Assembling Inclusion

In this episode, we talk to Brooke Allen of the Diverse Learners Cooperative, an organization dedicated to providing support for teachers and school teams to better support all students and their needs. We talk about the organization's dedication to authentic and meaningful professional development and training, how schools can work with the Diverse Learners Cooperative to co-design school solutions, and the fellowship program to provide leadership experiences and opportunities for special education teachers and multi-language teachers. (Episode Transcript) Diverse Learners Cooperative Website

In this episode, we interview Nate Tilton about the Disability Lab at UC Berkeley, a fully accessible and disability-inclusive makerspace. We talk about the creation of the space, its role as an identity makerspace, the design of the lab space and accessibility of the equipment, and the different projects that have been done and are currently being done. We also talk about topics related to disability in higher education. (Episode Transcript) Disability Lab Website

In this episode, we interviewed Vanessa Castañeda Gill, the CEO of Social Cipher, all about her company and its flagship game, Ava. Social Cipher is an SEL game focused on neurodivergent youth ages 10-15. We discuss the game, its impact on students, the way they utilize student feedback, and the overall representation for the neurodivergent community that the game provides. (Episode Transcript)  Social Cipher Website Social Cipher Social Media Channels:  Twitter Instagram YouTube  Facebook 

In this episode, we talk to Sheryl Burgstahler about DO-IT, a program that has operated out of the University of Washington for the past thirty years. We discuss the various programs DO-IT has for helping support students with disabilities attending college and going into various fields of employment. We also talk about how the program trains higher education faculty and employers on accessibility and universal design. (Episode Transcript)  DO-IT Website AccessComputing Community DO-IT Scholars

In this episode, we interview Ed Dernulc and Cindy Day all about NBT's Inclusion Manufacturing Camps. We discuss the past two inclusion camps they have run, which focus on providing four weeks of training for individuals with disabilities to help them gain meaningful employment within the manufacturing industry. We also discuss the program's future and how it has been beneficial for employees so far (Episode Transcript)  Nuts, Bolts, & Thingamajigs (NBT) serves to inspire, encourage, and support the next generation of manufacturing workers. Scholarships are awarded twice each year for the spring and fall semesters to students pursuing a degree, certification, or skills training program that leads to a manufacturing career. NBT Summer Manufacturing Camps Inclusion Manufacturing Camps WBAY Appleton video highlighting the VPI Inclusion Manufacturing Camp

In this episode, we talk to Kent Streeb from Enchroma, a company that uses patented lens technology to design glasses for people with color vision deficiencies. We talk about colorblindness, the importance of ensuring school and work environments are accessible, and their program that brings their lenses to museums, schools, universities, and national and state parks. (Episode Transcript)  Enchroma Website Color Blindness Test

In this episode, we interview David Hojah from Parrots, a company that designs technology to empower individuals with neurological challenges. Discover the different software options from Parrots and the considerations they gave to the design process to ensure that individuals can live more independent lives.  Parrots Website

In this episode, we interviewed Barbara Pape and Jessica Jackson from Digital Promise and discussed the Learner Variability Project. Specifically, we talk about the Learner Variability Navigator and the IEP Project and how both of these initiatives can help educators, students, and edtech companies work toward being more inclusive of the diverse needs of all learners. Some topics include research-supported practices and how to build strengths-based IEPs. (Episode Transcript)  Learner Variability Navigator Readworks Study Professional Learning Resources Sample Workspaces Assessment Anxiety Dyslexia Fostering Student Engagement Opening Math Routines

In this episode, we interview Aaron Kelley from PlayVS and Brian Quinn from Special Olympics International about unified eSports. This program allows students to play on one inclusive, unified video game competition team. We talk about the structure of this program, how the program can make schools more inclusive, and the benefits for everyone involved. (Episode Transcript)  PlayVS Website (with Special Olympics Unified Information) Find a Special Olympics Office Near You

In this episode, we're talking all about Mentra with Shea Belsky! Mentra is a neurodiversity employment network that partners neurodiverse job-seekers with positions that fit their unique strengths and employers who value their skillsets. We also talk about how the platform is being used to support universities and service providers. (Episode Transcript) Mentra Website Shea Belsky Social Media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter) 

In this episode, we talk to Tara Coucharine and Kristin Robinson about Clusive, a free, customized and adaptive learning tool that provides support for students while reading digitally. (Episode Transcript)   Clusive Clusive Guides (for parents, students, and parents/caregivers)

