Are you passionate about bringing disability into your school's diversity, equity, and inclusion work, but aren't sure where to start?
Good News! You don't have to reinvent the wheel!
A down-syndrome boy with school kids and teacher sitting in class, playing guitar.

You understand the importance of DEI work in schools, but when it comes

to disability, you want to make sure you know what you're talking about!

You became an educator to make a difference, but your best intentions haven't created the inclusive school culture you had hoped for.

Woman with brown hair looking down at notebook while writing in it with a pen. She wears a white blouse with gray stripes.

 You’re still experiencing…

  • Lack of guidance and  research-based disability awareness materials and strategies
  • Segregation and a lack of a sense of belonging for all students
  • Frustration due to staff and administrative resistance to inclusion
  • A fear that you are not qualified enough to lead the charge for disability inclusion in DEI work

You are capable and competent and CAN make a difference. You just need the right tools. And you know it.

 

You've dreamed of inclusivity, but weren't sure how to be completely inclusive.

 
Stack of books
Stressed School Teacher sitting on chair with elbows on lap and hand under chin. She is white with gray hair, wearing blue pants and lime green shirt.
Confused man has to choose the right arrow to follow. Concept of options, confusion, decision. Man is Black and wearing bright orange t-shirt. Blue wall behind him that has images of arrows pointing in all different directions scattered about.

NO RESOURCES

NO SUPPORT

NO GUIDANCE

Stack of books

NO RESOURCES

Stressed School Teacher sitting on chair with elbows on lap and hand under chin. She is white with gray hair, wearing blue pants and lime green shirt.

NO SUPPORT

Confused man has to choose the right arrow to follow. Concept of options, confusion, decision. Man is Black and wearing bright orange t-shirt. Blue wall behind him that has images of arrows pointing in all different directions scattered about.

NO GUIDANCE

And the things you were taught have not worked, and just don't align with other social justice work.

Yes! Show me the details!

JUST IMAGINE...

 
Disabled schoolboy using digital tablet. He is Black with short hair, and wearing a red and white striped shirt. Other children in background sitting at their desks, working.

Being confident, knowing that you are doing and saying the right things in your DEI and disability awareness endeavors

 

having trustworthy resources that you know actually work!

Teacher in classroom sits with a student and is using American Sign Language to communicate with or teach her student. Teacher has long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail. Student has blonde hair in a ponytail and is paying close attention to the teacher.
Child with a disability works on his own in classroom. He is writing at desk, looking at camera. He is Asian, is holding a pencil, and wears a white t-shirt. Teacher in background is helping other students.

having the support and guidance you need to make a difference!

PICTURE A SCHOOL WHERE...

 
Disabled schoolboy using digital tablet. He is Black with short hair, and wearing a red and white striped shirt. Other children in background sitting at their desks, working.

Being confident, knowing that you are doing and saying the right things in your disability awareness endeavors

 

having trustworthy resources that you know actually work!

Teacher in classroom sits with a student and is using American Sign Language to communicate with or teach her student. Teacher has long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail. Student has blonde hair in a ponytail and is paying close attention to the teacher.
Child with a disability works on his own in classroom. He is writing at desk, looking at camera. He is Asian, is holding a pencil, and wears a white t-shirt. Teacher in background is helping other students.

having the support and guidance you need to make a difference!

"If you care about all kids, you MUST get trained in Beyond Awareness! Make a positive difference in students’ lives now and in the future.”

Carol Green, California State PTA President

Very cool-looking  blonde woman wearing sunglasses smiles and poses for a photo with her white, poofy dog who is looking at her adoringly. Snow in the background.
Placeholder Image

Imagine...

 being able to lead respectful  conversations about disability while not only educating students, but influencing the mindsets of colleagues as well. 
 It's Possible!

Imagine...

 being able to lead respectful conversations about disability while not only educating students, but influencing the mindsets of colleagues as well. 
 It's Possible!

