to enjoy. So far, Megan has created Margo and You and Sy and You, while also releasing A Very Merry Mission: Inclusion Christmas.
“The purpose behind each of my characters is to have a lot of the children I have worked with be represented in a book. A lot of them can go to their own bookshelf and say ‘Oh my gosh, they look like me!””
Megan has seen the effect her book has had on its readers first-hand in her own school district. She has been able to share her stories with the students she is surrounded by and has been touched by their excitement for her characters.
“It has been more rewarding than I thought. Last summer, I read my book to some of the self-contained classrooms in my school…One of the students in the class fell out of her chair and was crawling to the powerpoint presentation because she was so excited that the character looked like her!”
The Future of “Mission: Inclusion”
Megan has been learning about self-publishing along the way, but it hasn’t been easy. Now that she feels more comfortable with the process, Megan is able to intertwine her characters’ stories and expand to the possibility of writing about inclusive holidays and seasons.
Megan’s books offer such a unique story for the characters she writes about. Margo and You is a favorite in my household. Margo has a feeding tube, and the story explains that we all do the same things in life, it just may look a bit different.
The way my children react and discuss Margo is refreshing because there is no stigma presented. They love Margo for who she is and know that a feeding tube is a part of life for many people. Margo is viewed as a friend and they discuss what they like to do that Margo does too. They find common ground with Margo and I hope that this translates to their everyday lives.
Megan’s goal is that her clients are represented in literature. However, Megan is creating something even bigger than representation. Megan is providing an opportunity for families to learn together. She is educating her readers on the lives of others in a way that does not isolate her characters’ needs, but celebrates their uniqueness. Inclusion might be Megan’s mission, but understanding and respect for others is what she is offering each and every one of her readers.
Click here to purchase any of the “Mission: Inclusion” books.
Follow “The Most Au-Some Journey” on Instagram to enter a special “MIssion:Inclusion” giveaway starting on 12/14!
Do your kids love Bluey as much as mine?!
Bluey x CAMP is coming to the Philadelphia Area from December 2024 through the beginning of May 2025!
Explore a recreation of the Heeler`s house with hands-on experiences and end your day meeting Bluey and Bingo!
Each month there will be Sensory Friendly times available that were designed by occupational therapists. There will be increased staff to help support those who need it, as well as:
💡Dimmed lights
🎧 Lowered sounds
🎲 Modified games
📍King of Prussia Mall
160 N Gulph Rd, Level 3
King of Prussia, PA 19406
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Families in the Bucks County, PA area - check out @lucentreflections for your family photos!
Lucy was so engaged with my children, and gave my son time to warm up to her and the idea of photos. She was so flexible with our ever changing schedule, and even came to our house where my son was more comfortable.
She is a blessing to the neurodivergent population and giving space and time so that every family member feels comfortable!
Thanks for the beautiful photos, Lucy ❤️
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Did you know that select @chuckecheese locations offer Sensory Sensitive Sundays on the 1st Sunday of each month?
🌟 Opens 2 hours early
🔦 Reduced lighting and noise
🎮 Food and games offered
♾️ Trained and caring staff
Save this reel for locations around the Philadelphia area that offer Sensory Sensitive Sundays! (Not all locations participate so check before you go 🙂)
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Looking for advice on IEPs, 504 Plans, or special education in general? We have you covered!
Come join Bucks County Neurodivergent Family Connects - a FREE monthly support group for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children.
My dear friend @bethiesue23 and I have found so much strength with fellow caregivers and hope to meet more of you as our group continues to expand.
Our July 18th meeting will be a bit different - Educational Advocate, Suzie Showalter, will be coming to speak on all things special education and answer any questions on the need for advocacy in IEP/504 meetings and the rights of our children.
This event is FREE, but please email BUCKSCONDFAMilyconnections@gmail.com or DM me to RSVP. Space is limited!
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🚨 AU-SOME DESTINATION ALERT 🚨
Did you know @legoland.newyork is a Certified Autism Center?
If you are looking for a great deal on tickets for this summer, I have two for you that are available!
- Kids tickets are currently $29 with purchase of a full price adult ticket via the Legoland New York Resort website
- @groupon is also running a 36% savings special with tickets starting at $55.10 for select days this summer
It is hard traveling, especially with loved ones who have extra needs to keep in mind. But finding a great deal on a Certified Autism Center is a great place to start!
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