Think Inclusive

<p><strong>Patrick Mulick</strong> is a board-certified behavior analyst, a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell team. Serving as the Director of Student Engagement at the Auburn School District in Washington State, Patrick holds degrees in Special Education and Behavior Analysis from Gonzaga University. He has years of experience teaching students with disabilities, particularly those with autism and complex behavioral needs, and is now a nationally recognized speaker who shares practical tools and strategies for educators.</p><p>In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas sits down with Patrick Mulick, a behavior analyst and Director of Student Engagement at Auburn School District, to discuss reducing the use of restraint and eliminating isolation in schools. Patrick recounts how the pandemic provided a turning point for schools to rethink their approach to handling students with complex behavioral needs. By implementing proactive strategies, shifting focus from restraint to personalized support, and using data-driven approaches, Patrick has successfully led his district to significantly reduce incidents of isolation and restraint.</p><p>Complete show notes and transcript: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/patrick-mulick-why-bad-choice-is-the-wrong-language-for-schools-1332/">https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/patrick-mulick-why-bad-choice-is-the-wrong-language-for-schools-1332/</a></p>

<p>Join us on this insightful episode of MCIE's "Think Inclusive" podcast, as Tim Villegas delves into the Terps Exceed program at the University of Maryland. Explore the innovative two-year initiative that integrates students with intellectual disabilities into university life, providing them with education, employment, and social opportunities typically seen in post-secondary education settings. With compelling narratives from students, peer mentors, and coordinators, this episode highlights the vital role of inclusive post-secondary education in evolving societal perspectives.</p><p>The Terps Exceed program at UMD exemplifies how creating inclusive college environments benefits all students. As part of a four-part series in collaboration with Think College, this episode uncovers how peer mentors contribute to a transformative college experience for students with intellectual disabilities. Key figures, such as Betsy Tornquist and Amy D'Agati, share the program's journey and its broader implications, setting an inspiring precedent for other institutions.</p><p>Complete show notes and transcript: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/terpsexceed-making-college-possible-for-all-1330/">https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/terpsexceed-making-college-possible-for-all-1330/</a></p><p>This episode was made possible with generous support from Think College. Learn more at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thinkcollege.net/">thinkcollege.net</a>.</p>

<p>About the Guest(s):</p><p><strong>Michelle Garcia Winner</strong> is a renowned speech-language pathologist and the founder of Social Thinking. With over 30 years of experience, she has developed a methodology that seeks to aid teachers, therapists, and families in supporting social and organizational learning. Her work focuses on helping individuals, especially those on the autism spectrum, understand and enhance their social thinking skills.</p><p>In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas sits down with Michelle Garcia Winner, the mind behind the Social Thinking methodology. With a rich conversation centered around the invisible social rulebook, they discuss how educators and therapists can move beyond teaching social skills as mere behaviors. Michelle unfolds her insights into interpreting social situations, self-advocacy, and flexible thinking, breaking down the complexities into teachable and actionable strategies.</p><p>Complete show notes and transcript: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/rethinking-social-skills-teaching-social-thinking-for-all-learners-with-michelle-garcia-winner-1330/">https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/rethinking-social-skills-teaching-social-thinking-for-all-learners-with-michelle-garcia-winner-1330/</a></p><p></p>

<p>Sandra McElwee is a prominent advocate for inclusive education and disabilities rights, known for her role as Sean's mom from the Emmy-winning reality TV series, "Born This Way." With over three decades of experience advocating for individuals with disabilities, Sandra has been a pillar of support and change within the inclusive education community. She is an author, public speaker, and independent facilitator writing Person-Centered Plans in California. </p><p>In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a compelling conversation with Sandra McElwee, a pioneering advocate for inclusive education. As the mother of Sean, famously known from the TV show "Born This Way," Sandra shares her journey of challenging educational norms to ensure her son had an inclusive education from the 1990s onwards. This episode explores the transformative power of inclusion in schools and the uphill battle families often face within the educational system. </p><p>Complete show notes and transcript: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/advocating-for-full-inclusion-every-student-deserves-belonging-with-sandra-mcelwee-1329/">https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/advocating-for-full-inclusion-every-student-deserves-belonging-with-sandra-mcelwee-1329/</a></p>

<p>Michele Gardner is the interim CEO at All In for Inclusive Education, an organization dedicated to fostering inclusive practices in educational institutions. With over 25 years of experience in the New Jersey public school system, Michelle has held various roles such as special education teacher, paraprofessional, assistant principal, and director of special services. Additionally, she has been an adjunct instructor at the College of New Jersey, teaching future educators, and earning acclaim for her leadership in inclusive education. Her efforts focus on supporting systemic change through coaching, consultation, and professional development for educators and administrators.</p><p>In this insightful episode of "Think Inclusive," Tim Villegas hosts Michele Gardner, interim CEO of All In for Inclusive Education, to discuss the intricacies of systemic change towards inclusive education. Tim and Michelle delve into how schools and districts can transform inclusive education from a mere belief to a practice embraced in every classroom. They explore core themes of systems change, capacity building, and mindset shift in educational environments, spotlighting the journey from exclusionary practices to inclusive excellence.</p><p>Complete show notes and transcript: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/building-inclusive-schools-from-belief-to-practice-with-michelle-gardner-1328/">https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/building-inclusive-schools-from-belief-to-practice-with-michelle-gardner-1328/</a></p>