Cathi Davis is the principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary School in Woodinville, Washington, and the 2025 Washington State Principal of the Year. She leads a school built on the promise “we thought of you when we made this place,” designing for belonging, elevating student voice, and protecting adult collaboration so inclusive practices stick.

Principal Cathi Davis shares how Ruby Bridges Elementary purposefully designs for belonging rather than just declaring it—centering student voice, presuming competence, and building systems where every learner is a leader and belongs. She breaks down how leaders protect weekly co‑planning time, model vulnerability, and act with urgency because kids don’t get these minutes back—there are only 188 school days to invest in community.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/cathi-davis-on-creating-schools-where-every-learner-belongs-1302/

Samuel Habib is a college student, filmmaker, and disability rights advocate. He co-directed The Ride Ahead, a documentary chronicling his transition into adulthood as a disabled person. Samuel works part-time at the Westchester Institute for Human Development and is pursuing a degree in history at Southern New Hampshire University.

Dan Habib is an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker and longtime advocate for inclusive education. He has directed several impactful films including Including Samuel and Intelligent Lives. Dan co-directed The Ride Ahead with Samuel and has been instrumental in promoting authentic representation of disabled voices in media.

In this heartfelt episode, Tim Villegas speaks with Samuel and Dan Habib about their documentary The Ride Ahead, which explores Samuel’s journey into adulthood, the challenges of traveling with a disability, and the importance of mentorship and community. The conversation dives into storytelling, inclusive education, dating and intimacy, and the power of showing up as your full self. The episode also highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the impact of authentic representation.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/the-ride-ahead-samuel-and-dan-habib/

Welcome to Think Inclusive. Each week, we bring together families, educators, and disability rights advocates to build a shared understanding of inclusive education—and what inclusion looks like in real schools and communities.

Hosted by Tim Villegas, Director of Communications at the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE), Think Inclusive shares real stories, practical strategies, and honest conversations that help you move inclusion forward where you are. It’s also a proud production of MCIE.

What you’ll hear in this feed:

• Straight‑talk interviews with educators, advocates, and self‑advocates who are changing systems.
• Clear, actionable ideas you can use in classrooms, IEP meetings, and leadership teams.
• Themes we return to often: belonging, presuming competence, UDL, co‑teaching, accessible materials, and shifting mindsets that sustain inclusive schools.

Why listen now: Since 2012, Think Inclusive has released over 200 episodes and ranks in the top 2% of podcasts globally—so you’ll find a deep, practical archive to learn from.

Our regular season runs September through July, with bonus episodes sprinkled in.

Hit Follow/Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Want to share how you’re using the show with your team or district? Email Tim Villegas at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you.

In this compelling episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in an enlightening conversation with Elizabeth Bonker, a prominent advocate for non-speaking individuals. Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey of becoming a voice for non-speakers through typing. Despite the communication barriers she faced, Elizabeth emerged as a powerful force in advocating for inclusivity in education and society.

Elizabeth discusses the challenges non-speaking students encounter in schools, particularly the prevalent resistance to recognize typing as a legitimate communication method. She compares typing to Braille for the blind or sign language for the deaf, advocating for its integration into educational settings as a civil rights issue. The episode delves into Elizabeth's personal experiences, emphasizing the significant impact of presuming competence. She underscores the necessity of educational reform to facilitate access to typing for non-speakers, advocating for a shift in perception that acknowledges their potential.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/podcast-episode-template-title/

In this riveting episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas delves into the intricacies of educational inclusivity and innovation in California, spotlighting the transformative EmbraceAbilities project. This initiative is spearheaded by Marcia Reily and Kristen Danhour Stanke, two educational specialists from the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Their mission is to reshape how the educational system supports students with extensive needs, encouraging a shift from segregated learning environments to fully inclusive classrooms.

Marcia and Kristen share essential insights into the ongoing journey of the EmbraceAbilities project. Originally funded by the California Department of Education, this initiative aims to empower county offices of education with frameworks and tools to advance inclusive practices. The discussion underscores the significance of “extensive support needs” and how Marcia and Kristen, through statewide engagement and site visits, have co-created solutions that reflect the unique challenges and triumphs of individual counties. From professional development to family engagement, the episode covers critical strategies and real-world applications driving change for students with disabilities.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/embraceabilities-inclusive-education/

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Leah Kelley is a distinguished neurodivergent education consultant, author, activist, educator, and parent. With 25 years of experience as a public school teacher, her roles have included primary teacher, inclusion resource teacher, and SEL Mental Health helping teacher. Leah is known for her national and international presentations on neurodiversity, advocacy, and inclusion, as well as her popular blog “30 Days of Autism.” She is a sought-after speaker recognized for her storytelling and practical wisdom, encapsulated in her book “The Person Who Arrives: Connecting Disability Studies to Educational Practice for Teachers, Parents, and Others.”

