Think Inclusive

King Williams — Atlanta-based journalist and filmmaker who traces CRT’s history, explains how cases like Dred Scott and Plessy v. Ferguson reveal the gap between what is legal and what is moral, and describes how groups like the United Daughters of the Confederacy shaped school narratives in the South.Alida Miranda-Wolff — CEO and founder of Ethos, clarifies what CRT is (and isn’t), outlines core tenets (race as a social construct; racism embedded in institutions; the role of counter-storytelling; and the critique of colorblindness/meritocracy), and shares how intersectionality and systems-thinking inform practical DEIB work.Eddie Fergus — Professor of Urban Education Policy at Temple University who teaches a doctoral seminar on CRT and connects historical/legal context to today’s school equity debates, noting why “when you’re accustomed to privilege, equity feels like oppression.”Pete Newlove — High school English teacher and doctoral candidate at the University of Colorado Denver who describes on-the-ground effects of anti‑CRT politics in schools and how educators navigate backlash, book bans, and board-level power shifts.Featuring a clip from Cecelia Lewis — A school leader whose experience became entangled in anti‑CRT rumors; she shares a powerful inclusion story about moving a student with significant behavioral support needs into general education.Host Tim Villegas explores how the anti‑CRT movement is spilling over into K–12 and threatening broader educational equity efforts—including disability inclusion. With insights from King Williams, Alida Miranda-Wolff, Eddie Fergus, and Pete Newlove, the episode clarifies what CRT actually is, how it’s being mischaracterized, and what practical steps educators can take to keep inclusion moving forward.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/what-inclusionists-need-to-know-about-the-anti-crt-movement/

Diana Pastora Carson is an educator of 30+ years who has taught at both the elementary and university levels. She’s a consultant and trainer on disability and diversity, a board alum of Disability Rights California and current board member of Disability Voices United. She hosts the Beyond Awareness: Disability Awareness That Matters podcast and is the author of Beyond Awareness: Bringing Disability into Diversity Work in K–12 Schools and Communities and the children’s book Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights. Diana is also a fierce sibling advocate. Her brother Joaquin spent 15 years in institutional settings after years of aversive “behavior” programs and harmful medication protocols. Diana and her family fought to bring him home into supported living on rural property designed for his safety and choice—what they lovingly call “Joaquinified.”Host Tim Villegas talks with Diana Pastora Carson about her family’s journey to free Joaquin from an institution and what true inclusion requires in schools and communities. They unpack why typical “disability simulations” miss the point, and why presuming competence, prioritizing communication access, and removing societal barriers are the real drivers of inclusion. The episode closes with how Diana’s Beyond Awareness work gives educators concrete, research‑informed steps that honor disabled people’s voices. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/diana-pastora-carson-beyond-awareness/

Greta Harrison is the creator and host of the Born Fabulous Podcast. A passionate advocate for inclusive education, Greta is a mother of two daughters—her youngest has Down syndrome and autism. Her journey has been shaped by a commitment to learning, community involvement, and storytelling. Greta’s podcast amplifies the voices of self-advocates and their families, showcasing the power of inclusion and the importance of hope in education. She is also a writer for The Mighty and is currently working on a fiction book.In this episode, Tim Villegas interviews Greta Harrison about her motivation for starting the Born Fabulous Podcast, her personal journey as a parent of a child with disabilities, and the importance of hope and relationships in inclusive education. Greta shares powerful stories from her life and podcast guests, emphasizing that inclusion is not just about access to education but about building a life in the community. The conversation also explores systemic challenges, the role of educators, and how parents can advocate effectively for their children.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/greta-harrison-born-fabulous-podcast/

Dr. Zerek Mayes — Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at a private school in Chicago, Illinois.Dena Slanda — Faculty at the University of Central Florida, working on teacher preparation grants through the Office of Special Education Programs.Lindsey Pike — Doctoral candidate at the University of Central Florida in Exceptional Education, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion at the intersection of disability and other markers of difference.Eric Wells — Director of IDEA Programs at the Oregon Department of Education.In this bonus episode recorded live at the Council for Exceptional Children Conference in Orlando, Tim Villegas sits down with four equity advocates to unpack the intersection of race and disability in education. The conversation explores why current systems often fail students from racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse backgrounds—and what educators can do to change that. From grassroots action to systemic reform, this episode is a call to reflect, act, and lead for equity.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/the-intersection-of-race-and-disability-pop-up-podcast-cec2022/

Amanda Darrow — Director of Youth, Family, and Education at the Utah Pride Center. She holds an M.Ed. and a B.S. in Clinical & Counseling Psychology from Westminster College (Salt Lake City). Her work focuses on helping homes, schools, and community spaces become more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ youth and families, and educating current and future generations about the community. Shamby Polychronis, Ph.D. — Assistant Professor of Special Education at the University of Utah. A long‑time disability rights advocate, her passions include intersectionality, alternatives to guardianship, full inclusion in school and community, eliminating aversive interventions, and meaningful employment. She prepares special‑education teacher candidates and continues research and advocacy across these issues.Host Tim Villegas talks with Amanda Darrow and Shamby Polychronis about honoring intersectionality between disability and LGBTQIA+ identities—what it looks like in classrooms, why language matters, and how policies and everyday practices can either harm or protect students. They unpack the “Genderbread Person” framework (identity, expression, sex, and attraction), discuss pronouns and the life‑saving impact of respectful language, share data on overlap between LGBTQIA+ and disability communities, and offer practical tips administrators and teachers can implement now—along with legal angles (ADA, FAPE/IDEA, Title IX) for creating safer, more equitable schools.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/amanda-darrow-and-shamby-polychronis-honoring-intersectionality/