Hey there, I’m Diana.  I’m a teacher in elementary and higher education, an author, speaker, and proud sibling and disability justice advocate. 

After watching my brother, Joaquin, endure a childhood of complete segregation, and then being institutionalized, and seeing all the horrific things he went through, I fought for years to bring him home (See our story here in my TEDx Talk). I also passionately protected the right to inclusive education in my classroom and my school.

Not surprisingly, in addition, since diversity, equity, and inclusion were my thing, I educated my school community with some good old-fashioned disability awareness! I did what I had seen modeled by my predecessors: disability simulations, puppet shows, and inspirational stories. I did this for several years, hosting elaborate school-wide events that drew attention from the media and educational community. 

Unfortunately, the results weren't what I was hoping for. Instead of creating inclusive mindsets, I was creating more pity, apathy, and separation.

Diana Pastora Carson, a Latina woman, sits in a sunlit porch, with laptop in her lap, looking over toward the camera. Long brown hair is pulled back with some draped to front over her shoulder. She is wearing a grey sweater. Blue building in background.

had a Master’s Degree in Special Education as well as two Special Education teaching credentials. I knew a lot about disabilities. But it wasn’t until I started teaching a Disability Studies course at a local college that I really started to understand the experience of disability

I finally began learning about disability from a research-based, social model lens that aligned with social justice. 

I then restructured all of my disability awareness strategies, taking them Beyond Awareness. Since then, I’ve received the honor of Teacher of the Year at my school, two awards from the California PTA, and a Challenge Coin from my district superintendent. But more importantly, my school culture completely changed. There is a school wide respect for all students, a general spirit of kindness and diversity appreciation, and a desire to be more inclusive. And all the while, I’ve felt so empowered by my new understanding of the disability experience and disability awareness that truly matters. 

Over the years, I’ve continued to learn and evolve, and now I’ve captured the foundations of going way beyond simple “awareness” in my Beyond Awareness Digital Course.

 

I'm now on a mission to bring my Beyond Awareness movement to classrooms and schools around the world!

 
Joaquin and Diana Carson, siblings, stand in an embrace. Joaquin is wearing a hoodie and a baseball cap and stands tall, smiling as he looks into distance, while his much shorter sister looks up at him, smiling with her hand on his chest as she hugs him. Diana wears a flowery, flowy blouse and her long brown hair hangs back as she lucks up to her brother.
Joaquin Carson, a handsome Latino wearing an SDSU beanie, smiles next to his sister, Diana, who is wearing an SDSU baseball cap and has a beaming smile on her face.
Joaquin and Diana Carson, siblings, stand in a parking lot, both wearing coats. Joaquin is wearing a beanie. Diana is hugging him tightly and smiling.
Diana Pastora Carson, a Latina woman, sits in a sunlit porch, with laptop in her lap, looking over toward the camera. Long brown hair is pulled back with some draped to front over her shoulder. She is wearing a grey sweater. Blue building in background.

Hey there, I’m Diana.  I’m a teacher in elementary and higher education, an author, speaker, and proud sibling, and disability justice advocate. 

After watching my brother, Joaquin, endure a childhood of complete segregation, and then being institutionalized, and seeing all the horrific things he went through, I fought for years to bring him home (See our story here in my TEDx Talk). I also passionately protected the right to inclusive education in my classroom and my school.

Not surprisingly, in addition, since diversity, equity, and inclusion were my thing, I educated my school community with some good old-fashioned disability awareness! I did what I had seen modeled by my predecessors: disability simulations, puppet shows, and inspirational stories. I did this for several years, hosting elaborate school-wide events that drew attention from the media and educational community. 

Unfortunately, the results weren't what I was hoping for. Instead of creating inclusive mindsets, I was creating more pity, apathy, and separation.

I had a Master’s Degree in Special Education as well as two Special Education teaching credentials. I knew a lot about disabilities. But it wasn’t until I started teaching a Disability Studies course at a local college that I really started to understand the experience of disability

I finally began learning about disability from a research-based, social model lens that aligned with social justice. 