Dr. Kari Gustafson is an instructor and researcher specializing at the intersection of neurodiversity, disability studies, education, and role-playing games. Kari holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Education from Simon Fraser University, where their dissertation delved into relationality and inclusion within role-playing games like D&D. Currently a faculty member in the Disability and Community Studies program at Douglas College, Kari brings a unique perspective to educational practices that prioritize strength-based collaboration and inclusivity.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Leah Kelley and Dr. Kari Gustafson. The conversation delves into the importance of play and creativity within the context of inclusion, education, and disability studies. As advocates for neurodiversity, Leah and Kari offer insightful perspectives on how play can be an essential tool for both personal growth and collaborative learning, especially for individuals with disabilities.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/exploring-plays-role-in-inclusion-and-personal-growth/

Key Takeaways:

-Play is a vital tool for imagination, personal growth, and collaborative learning in neurodiverse and inclusive settings.

-Societal pressures often replace play with structured therapies, particularly for children with disabilities, emphasizing the need to reclaim play.

-Role-playing games, such as D&D, offer collaborative storytelling experiences that promote inclusivity and value diverse strengths.

Embracing play can lead to increased joy and energy, benefiting personal well-being and educational outcomes.

-Facilitating inclusive environments that prioritize creativity and play helps individuals thrive and fosters strength-based collaboration.

Thank you to our sponsor, IXL: https://ixl.com/inclusive

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary

In this bonus episode of Think Inclusive, hosted by Tim Villegas, listeners are invited to relive a dynamic and innovative event organized by the Educating All Learners Alliance (EALA). The December 2024 retreat featured 22 mission-aligned organizations gathered for a 36-hour innovation sprint aimed at developing transformative projects in inclusive education. The event emphasized solutions co-designed by those closest to the challenges, offering fresh perspectives and actionable outcomes. With two standout projects each receiving $75,000 in funding, the retreat underscored the power of community-led grant making. This episode captures the behind-the-scenes experiences of participants as they share their reflections on creativity, collaboration, and the pursuit of inclusive education advancements.

Throughout the episode, the emphasis is placed on collaboration and the significance of involving educators, families, and students in the co-creation process for meaningful outcomes. Featuring conversations with participants, such as Anna Evancic from the International Youth Foundation and Maribel Gardea of MindShift, listeners gain insight into the innovative solutions proposed, including Youth Action Power and the Transformative Engagement Alliance, both aimed at reshaping educational practices. The episode highlights the intersection of ideas and expertise, conveying the importance of diversity, understanding the needs of learners with disabilities, and fostering a collaborative spirit across educational communities.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/voices-of-change-inside-the-eala-community-of-action/

Learn more about EALA's community of action: https://educatingalllearners.org/community-of-action/

Thank you to the Educating All Learners Alliance for making Inclusion Today and this bonus episode possible. Learn more at https://educatingalllearners.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary

In this insightful bonus episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, host Tim Villegas and the Inclusion Today team explore the collaborative journey embarked upon with the Educating All Learners Alliance. Igniting an ambitious national campaign, their goal is to ensure that more than a million students are educated in environments committed to inclusive learning practices. This episode captures the essence of their shared mission and navigates the challenges and triumphs of their team-based approach.

The episode unravels the experiences during the Educating All Learners Alliance's Community of Action in December 2023, where educators from diverse backgrounds coalesced around a shared mission. Through detailed discussions, Tim, alongside his team, recounts how trust, collaborative synergy, and dedication shaped their successful initiative. They recount into how the Community of Action facilitated rich exchanges leading to the development of an inclusive toolkit, breaking down complex educational barriers to pave the way for sustainable inclusivity in education systems across the globe.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/from-vision-to-action-the-collaboration-behind-inclusion-today/

Key Takeaways

• The power of trust and collaboration can significantly impact tackling educational challenges, guiding teams toward innovative solutions.
• Successful collaboration often involves acknowledging individual strengths and vulnerabilities, enabling participants to contribute uniquely to shared goals.
• Authentic inclusivity in education requires a thoughtful approach, focusing on accessible resources and actionable strategies.
• Participatory grant funding provides unique opportunities for organizations to address systemic educational issues proactively.
• Reflecting on experiences through constructive team feedback can enhance understanding and implementation of inclusive practices.

