Think Inclusive

About The Guest(s): Jen Malia is a professor of English and a writer of children's books. She started out publishing literary criticism before transitioning to creative writing. Her interest in neurodivergence and autism led her to write personal essays and reported pieces on the topic. This eventually led to the opportunity to write children's books, including the "Infinity Rainbow Club" series.Summary: Jen Malia, a professor of English and writer of children's books, discusses her transition from academic writing to creative writing. She shares how her autism diagnosis influenced her writing and inspired her to create stories about neurodivergent characters. Jen also talks about the inspiration behind her "Infinity Rainbow Club" series and the importance of portraying neurodivergent kids in everyday situations. She emphasizes the need for acceptance and understanding of neurodivergence and hopes that her books will reach a wide audience, including educators and parents.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/BTHkinTYPaxmxBV_6vl_f50Ng4EKey Takeaways:Jen Malia wanted to write books about neurodivergent characters who go about their everyday lives rather than focusing solely on their neurodivergence.The characters in the "Infinity Rainbow Club" series are inspired by real-life experiences and composite characters.Jen's autism diagnosis later in life changed her view of herself and her parenting approach, emphasizing acceptance and pride in being neurodivergent.The educational experiences of the characters in the series are based on inclusive classrooms with collaboration between general education and special education teachers.Jen hopes her books will be a resource for neurodivergent kids and help promote acceptance and understanding among all students.Jen Malia:Website: https://jenmalia.com/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jenmaliabooksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenmaliabooks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomWithAutism/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmaliabooks/MCIE: Website: https://www.mcie.org/Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/think_inclusiveYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About The Guest(s): Tim Harris is a motivational speaker, author, and former restaurant owner. He gained national attention when he opened Tim's Place, a restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, known for its friendly atmosphere and Tim's signature hugs. Tim has Down syndrome and has used his platform to advocate for inclusion and spread joy through his positive outlook on life.Summary: Tim Harris, a motivational speaker and former restaurant owner, shares his experiences and insights on inclusion and living an awesome life. Tim talks about his favorite memories from his restaurant, Tim's Place, where he was known as the "king of hugs." He discusses the importance of giving hugs and how he kept track of the thousands of hugs he gave. Tim also opens up about the decision to close his restaurant and the impact it had on his life. He shares his love for public speaking and the joy he finds in bringing happiness to others. Tim emphasizes the importance of dreaming big and standing up for oneself, and he encourages people with disabilities to embrace their awesomeness and be a light in the world.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/EQqgDnFCvtRnzoHFc7eg8mOILs8Key Takeaways:Tim's favorite memory from Tim's Place was seeing people walk through the front door and feeling the world come in.Tim kept track of the hugs he gave by using a hug clicker and adding them to a hug counter on the wall.Tim's decision to close Tim's Place was sad, but his public speaking career has been fulfilling and exciting.Tim encourages people with disabilities to dream big, be awesome, and have fun.Inclusion means being accepted into the world and bringing light into people's hearts.Tim Harris: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timsbigheartFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/timsbigheart/MCIE: Website: https://www.mcie.org/Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/think_inclusiveYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About The Guest(s): Maya Chupkov is the host of the podcast "Proud Stutter" and a passionate advocate for people who stutter. She is also the Media & Democracy Program Manager at California Common Cause, where part of her work focuses on supporting local journalism. Maya is dedicated to raising awareness about stuttering and creating a more inclusive society for individuals who stutter.Summary: Maya Chupkov joins Tim Villegas on the Think Inclusive Podcast to discuss common misconceptions about people who stutter and her personal experience with stuttering. Maya shares that people often assume individuals who stutter are unsure or not confident in what they are saying and that they are shy. However, Maya emphasizes that she is outgoing and not shy despite growing up being labeled as such due to her stutter. Maya also discusses the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for individuals who stutter and the need for more education and awareness around stuttering.