Think Inclusive Podcast

About The Guest(s): Lori Miranda is an advocate for inclusive education and the Director of Pre-K Exceptional Student Education (ESE) in Palm Beach County, Florida. She has been instrumental in implementing inclusive practices for young children with disabilities in the county's school district, Head Start programs, and community centers.Summary: Lori Miranda discusses the importance of inclusive placements for students with disabilities in Palm Beach County. She explains that the traditional model of removing students from their natural environments and sending them to separate special education programs was disruptive and limited their opportunities for socialization and learning. To address this issue, Palm Beach County implemented a collaborative approach, partnering with community centers and Head Start programs to provide inclusive education for young learners with disabilities.Miranda highlights the challenges they faced in implementing this model, including concerns about behavior management, funding,

About The Guest(s): Brad Cohen is an educator, author, and motivational speaker. He has Tourette Syndrome and has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals with disabilities. Brad has written a book called "Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had," and his story has been made into a movie. He has also worked as a mascot for the Atlanta Braves.Summary: Brad Cohen, an educator with Tourette Syndrome, shares his experiences and insights on working with individuals with disabilities. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance, dispelling misconceptions about Tourette's, and providing support for students with neurological disorders. Brad also discusses his own journey as an educator and the impact he has made in the lives of others.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/ye6nk1AR0hWIVABR-pqZMwXjDTkKey Takeaways:Misconceptions about Tourette's include viewing it as a behavior problem and assuming individuals with Tourette's are disabled.Educators should educate t

About The Guest(s): Valerie Williams is the Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education. She is passionate about early childhood inclusion and ensuring that all children have access to quality education.Summary: Valerie Williams, Director of OSEP, discusses the importance of inclusion in early childhood education. She shares a personal story about finding the right preschool for her son with Down syndrome and highlights the need for a mindset shift among educators and administrators. Valerie emphasizes the importance of providing resources and technical assistance to support inclusive practices. She also discusses the current state of inclusive education in different states and the need for implementation and accountability.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/aHwtuZFhIyncVjkeHBdVS1Yk-ZcKey Takeaways:Inclusion starts early and should continue throughout a child's education.The mindset of educators and administrators plays a significant role in promoting inclusion.

About The Guest(s): Lori Boll is an inclusive education leader with a personal connection to individuals with disabilities. Her son Braden was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual developmental delay, inspiring her to advocate for all children’s education. Lori has taught in international schools for over 25 years and holds two Masters degrees in Reading Education and Special Education. She is the Executive Director of SENIA International and supports others on their professional development journeys. Her expertise and personal connection help her make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Summary: Lori Boll, the Executive Director of SENIA, an international nonprofit organization, discusses the importance of inclusion in education and how SENIA supports educators in creating inclusive learning environments in international schools. SENIA provides resources, conferences, and coursework to educate parents, families, and educators on best practices for inclusion. They also

This week, we are bringing you a feed drop from School Disrupted with Toni Barton.***In this episode, Toni challenges the education system's approach to inclusivity. Toni kicks off the episode with the controversial sentiment, "...if we fix general education, we wouldn't need special education," and emphasizes the need to fix general education classrooms as essential to improving special education. This episode reveals a troubling reality where students with disabilities often lack adequate support in inclusive settings, shedding light on the absence of accountability and the limited training provided to educators. These hard-hitting truths underscore the significance of disruption and the necessity of redesigning schools where #NoChildIsLeftBehind.***Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/qP2vxjYjdLRMpo8WNh7JeZM7QLAFollow/Subscribe to School Disrupted: https://pod.link/1700326016 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About The Guest(s): Jen Malia is a professor of English and a writer of children's books. She started out publishing literary criticism before transitioning to creative writing. Her interest in neurodivergence and autism led her to write personal essays and reported pieces on the topic. This eventually led to the opportunity to write children's books, including the "Infinity Rainbow Club" series.Summary: Jen Malia, a professor of English and writer of children's books, discusses her transition from academic writing to creative writing. She shares how her autism diagnosis influenced her writing and inspired her to create stories about neurodivergent characters. Jen also talks about the inspiration behind her "Infinity Rainbow Club" series and the importance of portraying neurodivergent kids in everyday situations. She emphasizes the need for acceptance and understanding of neurodivergence and hopes that her books will reach a wide audience, including educators and parents.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/BTHkinT

About The Guest(s): Tim Harris is a motivational speaker, author, and former restaurant owner. He gained national attention when he opened Tim's Place, a restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, known for its friendly atmosphere and Tim's signature hugs. Tim has Down syndrome and has used his platform to advocate for inclusion and spread joy through his positive outlook on life.Summary: Tim Harris, a motivational speaker and former restaurant owner, shares his experiences and insights on inclusion and living an awesome life. Tim talks about his favorite memories from his restaurant, Tim's Place, where he was known as the "king of hugs." He discusses the importance of giving hugs and how he kept track of the thousands of hugs he gave. Tim also opens up about the decision to close his restaurant and the impact it had on his life. He shares his love for public speaking and the joy he finds in bringing happiness to others. Tim emphasizes the importance of dreaming big and standing up for oneself, and he encourages

