Think Inclusive Podcast

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.

Hi Friends. Tim here with another feed drop for you. This time it’s Beyond Awareness: Disability Awareness That Matters, hosted by Diana Pastora Carson. Some of you may remember we had Diana on Think Inclusive in February of 2022 to talk about her journey as an educator advocating for inclusive education and bringing her brother Joaquin home from living in an institution.  https://pod.link/583456652/episode/22dbbb5c42a79ab97d8405b316584854Today, I want to share with you a recent episode Diana published with two siblings, Danny and Tara Whitty. Danny spells to communicate and Tara is his communication regulation partner.  Danny uses his finger to point to letters on a letter board that Tara holds up for him. And Tara reads out the letters as he points. Danny also, at times, uses his own voice. If you aren’t familiar with this kind of communication, I’ll share some resources with you after Diana’s interview.  Enjoy the conversation with Diana, Danny, and Tara. Catch

Beth Liesenfeld is an occupational therapist passionate about providing “insider” information of the school’s process and culture to parents in order to increase collaboration between parents and school staff! Her company, The IEP Lab, provides online workshops and courses as well as produces The Parent IEP Lab Podcast.  Here is what we cover in today’s episode: The inequity of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how they often lead to emotional exhaustion for parents and educators. Creating a more collaborative and child-centered IEP process. And how having a vision statement is key for successful inclusion. Thanks for listening, and if you haven't already, please give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListOtter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/jTo1zL4B-kO0j5dd5pVIZ8cI5IQCreditsThink Inclusive is written, edited, and sound designed by Tim Villegas and is produced by MCIE.Original music by Miles Kredich.Support Think In

Raúl Krauthausen has been working in the internet and media world for more than 15 years as a disability-rights activist, founder of the nonprofit organization “Sozialhelden” (Social Heroes), communicator and Design Thinker. The internet is his second home. There he twitters, blogs and posts about things that are important to him. Often humorous, sometimes very serious or sharp-tongued. He has become best known for his invention “Wheelmap, a crowdsourced, online world map for accessible places, as well as his undercover stay in a group home for people with disabilities and his protest against various German laws affecting people with disabilities. Here is what we cover in today’s episode: If there is a difference in the mindset of Americans and Germans when it comes to inclusion and accessibility. A little bit about how Raul got involved with the disability rights movement. And what inclusion means to him and how he’s been promoting inclusion in Germany. Thanks for listening, and if y

As full-time moms and attorneys, Susan Stone and Kristina Supler bring a unique perspective to their practice, leading the Student & Athlete Defense group at Cleveland-based law firm KJK. Susan and Kristina have developed robust special education and reputation management practices. They also represent students of all ages facing academic misconduct and other types of discipline.  Susan and Kristina are nationally published authors, go-to authorities for journalists examining student legal issues and co-hosts of the podcast Real Talk with Susan and Kristina, which explores student issues and offers guidance for parents. Here is what we cover in today’s episode: How Susan + Kristina’s work overlaps with educators interested in promoting inclusive practices and communities. The challenges of providing social support to students with disabilities in college dorms. And some of the topics they talk about on their podcast, Real Talk with Susan and Kristina.  Thanks for li

Colleen Tomko is a parent and advocate for inclusion, a Penn State graduate, a graduate of Partners in Policymaking and president of Kids Together, Inc. an all-volunteer unfunded non-profit. Colleen Tomko believes that all students should have the opportunity to learn and grow in an inclusive environment. She has seen firsthand the benefits of inclusion for her son, Sean, who has a disability. Sean has been fully included throughout his education. He also uses a communication device and other technology. Here is what we cover in today’s episode: Why inclusion is important for all students, regardless of their abilities.  That advocacy is essential for ensuring that all students have access to an inclusive education.  And that everyone has a role to play in creating an inclusive society.Thanks for listening, and if you haven't already, please give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListOtter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/T

In this bonus episode of Think Inclusive, we're talking about our sponsor, Together Letters, a tool that helps people stay in touch with their friends, family, and communities. Together Letters is a simple, email-based newsletter that lets you share updates with your group members on a regular basis. You can use it to stay up-to-date on what's going on in your friends' lives, share your own news and accomplishments, or just connect with people you care about. Together Letters is a great way to build stronger relationships and create a more inclusive community. And if you want to join the Think Inclusive Together Letters group, go to patreon.com/thinkinclusivepodcast to get started. Learn more: togetherletters.comOtter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/NWzZ6t5qolFxZfkfBPgqxAf8RcQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mirko Chardin is Novak Education's Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer. Before joining Novak, he was the Founding Head of School of the Putnam Avenue Upper School in Cambridge, MA. Mirko’s work has involved all areas of school management and student support. His greatest experience and passion revolve around culturally connected teaching and learning, recruiting and retaining educators of color, restorative practice, and school culture. He is also the co-author with Dr. Katie Novak of the bestselling “Equity by Design: The Power and Promise of UDL.” He is available to provide workshops, seminars and trainings on implicit bias, microaggressions, UDL, restorative practice, identity, courageous conversations about race, and personal narratives. Here is what we cover in today’s episode: Why equity is a complex issue that requires a holistic approach The importance of listening to the voices of students Understanding why school should be for kids and not adults Thanks for listening, an

