What’s the best way to create a world where people with learning differences feel truly understood and supported? That’s the question I explored in my recent interview with Bari Levin, Executive Director of the I Am Able Foundation, and let me tell you, the conversation was packed with insight, heart, and motivation.
If you don’t know Bari yet, she’s a powerhouse of knowledge and passion. After spending over 34 years as a special education teacher, mostly working with middle schoolers, she’s now dedicating her time to the I Am Able Foundation. The foundation, founded by Aaron Wolf, focuses on reducing the stigma surrounding learning differences like ADHD and dyslexia through storytelling and community building. It’s clear that Bari’s mission is deeply personal, and her energy for this work is contagious.
In our interview, Bari and I dove into the incredible work the I Am Able Foundation is doing, how they’re helping both kids and adults, and how all of us can get involved. I’m excited to share with you some of the most important things I learned from our conversation, and I encourage you to listen to the full interview on The Vibe With Ky Podcast—streaming now on Facebook, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
Who is Bari Levin?
Bari Levin spent over three decades in the classroom, guiding middle school students through the challenges of learning differences. From teaching direct instruction to building lifelong relationships with her students, Bari’s focus was always on creating a safe space for students to thrive. She helped them understand their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how to advocate for themselves—a lesson many carried with them long after they left her classroom.
Now retired from teaching, Bari is the Executive Director of the I Am Able Foundation, where she continues her passion for helping those with learning differences. She works alongside founder Aaron Wolf, whose vision of building a community around neurodiversity through storytelling has shaped the core mission of the foundation. Together, they are creating real change.
What is the I Am Able Foundation?
The I Am Able Foundation is all about community and storytelling. Their mission is to remove the stigma surrounding invisible learning differences like ADHD and dyslexia by empowering people to share their stories and embrace their strengths. They believe that by sharing experiences, individuals can connect, support one another, and educate the broader community about the strengths of neurodiversity.
The foundation offers empowerment groups, resources for parents and educators, and a groundbreaking campaign called “We All Learn Differently,” which aims to start conversations in schools about learning differences. They also recently launched a new initiative called “We All Work Differently,” focused on neurodiversity in the workplace.
Key Highlights from My Interview with Bari Levin
1. Building Relationships is Key
One thing that stood out to me was Bari’s emphasis on the importance of building relationships with her students. She shared that without a strong connection, students might not feel confident enough to embrace their learning differences or advocate for themselves. That lesson translates perfectly into the work she’s doing now with the foundation—creating a community where people feel seen and supported is the first step in reducing stigma.
2. The Power of Storytelling
The I Am Able Foundation leans heavily on storytelling to shift the conversation around learning differences. During the interview, Bari explained how they’ve created video resources and empowerment groups where people can openly discuss their experiences. One of their most exciting projects is the “We All Learn Differently” campaign, which is designed to foster empathy and understanding in schools. By giving students a voice and helping them share their stories, the foundation is teaching others that we all have unique ways of learning, and that’s something to celebrate, not hide.
3. Focusing on Both Kids and Adults
While much of the foundation’s work centers on kids, Bari reminded me that neurodivergent adults face their own set of challenges, particularly in the workplace. Adults often feel hesitant to disclose their learning differences because of fear of judgment. That’s why the foundation’s “We All Work Differently” initiative is so important. It’s about changing workplace culture to be more inclusive of neurodivergent employees and fostering environments where people can be their true selves.
How You Can Support the I Am Able Foundation
Want to help out? There are a few ways you can get involved:
- Donate: Donations help the foundation continue its amazing work. You can donate directly by visiting the I Am Able Foundation website.
- Spread the Word: Follow the I Am Able Foundation on social media and share their work. Whether you’re spreading awareness about their “We All Learn Differently” campaign or their empowerment groups, every share counts.
- Volunteer: Bari mentioned that the foundation is always looking for passionate individuals to help. Whether you’re a blogger, an educator, or just someone with time to give, they’d love to have you on board.
Actionable Step for You: Start a Conversation
A big takeaway from my interview with Bari is the importance of conversation. If you know someone with ADHD or dyslexia, consider asking them how they learn best. Starting conversations about learning differences can create empathy and understanding in your own community. You never know how much impact a simple question can have.
FAQ: Supporting Neurodiversity
Q. What is neurodiversity? A. Neurodiversity refers to the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, considered part of the normal variations in the human population. This includes ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences.
Q. How can I support neurodivergent individuals in the workplace? A. You can support neurodivergent colleagues by encouraging open conversations about learning preferences, advocating for accommodations, and fostering a culture of inclusion.
Q. How can I introduce conversations about learning differences to children? A. Using resources like the “We All Learn Differently” campaign is a great start. You can also ask children how they learn best and emphasize that everyone learns in their own unique way.
Listen to the Full Interview
If you enjoyed reading about Bari and the I Am Able Foundation, I encourage you to check out the full interview on The Vibe With Ky Podcast. It’s streaming right now on Facebook, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Trust me, Bari’s story is one you don’t want to miss.
Much love. Good vibes. – Ky
