Leyla Strong Foundation: Ashley Marion Turns Lived Experience Into Inclusive Play

A family’s experience becomes a community mission

For Ashley Marion, the founder and executive director of Leyla Strong Foundation, disability advocacy is rooted in family life. A profile published by United We Om traces the foundation’s beginnings to her daughter Leyla’s traumatic brain injury in December 2022. Ashley’s experience as a mother, caregiver, advocate, and concussion survivor shaped the organization’s direction. ^[1]

Based in Jonesboro, Georgia, the foundation describes its mission as supporting families affected by traumatic brain injury through awareness, advocacy, and community support. Its website lists play dates, a Family Relief Fund, an award program, and a support group among its programs. ^[2]

Making room for children to participate

The Inclusive Play Dates Initiative is a concrete expression of that mission. United We Om describes free, sensory-friendly experiences for neurodivergent children and children affected by traumatic or acquired brain injuries. Community partnerships help create places where children can explore and caregivers can connect with other families. ^[1]

The significance extends beyond the event itself. In our view, an inclusive play date gives families something practical to evaluate: whether their child can participate, whether accommodations are considered, and whether connection feels possible. That is a useful standard for community leadership.

Where readers can connect

Readers can explore the foundation’s programs through its official website. Families interested in a play date or support should contact the organization for current details, accessibility arrangements, and availability. The story is one of a mother developing a community response from an experience her own family lived.