Podcast Episodes

Elizabeth Biggs and Erin Turner discuss the importance of fostering friendships and peer relationships in inclusive classrooms. They emphasize the need to prioritize social-emotional learning and provide practical tools for supporting peer engagement. The conversation also touches on the role of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in facilitating communication and connection among students. The Enhancing Peer Network Project, a research initiative focused on building capacity for friendship and social communication development, is highlighted as a valuable resource for educators and families.

Kristin Burnette and Christine Bechtel discuss systems change work in inclusive education. They highlight the importance of reflection and action planning in creating sustainable change. They emphasize the need for multiple layers of leadership and collaboration between general education and special education teachers. The guests share stories of students benefiting from inclusive practices and the positive impact on school culture. They also discuss the challenges and time commitment involved in implementing inclusive education. Overall, they stress the importance of creating inclusive communities and preparing students for post-school success.

Jonathan Cormur, a voice actor and creator of the Dorktales Storytime podcast, discusses his work and the importance of authentic representation of disability in audio. He shares his experiences in voice acting and theater, highlighting the need for more opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and genuine representation in storytelling, urging educators to create safe spaces for students to explore their talents and unique perspectives. He also expresses his dreams for his career and the positive impact of his podcast.

Tim Villegas reflects on the year 2023 and discusses what has gone well and what can be improved upon in the coming year. Tim shares his accomplishments, including finishing “Inclusion Stories” and being part of the Inclusion Today group. He expresses a desire to hear more from listeners and invites them to suggest topics for future episodes. Tim expresses gratitude for the support and feedback from listeners. The episode ends with holiday wishes and a happy New Year’s greeting.

Arthur Aston, host of the Inclusion Think Tank podcast by the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE), shares his personal story and discusses the importance of inclusive education. He emphasizes the need for students with disabilities to be included in the conversation and highlights the impact of sharing personal experiences. Arthur encourages educators to start somewhere and stay dedicated to the process, as inclusive education takes time. He also mentions the value of hearing from students themselves and the impact of supportive teachers and school nurses.

Heather Avis, author and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, emphasizes the importance of intentional inclusion and the need for a shift in the narrative around disability. She shares personal experiences as a parent and highlights the power of storytelling to change perceptions and create spaces of belonging. Heather also addresses the challenges of advocating for inclusion and the ongoing work needed to dismantle ableism.

This week, we are bringing you a feed drop from UDL in 15 Minutes by Loui Lord Nelson *** The ultimate UDL question is “what does UDL look like?” Loui shares how her new tool, The UDL Gears, helps UDL users in all fields and around the world shift that question to, “What are the

Lori Miranda, from Palm Beach County School District, discusses their move towards inclusive placements for students with disabilities. The video was created to showcase their collaboration between the school district, Head Start, and community partners. The goal is to keep children with disabilities in their natural environments and provide support through inclusive practices. They have faced challenges such as funding and teacher buy-in, but have seen positive outcomes with students transitioning to general education kindergarten. The program has grown and they are now able to provide evaluations and services directly at community centers. The key takeaway is to prioritize the needs of children and families and ensure representation and diversity within the team.

Brad Cohen, an educator with Tourette’s syndrome, discusses the misconceptions surrounding the condition and the challenges he faced in finding a job. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and support from educators, as well as the need to focus on a student’s strengths rather than their weaknesses. Brad shares his personal experiences and encourages families to be open and honest about their child’s disability, while also advocating for self-acceptance and perseverance. He highlights the power of education in making a difference and inspiring others.

Valerie Williams, Director at OSEP, discusses the importance of inclusion in early childhood education. She shares a personal story about finding the right preschool for her son with Down syndrome and emphasizes the need for a mindset shift among educators. Valerie highlights the lack of knowledge and resources available to support inclusive practices and calls for better dissemination of information. She also mentions the promising initiatives happening in different states and encourages educators to be bold, brave, and urgent in their efforts to improve inclusive opportunities for all students.