This special episode features Guy Stephens from the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR), a nonprofit he started in 2019. AASR is a community of over 25,000 parents, self-advocates, teachers, school administrators, paraprofessionals, attorneys, related service providers, and others working together to influence change in supporting children whose behaviors are often misunderstood.

Throughout this episode, we discuss our personal experiences with restraint and seclusion rooms, our growth as parents, and our advocacy to do better.  As great supporters of educators and children, this episode brings us together in discussing the growth needed in adults to achieve a better world where more people are included and trauma is informed.

Suggested Reading, Neuroscience Approaches to Behavior:

#trauma #education #restraint #seclusion #autism #disabilities #discipline

Assessments are an important part of education and can give information about the effectiveness of a program or classroom. But in a world where learners are at different levels, have various strengths, skills, and abilities--does standardized testing actually accomplish anything? Does it create barriers? Does it actually support teachers? Does it collect meaningful data? Join Kirby and Laura with Special Guest Laura Simzyk of "Olivia's Extraordinary Journey" on part 2 of this special episode where they discuss their unique experiences and bring to light the opportunities that get missed by measuring students all in the same way. 

#standardizedtesting #inclusion #shennanigans

Assessments are an important part of education and can give information about the effectiveness of a program or classroom. But in a world where learners are at different levels, have various strengths, skills, and abilities--does standardized testing actually accomplish anything? Does it create barriers? Does

#standardizedtesting #inclusion #shennanigans

This special episode addresses the latest statistics released from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) which found that 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with #Autism. Throughout this 45-minute session, Kirby and Laura reflect on their own experiences and their journey to obtaining a diagnoses for their children. They post questions about awareness, parenting, inclusion, and offer support and honesty to parents of recently diagnosed children.

During this episode, we interview our special guest Claire Garley from The Garley Girls. We talk about everything from #parenting to #homeschool and #inclusion. We also discuss and consider some posts and "disruptive ideas" from the Lee Ann Jung, PhD Twitter account surrounding inclusion in schools. 

Dr. Temple Grandin said YES to being on our show! 

Get ready for an hour of insightful and inspiring conversation with the legendary Dr. Temple Grandin on our latest podcast! In this special episode, we discuss everything from her new book "Visual Thinking" to inclusive education and career paths for visual thinkers. We also share our own struggles with algebra and thinking styles, and even delve into the topic of making friends with shared interests. We even nerded out about #ChatGPT! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the world's leading experts on autism and animal behavior. Tune in now and join the conversation!

“Visual Thinking” is available for purchase on Amazon. Learn more about Dr. Temple Grandin on her website.

Join Laura and Kirby as they discuss the #GoldenGlobe's positive return to television for their 80th anniversary after being canceled last year due to a lack of inclusion and representation among marginalized groups! 

Throughout this discussion, they take a look at how current television programming is shining a light on issues like behavior management in the modern classroom on shows like #AbbottElementary and #TheConners. What do you think the role of the principal's office and behavior charts should play today? Join us for a discussion on this episode of the Yes Day Inclusion podcast! 

Special Guest Rob Wingler (also known as Laura's arm candy) joins this episode of the Yes Day Inclusion Podcast to talk about his experiences in volunteering in an #inclusive recreational program, parenting kids with #autism, and #marriage.  There are a lot of laughs and reflections throughout this hour. Take a listen! 

On this episode, we met with Chrystal Venator from "Stalen's Way" to discuss her 7-year-old son's inclusion opportunities and his leadership in making a better world with Stalen's incredible book "Jokes are for Everyone." Along the way, we touched on the obstacles we have faced throughout our own journey regarding how to overcome exclusion and barriers. But the good news is that Generation A (the current kiddos) both expect and demand a better world! Take a listen! 

Stalen's book is available to purchase on Amazon. 

Kids need to see other kids like them to feel included and gain a sense of belonging in the world. In this episode, we chat with a Minnesota mom Amy Fields from the Many Kinds of Families - Personal Blog page about including children with complex medical issues, adopting children, loss, and the ways our children make us proud each day through their resilience and strength.