The Think Inclusive Podcast

I don't know about where you live, but today is the last day of school for the kids in our neighborhood. Summer is here. So let the late nights begin. Today on the pod, we have a fantastic guest was Rasheera Dobson, the host of the WomanHood and Disability podcast This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron!

🏫 What school board candidates believe about SEL and CRT may affect families who are advocating for inclusion for students with disabilities. On this episode of The Weeklyish, a clash between an inclusive education advocate and a candidate for school board in Georgia. Click here for the text version of The Weeklyish. Credits The Weeklyish is a production of MCIE. Support MCIE's communications efforts by becoming a patron of The Think Inclusive Podcast or by your donation.

Who is ready for a double episode?!? Today on the pod, we have two fantastic guests. The first is Matt, from the With Rolls and No Luck podcast. We discuss what it is like to generate income all while being on Medicaid. Our second guest is Shirene Hayes, the creator of Super MEro and The Code, a resource for educators to utilize in their classrooms. This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Resources With Rolls & No Luck - The Book, The Key, The Beyond Episode 1: Welcome To Slatevale Access to Firearms Increases Child and Adolescent Suicide | Society for Research in Child Development SRCD Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron!

🤞🏽 Recent conversations leave me hopeful. On this episode of The Weeklyish, I share why being an optimist doesn't mean wishing for change without a plan. Click here for the text version of The Weeklyish. Credits The Weeklyish is a production of MCIE. Support MCIE's communications efforts by becoming a patron of The Think Inclusive Podcast or by your donation.

For the last thirty years, there has been a movement going on. One you may not know a lot about or the origins of. It’s the Neurodiversity movement and our guest Ira Eidle wants to share with you what he’s learned about it.   Ira is the curator of Autistic Archive, a collection of video lessons about the history of the Neurodiversity movement, links to websites created by autistics for autistics, and recommended books written by people on the autism spectrum (among other resources).  This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron!

🌎 Happy Earth Day! On this episode of The Weeklyish, Carol Quirk drops by to talk about what it takes to change mindsets toward inclusive education.  Click here for the text version of The Weeklyish. Credits The Weeklyish is a production of MCIE. Support MCIE's communications efforts by becoming a patron of The Think Inclusive Podcast or by your donation.

What does autistic independence look like? In today's episode, we interview Haley Moss (autistic attorney, author, and advocate) about her book, The Young Autistic Adult's Independence Handbook. Haley shares with us the main message she wants to get across to autistic individuals who are seeking independence, alternatives to guardianship, and strategies for educators to foster self-advocacy in their students. This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron!

🤧 Need a box of tissues? On this episode of The Weeklyish, Tim recaps his Spring road trip through South Carolina, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Georgia. And an update on "Where are the inclusive schools?" Click here for the text version of The Weeklyish. Credits The Weeklyish is a production of MCIE. Support MCIE's communications efforts by becoming a patron of The Think Inclusive Podcast or by your donation.

In today's episode, we interview Lisa Drennan, inclusion expert and founder of Merge Consulting. We discuss how families of children with disabilities can advocate joining community recreation groups like the YMCA or even a local summer camp. And that the strategies for advocating for change in recreation spaces are not that different from what we use for school. We discuss how teachers can create cultures of belonging for their students, as well as how educators can find belonging in their schools. Referenced in this episode: Pathways to Friendship This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron!

On this episode of The Weeklyish, Tim asks the question to our audience, where are all the inclusive schools? Click here for the text version of The Weeklyish. Credits The Weeklyish is a production of MCIE. Support MCIE's communications efforts by becoming a patron of The Think Inclusive Podcast or by your donation.

In today's episode, we interview Alida Miranda-Wolff, the author of Cultures of Belonging: Building Inclusive Organizations That Last. We discuss how teachers can create cultures of belonging for their students, as well as how educators can find belonging in their schools.  This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron!

On this episode of The Weeklyish, Tim reflects on 10 years of blogging and podcasting at Think Inclusive. Click here for the text version of The Weeklyish.  Notes Evolve & Effect, LLC PEAK Parent Center 2021 Annual Report to Congress on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Credits The Weeklyish is a production of MCIE. Support MCIE's communications efforts by becoming a patron of The Think Inclusive Podcast or by your donation. 