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/VOaZ-859WLj-cP2NeOPRjTQsOycKey Takeaways:The psychological response to stuttering often includes a look of surprise or shock, which can be triggering for individuals who stutter.It is important to be patient and allow individuals who stutter to finish their sentences without interruption.Educating oneself about stuttering and asking questions can help create a more inclusive environment for individuals who stutter.Maya Chupkov: Proud Stutter: https://www.proudstutter.com/Email: info@proudstutter.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProudStutterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayachupkov/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ProudStutterMCIE: Website: https://www.mcie.org/Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/think_inclusiveYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/Inclusion Stories: https://pod.link/1633672526 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About The Guest(s):Andy Arias: DEIA expert, national policy advisor, instructor at Georgetown University, actor, and producer.Diego Mariscal: Founder, CEO, and Chief Disabled Officer of 2Gether International, an accelerator that supports disabled entrepreneurs.Emily Ladau: Disability rights activist, author of "Demystifying Disability," and board member of Kids Included Together.Summary: In this episode, Torrie Dunlop hosts a panel discussion with Andy Arias, Diego Mariscal, and Emily Liddell to honor the legacy of Judy Heumann, a pioneer and advocate in the disability rights movement. The panelists discuss how Judy's work has inspired their own activism, the most important issues facing the disability community today, and the impact of intersectionality in disability rights. They also share personal stories and reflections on Judy as a person, highlighting her generosity, humor, and commitment to connecting people. The panelists discuss how they plan to continue Judy's legacy in their own work, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation and collaboration in the disability community.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/_LOEalVNz27i_mdqvHaNnXHQVqQKey Takeaways:Judy Heumann's legacy is characterized by her commitment to collaboration, community building, and intersectionality in the disability rights movement.The most important issues facing the disability community today are interconnected and require a holistic approach to address barriers in healthcare, employment, education, transportation, and more.Judy's impact as a person extended beyond her advocacy work, as she was known for her humor, generosity, and genuine interest in connecting with others.To honor Judy's legacy, it is crucial to prioritize authentic representation and collaboration in all aspects of disability rights work, including storytelling, filmmaking, and entrepreneurship.Kids Included Together: https://www.kit.org/Andy Arias: https://www.instagram.com/andyswheelz/Diego Mariscal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Diego-Mariscal/Emily Ladau: https://emilyladau.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About The Guest(s): Brooke Ellison, Ph.D., is an associate professor of health policy and medical ethics at Stony Brook University. At age 11, a car accident left Brooke paralyzed from the neck down and ventilator-dependent. At 21, she graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in cognitive neuroscience. She received a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and a Ph.D. in sociology from Stony Brook University. A policy and ethics expert in stem cell research, Brooke served on the Empire State Stem Cell Board, which designed New York’s stem cell policy. She is on the Board of Directors of the NY Civil Liberties Union and the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission. Brooke’s first book, Miracles Happen(2002), was adapted into The Brooke Ellison Story, a movie directed by Christopher Reeve.Summary: Brooke Ellison, a disability rights advocate and author of the book "Look Both Ways," shares her personal journey of living with quadriplegia and how it has shaped her understanding of disability. She discusses the importance of shifting the narrative around disability from one of pity and shame to one of strength and empowerment. Brooke emphasizes the need for inclusive policies that consider disability as a cross-cutting issue in all aspects of public policy. She also highlights the significance of universal design and the benefits of inclusion for all individuals.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/-kUz6aHchJdl5V_JLX8ZVg7BmFEKey Takeaways:Disability is more than just a physical impairment; it is a sociocultural construct that requires a shift in societal understanding and inclusion.Public policies should consider disability as a cross-cutting issue and be integrated into all aspects of policy-making.Inclusive classrooms and universal design benefit all individuals, fostering diversity and understanding.The societal perception of disability needs to change from one of pity and shame to one of strength and empowerment.The pandemic has highlighted the importance of accessibility and the need for continued progress in disability rights and inclusion.Brooke Ellison: https://www.brookeellison.com/MCIE:Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/inclusionmdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 students, empowering them to reach their full potential.