Think Inclusive

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/

In this episode of The Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas interviews Noah Jack, an inspiring musician on the autism spectrum. Noah shares the journey behind his new single "Neighborhood" and his passion for music that began at a very young age. He provides listeners with a glimpse into his life in Park Ridge, Illinois, and his current endeavors at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. The interview explores the deep support from Noah's community and family, which has been crucial in his development and success as a musician.Noah discusses the process of creating "Neighborhood," a reflective piece that serves as his thank you letter to his supportive community. He highlights the technical aspects of recording the song and the emotional journey tied to its production. Noah also shares his experiences of growing up with autism spectrum disorder, the acceptance he found in his community, and his hopes for using music as a medium to foster understanding and inclusion. The conversation concludes with Noah's aspirations for his career and his desire to give back through charitable initiatives centered around music therapy.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/noah-jack-musician-on-the-autism-spectrum/

In this insightful episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, Dr. Rob Horner, a prominent figure in the special education and behavioral analysis community, delves deep into the interconnected worlds of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Recorded in Marietta, Georgia, Tim Villegas hosts an enriching dialogue exploring the fundamental principles of human behavior, the practical applications of ABA, and how these methodologies contribute to inclusive education and supporting students with challenging behaviors.The conversation unpacks the theoretical and practical underpinnings of ABA, describing it as the study of behavior patterns and their interactions with the environment. Dr. Horner explains how PBIS extends ABA principles within a broader context to create supportive and sustainable environments in schools. Throughout the episode, concerns regarding the historical applications of ABA, such as its association with compliance and aversive techniques, are discussed and clarified. Dr. Horner emphasizes that PBIS is about designing effective environments to promote positive, socially valued outcomes for all students.Complete show notes and transcript:

In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, Tim Villegas interviews Zachary Fenell, also known as the Cerebral Palsy Vigilante. Zachary, a passionate disability advocate, author, and marathoner, shares his extraordinary journey of training for and completing a full marathon despite having cerebral palsy. They discuss the challenges he faced, his meticulous training regimen, and the broader implications of his achievement for disability rights and perceptions.Throughout the conversation, Zachary Fenell talks about his motivation, inspired by author John W. Quinn, and how he overcame numerous physical and logistical challenges during his marathon training. He provides insights into the specific accommodations he required, including the use of a cane and special orthotics. Moreover, he touches on the significance of being called an inspiration and the importance of respecting personal limitations while pushing for greater inclusivity. The episode closes with Fenell discussing his future plans, including another marathon, a potential new memoir, and his ongoing contributions to Think Inclusive.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/zachary-fenell-the-cerebral-palsy-vigilante/