To take the Inclusive Leadership Pledge and download the Starter Kit & Companion Guide go to https://educatingalllearners.org/inclusion-today/

Thanks to the Educating All Learner Alliance for making Inclusion Today and this bonus episode possible. Learn more at https://educatingalllearners.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About the Guest(s):

Rachel Zemach is a deaf author and former educator with a passionate career centered around advocating for deaf students. Her profound experiences in mainstream education as a deaf teacher culminated in the writing of her book, "The Butterfly Cage: Joy, Heartache, and Corruption Teaching While Deaf in a California Public School," published in 2023. Rachel, who became deaf at the age of 10, is a strong proponent of positive deaf identity and sign language, striving to raise awareness about the challenges faced by deaf students in mainstream educational settings. She currently resides in Northern California.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas speaks with Rachel Zemach, a deaf author and former teacher, about her firsthand experiences educating deaf children within California's public school system. The episode dives deep into the themes of inclusion, identity, and the significance of tailored education for deaf students. With her book "The Butterfly Cage" as the backdrop, Rachel shares transformative insights from her decade-long teaching career and discusses the deep impacts of a strong deaf identity.

Rachel Zemach highlights the pressing issues mainstream education faces when accommodating deaf students, pressing for educational systems that embrace American Sign Language and deaf culture. The conversation explores how a better understanding of communication barriers and the hiring of deaf professionals can promote a conducive learning environment. The potential of inclusive education systems and their ability to cater to a diverse learning community without trying to "fix" or change deaf students is a central theme.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/unveiling-the-deaf-experience-rachel-zemachs-identity-transformation-journey/

Key Takeaways:

-Deaf Identity and Education: Rachel Zemach emphasizes the need for deaf children to be taught by deaf teachers or in environments that celebrate deaf culture and identity.

-Sign Language and Communication: Schools should promote the learning and use of American ------Sign Language to foster inclusivity and understanding among deaf and hearing students.

-Mainstreaming Challenges: Mainstream education often inadequately supports deaf students, emphasizing speech over sign language, leading to communication breakdowns and educational inequity.

-Benefits of Deaf Schools: Deaf schools provide a unique environment where deaf children thrive, offering cultural identity, peer connection, and effective communication.

-Systemic Changes: Implementation of resources, like certified interpreters and deaf educators, is crucial for creating supportive and inclusive educational settings.

Resources:

Rachel Zemach's Book: The Butterfly Cage https://rachelzemach.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, IXL Learning: https://ixl.com/inclusive

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About the Guest(s):

Emily Ladau is an activist, writer, and speaker, known for her relentless advocacy for disability rights. With a decade of experience, Emily serves as the editor of Able News, a digital newspaper amplifying the voices and stories of New York's vibrant disability community. Her involvement in disability rights extends beyond writing, as she continually seeks to inspire and challenge societal perceptions through her speaking engagements and published works, including her book aimed at bridging understanding between disabled and non-disabled communities.

Episode Summary:

In this stimulating episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages with long-time friend and leading disability advocate Emily Ladau. As they delve into pressing issues confronting minority groups, Emily reflects on the systematic erosion of rights for the disability community, particularly those with multiple marginalized identities. She provides personal insights into navigating these challenges while expressing the uncertainties of future potentials for individuals’ rights, especially under the current sociopolitical climate of 2025.

The conversation moves to explore the intricacies of communicating effectively with diverse audiences, with an emphasis on thoughtfully engaging conservative politicians. Emily shares the balance of maintaining authenticity while strategically choosing words that resonate across party lines, addressing the need for cross-aisle dialogue in advancing disability rights. She also provides crucial advice for those striving to be allies, emphasizing the importance of mindful communication and adaptive advocacy efforts as tools for sustaining momentum in inclusivity goals. This episode is a rich tapestry of personal reflection and strategic insights, capturing the pulse of advocacy in challenging times.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/

Key Takeaways:

-The current sociopolitical environment is eroding disability rights, with advocates like Emily Ladau emphasizing the dire impacts on those with multiple marginalized identities.

-Strategic vagueness in political rhetoric is creating an environment of fear and uncertainty, where advocacy requires deliberate and thoughtful communication.

-Emily Ladau underscores the necessity of adjusting language to gain support from conservative audiences by aligning advocacy messages with core values.

-Recognizing the limits of individual capacity, Emily advises allies to engage in advocacy through manageable actions without compromising personal well-being.

-She stresses the significance of platforms like social media in advocating for disability rights, highlighting its dual role in fostering community and echo chambers.

Resources:

Emily's Website: https://emilyladau.com/

Able News: https://ablenews.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, IXL: https://ixl.com/inclusive

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.