In this engaging episode of The Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas sits down with Renay Marquez, co-founder of ParaEducate. They delve into Renay's journey, the inception of ParaEducate, and how the organization supports paraeducators with tools and strategies for fostering inclusive classrooms. From discussing her role and experience in a mostly inclusive district to sharing practical resources and tips, Renay provides valuable insights into the world of educational support for students with disabilities.

Throughout the episode, Renay shares the foundational elements of their work at ParaEducate, including how they started, the importance of thoughtful modifications, and their collaboration with both general and special education teachers. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the nuanced approach required for successful inclusion in schools, along with practical suggestions for making educational environments more inclusive and supportive for all students.

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

In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, Tim Villegas engages in an insightful conversation with filmmaker Jen Tennican about her latest documentary, "Hearts of Glass". The episode explores the groundbreaking social and agricultural experiment at Vertical Harvest, a cutting-edge vertical hydroponic greenhouse in Jackson, Wyoming. Notably, Vertical Harvest not only innovates local sustainable food production but also provides meaningful, competitively paid employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Throughout the episode, Jen shares her journey in making “Hearts of Glass,” highlighting the challenges and rewards of documenting the first 15 months of Vertical Harvest's operation. She emphasizes the inclusive nature of the workplace, where employees with and without disabilities work side by side as equals. Tim and Jen also discuss the social mission behind Vertical Harvest, the importance of competitive wages for workers with disabilities, and the unique high-tech systems used within the greenhouse. The episode delves into the personal growth stories of the employees, offering a touching perspective on community, dignity, and the power of inclusive employment.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/jen-tennican-hearts-of-glass/

In this insightful episode of The Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas interviews Annette Jett about Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and their critical role in helping students with disabilities transition smoothly into the workforce. The conversation delves into the legal framework established by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, how Pre-ETS are integrated and implemented in Kentucky, and how these services can significantly alter the employment outcomes for students and adults with disabilities.

Annette Jett discusses the components of Pre-ETS, including job exploration, self-advocacy, workplace readiness training, work-based learning experiences, and counseling on postsecondary opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention starting at age 14 and the necessity for cooperation between schools, vocational rehab services, and community rehabilitation providers (CRPs). The episode also offers advice on how to access these services in various states and highlights the personal journey that led Annette to her current role.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/annette-jett-pre-employment-transition-services/

In this engaging episode of The Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas sits down with Beckett Haight, a seasoned special educator with a global perspective. They delve into Haight's experiences teaching in diverse educational environments and his approach to fostering inclusivity in the classroom. Beckett shares his journey from being a student with an IEP to becoming a passionate advocate for special education.

The discussion highlights Beckett's TEDx talk, "Teaching Every Student Computer Science or How to Code is Not the Answer," challenging the push to make coding a mandatory skill for all students. They explore the importance of critical thinking and foundational skills in education, emphasizing how differentiated instruction can better address student needs. Beckett provides practical strategies for teachers to support diverse learners without lowering standards, advocating for a more nuanced approach to educational differentiation.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/beckett-haight-inclusion-and-why-compsci-isnt-for-everyone/

In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas converses with distinguished filmmaker Dan Habib about his latest documentary, "Intelligent Lives." The episode takes a deep dive into the significance of inclusive education, the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities, and the broader societal implications of how we measure intelligence.

Habib shares insightful stories about filming "Intelligent Lives," highlighting the lives of three young adults who defy preconceived notions about intellectual disabilities and showcase their unique capabilities. The podcast also discusses the historical context of education and labor market inclusivity, evaluating systemic structures and legislation that affect students with intellectual disabilities. Filled with engaging anecdotes and valuable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in inclusive education and broader disability advocacy.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/dan-habib-intelligent-lives/

In this engaging episode of The Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas sits down with Nikki Heiman, an influential advocate for inclusive education and founder of My Creative Inclusion. They delve into the significant barriers to inclusive practices in schools and discuss effective strategies to change educators' mindsets around disability and inclusion.

Nikki emphasizes the importance of transitioning from a deficit-based approach to a strengths-based model in special education. She shares personal experiences with her son, Trenton, to illustrate how positive reinforcement and focusing on strengths can facilitate better learning outcomes. Together, they explore the role of teamwork, effective communication between parents and educators, and the importance of relationship-building in promoting inclusive education. From tackling systemic challenges to offering actionable advice for educators, this episode is packed with insights and practical strategies for fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Complete show notes and trailer: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/nikki-heiman-my-creative-inclusion/

Welcome to another enriching episode of The Think Inclusive Podcast! In this episode, Tim Villegas sits down with Amanda Morin from the National Center for Learning Disabilities and Understood.org to discuss strategies for transitioning students with disabilities back to school. Amanda shares her insights as a former teacher and advocate, offering practical advice to parents on how to prepare their children for a new school year. Furthermore, the conversation delves into how to handle IEP meetings, particularly when recommendations for a more restrictive setting emerge. Amanda's powerful experiences and actionable tips make this episode a must-listen for educators and parents alike.

Throughout this episode, Amanda highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the anxieties of students returning to school, especially those with learning and attention issues. She also emphasizes the importance of keeping open lines of communication between parents and teachers and presuming competence and good intent from everyone involved. The discussion also covers how parents can strategically advocate for their children to remain in the least restrictive environment possible, backed by data and open dialogue. Amanda's unique perspective as both a parent and an educator offers invaluable insights for fostering an inclusive and supportive educational experience.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/amanda-morin-ncld-and-understood-org/

In this thought-provoking episode of The Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas welcomes back the illustrious educator and author, Paula Kluth. Known for her significant contributions to inclusive education, Paula delves deep into her latest work, "Universal Design Daily," while also embarking on an enlightening discussion about the dynamic nature of teaching and the continuous evolution of educational practices. Listeners are in for a treat as the episode traverses the intricate landscape of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its crucial impact on holistic student engagement.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a recurring theme throughout the conversation, highlighting its intrinsic value in fostering a more inclusive and engaging classroom environment. Paula explains how UDL not only boosts student engagement but also accommodates variability and uniqueness in learning. Tim Villegas and Paula discuss the practical application of UDL, offering actionable strategies that educators can implement immediately. Moreover, they address common teacher concerns regarding the shift towards UDL, emphasizing the necessity of adaptability in teaching methods to ensure every student finds a pathway to success.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/paula-kluth-universal-design-daily/

In this enlightening episode of The Think Inclusive Podcast, we host Kristin Wiens, an impassioned educator and inclusion coach from Victoria, British Columbia. Kristin is celebrated for her innovative approach to promoting inclusive education through striking visuals and stop-motion animation via her initiative North Star Paths. From the creation of her educational content to her substantial impact on teachers and students alike, this episode offers comprehensive insights into the tools and philosophies that drive inclusion forward.

Kristin opens up about the origins and milestones of North Star Paths, emphasizing the importance of visually engaging resources in bridging understanding gaps among educators about students with disabilities, focusing on important topics like behavior as communication and self-regulation. Through her unique blend of creativity and pedagogy, she shares effective strategies, triumphs, and challenges faced in advocating for inclusive education. The episode also delves into how Kristin’s illustrations have transformed professional development for teachers and community education, showcasing her collaborative work and future aspirations.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/kristin-wiens-northstar-paths/