Assembling Inclusion

In this episode, we interviewed Allis Kensing, the Enabling Technology Coordinator at Penn-Mar Human Services. Penn-Mar has a new initiative to empower people with disabilities through the use of assistive technology. The initiative includes an assistive technology lending library, which allows people to try out different technologies to see how it can fit into their daily life. Penn-Mar is also working to train the staff on how to use assistive technology to better support their clients and individuals in the community. Allis breaks down assistive technology and its capabilities for us, including how it can be used in communication, mobility, and daily living skills, and shares some of the lending library options, from low-tech devices, like adaptive cutting boards, to high-tech devices like smart speakers. She also shares some of the biggest challenges when it comes to learning about new assistive technologies. (Episode Transcript) SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, Brendan Aylward, founder of AdaptX and owner of the inclusive fitness center, Unified Health and Performance, discusses his passion for creating inclusive fitness environments. Within AdaptX, the mission is to provide resources and education to fitness professionals so they can better support their clients with disabilities. During this conversation, we also dove into the common barriers people with disabilities face when trying to access fitness facilities, the importance of universal design in creating inclusive fitness environments, and the role of education to help trainers become more confident and supportive when working with their clients. Brendan also shares his insights on creating a more inclusive fitness experience for everyone. (Episode Transcript)

In this episode, we spoke to Carol Sudhalter and Mimi Block about the Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jams held at Flushing Town Hall each month. Carol is the jazz house band leader for the jam sessions and Mimi is a frequent performer and an accomplished violinist. In our conversations, both guests share their experiences with music and the impact their participation in the jazz jam sessions has had in their lives. We also discuss the inclusivity of these specific sessions, and how they are open to all performers and create an open, accepting, and encouraging environment. Finally, we discuss the significance of disability inclusion within jazz and performing arts.

In this episode, we interview Dr. Sally Izquierdo and Kartika Kumari about their work creating the Neurodiversity Hub at Queens College. The hub provides access to quality resources about neurodiversity and how to support students in the classroom, specifically within higher education. These artifacts can help professors and staff create more welcoming and accessible learning environments. During our conversation, we discuss the process for creating the hub and selecting quality, informative resources. We also talked about the impact that the hub has had on faculty members, neurodivergent students, and their peers. Finally, we discuss the future plans and goals to continue to expand the hub, as well as the importance of supporting neurodiversity within higher education.

In this episode, we interviewed Dr. Kate Siekman about Islands of Brilliance, an organization dedicated to creating learning experiences that support and empower neurodivergent learners. By pairing arts, design, and STEAM content with individual SpIns, different levels of program options, and mentorship, Islands of Brilliance has created a space where children and young adults on the autism spectrum can thrive. We discussed the start of Islands of Brilliance, the different options for programming, and how the organization has created these welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning experiences.