What is Critical Race Theory and what do advocates for inclusive education need to know about the Anti-CRT movement? For this super-sized episode, we share the story of an inclusive Maryland principal who was pushed out of taking a job as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director in Cherokee County, Georgia. A devastating side-effect of the backlash against CRT is the damage that has been done to educational equity initiatives. These initiatives are the very ones that inclusive education advocates have been trying to connect the dots from disability rights to equity for all students.  We interview four individuals with experience and expertise in CRT: King Williams, a filmmaker, and journalist in Atlanta, GA Alida Miranda-Wolff, a professional in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging sector in Chicago, IL Eddie Fergus, a professor at Temple University Pete Newlove, a doctoral student at the University of Colorado and current high school English teacher Referenced in the episode: Cherokee Schools' would-be diversity administrator shares why she stepped down (Cherokee Tribune & Ledger News) Teacher Anti-CRT Bills Coast To Coast: A State By State Guide (Forbes) Plessy v. Ferguson (History.com) Conservative-led school board fires superintendent after allegations of private ultimatum, teacher protest (Washington Post) Gov. Kemp opposes 'Critical Race Theory' in letter to state board of education (11 Alive - Atlanta) State Education Board Passes Resolution On Teaching Race (Georgia Public Broadcasting) Teachers Say Laws Banning Critical Race Theory Are Putting A Chill On Their Lessons (NPR) Special thanks to BG AdGroup: http://bgadgroup.com/ This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron!

Diana Pastora Carson is the host of the Beyond Awareness Podcast. Her TedTalk, "Walking with Joaquin," chronicles her family's journey to bring home her brother after living in an institution for 15 years.  She joins us on Think Inclusive to talk about her journey as an educator who advocated for inclusive education, what it’s like now that Joaquin has been home for close to ten years, why she started the Beyond Awareness podcast. Books  Beyond Awareness: Bringing Disability into Diversity Work in K-12 Schools & Communities Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

For this edition of the Weeklyish, a short recap of the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities conference in Clearwater, Florida. And audio of our presentation from the Council for Exceptional Children about inclusive systems change. Click here for a text edition of The Weeklyish. Session Objectives: - Define inclusion and the MCIE multi-year phased process for systems change - Identify barriers and solutions to systems change - Apply readiness for systems change criteria to a school or district Big Idea: Systems change is possible and sustainable with a formal systems change process Click here for a transcript of the presentation. Click here for a copy of the slides. Watch the presentation on YouTube. References: Jorgensen, C. M., McSheehan, M., & Sonnenmeier, R. M. (2010). The Beyond Access Model: Promoting membership, participation, and learning for students with disabilities in the general education classroom. Baltimore: Brookes Publishing.

Today on the podcast, we welcome Greta Harrison, the host of the Born Fabulous Podcast. We talk about the reason for starting "Born Fabulous," why hope should be an essential characteristic of an educator, and the goal of inclusion is always life in the community.  This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

A possible sea change at the CEC, presenters who are MIA, and inclusion is easy as 1-2-3.  For this edition of The Weeklyish, Tim reflects on attending the Council for Exceptional Children conference in Orlando. Click here for a text version of The Weeklyish: https://weeklyish.substack.com/p/sea-change-cec Click here for a transcript: https://3bd6e695-b492-4878-afa9-f79d8b09e0c4.usrfiles.com/ugd/3bd6e6_2e9235bc9886482c9b6e42df4872d411.pdf For more visit https://www.thinkinclusive.us Or https://www.mcie.org

Happy Friday Inclusionists! Today we have a special pop-up podcast interview with some folks I met at the CEC Conference in Orlando this week.   They presented a session called, “The Intersection of Race and Disability: Where Do We Go from Here?”  I think it is an important reminder for us that inclusion and equity go together, and that when we are talking about inclusive education, we really mean all students.  Here is a special bonus interview from the Council for Exceptional Children Conference in Orlando, Florida.  CW: the R-word is used in its historical context and in its relation to educational criteria for special education Guests Dena Slanda, Ph.D.: Dena.Slanda@ucf.edu Zerek Mayes, Ed.D.: Zerek.Mayes@gmail.com Eric Wells, Ed.D.: Eric.Wells@ode.oregon.gov Lindsey Pike, MSW: Lindsey.Pike@ucf.edu References Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning by Andratesha Fritzgerald  Cultivating Genius by Gholdy Muhammad  Case Studies on Diversity and Social Justice Education by Paul Gorski & Seema Pothini This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we welcome Amanda Darrow (Utah Pride Center) and Shamby Polychronis (University of Utah) to talk about honoring intersectionality between the disability and LGBTQIA+ communities.  We cover a lot of ground including the difference between gender/sexuality/sex, pronouns, stats on people who identify as both LGBTQIA+ and disabled, and ways educators can make classrooms more inclusive for both communities. Amanda and Shamby also respond to the question, "If kids consume media that has LGBTQIA+ representation, won't they just get confused?" Referenced in our interview: The "Genderbread" Person This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

