About the Guest(s):

Riley Mulcahy is the founder and Executive Director of The Riley Project, a nonprofit organization focused on storytelling and community building for individuals with learning differences. A graduate of St. Mary's College of California with a background in English and Creative Writing, Riley is also the Marketing and Admissions Associate at Compass High School, where he champions inclusive, strengths-based education. He is an advocate for neurodiversity, dedicating his efforts to initiatives like the Neurodiversity Education Series, aimed at creating supportive systems for neurodivergent individuals.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas chats with Riley Mulcahy, a prominent advocate for individuals with learning differences. Riley discusses his journey with dyslexia and his commitment to creating inclusive environments through storytelling and advocacy. As the founder of the Riley Project, Riley sheds light on challenges and triumphs within the landscape of neurodivergent education. The episode gives listeners a deep dive into the concepts of multisensory instruction, the implications of the "Wait to Fail" model in schools, and the pivotal role of early intervention in supporting students with learning differences.

Listeners will gain insights as Riley emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling in social change, drawing parallels between historical movements and current advocacy for neurodiversity. With a focus on practical strategies and technologies aiding learning differences, the discussion encompasses everything from reading interventions to the potential of AI-driven education tools. Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate, this episode is packed with valuable information on fostering inclusive, supportive educational environments where all students can excel.

Complete show notes and transcript: (coming soon)

Key Takeaways:

• Power of Storytelling: Riley highlights how storytelling has been central to social justice movements, emphasizing its potential to drive change in the education system for those with learning differences.
• Multisensory Reading Instructions: Discussing the effectiveness of multisensory instruction methods, Riley underscores its importance for students struggling with traditional learning approaches.
• Early Intervention and Support: The episode stresses the necessity of early intervention and the creation of strength-based IEPs to help neurodivergent students thrive.
• Future of Education Technology: A spotlight on assistive technologies, text-to-speech, and AI as tools to help students with learning differences achieve better outcomes.
• Inclusion and Advocacy: The Riley Project aims to create safe spaces for individuals to share experiences, thus fostering a community of support and awareness.

Resources:

The Riley Project: https://www.therileyproject.org/

Educating All Learners Alliance: https://educatingalllearners.org/

Dyslexic Advantage: https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/

Proust and the Squid: https://amzn.to/3GYPKX9

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

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

About the Guest(s):

Alissa Rausch is a dedicated advocate for inclusive education rights, especially for young children with disabilities and various intersectional identities. Based at the University of Denver, she has extensive experience as a provider, program leader, educator, and technical assistance provider, notably developing inclusive programs and participating actively in legislative initiatives with organizations like Disability Law Colorado and the Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center.

Ben Riepe is a Senior Project Manager at the Positive Early Learning Experiences Center at the University of Denver, contributing significantly to ECTA and the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations. With 13 years supporting Head Start Classrooms as a teacher and coach, Ben focuses on embedding evidence-based inclusive practices into classrooms and communities.

Episode Summary:

Delve into a transformative discussion on the Think Inclusive Podcast with Tim Villegas, featuring an insightful conversation with Alissa Rausch and Ben Riepe from the University of Denver. They discuss the significance of the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center's inclusion indicators, designed to guide systems at varying levels, like state and community, towards enhancing inclusive practices, aiming for a profound societal impact.

In this episode, Alissa and Ben emphasize the critical role of systems in fostering inclusive environments for children, particularly those with disabilities. They explore the implementation science behind these indicators and how it supports sustainable and meaningful inclusive practices. Through poignant real-world examples and insights, they expound on the barriers families face and the power of family partnerships in achieving truly inclusive educational settings. Their experiences and collaborative work highlight opportunities for systemic change, especially through intentional community-based approaches and systems-level transformation, positioning early childhood inclusion as a foundational element of lifelong success.

Complete show notes and transcript: (coming soon)

Key Takeaways:

-Inclusion Indicators: Developed by ECTA, the indicators serve as a North Star for programs implementing inclusive practices across various levels such as state, community, and local programs.

-Systems Approach to Inclusion: Emphasizes working at every level of the educational ecosystem, from state policies to individual classrooms, ensuring comprehensive support for inclusive practices.

-Family Partnerships: Building genuine partnerships with families is critical, recognizing them as co-constructors in the journey of inclusion, thereby facilitating better educational outcomes.

-Long-Term Impact: Highlighting the necessity of early childhood inclusion as a foundation for lifelong educational and community success.

-Implementation Science: Using strategic, science-based processes for planning and executing inclusive practices, aiming for scalable and sustainable change.

Resources:

ECTA Center: https://ectacenter.org/

Disability Law Colorado: https://disabilitylawco.org/

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

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

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.