I then restructured all of my disability awareness strategies, taking them Beyond Awareness. Since then, I’ve received the honor of Teacher of the Year at my school, two awards from the California PTA, and a Challenge Coin from my district superintendent. But more importantly, my school culture completely changed. There is a schoolwide respect for all students, a general spirit of kindness and diversity appreciation, and a desire to be more inclusive. And all the while, I’ve felt so empowered by my new understanding of the disability experience and disability awareness that truly matters. 

Over the years, I’ve continued to learn and evolve, and now I’ve captured the foundations of going way beyond simple “awareness” in my Beyond Awareness Digital Course.

Joaquin and Diana Carson, siblings, stand in an embrace. Joaquin is wearing a hoodie and a baseball cap and stands tall, smiling as he looks into distance, while his much shorter sister looks up at him, smiling with her hand on his chest as she hugs him. Diana wears a flowery, flowy blouse and her long brown hair hangs back as she lucks up to her brother.

I'm now on a mission to bring my Beyond Awareness movement to classrooms and schools around the world!

Joaquin Carson, a handsome Latino wearing an SDSU beanie, smiles next to his sister, Diana, who is wearing an SDSU baseball cap and has a beaming smile on her face.

AS SEEN ON...

 
Ted x logo
ABILITY magazine logo
Awareness ties aware now logo
Cal matters logo
Inclusive education project logo
Psychology today logo
 

The truth is
you really can influence your school to become more inclusive, and here's how…

Beyond awareness logo

The classroom-tested, research-based system for teachers who are ready to inspire and change their school culture to one of openness, diversity appreciation, and inclusion.

This isn’t just a course, it’s a movement!
Collection of Beyond Awareness resources sprawled out in a fan formation for display

Perfect for ALL Teachers!

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
  • Special Ed
  • New
  • Seasoned
Yes! Tell me more!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
 
Boy with dark hair uses a walker and smiles as his arms are in motion as he walks.
What We’ve Always Done and Why It Doesn't Help

Step away from the traditional models of disability awareness (which are counterproductive and often ableist). Learn research-based, best practices that truly make a difference.

Walk away with the foundational understanding of the disability experience so you can model and teach your students how to interact with and support their peers with disabilities.

Disability Models

Learn the two main models of disability and how the “new” model leads to social justice and inclusion.

Portray disability from a research-based Disability Studies perspective of diversity, access, equity, and inclusion.

What Is Ableism and Why Does It Matter?

Flip the switch from ableism to anti-ableism, pro-dignity, and pro-inclusion! Learn the common ableist practices and how to turn them around. Become the model of dignity and inclusion for your students!

Be an ally! Be proactively anti-ableist!

Access & Inclusion

Discover why access and inclusion are critical for your students with disabilities. Teach your students about how access is critical for inclusion to work. They’ll carry this lesson with them throughout their lives!

Give your students the best with access and inclusion.

Girls sitting in wheelchair reading book together. Blonde girl with pig tails is on bottom. Brown-haired girl with pink headband  sits in her lap holding the open book.
Assistive Technology

Take access and inclusion to the next level with assistive technology. Learn how  assistive technology is a foundational point of access for many people with disabilities.

★ Give your students a complete appreciation for diversity and the benefits of assistive technology.

Disability History

Think of this as your roadmap to becoming a true disability justice advocate. After this lesson, you’ll truly “get it” and see why it’s so important to know this and teach it to your students, faculty, and staff.

Your “go-to” guide to becoming an informed disability advocate!

Disabled pupil smiling at camera in classroom. Boy is Black with short hair, and wearing gray t-shirt, holding pencil.
Respectful Language 

Avoid embarrassing interactions with people with disabilities by learning what to say and what not to say. Learn how to speak in a respectful and inclusive way.