School is back! And the role of paraprofessionals in inclusive classrooms.   This edition of The Weeklyish features the TIES Center Brief called "Understanding the Role of Paraprofessionals in Your Child's Education in Inclusive Classrooms."   Click here for a text version of The Weeklyish: https://weeklyish.substack.com/p/ties-center-paraprofessionals  Click here for a transcript: https://3bd6e695-b492-4878-afa9-f79d8b09e0c4.usrfiles.com/ugd/3bd6e6_e35931e017c94dba8d250821f211dc3c.pdf  For more visit https://www.thinkinclusive.us  Or https://www.mcie.org *** If you are a listener to The Think Inclusive Podcast, why don’t you become a patron? You will help us with the cost of audio production, transcription, and promotion of the podcast. And you’ll get access to a private Telegram community, as well as all of our unedited interviews. Become a patron here: https://www.patreon.com/thinkinclusivepodcast

Happy Holidays! To finish off 2021, we are featuring four interviews. One that you haven't heard yet, Lou Brown, and three that you might have caught in our feed if you've been listening for a while: Katie Novak, Alfie Kohn, Cheryl Jorgensen. The first is a previously unpublished clip from my 2019 interview with the co-founder of TASH, the late Lou Brown. I always meant to revisit this interview and I'm so glad I did for this episode.  Next up is my interview with universal design for learning expert, Katie Novak. We talk about how ineffective traditional assessments are because they are not universally designed, even though the most recent education law says they should be.  My interview with Alfie Kohn, author of the book punished by rewards, was our most listened to episode of 2021. And the clip you are about to hear is probably one of the reasons why. Alfie, I mean, Mr. Kohn, lays out his argument for why educators should steer clear from using any extrinsic reward system in their classroom. And finally, I wanted to share my interview with Cheryl Jorgensen, author of many books on the topic of inclusive education. This clip is from 2014 and it is important to me because it shows my growth in an area that I'm rather ashamed it took me so long to realize: the parallel between the civil rights and disability rights movement and how they are inseparable. Thanks for your time and attention! See you in 2022! This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Have an inclusive education story? We want to hear about it!   For this edition of The Weeklyish, we reflect on what is missing from inclusive education advocacy, your stories.   Click here for a text version of The Weeklyish: https://weeklyish.substack.com/p/hashtag-goals-2022  Click here for a transcript: https://3bd6e695-b492-4878-afa9-f79d8b09e0c4.usrfiles.com/ugd/3bd6e6_00865320d6c24b2ab63e4c2ab03e534d.pdf  For more, visit https://www.thinkinclusive.us  Or https://www.mcie.org

Today on the podcast, we talk with Anthony Ianni, the first autistic Division 1 college basketball player and author of the book, Centered: Autism, Basketball, and One Athlete's Dream.  We talk about what it was like growing up, not knowing about his autism diagnosis until high school, playing for the Michigan State basketball team, and what he would tell young people on the autism spectrum about following their dreams.  Also in the episode, Tim references the Autistic Self Advocacy Network's "about autism" page as well as their book, "Welcome to the Autism Community."  This episode's transcript can be found here.  Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey.  Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education.  Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us.  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Credits  This podcast is a production of MCIE.  Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Teacher burnout is closing down schools. What is a “smile file?” And can it be used as a tool for rejuvenation? This edition of The Weeklyish talks about a strategy to help teachers remember why they wanted to become an educator, called a smile file.   Click here for a text version of The Weeklyish. Click here for a transcript. For more, visit Think Inclusive or MCIE.