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/1OeZY6asR3Qc0Yx8aV15tGLZQVIKey Takeaways:Bullying is a serious issue with long-term effects on both the targets and the bullies themselves.Power dynamics play a significant role in bullying, with marginalized groups often being targeted.It is important to focus on behaviors rather than labeling children as bullies or victims.Prevention is key, and creating a culture of caring, respect, and inclusion is crucial.Empowering students and bystanders to take action and rewarding kindness can help combat bullying.12th Street Rag: https://archive.org/details/78_12th-street-rag_sol-hoopiis-novelty-trio-bowman_gbia0097500aColumbia 1189-D (10-in. double-faced). (2023). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/object/detail/195190/Columbia_1189-DThank you to our sponsor for this week's episode, Changing Perspectives: https://changingperspectivesnow.org/Kayla Taylor: Website: https://www.kaylataylorwrites.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylataylorwrites/MCIE:Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/inclusionmdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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://otter.ai/u/qVRcN1-cASbleF17ljBMgu5Hp2AKey Takeaways:Codes of power in education create limitations for marginalized students, while codes of honor empower and include all learners.In a culture of honor, educators co-create the learning environment with students, allowing their voices and experiences to shape the instructional experience.Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and anti-racism are interconnected, as UDL provides a framework for designing instruction that meets the diverse needs of learners, while an anti-racist approach ensures that all students are seen, respected, and supported.Thank you to our sponsor for this week's episode, Changing Perspectives: https://changingperspectivesnow.org/Andratesha Fritzgerald:Building Blocks of Brilliance: https://www.buildingblocksofbrilliance.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FritzTeshaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andratesham/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/FritzTeshaMCIE:Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/inclusionmdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 students from the start. Dr. Moore also highlights the need for professional development that supports teachers in implementing inclusive practices and shares her insights on the current state of inclusive education in Canada.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/6n5hm23Qd3hdY6m6Xn6PwsmB2e8Key Takeaways:Positive attitudes are crucial for successful inclusion in secondary schools.Students must be placed in inclusive classrooms to have meaningful inclusion experiences.Shared community and learning experiences with peers are essential for fostering belonging and participation.Purposeful goals that align with grade-level curriculum are necessary for meaningful inclusion.Planning for all students from the start, rather than adapting and modifying, promotes equitable access to education.Thank you to our sponsor for this week's episode, Changing Perspectives: https://changingperspectivesnow.org/Dr. Shelley Moore:Website: https://fivemooreminutes.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proudtobeanoutsidepinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fivemooreminutes/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/tweetsomemooreMCIE:Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-ListWebsite: https://www.mcie.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusionmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmd/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/inclusionmdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 providing personalized tutoring.AI has the potential to support learners with disabilities by providing tailored assistance and adapting to individual needs.It is important for educators to have an open mind and be willing to adapt to the changes brought about by AI in education.Resources:Chat GPT: https://openai.com/blog/chatgptGoogle Bard: https://bard.google.com/Bing Chat: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/features/bing-chatStar Wars by Wes Anderson: https://youtu.be/d-8DT5Q8kzIKhanmigo: https://www.khanacademy.org/Michael Boll's AI Teacher Tips: Unleash the Powers of Artificial Intelligence in your Classroom​: https://www.aiteachertips.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.

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 and mindset in promoting inclusion and shares her efforts to shift the narrative around disability at Microsoft.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/U_xJWHgaB5cJU0-1_zVQQyRyi1IKey Takeaways:Tany's background as a paraprofessional for students with disabilities and her experience working at Woodland Park Zoo shaped her passion for inclusion and accessibility.Woodland Park Zoo implemented a more inclusive volunteer program to promote diversity and provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate.Tany's role at Microsoft involves designing content and interfaces for inclusive classroom tools, such as Immersive Reader and Reading Progress.The tools Tany works on aim to make learning more accessible and engaging for students with diverse learning needs.Tany emphasizes the importance of language and mindset in promoting inclusion and shifting the narrative around disability.Resources: 5 Microsoft Education tools for an inclusive classroom: https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/10/5-microsoft-education-tools-for-an-inclusive-classroomMCIEEmail 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.