Think Inclusive – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this compelling episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in an enlightening conversation with Elizabeth Bonker, a prominent advocate for non-speaking individuals. Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey of becoming a voice for non-speakers through typing. Despite the communication barriers she faced, Elizabeth emerged as a powerful force in advocating for inclusivity in education and society.

Elizabeth discusses the challenges non-speaking students encounter in schools, particularly the prevalent resistance to recognize typing as a legitimate communication method. She compares typing to Braille for the blind or sign language for the deaf, advocating for its integration into educational settings as a civil rights issue. The episode delves into Elizabeth's personal experiences, emphasizing the significant impact of presuming competence. She underscores the necessity of educational reform to facilitate access to typing for non-speakers, advocating for a shift in perception that acknowledges their potential.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/podcast-episode-template-title/

In this riveting episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas delves into the intricacies of educational inclusivity and innovation in California, spotlighting the transformative EmbraceAbilities project. This initiative is spearheaded by Marcia Reily and Kristen Danhour Stanke, two educational specialists from the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Their mission is to reshape how the educational system supports students with extensive needs, encouraging a shift from segregated learning environments to fully inclusive classrooms.

Marcia and Kristen share essential insights into the ongoing journey of the EmbraceAbilities project. Originally funded by the California Department of Education, this initiative aims to empower county offices of education with frameworks and tools to advance inclusive practices. The discussion underscores the significance of “extensive support needs” and how Marcia and Kristen, through statewide engagement and site visits, have co-created solutions that reflect the unique challenges and triumphs of individual counties. From professional development to family engagement, the episode covers critical strategies and real-world applications driving change for students with disabilities.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/embraceabilities-inclusive-education/

About the Guest(s):

Jani Kozlowski is a renowned early childhood professional, boasting over 30 years of experience. She is an accomplished author and speaker, serving as a technical assistance specialist and consultant. Jani focuses on supporting the development of young children and their families, with expertise in early childhood disability services, learning environments, and social-emotional development. She currently leads initiatives at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Jani is the author of "Every Child Can Fly: An Early Childhood Educator's Guide to Inclusion" and its family-oriented companion, "Empowering Your Child to Fly."

Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages Jani Kozlowski, a notable expert in early childhood inclusion, in a discussion about advocating for inclusive education for young children with disabilities. The episode begins with Jani sharing personal insights on the importance of inclusion for preschool children, emphasizing that early inclusion sets a positive trajectory not only for children with disabilities but also for their peers without disabilities. Her approach to this often daunting prospect for families highlights strategies that aim to demystify special education processes and the legal foundations surrounding inclusion.

This episode delves deep into the practical aspects of advocating for and implementing inclusive education practices. Jani discusses her recent adaptation of "Every Child Can Fly" into a version for families, illustrating her dedication to making vital information accessible to parents. Through interviews with 15 families, Jani brings authenticity and emotional depth to the conversation, offering real-world strategies for navigating special education systems. Emphasizing a long-term vision for inclusion, Jani articulates the significance of forging robust partnerships between families and educators, underscoring the myriad benefits of fostering inclusive learning environments.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/unlocking-inclusive-strategies-empower-every-child-to-fly/

Key Takeaways:

-Early childhood inclusion sets the foundation for a child's future educational trajectory, impacting both those with and without disabilities.

-Understanding the legal frameworks and rights surrounding special education is crucial for parents advocating for their children's inclusive education.

-Building strong relationships between families and teachers facilitates collaboration and problem-solving, crucial for achieving successful inclusion.

-A clearly defined vision for a child's educational journey empowers families and guides school teams in decision-making processes.

-Leveraging supportive networks and existing resources, like OSEP-funded parent centers, can enhance advocacy efforts and access to inclusive placements.

Resources:

Jani's website: https://everychildcanfly.com/

Parent Center Hub: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/

Forget Me Not Documentary: https://forgetmenotdocumentary.com/

CADRE: https://cadreworks.org/

Thanks to our sponsor, IXL: https://www.ixl.com/inclusive

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luvy Jenkins is the Education Manager and Medical Outreach Manager at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT). With a background in special education, Louie is passionate about promoting inclusion and providing resources and support to educators and families of children with Down syndrome.

Luvy Jenkins, Education Manager at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT), discusses the importance of inclusion in education and the barriers that families face in achieving inclusive education for their children with Down syndrome. Luvy highlights the need for support and training for teachers, as well as the role of school administrators in promoting inclusion. She also shares her experience working at the RISE School, an inclusive preschool that values diversity and fosters social-emotional growth in all students.

Complete shows notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/luvy-jenkins-down-syndrome-association-of-central-texas-dsact/

Oaklee Thiele is a young artist and disability advocate. She co-founded The My Dearest Friends Project with DisArt in March 2020 to create a public platform where disabled people could share their stories and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lawrence Carter-Long is the Director of Communications for DisArt and has a background in disability advocacy. He joined the organization in 2022 and has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of The My Dearest Friends Project.

