Season 3 Ep 25: Dianne McConnell, Grace, Gifts, and Special Challenges
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This week on Older & Bolder, Debbie McCulloch welcomes Dianne McConnell, a powerful voice in the world of special education and advocacy. In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode, Dianne shares her lived experience as the mother of two sons with a rare genetic condition that brought about extreme medical needs and total blindness.
Despite the challenges, Dianne found a higher purpose. She earned her PhD in Special Education and became a visual consultant, dedicated to helping families who, like hers, navigate the overwhelming journey of raising children with severe disabilities.
After losing both of her sons—Ben and Erik—within two years, Dianne continued her work with a renewed sense of purpose, transforming grief into advocacy. She speaks openly about the lessons learned, the beauty in unexpected places, and the importance of seeing children with special needs as profound gifts to the world.
Dianne is the author of two books: Could This Be Grace? and Inclusion… It’s Not Just an Educational Buzzword—essential reads for anyone in education, healthcare, or family caregiving roles.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the grace that can emerge from even the hardest journeys.
🌐 Website: www.diannemcconnell.ca
📚 Books: Could This Be Grace? and Inclusion… It’s Not Just an Educational Buzzword