Think Inclusive Podcast

About the Guest(s): Allie Tasche is an advocate and leader in the field of inclusive education. With over a decade of experience that includes six years as a classroom educator followed by various coaching and administrative leadership roles, Allie has specialized in systems-level practices for educational equity. Her background includes working in summer camps, group homes, classrooms, and school districts, all with a focus on disability justice and inclusion. Allie has also served as a board member of her local Autism Society, Greater Wisconsin, and currently plays a crucial role within the national team of the Autism Society as the leader of national programs for an affiliate network.Episode Summary: This episode of the Think Inclusive podcast features a fascinating conversation with Allie Tasche, an impassioned advocate for inclusive education and a key player at the Autism Society. The episode delves into Allie's personal journey, the significance of inclusion in education, and the Autism Society's effor

About the Guest(s): Dr. Jodi Asbell-Clarke is an esteemed figure in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) community, particularly in the realm of game-based learning. With a background enriched by working on the space shuttle program for its first 25 missions, she has been pivotal in linking computational thinking and neurodiversity, offering unique insights into the talents that neurodivergent learners bring to STEM problem-solving. Asbell-Clarke holds a wealth of experience and has dedicated her career to advancing equity and opportunities in STEM education through innovative methods such as educational gaming. She is a key member of the Educational Gaming Environments group (Edge) at TERC, a non-profit dedicated to STEM education.Episode Summary: Join us on the Think Inclusive Podcast as we delve into the fascinating intersection of STEM education, game-based learning, and neurodiversity with our guest, Jodi Asbell-Clarke. With an intriguing blend of personal anecdotes and professional i

About the Guest(s): Savitha Sundar, an Occupational Therpaist and Ph.D. candidate, specializes in inclusive practices for students with Extensive Support Needs. With over 15 years in public schools, she’s a champion for inclusive education, leveraging her OT expertise to foster access and participation. At Texas Woman’s University, she mentors future OTs and teaches as an adjunct faculty member. Savitha also serves as the Partnerships Officer at Changing Perspectives, promoting social-emotional learning. She also hosts the podcast “Inclusive Occupations,” inspiring the creation of inclusive communities for children and youth with disabilities.Episode Summary: In this episode of Think Inclusive, Savitha and Tim discuss the nuances of including students with extensive support needs in general education. Savitha unpacks her transition from a traditional understanding of educational practices to pioneering inclusive education methodologies. Her commitment to nurturing social contexts that facilitate the engagemen

About the Guest(s): Dr. Leah M. Kelley is a storyteller, writer, activist, teacher educator, education consultant, and parent who identifies as neurodivergent and otherwise disabled. She was a K-12 public school teacher for over 25 years and has extensive experience supporting inclusion. Her newly published book, “The Person Who Arrives: Connecting Disability Studies to Educational Practice for Teachers, Parents, and Others,” evolved from her doctoral research, which she completed at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. She is currently working as an adjunct professor in the faculty of education - teacher education program at UBC (University of British Columbia) and guest lecturing colleges and other programs and organizations such as CASE (The Canadian Association for Supported Employment). Dr. Kelley’s work focuses on connecting disability studies in education (DSE) to educational practice, strength-based perspectives for supporting neurodiversity, addressing ableism, inclusive practices and pe

About the Guest(s): Sharon M. Draper is an accomplished author and educator, widely recognized for her contribution to young adult literature. Her career as an English teacher spanned over 30 years, engaging with students from sixth to twelfth grade. Draper's literary portfolio includes books that address diverse and compelling topics, with "Out of My Mind" being among her most notable works. She's won awards, including the prestigious Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens. With her lifelong devotion to creating profound connections with young readers through her writing, she has touched numerous lives and inspired countless individuals.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, we are joined by Sharon Draper, an exceptional voice in middle-grade literature whose books have captivated readers around the globe. Draper takes us behind the scenes of her creative process during the conversation, sharing the inspirations and challenges tha

About the Guest(s): Ken Posner is a passionate advocate for the therapeutic benefits of natural stimulation and mindfulness, particularly through the practice of going barefoot as part of the "Barefoot Autism Challenge." Although not a professional runner, Ken's fervor for barefoot running, stemming from the energy and joy it offers, has led him to adopt it as a lifestyle choice. With an awareness of neurodiversity and its intersections with physical activities, he champions the experience of going barefoot for both neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals, emphasizing the grounding and process-enhancing aspects it offers.Episode Summary: Ken Posner delves into the fascinating world of barefoot living and its unique connection to the autistic community. Ken shares the origins and experiences of the Barefoot Autism Challenge, a movement initiated by Tyler Leach that endeavors to provide sensory stimulation and support for individuals with autism.Discover how Ken's own journey into barefoot hiking and running