Oaklee and Lawrence discuss The My Dearest Friends Project and its connection to the Nothing Special campaign. The project was created to provide a platform for disabled people to share their stories and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hashtag #NothingSpecial was developed to challenge the idea that inclusive education is something special and should be the norm. The project aims to collect stories from disabled students and educators to create a curriculum that promotes inclusive education. Oaklee shares her personal experience of facing ableism and inaccessibility at her college, highlighting the need for change in educational institutions. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of listening to disabled people and involving them in the decision-making process to create truly inclusive environments.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/oaklee-thiele-and-lawrence-carter-long-the-my-dearest-friends-project/

Beth Liesenfeld (she/her) — Occupational therapist and founder of The IEP Lab, where she equips parents with “insider” understanding of school processes and culture to make IEP teams more collaborative and child‑centered. She hosts The Parent IEP Lab podcast and offers online workshops and courses for families navigating special education.

Host Tim Villegas talks with Beth Liesenfeld about why IEP meetings often feel inequitable and exhausting—and how a clear vision statement can re‑center teams on inclusive, practical plans that actually support students. They unpack what makes collaboration work (and fail), including communication habits, paraprofessional training, and making specialized instruction happen in general education through real co‑planning time. Beth offers a step‑by‑step way to craft long‑ and short‑term vision statements, plus tips educators can use to advocate for inclusion—even when families or districts are hesitant.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/beth-liesenfeld-the-parent-iep-lab/

Raul Krauthausen is a renowned disability rights activist, social entrepreneur, and founder of the nonprofit organization Sozialhelden (Social Heroes) in Germany. For more than 15 years, Raul has worked to advance accessibility and inclusion through innovative projects and advocacy. He is best known for creating Wheelmap, a crowdsourced online map that identifies wheelchair-accessible places worldwide, and for his campaigns challenging discriminatory laws and practices in Germany.

Raul is also a prolific communicator—blogger, podcaster, and author—who uses media to shift perceptions about disability. His work spans technology, design thinking, and social change, with a focus on ensuring that inclusion is recognized as a fundamental right, not a privilege. Through initiatives like Broken Lifts (real-time elevator status for public transport) and media guidelines for journalists, Raul continues to push for systemic change and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Raul Krauthausen, a German disability rights activist, founder of Sozialhelden (Social Heroes), and creator of Wheelmap, a crowdsourced map for accessible places. Raul shares his journey from attending one of Berlin’s first inclusive schools to becoming a leading advocate for accessibility and inclusion in Germany. The conversation explores cultural differences between the U.S. and Germany regarding inclusion, the role of acceptance, and why inclusion is not “happy land” but a continuous process of learning and equity.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/raul-krauthausen-inclusion-in-germany/

Susan Stone — Attorney and co-leader of the Student & Athlete Defense Group at KJK in Cleveland. Susan has over 30 years of experience advocating for students, with a focus on special education law and student discipline. She’s also a nationally published author and co-host of Real Talk with Susan and Kristina.

Kristina Supler — Attorney and co-leader of the Student & Athlete Defense Group at KJK. Kristina represents students in academic misconduct and Title IX cases nationwide. She’s passionate about protecting student rights and co-hosts Real Talk with Susan and Kristina.

In this episode, Susan Stone and Kristina Supler share what it’s like to advocate for students with disabilities navigating academic and disciplinary challenges. From IEPs and 504 plans to Title IX cases and college misconduct proceedings, they explain why inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands real systems of support. They also discuss how their podcast tackles tough parenting and student issues.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/susan-stone-and-kristina-supler-real-talk/

Colleen Tomko — Parent advocate, artist, and president of Kids Together, an all-volunteer nonprofit promoting inclusion. A Penn State graduate and Partners in Policymaking alum, Colleen has dedicated her life to ensuring that all children, including her son Shawn, have access to inclusive education and community life.

In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Colleen Tomko about her lifelong advocacy for inclusive education and community belonging. From founding Kids Together to creating powerful advocacy cartoons, Colleen shares her personal journey, the systemic barriers families face, and why inclusion is a civil rights issue—not just an educational choice.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/colleen-tomko-kids-together/

Mirko Chardin is the Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer at Novak Education. He previously served as the founding Head of School at Putnam Avenue Upper School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He co‑authored Equity by Design: The Power and Promise of UDL with Dr. Katie Novak and facilitates learning on topics such as implicit bias, microaggressions, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), restorative practices, identity, and courageous conversations about race.

In this conversation, Mirko Chardin urges educators and leaders to reclaim the narrative around “equity” by grounding it in clear, shared definitions and everyday practice—what he calls “concept stabilization.” He argues that school is for kids, not adults, and that listening to learner voices and removing barriers must guide decisions at every level. The episode also explores UDL as a framework (not a bag of tips) for building cultures where all learners can become expert learners, supported by leadership that prioritizes humanity, reflection, and authentic impact.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/mirko-chardin-reclaiming-the-narrative-around-educational-equity/