Inclusion, Caregiving, and Building Stronger Communities: A Conversation with MERGE Inclusion Consulting

This summer, I had the chance to sit down with Lisa Drennan, founder of MERGE Inclusion Consulting, for one of the most eye-opening conversations I’ve had in a long time. We both come from different angles of supporting families, but our goals are the same: creating access, joy, and confidence for people with disabilities and their caregivers.

We called it Coffee & Connection—and it truly felt like two colleagues pulling up a chair to dig into real talk about what inclusion and caregiving actually look like day-to-day.

What Inclusion Really Means (And What It Doesn’t)

One of the first things Lisa shared really stuck with me: inclusion isn’t a program, a staff member, or a day on the calendar.

It’s not “oh, we hired an inclusion coordinator, so we’re set.” It’s a mindset and a culture shift. It’s the daily, intentional work of ensuring everyone—kids, teens, adults, seniors—can meaningfully participate side by side with their peers.

Lisa’s phrase, “Inclusion is in all, for all, by all,” summed it up perfectly.

• In all: Every setting matters—programs for kids, opportunities for seniors, even employment.

• For all: Strategies that support people with disabilities also benefit everyone. (Think visual schedules—they help kids with autism, but they also help every child know what’s coming next.)

• By all: Inclusion isn’t the job of one staff member. It takes everyone—from front-line staff to executive directors—committing to the work.

  
  

This way of thinking pushes us past tokenism or “separate but equal” programming. True inclusion becomes part of the DNA of an organization.

Why Caregiving Support Matters Too

This connects directly to what I do at Foundation First Physical Therapy. As a physical therapist, I’ve worked with kids with disabilities for over a decade. But when I became a parent myself, my lens shifted. I realized that supporting the whole family is just as important as supporting the child.

That’s why I created my Caregiver Coaching Program. It’s a six-month hybrid program where I come into families’ homes, walk alongside them, and help prevent burnout. We cover:

• Safe lifting and body mechanics (so your back doesn’t give out before your child graduates high school).

• Home accessibility tweaks that make daily life easier.

• Strategies for navigating IEP meetings and medical systems without drowning in red tape.

• Building sustainable routines that reduce stress instead of adding to it.

  
  

Caregivers deserve to feel confident, supported, and balanced—not like they’re barely hanging on.

If you’re not sure what your caregiving routine is costing you physically and emotionally, my free Routine Audit is a great place to start.

Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference

During our chat, Lisa and I compared notes on how even small changes can open doors for families.

For organizations, it might mean normalizing the process of asking for accommodations. Instead of a parent having to advocate after the fact, make it part of every sign-up form: “What do you need to participate successfully?”

For families, it could be as simple as stacking a self-care routine onto something you already do every day. For example: taking three deep breaths while washing your hands. Tiny moments of mindfulness can keep you grounded in the middle of chaos. It’s not about adding more tasks to an already heavy load. It’s about weaving support into what you’re already doing.

The “One More Thing” Problem

Something I emphasized in our talk is that when professionals (like me, or any therapist) make a recommendation, to a caregiver it’s often just one more thing.

That new exercise, that extra form, that suggested routine—it doesn’t land in a vacuum. It lands on top of school drop-offs, insurance calls, dinner prep, sibling needs, and everything else already on the plate.

That’s why in my coaching program, I don’t hand families a stack of new checklists. I help them integrate strategies into their real lives so they’re actually doable. Because what good is advice if it never makes it out of the notebook?

Listening First, Always

One of the strongest threads connecting our work is the power of listening. Lisa shared how organizations often stumble because they assume what families need, instead of asking and responding with “how can we make this work?”

I see the same thing in caregiving. When I walk into a home, my first step isn’t to start prescribing changes. It’s to listen:

• What’s working for you right now?

• What feels impossible?

• Where do you feel the most stress in your body and in your day?

  
  

From there, we build solutions together. That’s how trust grows—and how support actually sticks.

Building a Community of Collaboration

One of my biggest takeaways since launching Foundation First PT and my caregiver coaching program is how collaborative this community really is.

I was nervous at first that other professionals might see me as competition. But almost every single person I’ve spoken with has been eager to collaborate, refer, and support one another.

That’s how I found Lisa and MERGE. And that’s how we create systemic change: one conversation, one partnership, one family at a time.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re a caregiver wondering whether support like this could make your life lighter, here are some easy next steps:

• Take the free Routine Audit to see where your energy is going.

• Explore the Caregiver Coaching Program to see if it’s the right fit for your family.

• Book a free Discovery Call so we can talk through your unique situation.

  
  

And if you’re a community leader or organization looking to learn more about inclusion, definitely check out Lisa’s work at MERGE Inclusion Consulting. Her resources are practical, inspiring, and transformative.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both Lisa and I believe the same thing: inclusion and caregiver support aren’t extras. They’re essentials.

When families feel supported and when communities commit to inclusion, everyone benefits. Kids thrive, caregivers stay healthier, and communities grow stronger.

So whether you’re a parent, a therapist, or a community leader: the question isn’t if we should build more inclusive, supportive spaces. The question is how soon can we start?

✨ Want to chat more about how caregiver coaching could help you? Book your free discovery call here.

The Importance of Community Engagement

Community engagement is vital for fostering inclusion. When organizations actively involve families, they create a sense of belonging. This belonging is essential for both caregivers and individuals with disabilities.

Building Trust Through Engagement

Engagement builds trust. When families feel heard, they are more likely to participate. Organizations can host events that invite feedback. This feedback loop helps tailor services to meet the community's needs.

Creating Inclusive Spaces

Inclusive spaces are not just physical locations. They are environments where everyone feels welcome. Organizations should assess their spaces regularly. This ensures they meet the needs of all community members.

The Role of Education

Education plays a crucial role in fostering inclusion. Training staff on disability awareness can change perceptions. Workshops can help staff understand the importance of inclusion. This knowledge can lead to better interactions with families.

Advocating for Change

Advocacy is key to creating systemic change. Families should feel empowered to voice their needs. Organizations can support this by providing platforms for advocacy. This can include community forums or online discussions.

Conclusion

Inclusion is a journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing effort and commitment. By engaging with families and communities, we can create a more inclusive world. Together, we can make a difference.

Let’s start this journey today!