Empowering Inclusion: Drew Ann Long’s Journey with Caroline’s Cart

Welcome to The Jeff Bradbury Show, featuring conversations with the creators who are shaping the future of learning. In this inspiring conversation, Drew Ann Long shares her journey as a mother of a child with special needs and the creation of Caroline's Cart, a shopping cart designed for individuals with disabilities. She discusses the challenges she faced in manufacturing, the importance of community support, and the impact of her advocacy on families. Drew emphasizes the need to own one's journey and the ripple effect of fighting for inclusion and accessibility. They discuss the journey of building a brand that matters, the lessons learned from [Specific Challenge Guest Faced], and the strategies [Guest Name] used to create a lasting impact on the world of education. Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

• Strategic Vision for Digital Learning:Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
• Curriculum Design and Implementation:Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
• Effective Instructional Coaching:Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Key Takeaways:

• Drew Ann Long invented Caroline's Cart, a shopping cart designed for individuals with special needs.
• Raising a child with disabilities requires significant life adjustments.
• Community support plays a vital role for parents of children with disabilities.
• Drew overcame substantial obstacles in manufacturing Caroline's Cart.
• Corporate America frequently overlooks the needs of the special needs community.
• Drew's story highlights the power of persistence and unwavering belief in one's mission.
• "No" is merely a word—don't allow it to limit your potential.
• Drew urges parents to embrace their journey and advocate for their children's needs.
• Individual advocacy creates ripple effects that benefit the broader community.
• Drew's journey offers inspiration for both parents and entrepreneurs.

Chapters:

• 00:00Introduction to Drew Ann Long and Caroline's Cart
• 02:12Drew's Journey into Special Needs Parenting
• 10:00The Introduction of Caroline's Cart
• 18:48Overcoming Challenges in Manufacturing
• 25:57