Assembling Edu

In this episode, we're talking all about Mentra with Shea Belsky! Mentra is a neurodiversity employment network that partners neurodiverse job-seekers with positions that fit their unique strengths and employers who value their skillsets. We also talk about how the platform is being used to support universities and service providers. (Episode Transcript)

In this episode, we talk to Tara Coucharine and Kristin Robinson about Clusive, a free, customized and adaptive learning tool that provides support for students while reading digitally. (Episode Transcript)  

In this episode, we interviewed Aaron Gustafson about Microsoft AI for Accessibility, a program that focuses on accessibility innovation and provides grant funding to different projects and initiatives. We discuss the structure of the program and the different projects that have been funded over the past few years, as well as the future direction the program will be taking in the future. (Episode Transcript) 

In this episode, we talk about adaptive sports and inclusive sports programming with Tyler McGregor from All Sports All People. We discuss the organization's school outreach program, which promotes inclusion awareness for youth and teaches about adaptive sports, their partnerships with community recreation departments, and how their organization is helping to bring more inclusion and accessibility to sports for all athletes. (Episode Transcript) 

In this episode, we interview Mary Theresa Archbold from the Theatre for All program at Queens Theatre. Theatre for All is a theatre program that is intentional about making stages inclusive for all performers. They work with actors in the disability community to provide training and advocacy within the performing arts. (Episode Transcript)

In this episode, we talk about Career Technical Education (CTE), emerging technologies in agriculture, and inclusion. I sat down with three members of the Growing Hope Project-- Sherryl Anderson, Barbara Pastuchek, and Brit Steele. They discussed the mission of Growing Hope, which partners Night Owl Bay with the San Bernardino City Unified School District to provide career pathways. At least 50% of the students at the school receive special education services. The program helps put students on different career pathways, teaches them about hydroponic farming using technology, helps increase their confidence, and helps them connect to the community. (Episode Transcript) 

In this episode, we interview Dave Dolan from Veative. We discuss the Veative platform and all of the content available to students, including STEM lessons that are more concrete and accessible. We also talk about uses for language learners and the capabilities for differentiation and personalized learning, as well as data collection for teachers. (Episode Transcript)

In this episode, we interview Joann Blumenfeld about the Catalyst program, an inclusive STEM program that helps students find their pathway toward STEM careers. Joann and I talk about her experience in education, the importance of creating an accessible and inclusive curriculum to ensure all learners are successful, the value of placing high expectations for all learners, and the overall success of the Catalyst program. For anyone who wants to learn more about how to create more inclusive STEM opportunities for students in preparation for post-secondary success, check this episode out! (Episode Transcript)

In this episode, we interview Kay Gayner and Agnes McConlogue Ferro from the DREAM Project at National Dance Institute. We discuss DREAM and how it helps make dance inclusive for everyone, including how the program and inclusion overall benefit the dancers, audience, and families (Episode Transcript) 

In this episode, we spoke to Jen Schlegel. We talk about her start-up company, all of her ideas, her work with Ohio Tech Ambassadors, and her views on accessibility and assistive technology. (Episode Transcript)