Think Inclusive

In this compelling episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas converses with Megan Ohlssen, an advocate for disability justice and educational equity, about creating schools where every learner belongs. The discussion unpacks what real belonging means in educational environments and emphasizes the intricate relationship between identity and learning. Megan shares personal insights from her diverse background and sheds light on how holding inclusive spaces for adults—through belonging activities—can significantly alter conversations around inclusion.

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a meaningful conversation with Dustin Giannelli, a prominent advocate for inclusion and accessibility, and the founder of Here's Dustin. Dustin, who is profoundly deaf, shares his life journey, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, the motto of being "on offense," and how inclusion is a continuous journey rather than a destination. This episode sheds light on the nuances of communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and emphasizes the significance of making small adjustments to daily practices, which can foster inclusivity and participant engagement in various settings, including schools.

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in an enlightening conversation with Andratesha Fritzgerald about cultivating inclusion within schools and communities. Andratesha shares her insights on how educators can maintain hope and purpose amidst the challenges of pursuing equity, citing the pressing need to blend humanity and systemic changes into educational practices. Reflecting on her own work, she explains the benefits of involving diverse voices in crafting inclusive educational policies and emphasizes the significance of storytelling in building understanding and connection among students and educators.

In this episode, the conversation focuses on what it really means for faith-based schools to say yes to inclusion. Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks talk about how inclusion is often misunderstood and how definitions of inclusion can unintentionally lead to separation instead of belonging.

The educators in District 109 are committed to including students with disabilities in general education. The district, located in Deerfield, IL, and serving students across four elementary schools and two middle schools, has been working to build the capacity to co-plan specially designed instruction (SDI) effectively.

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams in an insightful discussion about the journey towards authentic inclusion in school systems. As a leading advocate for inclusive education, Dr. Spencer-Iiams dismantles the myth that inclusion is a "one size fits all" approach. Instead, she underscores the necessity for schools to anticipate variability in classrooms and promote collaboration among educators to cater to diverse educational needs.

In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Emily Affolter about what it really means to teach in ways that honor students as whole people, especially during a time when equity work is being questioned and challenged. The conversation moves between big-picture ideas—like power, history, and schooling—and the everyday decisions educators make in classrooms and systems.

In this episode, Tim talks with educator and speaker Margo Gross about staying grounded in your values during a time when DEI, inclusive education, and equity efforts are often misunderstood or pushed aside. Margo shares deeply personal stories about identity, hair, culture, and the emotional journey of finding and creating belonging.

Generative AI is entering classrooms quickly—but not evenly, and not without complications. In this conversation, Justin Reich and Jesse Dukes share what they’ve learned while creating The Homework Machine, a seven‑part narrative podcast about how students and teachers are navigating AI in real time.

This episode explores how classroom sound shapes belonging, attention, and access—something we don’t always think about in conversations about inclusion. David Solomon from Lightspeed Technologies explains why clear, natural‑volume audio helps every learner, not just students with hearing differences. We also talk about student confidence, teacher vocal health, and the small design choices that make classrooms more inclusive.