Help Teach

In this episode, we explore a program designed to make dreams come true for young people with disabilities in Nova Scotia and talk about why new experiences are crucial for developing self-confidence in the classroom and beyond. Thank you Dimitri and Darren for your amazing work!

Join Mihai and Payton as they bring you the story of Payton's experience with Dream Wings, a program that gives Nova Scotian youths with disabilities the gift of flight. They dive into how life-changing it can be to have access to exciting (and sometimes challenging) new opportunities as a disabled youth and, finally, what teachers can learn about the indispensable role of self-confidence and self-advocacy in the classroom.

Dream Wings Facebook page
Dream Wings story article (CBC.ca)

In this episode, we answer the question, "What lessons can Canada learn from around the world to improve its accessibility landscape?" We explore the idea that our attitudes may do more heavy lifting than we think in making our environments more accessible.

Join Mihai and Maggie as they compare notes about their experiences with accessibility abroad. On their conversational voyage, they pass by mobile, visual, and auditory obstacles typically found in countries older than Canada as well as the benefit of space before arriving at the topic of the international X-factor: attitudes. While Canada may be a global leader in accessible environments, it may have more to learn about how treating others (and oneself) the right way can make all the difference in the experience of a disabled person.

In this episode, we respond to our previous conversation on the proper role of support staff in the school system and ask a Certified Educational Assistant (CEA) about her views and experiences.

Join Mihai and Delrene Stade as they discuss the difficulties of working as a CEA/EA in various school districts, including a lack of administrative engagement and proper training for new support staff. They then turn the conversation to how the school system and training regime might be improved, to the benefit of staff, teachers, and (most of all) students. 

In this episode, we trace the multi-faceted experience of life with cerebral palsy through the stages of education and into the professional world and workforce.

Join Mihai, Marco Pasqua, Payton Given, and Lucy Diaz as they discuss the experience of life with cerebral palsy (CP) in Canada as it relates to education and work. They trace the outline of the life of a CP advocate through elementary school, high school, post-secondary and into the labour force, with special attention to the value of good relationships and constructive attitudes. Happy Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month!

Rick Hansen Foundation Schools Program - Resource Library
Hirefortalent.ca
Accessibleemployers.ca
Canadian Disability Benefits

In this episode, we discuss the role of Educational Assistants and the value of accounting for some extra time in the classroom to support a variety of students and their needs.

Join Mihai and Jordan Lowe as they discuss the formative role of Educational Assistants (EAs) in the Canadian public school system and their personal experiences with educational support. They touch on patience, compassion, collaboration, and the idea of leaving extra time in the day to ensure that students don't feel pressed or rushed in the classroom.

Jordan Lowe ElevaTours Canada

Join Mihai Covaser on a trip back through 2023 to learn a bit more about the "why?" behind the show and reflect on the past, present, and future of Help Teach.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

In this episode, we discuss the concept of collaborative inclusion and how the classroom benefits from open doors to conversation between students, teachers, and parents. 

Join Mihai and Kyla Bresch as they discuss the concept of collaborative inclusion, drawing on personal stories of well-adapted classrooms and the benefits of collaboration to achieve accessible ends. Together, they highlight the importance of building bridges and opening doors to students, parents, and other school staff members to integrate diverse viewpoints and meet students where they are in their education journey.

In this episode, we discuss the intersection of public and alternative forms of education and lessons that teachers can learn to supplement their accessibility plan in the classroom.

Join Mihai and Aaron Wang as they discuss alternative forms of education, such as online and private schooling, and what public school teachers can learn from these programs to make their classrooms more accessible. They also touch on the work of psychologist Lev Vygotsky and how teachers can implement his ideas to help students that learn outside the norm to flourish.

The Learning Game by Ana Lorena Fabrega
Hope Braintrust
Growing an Accessible and Inclusive Systems Design Course with PlantUML
The Canadian Philosophy Show
TCPS Discord

In this episode, we discuss the value of musical education in practicing self-expression and how social justice, music, and education can all intersect in the lives of young learners.

Join Mihai and renowned concert violinist and accessibility advocate Adrian Anantawan as they discuss the benefits of musical education for students with disabilities. They describe three key components of inclusive education - space, tools, and attitudes - and share personal stories of advocacy and music in their lives. 

In this episode, we celebrate one year of Help Teach! Enjoy this long-form recap and universal takeaway from all of our co-leads. Thank you all for your incredible support so far!

Join Mihai, Maggie, Élise, and Payton as they summarize the progression of Help Teach over the past year. They discuss what they have been up to over the past few months, where the show is heading next, and how audience members can become more involved. Finally, they give advice on how to best approach members of the disability community with your questions and offers of support.

Get in touch at [email protected]
Join the Discord

Watch Maggie on All-Round Champion S5