Think Inclusive Podcast

About the Guest(s):Kayla Coburn is an inclusive education advocate and former special education teacher, known for her transformative work in promoting inclusive practices within schools. Having taught in both inclusive and segregated classrooms, Kayla brings firsthand experience to her consultancy, "Inclusion Starts Now." She is also a children's book author with titles focusing on inclusion and diversity, aiming to educate young minds on these crucial themes. Her creative efforts extend to her podcast, also titled "Inclusion Starts Now," where she engages in meaningful discussions about educational practices.Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas welcomes Kayla Coburn from "Inclusion Starts Now" for a rich dialogue on promoting inclusive education practices. Both Tim and Kayla share their experiences as former special education teachers and discuss the complexities of working within school systems resistant to change. The conversation delves into practical

About the Guest(s):Liz Zogby is a dedicated advocate in the special education and disability space based in Baltimore City. She is the co-chair of the Maryland Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (MDAC) and the Special Education Policy and Advocacy Project. Liz also co-chairs the special education workgroup with the state superintendent under the Maryland State Department of Education. Her advocacy efforts are deeply personal, inspired by her daughter Hope, who has Down syndrome.Steven Davis is a policy advocate focused on special education reform. He resides in California, has a background in mathematics, and is known for his analytical approach to education data. Steven is dedicated to improving local policy advocacy infrastructures in his community. He founded Disability Almanac and actively engages in discussions and actions to enhance educational inclusivity for children with disabilities.Episode Summary:Join Tim Villegas on the Think Inclusive Podcast as he hosts Liz Zogby and Steven Davis to explore the c

About the Guest(s):Erik Carter serves as Executive Director of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, which aims to promote the thriving of people with disabilities and their families. He joined the Baylor faculty in 2023. His research and writing focus on principle-driven and research-based strategies for promoting full participation, relationships, and valued roles for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).One strand of his research addresses the intersections of faith and disability. Dr. Carter’s work in this area addresses the spiritual lives and flourishing of people with IDD and their families, the practices and postures of inclusive churches, and faith-based partnerships with disability service systems. A second strand explores the pathways to inclusion and belonging for individuals with IDD. He is particularly interested in capturing the reciprocal and lasting benefits that come through friendships and life lived together in community.Episode Summary:In

About the Guest(s):Danny Whitty is a non-speaking autistic advocate who uses spelling to communicate. He has gained attention for his insights into living as a non-speaker and his advocacy for disability rights. Danny is a co-host of the podcast "All Our Brave Hearts" along with his sister, Tara. Their podcast aims to amplify the voices of non-speakers and advocate for more inclusive practices in education and society.Tara Whitty is Danny's sister and his main communication regulation partner. She plays a crucial role in helping Danny communicate and is an advocate for inclusive education and disability rights. Tara holds a PhD in a field unrelated to speech communication, but she has trained herself to be a practitioner to support Danny in his communication journey. Together, they produce the podcast "All Our Brave Hearts."Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of "Think Inclusive," host Tim Villegas converses with Danny and Tara Whitty, shedding light on the transformative power of alternative communicati

About the Guest(s):Tim Villegas is the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE). He is also the founder of Think Inclusive, which is the blog, podcast, and social media handle of MCIE. He has 16 years of experience in public education as a teacher and district support specialist. His focus now is on how media and communications can promote inclusive education for all learners.Episode Summary:Dive into the compelling discussion led by Tim Villegas on the prevalent issue of segregated special education classrooms and the significant need for inclusive education. In this inaugural episode of the 12th season of Think Inclusive, Tim reflects on his experiences as a special education teacher and district support specialist, offering profound insights into why segregated classrooms persist and how we can evolve beyond them. He questions the rationale behind segregated education and champions the cause of inclusive practices for all learners, especially those with complex s

About the Guest(s):Margo Gross: Margo serves as the Supervisor of Equity for Calvert County Public Schools. Her work focuses on identifying and dismantling barriers to inclusion within educational environments, advocating for equity, and ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to thrive.Lisa Quinn: A former special education teacher, Lisa is now the owner and executive director of Reach Every Voice. Her organization focuses on integrating inclusive educational practices and supports that enhance the learning experiences of students with diverse needs.Jennifer Ayers: Jennifer is an instructional coordinator for special education with Cecil County Public Schools. Her role involves coordinating and implementing inclusive education strategies and supporting educators in providing high-quality education to all students.Jennifer Sommerness: Jen is a researcher at the Ties Center at the University of Minnesota. She specializes in inclusive education practices and collaborates with educators to develop st

