Think Inclusive

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 comprehensive professional learning and job-embedded coaching to support educators in implementing inclusive practices. The episode concludes with a discussion on how families and educators can advocate for inclusive education and the future plans of MCIE.Otter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/3JayPOLPEZsUVYeKoBN3brK50j0Key TakeawaysMCIE has been partnering with school districts since 1990 to promote inclusive education and systems change.Leadership is key to sustaining inclusive education and creating a school-wide general education initiative.The success of inclusive education is evident in the positive impact on students' lives and academic outcomes.The focus on equity in education provides an opportunity to include children with disabilities in the conversation.Comprehensive professional learning and job-embedded coaching are essential for implementing universal design for learning.Families can advocate for inclusive education, but the burden should not solely be placed on them.Inclusive education benefits all students and leads to improved academic outcomes.MCIEEmail List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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://otter.ai/u/emaMz8hBvbOtmXx8zh6voCultP4Key Takeaways:AI can be a valuable tool for leveling text and making reading more accessible for students with different reading abilities.Using AI to generate content in the voice and style of a student's interest can increase engagement and make learning more enjoyable.AI should be seen as an efficiency tool rather than a cheating mechanism, as it can help educators deliver content in a more engaging and individualized way.Providing students with a choice to use AI tools can empower them and promote independence in their learning.Educators should be open to exploring the potential of AI in the classroom and advocate for its use to support students with disabilities.LinksWhen Does AI Belong in an IEP? https://www.thinkinclusive.us/post/when-does-ai-belong-in-an-iepInclusiveology: https://www.inclusiveology.com/MCIEEmail List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 a human right and should not be earned.Research shows that school achievement and post-school outcomes are positively correlated with inclusive education.Lack of time and support for teachers is a major barrier to inclusion.Preschool is a critical time for laying the foundation of inclusive education.School administrators play a crucial role in promoting inclusion and providing support for teachers.LinksDSACT: http://dsact.org/Rise School - Austin: https://riseschoolaustin.org/MCIEEmail List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 students and educators to create a curriculum that promotes inclusive education. Oaklee shares her personal experience of facing ableism and inaccessibility at her college, highlighting the need for change in educational institutions. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of listening to disabled people and involving them in the decision-making process to create truly inclusive environments.Otter.ai Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/GPeQmpvj6RC85c7fD2ie4o-eyx8Key TakeawaysThe My Dearest Friends Project provides a platform for disabled people to share their stories and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.The hashtag #NothingSpecial challenges the idea that inclusive education is something special and should be the norm.Inclusive education should be woven into the foundations of institutions and involve listening to disabled students and educators.The project aims to collect stories to create a curriculum that promotes inclusive education.Personal connections and collaborations are essential in creating inclusive environments.LinksThe My Dearest Friends Project: https://mydearestfriendsproject.org/DisArt: https://www.disartnow.org/Oaklee Thiele: https://oakleethiele.com/Email: hello@mydearestfriendsproject.orgMCIEEmail List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 you on the other side.  Episode Show Notes + Transcript: https://www.gobeyondawareness.com/podcasts/beyond-awareness-disability-awareness-that-matters/episodes/2147942618*** Thanks to Diana Pastora Carson for sharing her episode of Beyond Awareness with us. If you want more information about spelling to communicate, here are a few resources. It was mentioned in the episode, but check out the International Association for Spelling as Communication: https://i-asc.org/ Also, I interviewed Dr. Dana Johnson, a spelling-to-communicate practitioner, in an edition of the Weeklyish: https://weeklyish.substack.com/p/spelling-to-communicateFinal thing. If you get the chance to see the documentary Spellers, please do it. I recently saw it at a screening near Atlanta and it was phenomenal. There are still in-person events happening in July, so find out if it is showing in your neck of the woods at https://spellersthemovie.com/watch. Thanks for spending some time with us today, and we will be back next week with another episode of Think Inclusive. Have a great week, everyone and remember, Inclusion Always Works!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Inclusive by becoming a patron!Thank you to our sponsor, TogetherLetters.ResourcesThe Parent IEP Lab: https://theieplab.com/MCIEWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/Twitter: https://twitter.com/inclusionmdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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/yghonoeLKy-6aE8KSpn_aULHlgsCreditsThink Inclusive is written, edited, and sound designed by Tim Villegas and is produced by MCIE.Original music by Miles Kredich.Support Think Inclusive by becoming a patron!Thank you to our sponsor, TogetherLetters.ResourcesSozialhelden: https://sozialhelden.de/en/social-heroes/Raul's Book: https://amzn.to/3qVQ2WCMCIEWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/Twitter: https://twitter.com/inclusionmdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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/s8gv-lpqz18D7rh4o6QG2o2C51YCreditsThink Inclusive is written, edited, and sound designed by Tim Villegas and is produced by MCIE.Original music by Miles Kredich.Support Think Inclusive by becoming a patron!Thank you to our sponsor, TogetherLetters.ResourcesReal Talk with Susan & Kristina: https://pod.link/1499906034MCIEWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/Twitter: https://twitter.com/inclusionmdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/TKBekfzoJFx3p9ey6IYIqeagaMkCreditsThink Inclusive is written, edited, and sound designed by Tim Villegas and is produced by MCIE.Original music by Miles Kredich.Support Think Inclusive by becoming a patron!Thank you to our sponsor, TogetherLetters.ResourcesKids Together: https://kidstogether.org/MCIEWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/Twitter: https://twitter.com/inclusionmdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.