Learn the respectful way to speak with and about students and other people with disabilities.

Choosing the Right Books & Resources

Learn how to screen classroom books and resources to make sure you're choosing resources that take students beyond simple awareness of differences, but further the work of creating access and inclusion in our communities.

Fill your classroom with books and resources that are anti-ableist and create awareness of  access, equity, inclusion, and justice for all.

Consider this your key to

opening a world to a more inclusive school

culture and future for your students!

Watch students interact with and support their peers in a way that builds morale among your students

Know exactly what to say to your colleagues and students so that they understand their power in contributing to the life quality of all

Learn the essential ingredients to a pro-inclusion culture and campus environment

Leave school each day feeling fulfilled and supported, knowing your students are getting the best!

Joaquin and Diana Carson, siblings embrace as they pose for a picture during a walk. Joaquin is wearing a baseball cap and sweatshirt with his backpack. Diana wears a flowy blouse and dark sunglasses. Both are smiling.

"What you have done here at McMillin for the past 18 years has made a tremendous difference in our students and in our school culture. I know this not only because of the students who walk the halls each day with a kindness and inclusive spirit that is unique to our campus, but also because my own son who attended school here from kindergarten through 6th grade, and who is now an EMT, is completely comfortable, compassionate, and capable  when serving his patients with disabilities. This Beyond Awareness work has done a great, life-long service to our students, and to our community."

Cynthia Orr, Principal, McMillin Elementary

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Placeholder Image

SHOW OFF JUST HOW MUCH

Easier, lighter, happier, better things will be when this solution is placed into their lives.
 

PLUS THESE AMAZING BONUSES

 

BONUS MODULE

Finding Perfect Guest Speakers

In this bonus module, I'm sharing all my tips and scripts to find the perfect guest speakers to bring in to your classroom, school, or Beyond Awareness event. 

VIDEO LIBRARY

ABILITY  Magazine's ADA 30th Anniversary Interviews

I've compiled some of my favorite interviews from my ABILITY Magazine ADA 30th Anniversary interview series. Meet some of the most amazing disability advocates in the world!

RESOURCE TOOLKIT

Get Your School
On Board Toolkit

You don't need to be nervous about trying to get your school on board with your Beyond Awareness movement. I'm giving you the exact things to say and share to get them as excited as you!

Cell phone with Beyond Awareness resource page pulled up: Finding the Perfect Guest Speakers.
Image of laptop displaying video interview of Judy Heumann. Logo for ABILITY Magazine ADA 30 in bottom left corner.
Various Beyond Awareness resources on display including poster, notes page presentation slide, and information page.

In this bonus module, I'm sharing all my tips and scripts to find the perfect guest speakers to bring in to your classroom, school, or Beyond Awareness event. 

I've compiled some of my favorite interviews from my ABILITY Magazine ADA 30th Anniversary interview series. Meet some of the most amazing disability advocates in the world!

You don't need to be nervous about trying to get your school on board with your Beyond Awareness movement. I'm giving you the exact things to say and share to get them as excited as you!

 

“Diana’s Beyond Awareness events are extraordinary. The excitement in the air with the students, staff, and parents always brings a smile to my face, and motivation to share my story not only as a blind athlete, but also my experiences as a community member who succeeds, not just because of my positive attitude, but also because of societal access and inclusion. I’ve seen a lot of disability awareness activities and events. But her events by far make the most sense and are the best out there. Every school should go Beyond Awareness!”

Lex Gillette, Paralympic Silver Medalist

Lex Gillette, Paralympic Athlete, mid-air during triple long jump. People in stands in stadium in background.
Placeholder Image

It's time to create the school you dream of with

Beyond Awareness

the key to opening a WORLD TO A MORE INCLUSIVE SCHOOL!

