Tim Villegas shares his experiences with inclusive education and the obstacles he faced while attempting to implement it in non-inclusive school systems. He shares the story of Damian, a student with multiple disabilities who was included with the assistance of a paraprofessional. However, Tim realizes that this approach was not true inclusion and failed to address the systemic issues that resulted in segregation in the first place. Tim has a conversation with a former colleague about the impact one teacher can have on changing a system from within. He also discusses the progress and challenges faced by Sevi, Harper, and Natalia, three students with disabilities whose families have been advocating for inclusive education. Finally, Tim concludes with some hopeful discussions with future educators and the real question everyone should be asking themselves.

This is part five of a five-part series about families and school districts fully committed to inclusive practices for all learners. Listen to the entire series on your favorite podcast player or go to https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/inclusion-stories/.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/JM-lQu_nfi6qoaJ3BAQkvvoH2rc

Thank you to our sponsors!

Communication First: https://communicationfirst.org/

Roots of Inclusion: https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates: https://www.copaa.org/

Thompson Policy Institute on Disability: https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx

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Support by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Club 21 in Pasadena, CA.

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Theme & End Credits: The Light by Greg Drews and The Truth

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