This week, we bring you a feed drop by our friends at the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE), the Inclusion Think Tank Podcast with Arthur Aston. In this episode, Vikas, a parent advocate, shares his family's journey toward inclusive education for his daughter with Down syndrome, emphasizing the importance of effective communication between parents and educators, the need for tailored resources to support diverse learning styles, and the belief that inclusion benefits all students in the classroom.Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/tZHg3VNf54zTo learn more about NJCIE, go to https://www.njcie.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think Inclusive is off for the summer, but in the meantime, enjoy this feed drop from our friend Savitha Sundar.Host Savita Sundar, a school-based occupational therapist, welcomes guest Dr. Debbie Taub to discuss the Inclusive Education Roadmap. They delve into the benefits of starting students in general education, the importance of inclusive practices, and strategies to support sustainable systemic change. Dr. Taub shares her extensive experience in education and the impact of inclusivity across school systems. They also explore the future of inclusive education and advocate for necessary changes to achieve greater equity and opportunity for all students.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/ESXIBxEtmP-J1iqN5nTN4bzfSoAThis feed drop is Part 2 of 2. Check out Inclusive Occupations wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think Inclusive is off for the summer, but we have feed drops from some of our podcasting friends in the meantime!In this episode of Inclusive Occupations, host Savitha Sundar engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Diane Ryndak, an esteemed scholar and advocate for inclusive education. Dr. Ryndak discusses her personal journey and the experiences that fueled her commitment to creating inclusive educational environments. The discussion covers the Inclusive Education Roadmap developed by the TIES Center, focusing on sustainable systemic change for students with significant disabilities. Listeners will gain valuable insights into best practices, systemic change strategies, and the importance of context in inclusive education.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/UALQNmsWcLsPclvZJ4rnpY-c698?This feed drop is Part 1 of 2. Check out Inclusive Occupations wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About the Guest(s):Ashlynn Rich: Ashlynn Rich is a recent high school graduate with Down syndrome. She graduated with honors and earned the title of scholar-athlete for her involvement in the school’s swim team. She also owns her own small business, Pop Queen Baked Goods. Ashlynn advocates for including students with disabilities in school and the community.Linda Ramirez: Linda is the mother of Ashlynn Rich. She has tirelessly advocated for inclusive education and has fought for her daughter to be fully included in general education classrooms.Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas delves into the bittersweet experience of Ashlynn Rich, a high school graduate with Down syndrome, and her struggle for inclusion in everyday school life and her graduation ceremony. Despite her numerous achievements, Ashlynn faced exclusion during this milestone event, highlighting systemic issues within the education system regarding inclusivity.Ashlynn and her mother, Linda Ramirez, share th

About the Guest(s): Bari Levin is a retired special educator with over 34 years of experience, predominantly working with middle school students with learning differences. He is actively involved with the I Am Able Foundation, focusing on storytelling to remove the stigma associated with neurodiversity. Bari co-leads the We All Learn Differently campaign to foster understanding and empathy for neurodivergent students in middle schools.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas interviews Bari Levin, a seasoned special educator and advocate for neurodivergent students. The discussion dives into the We All Learn Differently campaign, an initiative that leverages storytelling to eliminate the stigma around learning differences in middle school students. Bari shares his insights on the importance of understanding and empathy in fostering a supportive learning environment for all students.Bari Levin elaborates on the origins and objectives of the We All Learn Differently cam

About the Guest(s): Sam Drazin is the founder and Executive Director of Changing Perspectives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive educational practices. A former elementary school teacher, Sam brings firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive school environments. His organization works with schools nationwide and internationally, providing professional development, consulting, and curriculum resources aimed at building more inclusive classrooms and communities.Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas engages in an enlightening discussion with Sam Drazin, founder of Changing Perspectives. Sam delves into his journey from being a classroom teacher to leading a nonprofit that aims to transform educational practices toward inclusion. This episode uncovers the importance of inclusive education, the structural obstacles that educators face, and actionable strategies for cre

About the Guest(s): Loui Lord Nelson, an internationally recognized expert in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), is the author of the bestselling book, "Design and Deliver." A former special education teacher, Loui is renowned for her work on UDL at various levels, including district, national, and international stages. She has been awarded her postdoc by CAST, influenced policies, and educational practices in the US and abroad, including work with the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Loui also hosts the "UDL in 15 Minutes" podcast, where she shares global insights into UDL implementation.Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas delves into the intricate aspects of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with Loui Lord Nelson, a globally recognized UDL leader. Loui shares her fascinating journey, from being a special education teacher to becoming a thought leader in educational practices that promote inclusivity. The episode is a cornucopia of practical