 
Collection of Beyond Awareness resources sprawled out in a fan formation for display

9 Video Lessons                               (Value $450)
Beyond Awareness Workbook    (Value $50)
Classroom Posters                          (Value $20)
Scripts and Resources                   (Value $50)

Find the Perfect Guest Speakers            (Value $50)
ABILITY Magazine Interview Vault (Value $ Priceless)

Get Your School On Board Toolkit       (Value $50)

TOTAL VALUE = ($670)

 

Regular Price = $197

Limited Time Introductory Price = Only $37

Yes! I'm SOOO Ready!
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explain how this

LIMITED TIME

deal won’t last forever


Are there limited quantities? Limited time? Special offers? Explain and give a reason WHY they must take you up on the offer today.

This is your scarcity. You must have some sort of scarcity to encourage immediate action.

THEY MUST ACT NOW

 

CHECK OUT WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT BEYOND AWARENESS

 
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“All I can say is thank you, Diana, for doing what we all aspired to do when we became educators. You are making a difference with your dedication, your inspiration, and your commitment to educating our students. Awesome!”

Jorge Mora, Administrator, Chula Vista Elementary School District

 
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“YOU are amazing.  Our Beyond Awareness Celebration was so smooth and educational, as always.  Thank you for doing this and having the guest speakers come to our rooms.  It is so important that our kids understand HOW to love and accept others; not just that they should.”

Jil Thompson, 4th Grade Teacher, McMillin Elementary, CVESD

 
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“Transformative teaching must move beyond awareness and acceptance of disability as a collection of impairments, to an appreciation of the importance of diverse minds and bodies, and to enact contemporary curricula that: is inclusive of disability history, culture, arts; and educational content that reduces unintentional prejudices; learns from historical role models, and expands access to technological innovations that embrace our shared humanity. I hope you enjoy Diana’s work as much as I have.”

Dr. Michelle R. Nario-Redmond, Author of Ableism: The Causes and Consequences of Disability Prejudice

 

YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT...

 
Try It Out  Risk Free With Our 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee


We want you to be happy with your purchase. If you're not 100% satisfied with the materials within 7-days, we'll offer you a full refund.

Satisfaction 100% guaranteed seal

summarize what sort of

TRANSFORMATION

happened because of your offer


List out examples that helps your prospect see themselves after they’ve used your product. Help them to see the Cause and Effect your offer can have on their lives.

summarize what sort of

TRANSFORMATION

happened because of your offer


List out examples that helps your prospect see themselves after they’ve used your product. Help them to see the Cause and Effect your offer can have on their lives.

summarize what sort of

TRANSFORMATION

happened because of your offer


List out examples that helps your prospect see themselves after they’ve used your product. Help them to see the Cause and Effect your offer can have on their lives.

summarize what sort of

TRANSFORMATION

happened because of your offer


List out examples that helps your prospect see themselves after they’ve used your product. Help them to see the Cause and Effect your offer can have on their lives.

summarize what sort of

TRANSFORMATION

happened because of your offer


List out examples that helps your prospect see themselves after they’ve used your product. Help them to see the Cause and Effect your offer can have on their lives.

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT

Remind them of the scarcity.
That waiting will have consequences.
 

It's time to create the school you dream of with

Beyond Awareness

the key to opening a WORLD TO A MORE INCLUSIVE SCHOOL!

 
Collection of Beyond Awareness resources sprawled out in a fan formation for display

9 Video Lessons                               (Value $450)
Beyond Awareness Workbook    (Value $50)
Classroom Posters                          (Value $20)
Scripts and Resources                   (Value $50)

Find the Perfect Guest Speakers            (Value $50) ABILITY Magazine Interview Vault (Value $ Priceless)

Get Your School On Board Toolkit       (Value $50)

TOTAL VALUE = ($670)

 

Regular Price = $197

Limited Time Introductory Price = Only $37

Yes! I'm Ready To Be The Change!

"Inviting Diana Pastora Carson to be our closing speaker at our annual statewide disability conference was the best decision we could have made! Her impact was truly electric! She successfully combined exceptional storytelling, powerful emotional appeal, and the universal themes of advocacy for human dignity and disability rights. What a treat for us and our 300+ conference participants!”