About the Guest(s): Thomas R. Guskey, PhD, is Professor Emeritus in the College of Education, University of Kentucky. A University of Chicago graduate and former middle school teacher, he served as an administrator in Chicago Public Schools and was the first Director of the Center for the Improvement of Teaching and Learning, a national educational research center. He is author/editor of twenty-eight books and over three hundred published articles and book chapters. His most recent books include Engaging Parents and Families in Grading Reforms, Implementing Mastery Learning, and Instructional Feedback.Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Dr. Thomas Guskey delves into the complexities of traditional grading systems and explores the potential of standards-based grading to revolutionize how learners are evaluated. The episode kicks off with Dr. Guskey discussing the gaps between grading knowledge and practices and how the reliance on traditional models has impacted education.The heart of the conversation

Hi Friends. Tim Villegas here from the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. This week, we have a feed drop from a fantastic podcast, Learn with Dr. Emily. Dr. Emily King is a child psychologist and former school psychologist specializing in raising and teaching children and teens diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, and/or giftedness. Each week, she shares her thoughts on a topic related to psychology, parenting, education, or parent-teacher collaboration. The episode I’m going to share with you today features Dr. Tina Payne Bryson discussing the concept of attachment and its significance in child development, emphasizing the role of parents in providing secure attachment, regulating children's emotional and physiological states, approaching discipline as a teaching process, supporting neurodivergent children, and trusting the non-linear developmental process. While this information was directed toward parents, educators can learn a lot from this conversation. Transcript: h

About the Guest(s): Beth Leipholtz is a multifaceted professional and mother, known for her transparent sharing of personal life experiences on social media. She is the author of the children's book, "The ABCs of Inclusion," and previously penned "Hello, Holland," aimed at parents navigating their children's hearing loss. Beth's journey through motherhood, managing her son's deafness, cochlear implants, and use of sign language, forms the crux of her advocacy for inclusion and accessibility. With a significant following on social media platforms, including a presence on TikTok, Beth leverages her story to make lesser-known conditions more familiar to the general public. She is also a website designer, owns a photography business, and is a voice for sobriety, having been alcohol-free for a decade.Episode Summary: In this heartening episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, Tim Villegas welcomes guest Beth Leipholtz to a dialogue that navigates the intertwining paths of personal narrative, maternal advocacy, and

About the Guest(s): Lauren Hough Williams is the Executive Director of the Program for Inclusion and Neurodiversity Education, better known as PINE, an online platform that offers training and support to schools committed to building more neuro-inclusive schools. Lauren is an autism and inclusion specialist and began her career as a special educator for the NYC Department of Education before working for over a decade to define, refine, and expand the NYU ASD Nest Support Project. She partners with the neurodivergent community to shift the special education paradigm from deficits to strengths. Lauren is committed to helping school systems build inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent students. Episode Summary: In this episode of Think Inclusive, Lauren delves into her origin story and how a research-focused professional found her calling in New York City's public schools, ultimately leading her to champion an education model embracing inclusion and neurodiversity. We talk about PINE's structure

About the Guest(s):Lauren Rivera is an esteemed scholar with a focus on discrimination, specifically hiring discrimination, and the complex interplay between social class, gender, and race in social structures. Specializing in sociology, Rivera's professional expertise extends to studying how various forms of discrimination manifest within societal institutions. In a rare blend of personal experience and academic rigor, she has delved into the topic of disability discrimination in educational access through her recent research article published in the American Sociological Review titled "Not in My Schoolyard: Disability Discrimination in Education Access." As a parent of a child with disabilities, Rivera brings a deeply personal perspective to her work, illuminating the substantial barriers faced by families seeking equitable education for their children.Episode Summary:Lauren Rivera shares groundbreaking findings from her study on principals' discriminatory behavior towards families with children with disabi

About the Guest(s):Dr. Andrew Goff was an educator of children with and without disabilities for twelve years before transferring the knowledge and skills he developed as a teacher to his work as a researcher, author, and college professor. He holds a Bachelor’s in child psychology and a Master’s in early childhood education/special education from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He earned his doctorate in leadership for educational equity with an emphasis in early childhood special education from the University of Colorado Denver. Episode Summary:In this enriching episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, host Tim Villegas welcomes Andrew Goff, an advocate for inclusive education and an author who reflects deeply on his transformative experiences in the classroom. Goff reveals his insights on why the classroom should be a place of love and growth for all children, regardless of their abilities. He shares a powerful narrative centered around his experience with a student named Javon, illuminating

About the Guest(s):Robyn Stack Reagan is the CEO of Circle of Friends, an organization with a mission to promote inclusion for students with disabilities and those living with adversity. With her extensive background in working with youth in residential treatment and fostering youth with mental illness, Reagan brings a wealth of experience to the area of inclusive education and advocacy. Her professional journey includes strategic planning and implementation of programs promoting inclusion, reflecting her passion for supporting students and empowering them to appreciate differences and build authentic relationships.Summary:In this episode, Tim Villegas welcomes Robyn Stack Reagan, the dynamic CEO of Circle of Friends, for an engaging conversation that dives deep into the organization's mission and the tangible impact of inclusion in educational settings. This candid discussion unveils the profound effects that fostering genuine friendships and promoting anti-bullying can have on students of all backgrounds, p

