Think Inclusive

Carolina and Jaiker share their journey of advocating for inclusive education for their daughter Natalia, who has Down syndrome. They discuss the challenges they faced in navigating the special education system and their decision to remove Natalia from special education services. They highlight the importance of inclusive education and the positive impact it has had on Natalia's development and happiness. The episode also features ...

About the Guest(s):

Alan Courtis is an Argentine experimental musician known for his work with the band Reynols. Founded in 1993, the band is distinctive in the experimental rock scene, especially since its lead singer, Miguel Tomasin, has Down syndrome. Courtis has collaborated broadly in the music industry, contributing significantly to avant-garde and noise music. He continues to challenge conventional boundaries by creating ...

About the Guest(s):

Alexis Thomason is an accomplished virtual art instructor at the Pearson Georgia Connections Academy. She has a robust background in teaching, having spent 25 years in various educational roles. Initially starting her career in middle school education with certifications in K-12 art and language arts for grades 4 through 8, Alexis transitioned to the virtual teaching sphere following her enriching experience ...

About the Guest(s):

Jamie Sowers: Jaime is a dedicated special education director focused on teacher retention and hiring. As Clinical Advisory Team Director at BlazerWorks, he aids school districts in recruitment and retention, emphasizing post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities. With 20 years of experience, Jaime has been a teacher, coordinator, and principal. He holds a Doctor of Education from Wilmington Unive...

About the Guest(s):

Brittni Sammons is a Professional Learning Coordinator with the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE), bringing a wealth of experience from her past roles as a special educator, assistant principal, and inclusive education facilitator. Before joining MCIE, she served the Calvert County Public Schools, where she played a pivotal role in partnership with MCIE to further inclusive practices. Later, s...

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Aaron Lanou (he/him) is an educational consultant supporting schools and organizations to reach all kids with inclusive, strengths-based practices. Through the lens of Universal Design for Learning, Aaron coaches teachers and others to teach and support autistic students and all kids with a variety of academic, executive functioning, and social support needs. A member of Carol Gray’s Team Social Stories, Aaro...

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Jenna Rufo is an inclusive education consultant and the founder and CEO of EmpowerED School Solutions. She has worked with state departments of education, disability rights organizations, and school systems across the United States and Australia to create more equitable and inclusive special education programs. She spent nearly 20 years in public education as an assistant superintendent, special education dir...

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Andrea Harkins-Brown is the Program Director for Disability Policy and Systems Change and an Assistant Research Scientist at the Center for Technology and Education within Johns Hopkins University School of Education. With a background as a special educator in public schools in Maryland, Dr. Harkins-Brown has extensive experience serving students with autism and significant cognitive disabilities. Her car...

About the Guest(s):

Kayla Coburn is an inclusive education advocate and former special education teacher, known for her transformative work in promoting inclusive practices within schools. Having taught in both inclusive and segregated classrooms, Kayla brings firsthand experience to her consultancy, "Inclusion Starts Now." She is also a children's book author with titles focusing on inclusion and diversity, aiming to educate yo...

About the Guest(s):

Liz Zogby is a dedicated advocate in the special education and disability space based in Baltimore City. She is the co-chair of the Maryland Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (MDAC) and the Special Education Policy and Advocacy Project. Liz also co-chairs the special education workgroup with the state superintendent under the Maryland State Department of Education. Her advocacy efforts are deeply personal, ins...

About the Guest(s):

Erik Carter serves as Executive Director of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, which aims to promote the thriving of people with disabilities and their families. He joined the Baylor faculty in 2023. His research and writing focus on principle-driven and research-based strategies for promoting full participation, relationships, and valued roles for children and adults with intellectual and deve...

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Danny Whitty is a non-speaking autistic advocate who uses spelling to communicate. He has gained attention for his insights into living as a non-speaker and his advocacy for disability rights. Danny is a co-host of the podcast "All Our Brave Hearts" along with his sister, Tara. Their podcast aims to amplify the voices of non-speakers and advocate for more inclusive practices in education and society.

Tara ...

About the Guest(s):

Tim Villegas is the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE). He is also the founder of Think Inclusive, which is the blog, podcast, and social media handle of MCIE. He has 16 years of experience in public education as a teacher and district support specialist. His focus now is on how media and communications can promote inclusive education for all learners.

Epis...

About the Guest(s):

Margo Gross: Margo serves as the Supervisor of Equity for Calvert County Public Schools. Her work focuses on identifying and dismantling barriers to inclusion within educational environments, advocating for equity, and ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to thrive.

Lisa Quinn: A former special education teacher, Lisa is now the owner and executive director of Reach Every Voice. Her organiza...

This week, we bring you a feed drop by our friends at the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE), the Inclusion Think Tank Podcast with Arthur Aston. In this episode, Vikas, a parent advocate, shares his family's journey toward inclusive education for his daughter with Down syndrome, emphasizing the importance of effective communication between parents and educators, the need for tailored resources to support diverse ...

Think Inclusive is off for the summer, but in the meantime, enjoy this feed drop from our friend Savitha Sundar.

Host Savita Sundar, a school-based occupational therapist, welcomes guest Dr. Debbie Taub to discuss the Inclusive Education Roadmap. They delve into the benefits of starting students in general education, the importance of inclusive practices, and strategies to support sustainable systemic change. Dr. Taub shares her...

Think Inclusive is off for the summer, but we have feed drops from some of our podcasting friends in the meantime!

In this episode of Inclusive Occupations, host Savitha Sundar engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Diane Ryndak, an esteemed scholar and advocate for inclusive education. Dr. Ryndak discusses her personal journey and the experiences that fueled her commitment to creating inclusive educational environments. ...

About the Guest(s):

Ashlynn Rich: Ashlynn Rich is a recent high school graduate with Down syndrome. She graduated with honors and earned the title of scholar-athlete for her involvement in the school’s swim team. She also owns her own small business, Pop Queen Baked Goods. Ashlynn advocates for including students with disabilities in school and the community.

Linda Ramirez: Linda is the mother of Ashlynn Rich. She has tireles...

About the Guest(s): Bari Levin is a retired special educator with over 34 years of experience, predominantly working with middle school students with learning differences. He is actively involved with the I Am Able Foundation, focusing on storytelling to remove the stigma associated with neurodiversity. Bari co-leads the We All Learn Differently campaign to foster understanding and empathy for neurodivergent students in middle scho...