Think Inclusive Podcast

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,

Tim Villegas from the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education connects with Simone Morris and Julie Kratz, hosts of the Inclusion School podcast, to explore the intersection of inclusive schools and the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) space. They discuss the importance of DEI initiatives in schools, strategies for allyship with marginalized groups, and the significance of addressing racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism with children. They delve into the societal and educational challenges of promoting inclusion and belonging, with insights into disability and diversity awareness in educational settings.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/julie-kratz-and-simone-morris-inclusion-school/Thank you to our sponsor, TogetherLetters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

For this episode, I speak with Katie Novak, an internationally renowned education consultant, author, graduate instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, and a former Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts. With 20 years of experience in teaching and administration, an earned doctorate in curriculum and teaching, and eleven published books, Katie designs and presents workshops both nationally and internationally focusing on the implementation of inclusive practices, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), multi-tiered systems of support, and universally designed leadership.  Katie and I discuss her book UDL Now. She untangles some of the misconceptions about Universal Design for Learning, explains how UDL applies to instructing learners with extensive support needs, and why equity isn’t really a scary word. 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/fqzT3A3HA7vD5bdxe_ePzC

For this episode, I speak with Michael Giangreco, a University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Special Education in the Department of Education at the University of Vermont and is affiliated with UVM's Center on Disability & Community Inclusion.  Michael and I discuss why many school systems rely too much on paraprofessionals when implementing inclusive education. We talk about why he cautions parents about advocating for that one-to-one for their child. And stick around till the end when Michael shares what inspired using cartoons as a communication tool.  I’ve seriously been so excited to share this interview with you. Dr. Giangreco has authored over 200 professional publications on various special education topics and presented extensively across the United States and internationally.  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/1_1-aP9vFpdArMhSWv2LTAamvTI?utm_

For this episode, I speak with Melissa Defayette, who is a current third-year Ph.D. student at the University of Maryland. She achieved candidacy in the Fall of 2022. Her research is focused on creating and implementing mathematic interventions for students with moderate to severe disabilities to be used in general education settings while aligned to grade-level content. She has co-authored three articles with the research team led by her advisor, Dr. Yakubova. Melissa and I discuss what it is like being on the research side versus the classroom teacher side of education, why it's so hard for general education teachers to want to change their mindset regarding students with extensive support needs, and how her inclusion journey started in middle school. And just a quick note that our interview was recorded in early 2022. 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/As32Q0z501EZQKGzIYdWFN

About the Guest(s):Dr. Temple Grandin is a renowned professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and a prominent advocate for the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter. She is an accomplished author with numerous New York Times bestsellers, including "Animals in Translation," "Animals Make Us Human," "The Autistic Brain," and "Thinking in Pictures," which was adapted into an HBO movie starring Claire Danes. Dr. Grandin is a trailblazer in autism advocacy, specifically emphasizing the unique strengths of visual thinkers.Episode Summary:In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas, from the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, converses with Dr. Temple Grandin about her new book, "Visual Thinking." The discussion centers around the education system's failure to cater to visual thinkers and the impact this oversight has on industries reliant on these skills. Grandin passionately conveys how hands-on educational experiences, reminiscent of shop and art classes, are vital

For this episode, I speak with Ashley Barlow, a special education attorney advocate and host of the podcast Special Education Advocacy with Ashley Barlow. In a former life, she was a German teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools and Cincinnati Public Schools, having taught nearly every grade from K to 12.  Ashley practices statewide in Kentucky and also operates a business to empower and inspire parents and advocates in special education, which can be found at www.ashleybarlowco.com. She is also the Director of Education at the National Down Syndrome Congress.  We did something a little different for this episode. Ashley and I interviewed each other and are posting the same interview on our respective podcasts. Cool right? We discuss several things related to inclusive education, including … what inclusive ed really means and using Dear Colleague Letters as a strategy in IEP meetings.  Thanks for listening, and if you haven't already, please give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spoti