Sports and physical activity are extremely beneficial to children's development, not only developing their physical health but also their social skills, problem-solving abilities, and conflict-resolution skills. These activities should be accessible to all, not just those who are "able-bodied." Children and adults with special needs, whether it be physical, developmental, or social disabilities, deserve to have access to the same resources and activities that those who are "able-bodied" or "n...

Inclusion in the classroom has become a topic of discussion in recent years. Though all students deserve to be included, those with disabilities often get overlooked or cast aside. Many theories and ideas have surfaced in regards to this, but successful execution of inclusive education is seen few and far between. One school that has effectively integrated the inclusive model into each of its classrooms is the Hope Technology School. As a K-12 school - including a Vocational Education program...

Peanut Butter Falcon, an independent movie that has shone this summer, is a film like no other. Starring a man with Down syndrome, the filmmakers have sought to break the silence that has been present in Hollywood despite its efforts and growth in inclusion - casting people with disabilities in movies. Russ sits down with the team to discuss initial thoughts about this movie, along with the impact it is capable of having. References:“Why the ‘Peanut Butter Falcon’ Changes the Disabled Na...

Russ concludes his time with Greg and Ray discussing the future and potential expansion of E-Sports. Though E-Sports has grown in ways no one could imagine, there is still so much more we can do. We can’t stop pushing for growth until everyone is included and accepted, and must keep setting goals and moving forward towards them until we achieve that.Episode ReferencesE-SportsDigital Scribbler“Start Your Own” E-Sports ProgramE-Sports Social Media:FacebookInstagram: @e_sportscaTwitter: @e_SoccerCA

Continuing their conversation about the progression of E-Sports, Russ talks with Greg and Ray about how the program has grown from just a few kids playing soccer to having about 700-800 kids participating per week across the Bay Area; expanded to multiple countries such as China, Guam, the Philippines, and India; and developed into multiple programs such as E-Soccer, E-Hoops, E-Karate, and, more recently, E-Dance. This growth has gained recognition and attention from multiple organizations, i...

Russ Ewell sits down with Greg Bodzioch and Ray Kim to discuss the background and growth of E-Sports. What began as an effort to have kids with both typical and special needs play soccer together on a small Foster City field, has now expanded nationally and internationally, and grown into multiple programs, including E-Soccer, E-Hoops, E-Karate, and more, partnering with schools like USF and St. Mary’s. Advocacy and inclusion for people with special needs is crucial, but, as USF’s slogan indi...

Hello all, my name is Russ Ewell, and this is The Digital Scribbler Podcast. In this episode, I will introduce myself and provide a little background for both myself and what this podcast will cover during season one, I will also discuss reasons for doing this podcast and what I wish will come of it.As a father of two sons with disabilities, I have both a deep and personal connection to disability advocacy. It has been vital to me not just to advocate to create a better and more inclusive wor...

Virtual Reality (VR) is a burgeoning technology space that is only limited by what we can image. With those possibility there has been an effort to use VR for good. Whether in the education arena or, simply, even helping kids with doctor visits and receiving vaccines. Russ sits down with Parker and Sean to talk about VR and the possibilities of what it can do to be a tool to aid and help people. Possibly providing a safe space to face fears or prepare for medical appointments for t...

Inclusion isn't always easy. Even though it is a lifestyle we believe everyone should excel towards sometimes we feel unequipped in how to comprehensively include those with Special Needs. But inclusion isn't just a program it is a accumulation of moments that are seized. Those moments when you notice someone wants to be included or you see an opportunity to include someone. It can be as simple as treating a special needs family like a typical family, because when you include a family, you in...

The 5 Levels of Inclusion is an inclusion philosophy developed by Russ Ewell years ago to help guide people on how true inclusion is a holistic approach. Russ sits down with his friend Greg Bodzioch and San Jose State University student Jackson Schaefer, who is studying Inclusive Physical Activity in Communities for his Kinesiology degree and has been a coach in the inclusive soccer program E-Soccer for the past 5 years.Their discussion is sparked by the recent articles of Chris Kaposy and Ru...