About the Guest(s):

Tim Villegas: Tim is associated with the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. He is also the host of the Think Inclusive podcast and Director of Communications at the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education.

Ashley Barlow: A special education attorney and advocate, Ashley also hosts the Collaborative IEP Podcast. She offers extensive insights into legal aspects and advocacy for inclusive education.

Janet Roche: Known for co-producing the Inclusive Designers Podcast alongside Carolyn Robbins, Janet is also an advocate of trauma-informed design and a co-founder of Trauma-Informed Design Society.

Sam Drazin: As the Executive Director of Changing Perspectives, Sam is engaged in promoting inclusive education in schools. He is also known for his podcast, Sip and Sam Inclusion Coffee Talk.

Savitha Sundar: Host of the Inclusive Occupations Podcast, Savitha brings her expertise as an occupational therapist to offer insights into inclusive practices throughout different professional environments.

Lori Boll: Executive Director of Senia International and host of the SENIA Happy Hour podcast, Lori's work focuses on championing inclusion for students with special needs around the world.

Diana Pastora Carson: An educator with a passion for disability advocacy, Diana hosts the Beyond Awareness: Disability Awareness That Matters podcast.

Episode Summary:

Join Tim Villegas and an esteemed panel of experts as they dive into the complexities of rebuilding education in light of recent policy changes affecting schools. This episode is brimming with insightful discussion on the importance of inclusive education and the challenges posed by changes at the political level. Each guest shares their perspectives reflecting varied fields, from special education law, occupational therapy, to teacher preparation and inclusive design, emphasizing the urgency of collaborative advocacy for students with disabilities.

The conversation is rich with details about potential impacts of policy alterations on inclusive educational practices. Ashley Barlow breaks down complex legal shifts, while Janet Roche introduces the principles of trauma-informed design. The discourse extends to Sam Drazin who passionately highlights the significance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Savita Sundar who discusses concerns faced by service providers in education. Lori Boll tunes in with a global perspective, discussing how changes in the United States affect international schools, while Diana Pastora Carson emphasizes the role of educators in advocacy. Sam Drazin powerfully closes with a call for unity in advancing disability inclusion worldwide. This episode is a treasure trove for educators, advocates, and families focused on inclusive practices during these challenging times.

Complete show notes + transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/rebuilding-education-navigating-policy-changes-and-their-impact-on-schools-think-inclusive-now/

Key Takeaways:

-The current political climate demands increased awareness and advocacy from educators, focusing on protecting students' rights under IDEA.

Trauma-informed design plays a critical role in creating calming, inclusive environments in schools.

-The removal of DEI initiatives could harm the educational system by reducing the empathy and understanding necessary for truly inclusive practices.

-Grassroots advocacy in education has proven impactful, reflecting a need for continued collective action to address policy challenges.

-The discourse on school choice and voucher systems highlights a concern for increased segregation and inequity in education.

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