In this episode, we interviewed Aaron Gustafson about Microsoft AI for Accessibility, a program that focuses on accessibility innovation and provides grant funding to different projects and initiatives. We discuss the structure of the program and the different projects that have been funded over the past few years, as well as the future direction the program will be taking in the future. (Episode Transcript)  Microsoft AI for Accessibility Website Projects that have been funded by the grant 

In this episode, we talk about adaptive sports and inclusive sports programming with Tyler McGregor from All Sports All People. We discuss the organization's school outreach program, which promotes inclusion awareness for youth and teaches about adaptive sports, their partnerships with community recreation departments, and how their organization is helping to bring more inclusion and accessibility to sports for all athletes. (Episode Transcript)  All Sports All People Website

In this episode, we interview Mary Theresa Archbold from the Theatre for All program at Queens Theatre. Theatre for All is a theatre program that is intentional about making stages inclusive for all performers. They work with actors in the disability community to provide training and advocacy within the performing arts.(Episode Transcript) Theatre for All Website Queens Theatre Website Donate to Theatre for All 

In this episode, we talk about Career Technical Education (CTE), emerging technologies in agriculture, and inclusion. I sat down with three members of the Growing Hope Project-- Sherryl Anderson, Barbara Pastuchek, and Brit Steele. They discussed the mission of Growing Hope, which partners Night Owl Bay with the San Bernardino City Unified School District to provide career pathways. At least 50% of the students at the school receive special education services. The program helps put students on different career pathways, teaches them about hydroponic farming using technology, helps increase their confidence, and helps them connect to the community. (Episode Transcript)  Growing Hope Project website

In this episode, we interview Dave Dolan from Veative. We discuss the Veative platform and all of the content available to students, including STEM lessons that are more concrete and accessible. We also talk about uses for language learners and the capabilities for differentiation and personalized learning, as well as data collection for teachers. (Episode Transcript) Veative Website

In this episode, we interview Joann Blumenfeld about the Catalyst program, an inclusive STEM program that helps students find their pathway toward STEM careers. Joann and I talk about her experience in education, the importance of creating an accessible and inclusive curriculum to ensure all learners are successful, the value of placing high expectations for all learners, and the overall success of the Catalyst program. For anyone who wants to learn more about how to create more inclusive STEM opportunities for students in preparation for post-secondary success, check this episode out! (Episode Transcript) Catalyst Website  Catalyst "Reach for the Stars: Be a Star" Support

In this episode, we interview Kay Gayner and Agnes McConlogue Ferro from the DREAM Project at National Dance Institute. We discuss DREAM and how it helps make dance inclusive for everyone, including how the program and inclusion overall benefit the dancers, audience, and families (Episode Transcript)  DREAM Website (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement) DREAM 2019 Event Performance

In this episode, we spoke to Jen Schlegel. We talk about her start-up company, all of her ideas, her work with Ohio Tech Ambassadors, and her views on accessibility and assistive technology. (Episode Transcript) Ohio Tech Ambassadors Website Beenabled Website

In this episode, we interview Christian Kane about creating the Field of Dreams complex in Toms River, New Jersey. Field of Dreams is an all-inclusive complex with a playground, fields, interactive areas, and events with the goal of being physically and socially inclusive for everyone, regardless of age or abilities. (Episode Transcript)  Field of Dreams Website

In this episode, we interview Gil Dori from EyeHarp, an organization that created the first musical instrument that can be played with eye gaze or head movements. We discuss how EyeHarp helps bring music to individuals with physical disabilities, including how it can make music creation and education more inclusive. (Episode Transcript)  EyeHarp Website EyeHarp Performance Gallery Circles & Circuits Performance featuring Joel Bueo on EyeHarp EyeHarp Project YouTube Performances

In this episode, we interview Sarah Sandelius, the Chief Executive Officer of The Ability Challenge. The Ability Challenge works with schools to make sure that students with diverse learning needs are supported. We talk about the role of data within special education programming decisions, the importance of and team staff collaboration in inclusion work, the resources that The Ability Challenge has available for schools, teachers, and leaders, and the impact the organization has had on making schools more inclusive for all learners. (Episode Transcript) The Ability Challenge Website The Ability Challenge Free Courses

In this episode, we interview Dr. Becca Monteleone, an Assistant Professor of Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. We talked about the power of storytelling within self-advocacy and allowing participants to own their own voices, identities, and experiences. (Episode Transcript) Dr. Monteleone's Storytelling Curriculum SALUTE Storytelling Videos