Adi Kalika Schaeffer, MBA, Northern Arizona University, Center for Human Development

Adi Kalika smiles as she poses for photo, looking at camera. She has long blonde hair and wears a black professional dress or suit.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

I took an inclusion of students with disabilities course in college, how is this different?

This is totally different. This is all about how we promote disability awareness within our school community. We can be great at including students, and even advocating for full inclusion, and still hold ableist beliefs. We've all been there. I still continue to check my thoughts, words, and actions on a daily basis. But I would not be conscious of a need to do this without the foundational work I've done through disability studies research and relationships with a diverse array of friends and colleagues who experience disability.

This course will teach you everything I've learned so far, and put you in a position to inspire inclusion among students, staff and administration, year after year.

 
I’ve tried to talk to the faculty and administration at my school about inclusion, but nothing changed. Will this course help me get the faculty and administration on board? How?

Yes! I know it can be tough to try to get everyone on board, that's why I've included the "Get Your School On Board Toolkit". Inside this toolkit, I've created a Done-For-You presentation with speaker notes so you know exactly what to say to get your school on board!

 
Between writing lesson plans, grading papers, and teaching I don’t have a lot of time. How much time will I need for the course?

I know how busy being a teacher is. I’ve created this course so the lessons are short and easy to go through. Most of the lessons are less than 20 minutes. You can watch the lessons one at a time or watch a few and come back later.

 
The students in my school don’t include the students with disabilities. How will this course help me teach the students to include the students with disabilities?

The students don’t include students with disabilities because they don’t know how to respond or react to them. And they haven't been taught, truly taught, why it's important. After going through this course, you’ll be able to teach these crucial concepts to your students.

 
Do I need to be a special ed teacher to take this class?

No! When I started the Beyond Awareness movement in my classroom, I was a general ed teacher. As long as you’ve got a desire to create an inclusive school, this course is for you!  No matter your background, if you are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and you follow my teachings, then you are qualified. I believe in you!

 
If I’m not ready to bring in guest speakers, will I still be able to create a change in my school without bringing them in?

Yes! You can definitely facilitate a culture shift without bringing in guest speakers. After taking this course, you’ll find that it’s the little things you do every day in your classroom that can create a big difference. Bringing in guest speakers is icing on the cake that at some point, you may be ready to try!

 
What if I don’t have students with disabilities in my class, but I’m passionate about inclusion, is this course for me?

Yes! Yes! Yes! If you’re passionate about inclusion, this course is a must have! You’ll be able to teach your students how to speak about disability, how to respond to people with disabilities and so much more. Change begins with you and what you teach your students.

 
Do you offer group rates?

Yes! Reach out to me at [email protected]. We'll discuss your needs.

 

THE TIME IS NOW

Your students and colleagues are waiting for you!


Things aren't going to change or get better until someone takes a stand.
You're on this page because you're ready to make a difference!
Your school can't do it without you. You are the one whose passion will lead the way! It's time to create a change,
one that will make a lifelong difference for all the students in your school.
Today can be the start of a new world!

BE THE DIFFERENCE!

It's time to create the school you dream of with

Beyond Awareness

the key to opening a WORLD TO A MORE INCLUSIVE SCHOOL!

 
Collection of Beyond Awareness resources sprawled out in a fan formation for display

9 Video Lessons                               (Value $450)
Beyond Awareness Workbook    (Value $50)
Classroom Posters                          (Value $20)
Scripts and Resources                   (Value $50)

Find the Perfect Guest Speakers            (Value $50)

ABILITY Magazine Interview Vault (Value $ Priceless)

Get Your School On Board Toolkit       (Value $50)

TOTAL VALUE = ($670)

 

Regular Price = $197

Limited Time Introductory Price = Only $37

Yes! I'm Ready To Be The Change!

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