Dr. Kate de Bruin is a professor of inclusive education at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. She has taught in secondary school and higher education for 20 years. In her academic work, she has developed inclusive education courses for the Master of Teaching and Master of Education programs at Monash University. Dr. de Bruin's research focuses on inclusive education policies and practices. She examines evidence-based system-level and school-level practices that promote quality and equity for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities. Dr. de Bruin regularly provides professional development to school teachers and writes for both academics and the general public. She is a member of the Academic Advisory Board for All Means All: The Australian Alliance for Inclusive Education. Here is what we cover in today’s episode: The significant differences between the Australian and American education systems The long history of Australia segregating students with disabilities&nbs

Why be sorry about having Cerebral Palsy when you can throw a party instead? That’s the question AZ Chapman asks in her new children’s book written as an introduction to CP for elementary school learners.AZ Chapman is a writer from California. She was diagnosed as a toddler with cerebral Palsy, which primarily affects her speech and fine motor skills. Chapman is a college-educated woman who earned her bachelor's degree in liberal studies with a minor in special education from California State University, East Bay. Chapman is also a highly ambitious athlete. She started competing in her local Special Olympics program at the age of 13 and couldn’t imagine her life without this amazing experience. She has competed in multiple events, including swimming, track, basketball, soccer, bocce bowling, and golf. Here is what we cover in today’s episode:1. AZ shares why she wanted to write Cerebral Palsy Party2. What her experience in school was like3. And what her hopes and dreams are for the futureThanks for listening,

Hi Friends. It’s Tim Villegas, and for this week, we are switching things up a bit with a feed drop. What’s a feed drop, you ask? Well, let me tell you. It’s where we share a podcast episode made by someone else that we think is great with you right here in our podcast feed. As Think Inclusive listeners, we know that building bridges is important to you, and that is why we think you are going to appreciate this episode. This week we are featuring the Democracy Works podcast, and in this episode, they are talking about civics education in the US. Chris Beem, Candis Watts Smith and Jenna Spinelle discuss the importance of civic learning with Emma Humphreys of iCivics and Ashley Berner of Johns Hopkins. They think that civics education is important because it teaches students about how government works and how they can participate in decision-making. They also believe that schools should teach controversial topics and provide students with the skills to handle them.  The episod

The connection between inclusive schools and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.  On this episode of Think Inclusive, I speak with Simone Morris and Julie Kratz, the hosts of the Inclusion School Podcast. Simone and Julie connected over social media and decided to collaborate on a podcast to talk about the connection between inclusive schools and the DEI space.   Here's what I cover with Simone and Julie in this episode: 1. Why diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are important in schools. 2. Some ways to show up and be allies with people who have been historically marginalized. 3. Why it is important to talk about issues of racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism, with children.  Thanks for listening, and if you haven't already, please give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListOtter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/cr-ZbOzqzCGqkavfuxImphJq4HEPDF Transcript: https://3bd6e695-b492-4878-afa9-

Imagine being an adult and not being able to have a say in your education. This was the experience of Gage Robinson, a young man who has an intellectual disability.Gage Robinson is a 19-year-old college student at Dakota County Techincal College in Rosemont, Minnesota. But the road to college was bumpy. A little bit about Gage. He loves public speaking and has co-presented at several regional, national & international conferences. He runs a nonprofit called Gage Gives Back where he educates others about traumatic brain injury, shaken baby syndrome, and gives back to those places that have helped him get to where he is today.Here is what we cover in today's episode.1) How Gage took on his school district to get the services that he wanted.2) What he said in front of the Minnesota Council on Disability Legislative Forum on Inclusive Higher Education.3) And what support looks like for him in college. Thanks for listening, and if you haven't already, please give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podca

Neurodiversity and podcasting. Two of my very favorite topics.  On this episode of Think Inclusive, I speak with Carolyn Kiel, who is an experienced instructional designer of employee training programs. On her podcast Beyond Six Seconds, she features neurodivergent and disabled entrepreneurs, creatives and advocates who shatter misconceptions, break stigma, and showcase the vibrance and diversity of these communities.  Here's what I cover with Carolyn Kiel in this episode: 1. The meaning behind the title of her podcast, Beyond Six Seconds, and why she made the leap into podcasting five years ago. 2. What it has been like to be diagnosed with autism later in life. 3. What she hopes educators learn by listening to neurodivergent people. Thanks for listening, and if you haven't already, please give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListOtter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/vrPTFWRvAmFm2PIt_qvvrSkg5dIPDF Transcript: https