About the Guest(s): April Rehrig is the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, LLC. With over 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher and school psychologist in Los Angeles, April is a licensed educational psychologist and a board-certified special education advocate. She has attended the prestigious COPAA SEAT 2.0 and 3.0 programs and is a certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and Master IEP Coach. Her services include parent advocacy, IEP coaching, and DIY IEP workshops.Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas speaks with April Rehrig, founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, LLC, who shares her profound insights on writing strengths-based IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). They discuss the complications of IEP documents and the importance of reframing special education to focus on students' strengths instead of deficits.Rehrig elaborates on the systemic issues causing confusion around IEPs, including t

Think Inclusive is off this week as we prep for the homestretch to season 11.  This week, we have a feed drop for you from our friends at AMI.  It’s called The Pulse. In this episode: Journalists Amy Silverman and Rebecca Montelion discuss ableism, journalism, and intellectual disability. They explore the importance of plain language in news reporting and the need to include the voices of people with intellectual disabilities themselves. The guests share their experiences working on a pilot project that focused on cognitive accessibility in journalism and highlight the lack of scholarly research in this area. They also discuss the challenges of navigating relationships with caregivers and parents when covering stories about people with intellectual disabilities.  Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/uyq8j83pDlyeEAYJxrRBljRcwo4Enjoy the feed drop from AMI - The Pulse to learn more about making journalism more inclusive and accessible. We will see you back in our feed next week

About the Guest(s): Diane Strand is an accomplished entrepreneur, influential leader in the creative industry, and an advocate for inclusion through the arts. With a rich background that includes credentials from iconic shows such as "Friends," "General Hospital," and "Veronica's Closet," Diane's expertise spans across production and acting. Alongside her professional acting partner and husband Scott Strand, Diane has co-authored a guide to breaking into the acting industry. She is a leading force behind the JDS Creative Academy, a non-profit organization aiming to promote inclusivity and creative learning for individuals with a variety of learning styles, including those with developmental disabilities. Diane's work is centered around her belief in the transformative power of the arts and her commitment to opening up creative opportunities for all.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, Tim Villegas engages in an insightful conversation with Diane Strand, a passionate advocate for in

About the Guest(s): Dr. Emily King is a licensed psychologist with a background in school psychology and a passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals. Her professional history includes working as a school psychologist and providing consultation services for educators and parents. Dr. King focuses on understanding and supporting diverse learners' emotional experiences, utilizing her expertise to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to foster inclusive learning environments. She is also an advocate for parent-teacher collaboration, aiming to improve the education system for neurodiverse students.Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, host Tim Villegas invites Dr. Emily King to delve into the shifting landscape of educational support for behavior in schools. The conversation offers a compelling snapshot of the evolution that has occurred from a deficit framework towards a more inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming approach in classrooms. Vital concepts such

About the Guest(s): Will Parker hosts "Principal Matters: The School Leaders Podcast." With a rich background in education spanning over three decades, Will Parker has established himself as a seasoned educator and an influential voice in school leadership. Having served as a high school administrator for over 13 years and then as an executive director for a state Principals association, Parker boasts an extensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs within educational leadership. In his current role, he dedicates himself full-time to Principal Matters LLC, offering consulting services to principals and leaders across schools in the United States and internationally. His podcast has reached an impressive milestone, boasting 1.4 million downloads and nearly 400 episodes.Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, host Tim Villegas welcomes Will Parker, a seasoned educator and podcaster, to delve into the nuanced world of school leadership and the pressing issues facing p

About the Guest(s): Meredith Villines has 20+ years of working in early care and education and is currently at the Oregon Department of Education in the Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities. Meredith’s primary roles have been a classroom teacher in inclusive childcare and preschools, lead teacher in an Early Childhood Special Education classroom, Itinerant Special Early Childhood Education Teacher and Home Visitor, behavior specialist, trainer, and part-time faculty at Portland Community College.For the past 16 years, Autumn Belloni has focused intensively on working with children from birth to age five and their families and collaborating with staff and community providers who serve this population. Autumn serves as the Director of the Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Program for the Linn, Benton, Lincoln Education Service District. In this role, she oversees and guides various aspects of special education and inclusive practices, leveraging her background as a speech/language pathol

About the Guest(s): Christina Kasprzak and Dr. Megan Vinh are the Co-Directors of the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA). Christina brings her expertise in leading initiatives to develop equitable and sustainable state systems for children with disabilities and their families. Her personal connection to the cause comes from a family that valued community and respect for all, emphasizing the importance of education in life. Dr. Megan Vinh's drive is equally personal, vaulting from family experiences into a professional passion for inclusion as a human right. She co-directs not just ECTA, but also the STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMIE) center, championing proactive and inclusive STEM learning for young children.Editorial Note: Christina Kasprzak is Director of the Trohanis TA Projects at FPG. She serves as Co-Director of the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) and co-leads the FPG subcontract for The Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (Da