About The Guest(s): Maya Chupkov is the host of the podcast "Proud Stutter" and a passionate advocate for people who stutter. She is also the Media & Democracy Program Manager at California Common Cause, where part of her work focuses on supporting local journalism. Maya is dedicated to raising awareness about stuttering and creating a more inclusive society for individuals who stutter.Summary: Maya Chupkov joins Tim Villegas on the Think Inclusive Podcast to discuss common misconceptions about people who stutter and her personal experience with stuttering. Maya shares that people often assume individuals who stutter are unsure or not confident in what they are saying and that they are shy. However, Maya emphasizes that she is outgoing and not shy despite growing up being labeled as such due to her stutter. Maya also discusses the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for individuals who stutter and the need for more education and awareness around stuttering.Transcript: https://otter.ai

About The Guest(s):Andy Arias: DEIA expert, national policy advisor, instructor at Georgetown University, actor, and producer.Diego Mariscal: Founder, CEO, and Chief Disabled Officer of 2Gether International, an accelerator that supports disabled entrepreneurs.Emily Ladau: Disability rights activist, author of "Demystifying Disability," and board member of Kids Included Together.Summary: In this episode, Torrie Dunlop hosts a panel discussion with Andy Arias, Diego Mariscal, and Emily Liddell to honor the legacy of Judy Heumann, a pioneer and advocate in the disability rights movement. The panelists discuss how Judy's work has inspired their own activism, the most important issues facing the disability community today, and the impact of intersectionality in disability rights. They also share personal stories and reflections on Judy as a person, highlighting her generosity, humor, and commitment to connecting people. The panelists discuss how they plan to continue Judy's legacy in their own work, emphasizing t

About The Guest(s): Brooke Ellison, Ph.D., is an associate professor of health policy and medical ethics at Stony Brook University. At age 11, a car accident left Brooke paralyzed from the neck down and ventilator-dependent. At 21, she graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in cognitive neuroscience. She received a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and a Ph.D. in sociology from Stony Brook University. A policy and ethics expert in stem cell research, Brooke served on the Empire State Stem Cell Board, which designed New York’s stem cell policy. She is on the Board of Directors of the NY Civil Liberties Union and the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission. Brooke’s first book, Miracles Happen(2002), was adapted into The Brooke Ellison Story, a movie directed by Christopher Reeve.Summary: Brooke Ellison, a disability rights advocate and author of the book "Look Both Ways," shares her personal journey of living with quadriplegia and how it has shaped her und

About The Guest(s): Kayla Taylor is the author of the book "Canaries Among Us," which provides a personal view into the challenges of raising a child with learning differences, bullying, and anxiety. She is passionate about raising awareness and understanding of these issues to create a more inclusive and supportive society for all children.Summary: Kayla Taylor discusses her book "Canaries Among Us," which explores the experiences of raising a child with learning differences, bullying, and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of sharing these stories to create a sense of community and support for families facing similar challenges. Kayla also delves into the complexities of bullying, the power dynamics involved, and the long-term effects on both the targets and the children who exhibit bullying behavior. She provides insights into effective ways to address bullying and create a more inclusive and caring environment in schools. Kayla encourages educators to value and celebrate the differences of all student

About The Guest(s): Andratesha Fritzgerald is the founder and lead consultant of Building Blocks of Brilliance Educational Consulting Firm. As an international speaker, Fritzgerald exhibits an audacious perseverance that calls organizations to evolve into inclusive antiracist safe zones for all learners. With over twenty years in education, she has served as a teacher, curriculum specialist, administrator, and director. Her award-winning book Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success (CAST, 2020) has been a catalyst for UDL to ensure safety and radical inclusion in every learning community.Summary: Andratesha Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of honor in education, where every member is empowered to contribute. Educators should acknowledge and address obstacles for marginalized students and use Universal Design for Learning to accommodate different needs. An anti-racist approach ensures that all students are valued and supported.Transcript: https://

About The Guest(s): Originally from Edmonton, and now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Dr. Shelley Moore is a highly sought-after teacher, researcher, speaker, and storyteller and has worked with school districts and community organizations around the world, in supporting and promoting equity for all learners. Her first book, “One Without the Other” is a best seller and her new book is scheduled to come out in 2023. Shelley completed her undergraduate degree in Special Education at the University of Alberta, her masters at Simon Fraser University, and recently received a PhD from the University of British Columbia. Summary: Dr. Shelley Moore, an inclusive education researcher and consultant, discusses the importance of inclusive practices in secondary schools. She shares her research findings on the key factors that contribute to successful inclusion, including positive attitudes, placement in inclusive classrooms, shared community and learning experiences, purposeful goals, and planning for all stu