Hi, Y’all! Look, I know there are a lot of organizations competing for your attention on #GivingTuesday. So I’m going to make this message short and give you three reasons why I think you should support the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and help us reach our goal of raising $5,000 today! Number One. MCIE is partnering with school systems (right now) around the country to implement inclusive education that lasts. Students with significant disabilities are being included in general education classrooms (sometimes for the first time) and finally feel like they belong like the student in Calvert County, Maryland, who spent the vast majority of his schooling in “life skills classes” and is now in his home high school taking regular classes with his peers. Even teachers see the benefits of inclusive education with their very eyes. Like the teachers in Delaware who implemented the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction and saw students make and achieve meaningful goals for their lives. Please help us keep the momentum going by donating today! Number Two. We believe that amplifying disabled people’s voices is vital to changing people’s mindsets. This year we committed to pay disabled writers to tell us their stories, and we are just getting started. Ben, a nonspeaking autistic activist, writes, “It is a common misconception that if you can’t talk, then you can’t learn and you don’t know anything.” Rasheera, a disability justice activist, writes that it is time to “reframe what special education looks like and continue to build a framework that addresses disability in the educational setting from a model that fully submerges the disability experience into the mainstream educational space.” Donate to MCIE today so we can continue to pay and amplify disabled voices! Number Three. Inclusive education has a public relations problem. And frankly, I’m tired of it. We have the research that says it works. We have the models around the country that are being implemented. We have the stories of families and educators whose lives have been impacted. But what we need is a communication campaign. And all of that costs money. It is pricey to produce media. But fortunately, we have you. We have big plans to produce more podcasts, videos, articles, newsletters, and even things we haven’t thought of yet to spread the word that inclusive education benefits all students. Please donate to MCIE today so we can keep the communication channels open. We can’t do this without it. You are a vital part of the work we do every day. Thanks for your time and attention. DONATE: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/bvp2tw Tim Villegas Director of Communications for MCIE Found of Think Inclusive

Content Warning: In today’s episode, we will discuss depictions of the living conditions of institutions for people with disabilities in the 1960s and certain attitudes about people with disabilities that worked there. Today on the podcast, we talk to Howard Shane, author of the book Unsilenced, associate professional at the Harvard Medical School, and the Director of the Autism Language Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. We talk about what it was like to work at Belchertown State School, an institution for people with disabilities, in the 1960s. We also highlight some of the stories from his book, including how some of his students used an early form of augmentative and alternative communication.  Also, special guest, Carol Quirk (CEO of MCIE) drops by at the beginning of the episode to reflect on her experiences working in institutions after she read Howard Shane's book Unsilenced. This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we discuss the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (otherwise known as the SDLMI).  Our guests, Karrie Shogren and Sheida Raley are both from the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities.  We talk about what self-determination really means, what is the SDLMI and how it is implemented in inclusive classrooms, and why the SDLMI is really for everyone. This episode's transcript can be found here. To learn more about the SDLMI visit selfdetermination.ku.edu. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have a question or comment? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we interview author, educator, and consultant, Jenna Rufo about her book Reimagining Special Education, and how we can use inclusion as a framework to build equity and support all students.  We also discuss what it looks like for students who are not included 80% or more of their day in general education and if there is a bare minimum to what we call inclusive education. This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. What do you think about our new podcast logo design? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the Think Inclusive Podcast, we interview systems change expert and inclusive education advocate, Michael McSheehan.  We talk about what started him on his journey of advocating for inclusive education, his work with SWIFT Schools, the connections between Mult-Tiered Systems of Support and Universal Design for Learning, and if he agrees with the statement, "inclusion done badly is still better than segregation." His answers might surprise you.  This episode's transcript can be found here.  SWIFT Schools Videos  "Together": a SWIFT film on Integrated Educational Framework  "Whatever it Takes": SWIFT Inclusive Academic Instruction Film  SWIFT Domains and Features at Henderson School  Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcastSurvey.  Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education.  Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Credits  This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the Think Inclusive Podcast, we interview Janice Fialka and Sara Jo Soldovieri, two passionate advocates for inclusive education. We talk about what we really mean by inclusive education, what might make the biggest impact to bring inclusive education to school districts, and how to talk to families who think segregated special education classrooms are really best for their child. This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcast. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we interview Emily Ladau, disability rights activist and author, about her new book Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally.  We discuss why this book needed to be written, if there is only one model of disability that is valid, and we even play a little game called, “is it ableist?” This episode's transcript can be found here. Take our podcast listener survey: bit.ly/TIPodcast Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we interview Genia Stephen, host of the Good Things in Life podcast.  We talk about why she started the podcast, what some of the differences and similarities are with the educational systems in the United States and Canada, and if there is such a thing as perfect inclusion. This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we talk with Eric Garcia, author of "We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation." We discuss the biggest misconceptions of autism, why simply existing is not inspirational, and what his dream for the future of a more inclusive world looks like.  This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we talk with Marilyn Friend, expert and author of numerous books and articles on co-teaching.  We discuss what co-teaching is and what does it look like? Do schools have to provide a co-teaching service model? And how does co-teaching further the practice of inclusive education? This episode's transcript can be found here.  Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we talk with Sarah Wishart, filmmaker of Excluded, a documentary that features the stories and voices of students who have been excluded from school in the United Kingdom.  We discuss why she was inspired to make the film by something she saw on Twitter and why she thinks exclusion isn’t good for anyone. This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we talk with Maryland’s 2020 Teacher of the year, Wyatt Oroke about what it means to have an inclusive classroom. We discuss his perspective on how having high expectations for all of his scholars is essential and what his dream for the future of education is. This episode's transcript can be found here.  Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web.  Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we talk with Melissa McCullough, Director of Early Childhood for the East Moline School District in Illinois. We discuss what a truly inclusive preschool program looks like and what they are doing to move past the outdated model of providing specialized services in separate places.  This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we talk with Dr. Eddie Fergus of Temple University. We discuss the disproportionate number of students of color being identified in special education and what we can do about it. We review how restorative practices might be used in inclusive schools and how the biggest barrier to inclusion might be who we think can teach students with disabilities. Be prepared to unpack the shopping carts of our minds. Eddie Fergus is the author of the book Solving Disproportionality and Achieving Equity: A Leader′s Guide to Using Data to Change Hearts and Minds. Follow Dr. Fergus on Twitter. This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we talk with Megan Gross and Nancy Brundrett of the Poway Unified School District in Southern California.  They tell us how their district has changed how they educate students with significant disabilities and their role in supporting Poway schools with inclusive education. Megan Gross is the author of the books The Inclusion Toolbox: Strategies and Techniques for All Teachers and ParaEducate. This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we talk with Dr. Jenny Kurth, professor of special education at the University of Kansas.  We discuss preparing for and implementing participation plans for students with complex support needs to be included in general education. And why we should all carry around pocket-sized versions of IDEA. Jenny Kurth is the author of the book The Inclusion Toolbox: Strategies and Techniques for All Teachers and the article Preparing for and Implementing Effective Inclusive Education With Participation Plans. This episode's transcript can be found here. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, we have a very special SUPERSIZED conversation with Alfie Kohn, prolific speaker and author, on human behavior, education, and parenting.  We discuss whether bribes or positive reinforcement are really the same things and answer the question…should educators abandon behaviorist ideas altogether? Mr. Kohn is the author of several books, including: Punished by Rewards: Twenty-fifth Anniversary Edition: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and "Tougher Standards" We also reference Autism and Behaviorism: New Research Adds to an Already Compelling Case Against ABA. This episode's transcript can be found here. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, a conversation with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) expert, Katie Novak.  We talk about some common misconceptions of UDL, how UDL works with students with more significant disabilities, and what it is was like to lead her school district to implement inclusive education. Katie is the author of several books, including: Equity by Design: Delivering on the Power and Promise of UDL Unlearning: Changing Your Beliefs and Your Classroom with UDL This episode's transcript can be found here. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Click here for audio transcripts. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, a rare solo episode about why I call myself an inclusionist. For some, the word "inclusionist" has a negative association. I make the case that there is more to the word than just believing that we should get rid of special education or that inclusion only counts if it is "100%." I tell the story of my inclusion journey and how it led me to what I am doing now, advocating for the full and authentic inclusion for students with disabilities. Thanks for your time and attention! TV This episode's transcript can be found here. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Resources Why Would a Special Education Teacher Advocate for Inclusive Education? (Noodle) Fully Included: Damian (Think Inclusive) Special education teacher explains why she wants to be called 'accessibility specialist' (GMA) Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast! bgR9BPxBoRlYLSz49EVe

