About the Guest(s):

Robyn Stack Reagan is the CEO of Circle of Friends, an organization with a mission to promote inclusion for students with disabilities and those living with adversity. With her extensive background in working with youth in residential treatment and fostering youth with mental illness, Reagan brings a wealth of experience to the area of inclusive education and advocacy. Her professional journey includes strategic planning and implementation of programs promoting inclusion, reflecting her passion for supporting students and empowering them to appreciate differences and build authentic relationships.

Summary:

In this episode, Tim Villegas welcomes Robyn Stack Reagan, the dynamic CEO of Circle of Friends, for an engaging conversation that dives deep into the organization's mission and the tangible impact of inclusion in educational settings. This candid discussion unveils the profound effects that fostering genuine friendships and promoting anti-bullying can have on students of all backgrounds, particularly disabled learners and those facing adversity.

Robyn shares the compelling origin story of Circle of Friends, which began with a determination to help one student with Down syndrome make friends in high school. The movement quickly grew into a popular club driven by student leaders eager to encourage inclusion. She also emphasizes the importance of Circle of Friends as a model that transcends disability support and reaches students facing various sorts of adversity, including English language learners, foster youth, and LGBTQIA+ students.

An essential facet of this episode is the focus on the misconceptions about inclusion and the reality of its societal benefits. Robyn discusses the organization's approach to eradicating the helper-helpee dynamic by fostering peer-to-peer relationships based on mutual respect and equality—a core value of Circle of Friends. Listeners will leave the conversation with a nuanced understanding of the critical need for safe, inclusive school environments that cultivate long-lasting, positive change.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/4y9S6I85LUr57ygjk90G6_tRDqU

Key Takeaways:

• Circle of Friends started with the goal of helping one student make friends, embodying the mission to promote inclusion across student populations.
• The program has expanded to address students living with various adversities, broadening the reach and impact of the organization.
• The core values of Circle of Friends, including honoring diversity and cultivating friendship, play a vital role in guiding the program's methods and objectives.
• Overcoming misconceptions about inclusion is a central challenge addressed by the organization, with an emphasis on the shared benefits for all students.
• The Circle of Friends program serves as both an antidote to bullying and a platform for developing emotional intelligence and advocacy skills among students.

Resources:

Circle of Friends Website: https://www.circleofriends.org/

Hope Building Blocks by Tufts University: https://positiveexperience.org/resource/the-four-building-block-of-hope/

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

Podcast Impact Survey: https://bit.ly/TI-IMPACT

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

About the Guest(s):

Jeannie Gainsburg is an LGBTQ+ advocate and author. She has been actively involved in LGBTQ+ inclusion for over 15 years and has worked with various organizations to promote equality and acceptance. Jeannie is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and educating others on allyship.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Tim Villegas interviews Jeannie Gainsburg, an LGBTQ+ advocate and author. They discuss their personal journeys to becoming allies and the importance of disability and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Jeannie shares her experiences and insights on being an effective ally, including tips for respectful conversations and using gender-neutral language. They also discuss the evolving nature of LGBTQ+ initialisms and the significance of pronouns in creating inclusive spaces.

Also in this episode, Tim Villegas and Tasslyn Magnusson (PEN America) discuss the recent trend of book banning in schools. They discuss the current state of book banning, its impact on marginalized communities, and what educators can do to fight against it. They also touch on the importance of student involvement and the power of storytelling.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/PvzH-RQidgOHvbKrA_D-hHsWLG8

Key Takeaways:

• Jeannie Gainsburg and Tim Villegas both came to disability and LGBTQ+ inclusion advocacy later in life but were motivated by the injustice and discrimination they witnessed.
• Being an ally means actively supporting and advocating for marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ+ communities and people with disabilities.
• It is important to use inclusive language and respect people's pronouns to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Allyship is an ongoing journey, and it is important to be open to learning, making mistakes, and continuously educating oneself.
• Educators play a crucial role in providing quality instruction and creating an inclusive learning environment for students.

