Think Inclusive Podcast

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.

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