Since I started the podcast in 2012, I've always wanted to do a "best of" podcast! Today, we are highlighting five conversations that I had from the early years of the podcast. Paula Kluth talks about why some schools aren't as inclusive as they think they are. Dan Habib discusses how Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) looked for one high school. Julie Causton explains why her research project, called Schools of Promise, shows why inclusion works for all students. Nicole Eredics gives one important strategy for inclusive classrooms. And Scott F shares what it is like to have students with significant disabilities included in his classroom. Thanks for your time and attention! TV This episode's transcript can be found here. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits Intro Music - Clap Your Hands by Jahzzar / Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast we talk to Shelley Moore, inclusive education consultant and presenter extraordinaire! We talk about what her path looked like to become a special education teacher and why she cares about inclusive education so much. Also, we discuss the major differences between Canada's educational systems and the United States are regarding special education. And what is all this fuss about baked potatoes? And how do they relate to strategic planning for students in the classroom? Check out her book: One Without the Other: Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion to learn even more. This episode's transcript can be found here. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, Jennifer Spencer-Iiams, Assistant Superintendent for the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, talks to us about the transformation in her district toward inclusive practices. Her book, Leading for All: How to Create Truly Inclusive and Excellent Schools, shares lessons learned from years building district schools where all students are served in their neighborhood school and classrooms with their general education peers. This episode's transcript can be found here. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Discussions around the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for students with disabilities are almost always tricky. For this episode, we attempt to make LRE a little more understandable. We interview Amy Langerman, special education advocate and attorney in California and Arizona. We discuss the difficulty of some parents seeking the Least Restrictive Environment for their child and how services are delivered in both states. Next, we have Amanda Selogie and Vickie Brett from the Inclusive Education Project (which is a fantastic podcast if you don’t already know about them). We also discuss LRE and strategies that you can take to help advocate for inclusive education wherever you are on your inclusion journey. This episode's transcript can be found here. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, my interview with Carol Quirk (CEO of the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education). We discuss what it really takes for school systems to move to a model where 90% of all students with disabilities are included in general education classrooms. It is not only a pipe dream.   This episode's transcript can be found here. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Resources MCIE  The Segregation of Students with Disabilities by the National Disability Council Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