Resources:

The Savvy Ally: https://amzn.to/3uarECD

Website: https://www.savvyallyaction.com/

Banned in the USA: The Mounting Pressure to Censor: https://pen.org/report/book-bans-pressure-to-censor/

MCIE:

Website: https://www.mcie.org/

Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@think_inclusive

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/

Support: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Donate

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

About the Guest(s):

Elizabeth Biggs, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. She is also an affiliated faculty member of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Her research focuses on improving social, communication, language, and literacy outcomes for students with complex communication needs, particularly supporting their belonging and inclusion.

Erin Turner, MA, is an Educational Consultant for the Enhancing Peer Networks Project at Vanderbilt University. As a special educator for 12 years, Erin served diverse schools and districts across many roles. She taught both general and special education classes, led an inclusion program, and served as a district-wide special education coach. She now collaborates with and provides training to educators and school sites to implement the Enhanced Peer Networks Intervention. 

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/bgkXTbRTJPDDE78wJfxWcJubJww

Summary: In this episode, Tim Villegas interviews Elizabeth Biggs and Erin Turner about the importance of fostering peer relationships in inclusive classrooms. They discuss why relationships with peers are often overlooked, the benefits of inclusive classrooms beyond academic progress, and the role of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in supporting communication access for students with limited speech. Elizabeth and Erin share insights from their research and provide practical strategies for educators and families to promote peer engagement and friendship in schools.

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusive classrooms often overlook peer relationships due to a focus on academics and a lack of training in social-emotional skills.
• Friendships promote well-being for students with disabilities.
• Inclusive classrooms foster relationships between students with disabilities and non-disabled peers.
• The Enhancing Peer Network Project aims to develop tools and resources to support social communication and foster relationships for autistic students who use AAC.
• AAC is essential for students with limited verbal speech to communicate and build relationships with peers.

Resources:

• TIES Center - Creating Communities of Belonging for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities: https://publications.ici.umn.edu/ties/peer-engagement/belonging/introduction

MCIE:

Website: https://www.mcie.org/

Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@think_inclusive

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/

Support: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Donate

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

About The Guest(s):

Dr. Kristin Burnette is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at ECU. She has 17 years of experience working with students with extensive support needs and 11 years of classroom experience. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of NC Greensboro, focusing on inclusive education for students with extensive support needs. During her doctoral program, she was a graduate assistant for the TIES Center, the OSEP national technical assistance center focused on inclusive education and systemic change.

Christine Bechtel is the Supervisor of Special Education for Carroll County Public Schools and has been in the field of Special Education for 28 years. Mrs. Bechtel is dedicated to equity particularly for students with disabilities, earning a Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Equity and Excellence in Education from McDaniel College in 2019. Among many other roles within CCPS, Mrs. Bechtel currently serves as the chair of CCPS’s District Inclusion Team.

Summary:

Kristin and Christine discussed Carroll County's journey toward inclusive education. They started with targeted technical assistance from the National TIES Center and gradually expanded inclusive practices to multiple schools. Their commitment to collaboration and a mindset shift has led to positive outcomes for both students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/OfppakyION57qFeebUXEoQ1Cw9A

Thank you to Brookes Publishing for sponsoring this episode!

Book Giveaway: https://bit.ly/brookes-giveaway-0124

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusive education requires multiple layers of leadership at the building, district, and state levels.
• The district's focus on content areas like science and social studies has led to meaningful inclusion and improved outcomes.
• Reflection and action planning are essential for sustainable systems change in education.
• The district has positively impacted school culture and student engagement through inclusive practices.
• Non-disabled peers have benefited from inclusive education, becoming role models and improving their behavior.

TIES Roadmap: https://bit.ly/TIES-RISE

MCIE:

Website: https://www.mcie.org/

Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@think_inclusive

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/

Support: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Donate

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

About The Guest(s): Jonathan Cormur is a talented voice actor and the host of the Dorktales Storytime podcast. He has a great passion for storytelling and presents classic fairytales in a unique and geekish way. Jonathan also contributes to the Hidden Heroes of History series, which is part of the Dorktales Storytime feed. Through this series, he highlights important historical figures who are often overlooked.