About The Guest(s):Michael Boll is a technology coach and educator who specializes in AI and its applications in education. He has a background in technology and has been providing professional learning experiences for educators on AI.Summary:Michael Boll discusses the misconceptions about AI in education and how it can be used to benefit students. He emphasizes the need for educators to understand AI and its capabilities in order to create a positive narrative around its use. Michael also explores the potential of AI in personalized learning and supporting students with disabilities.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/yQIXsCUbIJHOFnATb4xmVe5RdWkKey Takeaways:AI in education is often misunderstood, with concerns about cheating and the negative impact on teachers. However, there is potential for AI to revolutionize education in a positive way.Educators should embrace AI and learn how to use it effectively to support student learning. AI can assist with tasks such as generating ideas, improving writing, and providin

About The Guest(s):Tany Holzworth is a content designer for inclusive classroom tools at Microsoft. With a background in education and a passion for inclusion, Tany has worked to create tools and programs that support diverse learners and promote accessibility.Summary:Tany Holzworth, a content designer for inclusive classroom tools at Microsoft, shares her journey from being a paraprofessional for students with disabilities to working at Woodland Park Zoo and eventually joining Microsoft. She discusses the importance of inclusion and diversity in volunteer programs and highlights the impact of creating a more accessible and diverse volunteer program at the zoo. Tany also explains her role as a content designer at Microsoft, where she focuses on making products more inclusive and user-friendly for people with disabilities. She discusses the tools she works on, such as Immersive Reader and Reading Progress, and how they can support students with diverse learning needs. Tany emphasizes the importance of language

About The Guest(s)Carolyn is the CEO of the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE). She previously served as the Associate Superintendent for Cecil County Public Schools and has extensive experience in promoting inclusive education. Carol is one of the founders and former CEO of MCIE, having transitioned to Director of Special Projects in 2023. She has worked closely with school districts in Maryland and other states to promote systems change and school transformation. SummaryIn this episode of Think Inclusive, Tim interviews Carolyn and Carol as they discuss the organization's history and its partnership with school districts since 1990. They highlight the importance of leadership in sustaining inclusive education and share success stories of students who have thrived in inclusive classrooms. The guests also discuss the challenges and trends in the educational landscape, including the focus on equity and the need for universal design for learning. They emphasize the need for comprehensiv

About The GuestDJ Nicholson is an experienced educator and advocate for inclusive education. She has a background in special education and has worked with students with disabilities for many years. DJ is passionate about finding innovative ways to support learners with disabilities and believes that technology, including AI, can play a crucial role in creating inclusive learning environments.SummaryIn this episode, DJ Nicholson and Tim Villegas discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting learners with disabilities. They explore the potential benefits of AI in leveling text and making reading more accessible for students with different reading abilities. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of using AI in the classroom, as well as the importance of individualized learning and student choice. The conversation highlights the need for educators to embrace AI as a tool to enhance learning experiences and promote independence for students with disabilities.Otter.ai Transcript: https:

Education Manager Discusses Importance of Inclusion in SchoolsAbout The Guest(s)Luvy Jenkins is the Education Manager and Medical Outreach Manager at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT). With a background in special education, Louie is passionate about promoting inclusion and providing resources and support to educators and families of children with Down syndrome.SummaryLuvy Jenkins, Education Manager at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT), discusses the importance of inclusion in education and the barriers that families face in achieving inclusive education for their children with Down syndrome. Luvy highlights the need for support and training for teachers, as well as the role of school administrators in promoting inclusion. She also shares her experience working at the RISE School, an inclusive preschool that values diversity and fosters social-emotional growth in all students.Otter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/CVrpixuuv2CMxLFVOkS13nGBnkgKey TakeawaysInclusion is

Disabled artists advocate for inclusive education through art and storytelling.About The Guest(s)Oaklee Thiele is a young artist and disability advocate. She co-founded The My Dearest Friends Project with DisArt in March 2020 to create a public platform where disabled people could share their stories and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.Lawrence Carter-Long is the Director of Communications for DisArt and has a background in disability advocacy. He joined the organization in 2022 and has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of The My Dearest Friends Project.SummaryOaklee and Lawrence discuss The My Dearest Friends Project and its connection to the Nothing Special campaign. The project was created to provide a platform for disabled people to share their stories and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hashtag #NothingSpecial was developed to challenge the idea that inclusive education is something special and should be the norm. The project aims to collect stories from disabled

Looking for conversations about inclusive education and what it looks like in the real world? We've got you covered. Stay tuned to your feeds for new weekly episodes. Season 11 is coming soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.