For so many of us, whether you are an educator, parent, or both, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a strain on all of us. And in late March, when word got out that Betsy DeVos was going to possibly recommend waiving part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) because of the hardship that the coronavirus was putting on the educational system, we all got nervous.  Today on the podcast, my interview with Denise Marshall (the Executive Director of Council of Parent Advocates and Attorneys) and Jennifer Lesh (the President of the Council for Exceptional Children) where we discuss Betsy DeVos's recommendations to Congress. This episode's transcript can be found here. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast! References COPAA CEC (Free Membership Code: CECED60) NPR: Secretary DeVos Forgoes Waiving Disability Law Amid School Closures HuffPost: To Access Online Services, New Jersey Students With Disabilities Must Promise Not To Sue

Today on the podcast, we are going to talk about modifying curriculum. For my students back in Pasadena, CA, according to their IEP, the team agreed that this was the best way to access the curriculum. To take a part of the standards and then modify it down to where they were able to meaningfully participate in it. I talk with Juanita Pritchard, an intellectual disabilities specialist, about how we can do this for our students who require it. Also, I wanted to share a resource before we get started. Nicole Eredics book, Inclusion in Action, gives specific strategies on how to modify the curriculum for students who are in general education classrooms. I know a lot of educators who are put into a position where they receive no training on how to do this and are just expected to "make inclusion work." If you are one of those educators or know educators who could benefit from this resource direct them to Inclusion in Action. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Click here for audio transcripts. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, I interview Christina Samuels of Education Week.  We discuss Ed Week's Special Report called Special Education: Practice and Pitfalls. It takes a look at the shortage of special education teachers, how co-teaching strategies enhance the effectiveness of education for all students, and how to encourage parents and students to advocate for their needs. In 2017, the Hechinger Report published a story about how some educators feel unprepared to teach in classrooms where students with and without disabilities learn together. I wanted to know more about this story, so I invited Jackie Mader, the journalist who wrote the article to talk to me about why this issue was so important to her. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Click here for audio transcripts. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, my interview with Mike McHargue, speaker and author of Finding God in the Waves, host of the Ask Science Mike podcast and contributor to the Liturgists Podcast. We talk about his recent diagnosis of autism and his thoughts about how disability, sexual identity, and faith intersect. Also, Erin Green (Co-Director of Brave Commons) shares with us what she thinks the biggest barrier to inclusion is for LGBTQ students at Christian universities. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Click here for audio transcripts. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, our guest is Dr. Julie Causton, creator of Inclusive Schooling, an engaging community for educators, administrators, and parents who seek to create more inclusive schools.  We discuss six strategies for families who desire for their children to be educated in an inclusive classroom.  Follow Julie and Inclusive Schooling on Facebook and Twitter! Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Click here for audio transcripts. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, our guest is Dr. Erin Studer, principal of CHIME charter school. We discuss how CHIME has made full inclusion work since the 90s and how they can serve as a model for what is possible for schools in the United States and beyond. Follow CHIME on Instagram and Twitter! Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education.  Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Click here for audio transcripts.  Credits  This podcast is a production of MCIE. Become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today on the podcast, our first guest of the new season is Lou Brown, co-founder of TASH (an organization that advocates for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities and support needs) and Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin.  We discuss what supports for students with significant disabilities looked like before 1975 and the progress that we have made since then. This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Do you like to play with your food? Of course you do! Today on the podcast we have Marci Heit, the founder of QD Foodie (qdfoodie.com), an innovative company that has produced a fantastic set of kitchen tools created with people of all abilities in mind. Learn the origins of this Kickstarter success story.

