Jane Fischer is a wife, mother of three adult children, and grandmother of four. She has been married to her husband, Al, for more than fifty years. She taught elementary school before deciding to stay at home and raise her children. After twenty years, she earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Montclair University, with certifications as a Teacher of the Handicapped, and a Learning Consultant.

Jane felt strongly that children with special needs have an opportunity to attend religious school so she spearheaded the formation of a special class in her Temple. Suzy was the first child to be Bat-Mitzvah in the class. Jane is very involved with Jespy House, a nonprofit organization that enables adults with intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to lead independent lives. Jane and Al purchased a home in 2004 for Suzy and four other Jespy clients, which enabled them to live an “independent” life with the necessary support. Today, Suzy lives in a condo with adult supervision.

In episode 697 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out about Jane’s journey from elementary school teacher to special education advocate and now author of the new book “If You Knew Suzy”, why Suzy’s story has the power to change the way people think, what Jane means when she says “predictions are not promises”, what she would tell someone who feels like life isn’t going according to plan, what advice she would give siblings of someone with disabilities, how students can make their campus more welcoming for students with disabilities, advice for students who want to become advocates but don’t know where to start, how not to experience burnout as a caregiver, and what Suzy would want our college students to know. Enjoy!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TB64Ig-8Jg