About the Guest(s):Jeannie Gainsburg is an LGBTQ+ advocate and author. She has been actively involved in LGBTQ+ inclusion for over 15 years and has worked with various organizations to promote equality and acceptance. Jeannie is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and educating others on allyship.Episode Summary:In this episode, Tim Villegas interviews Jeannie Gainsburg, an LGBTQ+ advocate and author. They discuss their personal journeys to becoming allies and the importance of disability and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Jeannie shares her experiences and insights on being an effective ally, including tips for respectful conversations and using gender-neutral language. They also discuss the evolving nature of LGBTQ+ initialisms and the significance of pronouns in creating inclusive spaces.Also in this episode, Tim Villegas and Tasslyn Magnusson (PEN America) discuss the recent trend of book banning in schools. They discuss the current state of book banning, its impact on marginalized communities, and what educato

About the Guest(s): Elizabeth Biggs, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. She is also an affiliated faculty member of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Her research focuses on improving social, communication, language, and literacy outcomes for students with complex communication needs, particularly supporting their belonging and inclusion.Erin Turner, MA, is an Educational Consultant for the Enhancing Peer Networks Project at Vanderbilt University. As a special educator for 12 years, Erin served diverse schools and districts across many roles. She taught both general and special education classes, led an inclusion program, and served as a district-wide special education coach. She now collaborates with and provides training to educators and school sites to implement the Enhanced Peer Networks Intervention. Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/bgkXTbRTJPDDE78wJfxWcJubJwwSummary: In this episode, Tim Villegas interviews Elizabeth Biggs and Erin Turner about

About The Guest(s):Dr. Kristin Burnette is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at ECU. She has 17 years of experience working with students with extensive support needs and 11 years of classroom experience. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of NC Greensboro, focusing on inclusive education for students with extensive support needs. During her doctoral program, she was a graduate assistant for the TIES Center, the OSEP national technical assistance center focused on inclusive education and systemic change.Christine Bechtel is the Supervisor of Special Education for Carroll County Public Schools and has been in the field of Special Education for 28 years. Mrs. Bechtel is dedicated to equity particularly for students with disabilities, earning a Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Equity and Excellence in Education from McDaniel College in 2019. Among many other roles within CCPS, Mrs. Bechtel currently serves as the chair of CCPS’s District Inclusion Team.Summary: Kristin and Christine discussed

About The Guest(s): Jonathan Cormur is a talented voice actor and the host of the Dorktales Storytime podcast. He has a great passion for storytelling and presents classic fairytales in a unique and geekish way. Jonathan also contributes to the Hidden Heroes of History series, which is part of the Dorktales Storytime feed. Through this series, he highlights important historical figures who are often overlooked.Summary: Jonathan Cormur discusses his work on the Dorktales Storytime podcast, adding a geeky twist to classic fairytales. He emphasizes the importance of authentic representation of disabilities in audio and shares his experiences in voice acting and theater. Jonathan reflects on his journey with autism and the impact of inclusive education and shares his aspirations for his career and the positive message of his podcast.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/XrZ2JnVA7ZmG0Ah7QYXNHvv87oEKey Takeaways:Dork Tales Story Time podcast puts a geekish twist on classic fairytales, promoting positive role models and em

Tim Villegas reflects on the year 2023 and discusses what has gone well and what can be improved upon in the coming year. Tim shares his accomplishments, including finishing "Inclusion Stories" and being part of the Inclusion Today group. He expresses a desire to hear more from listeners and invites them to suggest topics for future episodes. Tim expresses gratitude for the support and feedback from listeners. The episode ends with holiday wishes and a happy New Year's greeting.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/CmSFwxXeqoqtoTiWs5zlfLYdH1M Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About The Guest(s): Arthur Aston is a podcaster and the host of the Inclusion Think Tank podcast for the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE). He was born with spina bifida, a condition that affects his mobility, and has dedicated his life to changing the way people see and interact with individuals with disabilities.Summary: Arthur Aston, host of the Inclusion Think Tank podcast for NJCIE, shares his personal journey of living with spina bifida and how it led him to become an advocate for inclusive education. He discusses the importance of inclusive education and the need for students with and without disabilities to learn together. Arthur also highlights the work of NJCIE in providing professional development and consulting services to promote inclusive education in schools.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/dcqHcjhDxPQq3gOnBUbUznydM0cKey Takeaways:Inclusive education is a fundamental right for every student and allows for learning and growth for all.Accessibility benefits everyone, not just ind

About The Guest(s): Heather Avis is an author, speaker, and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome. She is the founder of The Lucky Few, a foundation that aims to shift the narrative around Down syndrome and create spaces of belonging for everyone. Heather shares her personal experiences as a mother of three adopted children, two of whom have Down syndrome, and uses storytelling to challenge societal perceptions and promote inclusion.Summary: Heather Avis and Tim Villegas engage in a thought-provoking conversation about intentional inclusion and the power of storytelling in transforming perceptions. They delve into the challenges and progress in creating inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities, as well as the need to address ableism within the disability community itself. Heather emphasizes the importance of intentional adjustments and thoughtful consideration to foster true inclusion. They also discuss the impact of the fight for inclusion on parents and caregivers, highlighting the need to p