Think Inclusive Podcast

About the Guest(s): Debbie Taub is the Director of Research at Keystone Alternate Assessment. With a background as a classroom teacher and school forms specialist, she has extensive experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating alternate assessments for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Debbie has contributed to the field of educating children with complex needs through journal articles, book chapters, and professional development trainings. She is an active member of various committees and advisory groups, including the Council to Promote Self-Determination Education and Workforce Committee and the TASH Inclusive Education Committee.Episode Summary: In this episode, Tim Villegas interviews Debbie Taub, an expert in the field of special education alternate assessment. They discuss the concept of alternate assessment and its purpose in measuring the progress of students with significant cognitive disabilities. Debbie shares her insights on how alternate assessment can be a gateway to mo

About the Guest(s): Dr. Cheryl M. Jorgensen is a renowned expert in inclusive education with over 30 years of experience in the field. She worked as a faculty researcher at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability, focusing on inclusive education for students with autism, intellectual, and other developmental disabilities. Dr. Jorgensen is passionate about working with students with Down Syndrome and their educational teams. She has authored numerous books and articles on inclusive education and is highly respected for her expertise in the field.Episode Summary: In this episode, host Tim Villegas interviews Dr. Cheryl Jorgensen, an expert in inclusive education. They discuss the slow progress of inclusive education in the United States and the barriers that prevent its widespread implementation. Dr. Jorgensen highlights the existence of two separate education systems, general education, and special education, which perpetuate the idea that students with disabilities need something different.

About the Guest(s): Russ Ewell is the CEO of Digital Scribbler, the founder of Hope Technology Group, and the creator of the communication app Quick Talk AAC. He is also the founder of EA Soccer, an all-volunteer inclusive soccer program dedicated to empowering both typical and special needs children of all abilities. Russ has been a strong advocate for inclusion and has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports and education.Episode Summary: In this episode, Tim Villegas interviews Russ Ewell, the CEO of Digital Scribbler and the founder of EA Soccer. Russ shares the story of how EA Soccer came to be, starting as a small soccer program for his own children with special needs and growing into a nationally recognized inclusive soccer program. He discusses the importance of community and the impact that sports programs can have on the lives of individuals with disabilities. Russ also talks about the founding of Hope Technology School, a full inclusion s

About the Guest(s): Dr. Julie Causton is an associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Leadership at Syracuse University. She is the creator of the website Inspire Inclusion, which provides resources and support for parents of children with disabilities. Dr. Causton has conducted research on inclusive practices, including the landmark project Schools of Promise. She is a leading expert in the field of inclusive education and has worked with schools across the country to promote inclusive practices.Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Julie Causton discusses the necessary steps for schools to become more inclusive. She shares insights from her research project, Schools of Promise, which focused on transforming schools to be more inclusive. Dr. Causton emphasizes the importance of professional development for teachers and the need to reimagine the service delivery model in school districts. She also highlights the role of the law in promoting inclusive education and shares examples of successful inc

About the Guest(s): Dan Habib is a former photojournalist turned filmmaker. He gained recognition in the disability rights community for his award-winning documentary "Including Samuel," which chronicled the journey of his son with cerebral palsy. His most recent film, "Who Cares About Kelsey," follows high schooler Kelsey Carroll as she navigates her senior year while dealing with a history of abuse, neglect, and ADHD. Dan is dedicated to promoting inclusion and positive behavior support for students with disabilities.Episode Summary: In this episode, host Tim Villegas interviews Dan Habib about his latest film, "Who Cares About Kelsey." They discuss the importance of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) in schools, the challenges faced by students with hidden disabilities, and the need for leadership and systems change. Dan shares insights from his experiences filming Kelsey's story and highlights the transformative power of inclusive education. The conversation also touches on the upcoming

About the Guest(s): Ariane Zurcher is a Huffington Post blogger and the creator of the blog “Emma’s Hope Book,” which chronicles her experiences raising her autistic daughter, Emma. She is a leading voice in the autism community and advocates for inclusion and understanding. Ariane has gained a deep understanding of autism through her interactions with autistic individuals and has transformed her perspective on the condition.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas interviews Ariane Zurcher, a prominent autism advocate and blogger. Ariane shares her journey from knowing nothing about autism when her daughter, Emma, was first diagnosed, to becoming a strong advocate for the autistic community. She discusses the initial reaction to Emma’s diagnosis, the need for a more inclusive approach to autism, and the importance of listening to autistic individuals. Ariane also emphasizes the negative effects of fear-based narratives surrounding autism and the need for a more compa

About the Guest(s): Dr. Paula Kluth is an internationally renowned consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar. She has worked extensively with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. With a background as a special educator, classroom teacher, and inclusion facilitator, Dr. Kluth has authored or co-authored numerous books on inclusive education, including “Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?”, “100 Ways to Improve Inclusive Schools”, and “You’re Going to Love This Kid: Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Classrooms”. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive education and is dedicated to promoting inclusive practices in schools and communities.Episode Summary: In this episode, host Tim Villegas interviews Dr. Paula Kluth, an expert in inclusive education. They discuss the concept of reverse inclusion and whether it can be a stepping stone to authentic inclusion. Dr. Klut

About the Guest(s):Marvin, Sharon, and Dana Fialco are the authors of the Starbella book series.Tara Fialco, the daughter of Marvin and Sharon, is the inspiration behind the series.Tara exhibited a surprising musical talent from a young age and later received a diagnosis of autism.Tara went on to earn a degree in early childhood education and is a self-taught pianist and composer.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas interviews Marvin, Sharon, and Dana Fialco, the authors of the Starbella book series. The series is based on the real-life experiences of Tara Fialco, who showed incredible musical talent from a young age but faced challenges due to her autism. The Fialco family shares their journey of discovering Tara’s talent, navigating her social challenges, and advocating for inclusion and acceptance. The Starbella books aim to inspire children to embrace their uniqueness and create a more accepting world. The episode explores the power of music, the bond between

About the Guest(s): Nicole Eredics is an elementary educator with over 15 years of experience in inclusive education. She has worked in British Columbia, Canada, where she taught children with various moderate to severe abilities in fully inclusive classrooms. Nicole is passionate about equal access to education for all children and has used her expertise to support and raise awareness for inclusive education. She is the co-host of the Inclusive Class Radio Show and regularly tweets at @inclusive_class.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas interviews Nicole Eredics, an experienced educator in inclusive education. Nicole shares her insights and experiences from working in the fully inclusive educational system in British Columbia, Canada, and compares it to the US educational system. They discuss the differences in approach to inclusion, the challenges faced by teachers, and the importance of parental involvement. Nicole emphasizes the need for proper training and s