Summary: Jonathan Cormur discusses his work on the Dorktales Storytime podcast, adding a geeky twist to classic fairytales. He emphasizes the importance of authentic representation of disabilities in audio and shares his experiences in voice acting and theater. Jonathan reflects on his journey with autism and the impact of inclusive education and shares his aspirations for his career and the positive message of his podcast.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/XrZ2JnVA7ZmG0Ah7QYXNHvv87oE

Key Takeaways:

• Dork Tales Story Time podcast puts a geekish twist on classic fairytales, promoting positive role models and embracing uniqueness.
• Authentic representation of disabilities in audio is important, and more opportunities should be given to neurodivergent individuals.
• Inclusive education and supportive teachers can make a significant difference in the lives of neurodivergent students.
• Jonathan's dreams for his career include financial viability for the podcast and more opportunities for positive role modeling.
• Playing Dungeons & Dragons has become a fun and engaging hobby for Jonathan, enhancing his creativity and enjoyment.

Jonathan Cormur: https://jonincharacter.com/

Dorktales Storytime: https://pod.link/dorktales-storytime

MCIE:

Website: https://www.mcie.org/

Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@think_inclusive

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/

Support: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Donate

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

Tim Villegas reflects on the year 2023 and discusses what has gone well and what can be improved upon in the coming year. Tim shares his accomplishments, including finishing "Inclusion Stories" and being part of the Inclusion Today group. He expresses a desire to hear more from listeners and invites them to suggest topics for future episodes. Tim expresses gratitude for the support and feedback from listeners. The episode ends with holiday wishes and a happy New Year's greeting.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/CmSFwxXeqoqtoTiWs5zlfLYdH1M

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

About The Guest(s): Arthur Aston is a podcaster and the host of the Inclusion Think Tank podcast for the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE). He was born with spina bifida, a condition that affects his mobility, and has dedicated his life to changing the way people see and interact with individuals with disabilities.

Summary: Arthur Aston, host of the Inclusion Think Tank podcast for NJCIE, shares his personal journey of living with spina bifida and how it led him to become an advocate for inclusive education. He discusses the importance of inclusive education and the need for students with and without disabilities to learn together. Arthur also highlights the work of NJCIE in providing professional development and consulting services to promote inclusive education in schools.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/dcqHcjhDxPQq3gOnBUbUznydM0c

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusive education is a fundamental right for every student and allows for learning and growth for all.
• Accessibility benefits everyone, not just individuals with disabilities.
• Inclusive education provides an opportunity for students to learn from each other and realize their similarities.
• Making changes towards inclusive education takes time, patience, and dedication.
• It is important to include the voices of individuals with disabilities in the conversation about inclusive education.

NJCIE Website: https://www.njcie.org/

Inclusion Think Tank Podcast: https://www.njcie.org/podcast

All In (Arkansas): https://sites.google.com/view/inclusive-practices/home

MCIE:

Website: https://www.mcie.org/

Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/think_inclusive

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/

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

About The Guest(s): Heather Avis is an author, speaker, and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome. She is the founder of The Lucky Few, a foundation that aims to shift the narrative around Down syndrome and create spaces of belonging for everyone. Heather shares her personal experiences as a mother of three adopted children, two of whom have Down syndrome, and uses storytelling to challenge societal perceptions and promote inclusion.

Summary: Heather Avis and Tim Villegas engage in a thought-provoking conversation about intentional inclusion and the power of storytelling in transforming perceptions. They delve into the challenges and progress in creating inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities, as well as the need to address ableism within the disability community itself. Heather emphasizes the importance of intentional adjustments and thoughtful consideration to foster true inclusion. They also discuss the impact of the fight for inclusion on parents and caregivers, highlighting the need to prioritize the well-being and hearts of disabled individuals. Ultimately, the conversation centers around recognizing the full humanity and worth of individuals with disabilities, irrespective of societal expectations.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/wjkXhhny49k-OJu1BbN1twhWTho

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusion necessitates deliberate adjustments and thoughtful consideration of the impact of decisions.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for changing perceptions and creating spaces of belonging.
• Addressing and dismantling ableism within the disability community is crucial for achieving genuine inclusion.
• The fight for inclusion can be emotionally taxing for parents and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of disabled individuals.
• Inclusion should extend beyond societal expectations and encompass the recognition of the full humanity and worth of individuals with disabilities.