Today on the podcast we have paraeducator/blogger Renay Marquez. We talk about the story of her starting ParaEducate and resources to help paraeducators modify curriculum in an inclusive classroom. We also talk about what steps educators can take to help move inclusion forward wherever they are. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today on the podcast we have filmmaker Jen Tennican. We talk to her about her most recent project, Hearts of Glass, which she sees as an opportunity to raise awareness about local, sustainable food production and the need for inclusive, fair-paying job opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today we have Annette Jett, the executive director of the non-profit Build Inclusion that provider of employment services in the state of Kentucky. We talk about what Pre-Employment Transition Services are and how you might be able to access them in your state. This interview is full of helpful tips about transition services so you might want to take notes. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today we have special education teacher Beckett Haight. We talk about his experience with differentiation and inclusion as an educator working on three different continents. We also discuss his recent TedX Talk, "Teaching Every Student CompSci or How to Code is Not the Answer." This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today we have acclaimed filmmaker Dan Habib. We talk about his new film Intelligent Lives, a documentary that highlights the lives of people with intellectual disabilities that will make you rethink the very nature of how we measure intelligence

Today we have Nikki Heiman from MyCreativeInclusion.com. We talk about the biggest barriers to inclusive practices in schools today. We also discuss what has been the most effective strategy for helping change educators' mindsets about inclusion. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today we have Amanda Morin from the National Center for Learning Disabilities and the amazing online resource Understood.org. We talk about the transition back to school for students with disabilities. We also discuss strategies parents can use during IEP meetings when it is recommended for their child to move to a more restrictive setting. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today we have Paula Kluth, nationally recognized author and speaker on the topic of inclusive education and autism. We talk about her latest book, Universal Design Daily, and how educators can learn to plan for all students by changing their mindset. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today we have Kristin Wiens, an educator from British Columbia Canada and creator of Northstar Paths, a resource that has stop-motion animation and other beautiful visuals to help educators understand students with disabilities. We talk about the creation of Northstar Paths and what is next for Kristin and her outstanding illustrations. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today we have Noah Jack, a musician on the autism spectrum. We talk about the release of his new single, Neighborhood, from his upcoming EP, All In The Family. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today we have Dr. Rob Horner, Director of the Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. We talk about the history of PBIS and the somewhat controversial foundation in Applied Behavioral Analysis. This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today we have speaker, marathoner, and author of two books, Zachary Fenell. The first, Off-Balanced, a memoir about what it was like growing up and living with Cerebral Palsy as well as a Rock Realities, a compilation of 13 interviews he did with indie and alternative rock musicians. We discuss his most recent endeavor, completing a marathon, and all the challenges that came up for him being a person with cerebral palsy. This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today we have John Spencer, speaker, and author of Empower and Launch, entertaining and practical books that help us to rethink how we deliver content and engage students in the learning process. We talk about what it looks like to help students own their learning, including students with disabilities. This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today we have Arielle Hobbs, founder of the Lion League, a fantastic organization that is changing how we build inclusive schools around the United States. We talk about what inclusion looks like in her family and how the Lion League is different from other "social inclusion" organizations. This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today we have Emily and Kyle from the Accessible Stall Podcast (which if you are going to listen to any other podcast related to inclusion and disability - this is the one!)  They keep it real about issues within the disability community. We talk about how and why they started The Accessible Stall. Also, we have a very interesting conversation about inclusive versus isolated special education schools and classrooms. This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today we interview Julia Bascom, Executive Director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. We talk about Autism Awareness...or is it Autism Acceptance?? Also, we travel 20 years into the future to talk about what Julia envisions for our world and autistic people. This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today you will hear two edited interviews that I did from almost a year ago. The first is with Audri Gomez and Aja McKee, educators that have had experience in the classroom as well in teacher training. They give a unique perspective on how we can prepare teachers who are about to enter into the field of special education and also highlight what a degree in Disability Studies looks like. My second interview is with a Middle School teacher who works here in the Atlanta Metro Area. Her book SPED is about a fictional character, Jack Parker, as he navigates the complexities of having learning disabilities in 8th grade and being in special education.

