Tim, Author at Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education

Building Inclusive Schools: A Journey of Transformation and Belonging with Angela Macklin and Sue Wright ~ 1338

Podcast Episodes / By Tim / July 24, 2026

In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages with Angela Macklin and Sue Wright to uncover what happens when a school stops waiting for the ideal inclusive blueprint and takes matters into its own hands. At the heart of Cottage Lake Elementary’s transformation lies a commitment to fostering inclusive educational spaces where every student is valued and no classrooms are segregated. Through their account, Angela and Sue provide insider insights into creating schools where each child truly belongs, recounting their journey of trial, error, and ultimate success.

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If Not Now, Then When? Early Childhood Education, LRE, and Inclusion with Melissa McCollough and Jani Kozlowski ~ 1337

Podcast Episodes / By Tim / July 23, 2026

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a meaningful discussion with Melissa McCollough and Jani Kozlowski about the essence of inclusive early childhood education. They delve into how inclusive practices can be organically integrated at the early stages of schooling, ensuring that children with disabilities are educated alongside their typically developing peers in welcoming environments.

If Not Now, Then When? Early Childhood Education, LRE, and Inclusion with Melissa McCollough and Jani Kozlowski ~ 1337 Read More »

Shifting Focus from Compliance to Outcomes in Education with Glenna Wright-Gallo ~ 1336

Podcast Episodes / By Tim / July 17, 2026

In this riveting episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas speaks with Glenna Wright-Gallo about the pressing need to shift from a compliance-focused model to outcomes-focused education within special education systems. Glenna brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive career in education advocacy, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational practices with the intent of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) to create systems that genuinely serve all learners. This episode delves into how educational structures, often hampered by outdated schedules and siloed learning environments, can truly realize the promise of inclusive education by focusing on system-wide solutions rather than ad-hoc heroics.

Shifting Focus from Compliance to Outcomes in Education with Glenna Wright-Gallo ~ 1336 Read More »

Teaching Regulation as a Developmental Skill in Schools with Leah Kuypers ~ 1335

Podcast Episodes / By Tim / July 16, 2026

In this insightful episode of Think Inclusive, hosted by Tim Villegas, listeners explore the essential aspects of creating inclusive environments for students with visual impairments. Jonathan Hooper shares his journey from a general education teacher to a specialist in visual impairments, emphasizing the separation of vision from cognition and the significance of presuming competence. The discussion broadly encompasses the value and implementation of accessibility in educational contexts, ranging from academic subjects to everyday social interactions in lunchrooms and playgrounds.

Teaching Regulation as a Developmental Skill in Schools with Leah Kuypers ~ 1335 Read More »

Inclusion for Students with Visual Impairments: Overcoming Barriers Together with Jonathan Hooper ~ 1334

Podcast Episodes / By Tim / July 10, 2026

Inclusion for Students with Visual Impairments: Overcoming Barriers Together with Jonathan Hooper ~ 1334 Read More »

Fighting to Stop Fighting: What Keeps Advocates Like Ryan Honick Going? ~ 1333

Podcast Episodes / By Tim / June 29, 2026

In this invigorating episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas is joined by remarkable disability advocate Ryan Honick. The spotlight is on Ryan’s relentless decade-long fight against rideshare app discrimination towards service dog users, culminating in a Department of Justice lawsuit. Villegas delves into the parallels between Honick’s personal advocacy experiences and the indispensable fight for inclusive practices within educational settings, resonating deeply with educators and families nationwide.

Fighting to Stop Fighting: What Keeps Advocates Like Ryan Honick Going? ~ 1333 Read More »

Patrick Mulick: Why “Bad Choice” Is the Wrong Language for Schools ~ 1332

Podcast Episodes / By Tim / June 9, 2026

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas sits down with Patrick Mulick, a behavior analyst and Director of Student Engagement at Auburn School District, to discuss reducing the use of restraint and eliminating isolation in schools. Patrick recounts how the pandemic provided a turning point for schools to rethink their approach to handling students with complex behavioral needs. By implementing proactive strategies, shifting focus from restraint to personalized support, and using data-driven approaches, Patrick has successfully led his district to significantly reduce incidents of isolation and restraint.

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TerpsEXCEED: Making College Possible for All ~ 1331

Podcast Episodes / By Tim / May 28, 2026

Join us on this insightful episode of MCIE’s “Think Inclusive” podcast, as Tim Villegas delves into the Terps Exceed program at the University of Maryland. Explore the innovative two-year initiative that integrates students with intellectual disabilities into university life, providing them with education, employment, and social opportunities typically seen in post-secondary education settings. With compelling narratives from students, peer mentors, and coordinators, this episode highlights the vital role of inclusive post-secondary education in evolving societal perspectives.

TerpsEXCEED: Making College Possible for All ~ 1331 Read More »

Rethinking Social Skills: Teaching Social Thinking for All Learners with Michelle Garcia Winner ~ 1330

Podcast Episodes / By Tim / April 23, 2026

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas sits down with Michelle Garcia Winner, the mind behind the Social Thinking methodology. With a rich conversation centered around the invisible social rulebook, they discuss how educators and therapists can move beyond teaching social skills as mere behaviors. Michelle unfolds her insights into interpreting social situations, self-advocacy, and flexible thinking, breaking down the complexities into teachable and actionable strategies.

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Advocating for Full Inclusion: Every Student Deserves Belonging with Sandra McElwee ~ 1329

Podcast Episodes / By Tim / April 17, 2026

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a compelling conversation with Sandra McElwee, a pioneering advocate for inclusive education. As the mother of Sean, famously known from the TV show “Born This Way,” Sandra shares her journey of challenging educational norms to ensure her son had an inclusive education from the 1990s onwards. This episode explores the transformative power of inclusion in schools and the uphill battle families often face within the educational system.

Advocating for Full Inclusion: Every Student Deserves Belonging with Sandra McElwee ~ 1329 Read More »

Author name: Tim

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