On to today’s episode. I’m going to replay an interview I did with Julia Bascom, the executive director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. This interview is from 2017. Wow. That is almost six years ago.  Here's what I cover with Julia Bascom in this episode: 1. The importance of self-advocacy for autistic people and how it can help create a more inclusive society. 2. The challenges of autistic people having to advocate for themselves, and how they are often left out of conversations that involve the disability community. 3. The need for allies to step up and support autistic people, to create understanding and acceptance. Thanks for listening, and if you haven't already, please give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListOtter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/jf_oqTJZD4odonI027ZJbwtCJwkPDF Transcript: https://3bd6e695-b492-4878-afa9-f79d8b09e0c4.usrfiles.com/ugd/3bd6e6_831ee827380e4e96824b92e32a713402.pdfCover Art Image Descr

For many years, “chingona” was a derogatory term used to describe Latina women who are seen as too aggressive, difficult, or out of control. It's a word that is meant to keep young Latinas in their place while the male version, chignon, is used as a compliment.  On this episode of Think Inclusive, I speak with Mexican American activist, scholar, and podcast host Alma Zaragoza-Petty who is helping women everywhere claim their inner chingona – or “badass.” In her new book Chingona: Owning Your Inner Badass for Healing and Justice Zaragoza-Petty shares about the chingona spirit she began to claim within herself and leads us toward the courage required to speak up and speak out against oppressive systems. Here's what I cover with Alma Zaragoza-Petty in this episode: 1. How the term "chingona" has been reclaimed to honor the Latina experience. 2. Uncovering the root causes of intergenerational trauma and pursuing healing. 3. The power of mentors and educators in inspiring under-perfor

For this episode, I speak with Hilda and Olivier Bernier. As 3-year-old Emilio prepares to start school, his family finds itself embroiled in a challenge all too common for children with disabilities—to secure the right to an inclusive education. Cornered in one of the most segregated education systems, New York City public schools, filmmaker Olivier and his wife Hilda turn the camera on themselves and their child with Down syndrome, as they navigate a byzantine system originally designed to silo children with disabilities. Hilda, Olivier, and I talk about the film Forget Me Not, which is currently streaming for free on Tubi. And they give us an update about how Emilio is doing now.  Thanks for listening, and if you haven't already, please give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.FREE WEBINAR: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4116765589426/WN_XcgoE_ozTlS6CQ37tIwN8wEmail List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListOtter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/ce5cfwymonHmNlVHMVhV5XcF83YPDF Trans

For this episode, I speak with Ryan Wilson, the director of Team Trust Productions. Ryan created Team Trust to help mission-driven organizations reach and serve their communications. He wants to help connect people with the entities, organizations and resources they deserve to grow and flourish. Ryan’s heart is advocating for persons with disabilities, because he is one. Ryan has befriended persons with the same disability as his (Osteogenesis Imperfecta), and established life-long relationships with persons with visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities and mental illnesses. Each one of these relationships changed his life.   Thanks for listening, and if you haven't already, please give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Otter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/Upr-Nwv5MGzuBu_HNMWlmkaRMGoPDF Transcript: https://3bd6e695-b492-4878-afa9-f79d8b09e0c4.usrfiles.com/ugd/3bd6e6_1f3eabbdc10a41ef91270b7847d98415.pdfShow Notes: https://bit.ly/TI-Ryan-WilsonCover Art

For this episode, I speak with Mary Beth Moore, author of the book: Unwanted: Fighting to Belong. Mary Beth Moore is the founder and executive director of The Advocacy Underground, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the authentic inclusion of students with disabilities across all educational environments. She studied political science and criminal justice at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. She served as an intelligence analyst for the Department of Defense for several years, and then transitioned to a marketing leader in the high-tech space. She uses the storytelling skills gained as an intelligence analyst and marketing leader to make the complexities in special education law and research more consumable by parents and educators alike.    Thanks for listening, and if you haven't already, please give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Otter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/xsVMU_PN0JPESDTJbqePGKK30YYPDF Transcript: http

For this episode, I speak with Cheryl Green and Thomas Reid, both fantastic podcasters.  Cheryl Green has worked as an Access Artist, making creative and immersive captions for 10 years and audio description for five years. She brings her lived experiences of chronic illness and invisible disabilities to her access work with independent content creators and awesome, disability-focused organizations, including Superfest International Disability Film Festival, Disability Visibility Project, and Kinetic Light. She has made several documentary films and produces and transcribes her podcast, Pigeonhole.  Shortly after becoming blind in 2004, Thomas Reid decided to re-ignite a dormant interest in audio production. After years of combining his interest in audio with advocacy, he was selected as an Association of Independence in Radio New Voice Scholar in 2014. During that same year, he began his podcast Reid My Mind Radio - featuring compelling people impacted by all degrees of blindness and disa