Host — Tim Villegas Host of Think Inclusive, framing this “best of” episode and guiding four featured conversations on inclusion.Lou Brown Co‑founder of TASH; this previously unpublished 2019 clip covers “ultimate functioning,” vertical and horizontal teaming, and why inclusive, integrated settings matter for learning and behavior.Katie Novak Universal Design for Learning (UDL) expert and former assistant superintendent; she challenges ineffective standardized assessments and urges impact‑over‑intent, evidence‑informed teaching.Alfie Kohn Author of Punished by Rewards; explains how extrinsic incentives (stickers, points, praise-as-reward, PBIS) can erode students’ intrinsic motivation.Cheryl Jorgensen Author and longtime inclusion advocate; draws clear parallels between civil rights and disability rights and offers practical advice for educators working toward system change.This “Best of” episode features four powerful clips: a never‑before‑released conversation with Lou Brown from 2019; plus highlights with Katie Novak, Alfie Kohn, and Cheryl Jorgensen. Together they tackle enduring questions—why inclusive placements outperform segregated “special classes,” how UDL can counter inaccessible assessment systems, why rewards often backfire, and how disability rights sit alongside civil rights. It’s a practical, plain‑spoken primer on building schools where every learner belongs.Complete show notes and transcript:

Anthony Ianni is a national motivational speaker and autism self‑advocate, and the first known NCAA Division I men’s basketball player with an autism diagnosis. He played for the Michigan State Spartans, earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Michigan State, and is the author of Centered: Autism, Basketball, and One Athlete’s Dreams. He’s also a husband and dad to two sons, Knox and Nash.Host Tim Villegas opens with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s plain‑language definition of autism, then talks with Anthony Ianni about his late‑disclosed diagnosis, his journey to (and through) Michigan State basketball, and how he came to embrace his autistic identity. The conversation centers on high expectations, support, and the message Anthony shares with young autistic people: you define your futureComplete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/anthony-ianni-autism-basketball-and-one-athletes-dream/

Howard Shane, Ph.D. — Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Autism Language Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. A pioneer in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), Dr. Shane has designed numerous computer applications for people with disabilities, holds two U.S. patents, and has been recognized by national organizations for lifetime contributions to clinical practice and technology innovation. He is the author of Unsilenced: A Teacher’s Year of Battles, Breakthroughs, and Life‑Changing Lessons at Belchertown State School. Content Warning: In today’s episode, we will discuss depictions of the living conditions of institutions for people with disabilities in the 1960s and certain attitudes about people with disabilities that worked there.Dr. Howard Shane reflects on his first teaching job at Belchertown State School in 1969, how witnessing institutional life transformed his career, and the early DIY innovations that helped shape modern AAC. He traces a throughline from interest‑driven instruction to today’s consumer‑grade tech (wearables, AR, and AI) that can quietly support communication and social‑emotional needs—while arguing for a language and mindset shift that keeps students learning with their peers as much as possible, with targeted instruction layered in.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/howard-shane-how-teaching-at-belchertown-state-school-changed-my-life/

Karrie Shogren — Director of the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities and Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas.Sheida Raley — Assistant Research Professor at the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities and Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas.In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Karrie Shogren and Sheida Raley about what self-determination really means and why it matters for all students—not just those in special education. They dive deep into the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI), a flexible, evidence-based framework that empowers students to set goals, make plans, and reflect on their progress.The conversation explores how SDLMI works in inclusive classrooms, its role in multi-tiered systems of support, and why fostering self-determination is essential for equity and lifelong success. You’ll also hear practical stories from classrooms and learn how educators can start implementing SDLMI in their schools.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/karrie-shogren-sheida-raley-what-does-self-determination-really-mean/

Dr. Jenna Rufo is an author, educator, and inclusive education consultant who founded empowerED School Solutions to help districts implement inclusive practices. She previously served as a special education administrator, director, and assistant superintendent, after beginning her career as an inclusion facilitator. Her work is deeply informed by her sister, Nina, who has multiple disabilities. Dr. Jenna Rufo co‑authored Reimagining Special Education with Dr. Julie Causton.In this conversation, Tim Villegas and Dr. Jenna Rufo dig into what it really means to “reimagine” special education—using inclusion as the framework for equity and support for all students. They talk about shifting beliefs so the default is general education, wrapping services around students, designing instruction that’s engaging and differentiated, and building structures (like intervention/enrichment blocks and inclusion facilitation) that make inclusive schooling sustainable. They also touch on accountability for Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), neighborhood schools, and practical steps educators can take to start change now.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/jenna-rufo-using-inclusion-as-a-framework-to-build-equity-and-support-all-students/