Today I will be speaking with Debbie Taub, an expert in the field of special education alternate assessment. For those of you who don’t know, alternate assessment is the state test or portfolio that is administered or collected for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities - around 1-2 percent of all students in a typical school district.  I had the pleasure of visiting with her one evening in February of this year. Debbie and I discuss what exactly is alternate assessment and what it has to do with inclusion. At the end of the podcast, Debbie lists some resources that may be helpful for any educator who wants to know more about modifying grade-level curriculum for students with significant disabilities. Keystone Assessment Resources National Alternate Assessment Center Council for Exceptional Children TASH Dynamic Learning Maps - DLM is responsible for developing an Alternate Assessment based on the Common Core State Standards.  This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today I will be speaking with Cheryl Jorgensen, one of the premier experts on inclusive education with over 30 years in the field. I had the pleasure of visiting with her one evening in January of this year. Cheryl and I discuss why it has taken so long for inclusive education to catch on in the United States and what needs to happen to break the barrier for it to become part of best practices for education. She even gives me advice on whether I need to quit my job or not. You will not want to miss her surprising answer.  Partners in Policymaking (MN) The Mismeasure of Man by Stephen J. Gould. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today I will be speaking with Russ Ewell; the CEO of Digital Scribbler, Founder of Hope Technology Group which started Hope Technology School (a nationally recognized full-inclusion school and Founder of E-Soccer, an all-volunteer inclusive soccer program. Russ and I discuss the beginnings E-Soccer and how for all intents and purposes it happened by accident. We also talk about how sports programs can become more inclusive when everyone has the right attitude and gets training on how to be proactive instead of reactive. Russ even makes me blush near the end of the interview so make sure to listen to the entire podcast. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today I will be speaking with Dr. Julie N Causton, an associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Leadership at Syracuse University and creator of the website Inspire Inclusion which includes a ten-part video series about inclusion for parents of children with disabilities.  Julie and I discuss the necessary steps for schools to become more inclusive which include, professional development, re-imagining a school district's service delivery model, and using the law as leverage for systems change.  This episode's transcript can be found here. Download our new resource, The Best Inclusive Education Links: 100 links to the best inclusion-related articles, videos, and media on the web. Visit Think Inclusive for more information about inclusive education. Have questions or comments? Reach us at podcast@thinkinclusive.us Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Credits This podcast is a production of MCIE. Support the podcast and become a patron of the Think Inclusive Podcast!

Today I will be speaking with Dan Habib about his new film Who Cares About Kelsey? **You may be familiar with Dan because of his previous groundbreaking documentary about his son "Including Samuel"** The film will be broadcast on public television beginning the weekend of September 28th. In addition to the film there are 11 mini-films available to watch on the website: WhoCaresAboutKelsey.com that support the message of inclusion and positive behavior support. Dan and I talk about Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, the importance of leadership in systems change and the all-important question...who we think is going to win the World Series? This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today I will be speaking with Ariane Zurcher, a Huffington Post blogger as well as creator of the blog Emma's Hope Book, a chronicle of sorts about her autistic daughter. She is one of the leading voices in the autism community and I had the pleasure of visiting with her one evening in June. Ariane and I discuss what it was like to go from knowing nothing about autism when her daughter was first diagnosed to being such a strong advocate for the autistic community. We briefly talk about inclusion and what that looks like in her family. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today I will be speaking with Paula Kluth, an internationally renowned author and speak about inclusive education. Her books are some of my favorite resources and I am constantly recommending her work to my colleagues. A little confession about this recording...it was recorded in May and I am finally getting around to editing it. It has been a very busy summer with vacations and me being home with the kids. My littlest one just turned one and my wife and I are coming up on our 10th wedding anniversary. Anyways...during our conversation...Paula and I discuss whether reverse inclusion can be a stepping stone to authentic inclusion, we also discuss ways educators can promote inclusion at their local schools, as well as if technology in the classroom is all that it is cracked up to be. This episode's transcript can be found here.

Today I will be speaking with Marvin, Sharon and Dana Fialco...authors of the Starabella book series. Starabella is a new series of books about a very courageous little girl with learning differences who expresses her thoughts and feelings through music. The books are based on the real life experiences of Marvin and Sharon's daughter, Tara who exhibited a surprising musical talent when she was very young but would later present perplexing challenges. Not able at the time to get a diagnosis, they were left with a mystery. Tara would not be diagnosed with autism until she turned 21. Tara, now an adult, went on to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education. The Fialco's and I discuss what is was like to observe Tara's amazing musical talent and how she developed her voice through melodies and lyrics.

Today I will be speaking with Nicole Eredics, co-host of the Inclusive Class Podcast on BlogTalkRadio.com. Nicole spent many years as a classroom teacher in British Columbia, Canada in a fully inclusive educational system before moving to the US a few years ago. Nicole and I discuss the differences between the Canadian and US educational system and their approaches to inclusion. We also talk about the most important ally for inclusion that a classroom teacher can have. This episode's transcript can be found here.