In this episode, we interview Deetra Mitchell, the Self-Advocate Community Inclusion Specialist for the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. We are specifically talking about SALUTE, Self-Advocates LUcas TolEdo. SALUTE has done amazing work with self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Members of the organization have owned their voices to influence businesses, gain employment, change policy and legislation, and make a positive difference in their communities. (Episode Transcript) SALUTE Website Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities Twitter, YouTube, Instagram

In this episode, we interview Kevin Delecki, the programming manager at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. We talk about the sensory inclusion initiative within the library and how they have worked to ensure that they are inclusive of individual needs in every part of their library to make community patrons feel accepted and comfortable (Episode Transcript) Cedar Rapids Website

In this episode, we interview Susie Blackstein-Adler and Christy McDonald who were part of the team who created the debug'd Coding Curriculum. debug'd Coding is a Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusive coding curricula that supports all students. We talk about the logistics of the curricular materials and coding kits, as well as how the program's design has been successful in bringing coding to every single student. (Episode Transcript) debug'd Coding Website (Bridges)  debug'd Coding in Action (video) 

In this episode, we interview Mark Barlet and Andy Wu from AbleGamers, an organization dedicated to inclusive gaming with the mission of "combating social isolation through play." We discuss their work with supporting gamers to find accessibility solutions for gaming with peer counseling, creating prototypes for inclusive gaming through engineering research, and training game designers to make games more accessible with professional development. (Episode Transcript) AbleGamers Website Accessible resources for game developers Support for gamers with disabilities

In this episode, we interview Simmi Goomer and Symon Hayes, who both work at Eye to Eye National, a nonprofit organization with the mission of improving educational experiences and outcomes for every student who learns differently. Simmi is the Chief Learning and Impact Officer, and Symon is the Director of Professional Learning. We discuss Eye to Eye's near-peer mentorship program, pairing students who learn differently in high school and college and pairing them with middle schoolers. The professional development program provides training to general and special educators. (Episode Transcript) Eye to Eye National Website Near-Peer Mentoring Professional Learning

In this episode, we interview Jacob Corey, one of the co-founders of Happy Valley FitLink, an inclusive wellness program for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers and families. This program brings together adaptive fitness and wellness seminars while supporting the building of friendships and community. Learn more about how to run this type of inclusive health and fitness program and the benefits of this type of programming (Episode Transcript) Website Instagram TikTok Facebook Email Address: happyvalleyfitlink@gmail.com

In this episode, we interview Dr. Tara Mason, one of the co-founders of the Dis/Ability Film Festival. In this episode, we talk about the festival's mission, the types of films that have been produced, and inclusive education. (Episode Transcript) Film Festival Website Western Colorado University M.A. in Special Education 

In this episode, we interview Robert James Gabriel from Helperbird. We discuss the features of the all-in-one extension and how it can be used to create inclusive environments that support everyone. (Episode Transcript) Helperbird Website

In this episode, we talk to Megan Bremond, who runs the iFit inclusive fitness program at Crossfit Mandeville. We talked about inclusive gyms, her classes' structure, and fitness benefits for all athletes. (Episode Transcript) Website Email Address

In this episode, we talk to Vijay Ravindran, founder and CEO of Floreo, to discuss how virtual reality can be used to support the neurodiverse population in learning social skills by creating an immersive experience. (Episode Transcript) Website Research Studies Floreo Lesson Library

In this episode, we talk to Brittany Jacobs and Allison Richert from the Burlington Public Library about how they are making the library both more sensory friendly and more inclusive for the needs of all library visitors (Episode Transcript)

In this episode, we interview Stacey Forsyth from the Build a Better Book initiative. We talk about how this project uses existing makerspaces in schools and libraries to create meaningful, inclusive resources (Episode Transcript) Build a Better Book Website Examples of Build a Better Book Projects Connect with Build a Better Book Project

In this episode, we interview Alex Dunn from Enabled Play about the platform and how it's making gaming, schools, speech therapy, and workspaces more inclusive. (Episode Transcript) Enabled Play Website Making Every Computer More Accessible (video) Playing Elden Ring with Enabled Play (video) Using Enabled Play for Speech Therapy (video)

In this preview, learn more about the purpose of our podcast and what we hope to achieve. Check out some sound bytes from our first three episodes where we talk about inclusive gaming with Enabled Play, sensory inclusion with the Burlington Public Library, and inclusive making with Build a Better Book.