Win a copy of "Equitable and Inclusive IEPs" by Andrea Ruppar and Jennifer Kurth from our sponsor Brookes Publishing!

Enter Here: https://bit.ly/brookes-giveaway-1223

Heather Avis:

Website: https://www.theluckyfew.co/

Everyone Belongs: https://www.theluckyfew.co/collections/everyone-belongs

MCIE:

Website: https://www.mcie.org/

Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/think_inclusive

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/

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

This week, we are bringing you a feed drop from UDL in 15 Minutes by Loui Lord Nelson

***

The ultimate UDL question is “what does UDL look like?” Loui shares how her new tool, The UDL Gears, helps UDL users in all fields and around the world shift that question to, “What are the consistencies of UDL application?” In this episode, guest host Dakota Hudelson (from episode 8) is asking the questions and Loui is the guest!

***

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/kos8iJRL3YlaU7yUSla1NYioViA

Follow/Subscribe to UDL in 15 Minutes: https://theudlapproach.com/podcasts/

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

About The Guest(s): Lori Miranda is an advocate for inclusive education and the Director of Pre-K Exceptional Student Education (ESE) in Palm Beach County, Florida. She has been instrumental in implementing inclusive practices for young children with disabilities in the county's school district, Head Start programs, and community centers.

Summary: Lori Miranda discusses the importance of inclusive placements for students with disabilities in Palm Beach County. She explains that the traditional model of removing students from their natural environments and sending them to separate special education programs was disruptive and limited their opportunities for socialization and learning. To address this issue, Palm Beach County implemented a collaborative approach, partnering with community centers and Head Start programs to provide inclusive education for young learners with disabilities.

Miranda highlights the challenges they faced in implementing this model, including concerns about behavior management, funding, and teacher buy-in. However, through extensive training, relationship-building, and a commitment to putting children and families first, they were able to overcome these barriers and create a successful inclusive program.

She also discusses the positive impact of inclusive placements on students' transitions to kindergarten. By providing support and services in their natural environments, students are better prepared for the general education setting and have a higher likelihood of continuing in inclusive classrooms.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/2jWLSDDkk-cKV2lPhwr9WbfF1qQ

Key Takeaways:

1. Inclusive placements allow students with disabilities to remain in their natural environments and receive support and services in community centers and Head Start programs.
2. Building relationships and trust with community partners and teachers is crucial for the success of inclusive programs.
3. Palm Beach County's inclusive model has resulted in 100% of students transitioning to general education kindergarten.

Editorial Note: 1. Regarding large waiting lists for evaluation: Recent verification data from Palm Beach County indicate diagnostic teams make every effort to connect with families prior to closing files. This effort takes time and can appear as if families are waiting while diagnostic teams work diligently to make contact and meet with families that can be hard to reach. 2. Regarding there being no cap on class size for FL early childhood special education classrooms: Per Section 1003.03, Florida Statute – Maximum class size (1)  CLASS SIZE MAXIMUMS. – Each year, on or before the October student membership survey, the following class size maximum shall be satisfied: (a) The maximum number of students assigned to each teacher who is teaching core-curricula courses to public school classrooms for prekindergarten through grade 3 may not exceed 18 students. The School District of Palm Beach County has a PreK ESE allocation formula that is below Florida's class size requirements. Comments in this podcast episode reference the district allocation formula.

Resources:

Partners in Education Video (Palm Beach County School District): https://youtu.be/VEpX6EqCV50

Palm Beach County School District: https://www.palmbeachschools.org/domain/456

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

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