Think Inclusive

<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>Michelle 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 Michelle 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>

<p><strong>Dom Kelly</strong> is the co-founder, president, and CEO of New Disabled South and New Disabled South Rising. A lifelong disability advocate, Dom has made his mark in nonprofit leadership and as a systems thinker who combines lived experience with movement building. Apart from his advocacy work, Dom is an accomplished musician, having toured extensively and shared the stage with renowned artists such as the Indigo Girls and Joan Baez. Amassing an impressive array of fellowships and awards, Dom is also an Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity and a recipient of the JM Kaplan Funds Innovation Prize. He resides in Atlanta with his family.</p><p>In this powerful episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a significant dialogue with Dom Kelly, steering deeply into the realm of disability justice in schools. The conversation navigates the intertwining facets of inclusion, justice, belonging, and how these play out within educational settings. Dom Kelly, drawing from his multifaceted experiences as a disability advocate and co-founder of New Disabled South, speaks on evolving beyond mere compliance to fostering inclusive environments that value the voices and needs of disabled students, especially at the intersection of race and disability.</p><p>Complete transcript and show notes: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/centering-disabled-students-voices-for-true-inclusion-and-justice-with-dom-kelly-1327/">https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/centering-disabled-students-voices-for-true-inclusion-and-justice-with-dom-kelly-1327/</a></p>

<p><strong>Megan Ohlssen</strong> is a visionary leader advocating for identity, equity, and belonging within educational spaces. She works dynamically with schools, organizations, and system leaders across the United States to spotlight disability justice and foster meaningful, sustainable change. Her extensive background includes coaching, systems evaluation, and program design, helping teams navigate difficult dialogues and transform intentions into actionable outcomes. Drawing from her personal journey and multifaceted identity, Megan emphasizes the importance of belonging and inclusion for both students and educators.</p><p>In this compelling episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas converses with Megan Ohlssen, an advocate for disability justice and educational equity, about creating schools where every learner belongs. The discussion unpacks what real belonging means in educational environments and emphasizes the intricate relationship between identity and learning. Megan shares personal insights from her diverse background and sheds light on how holding inclusive spaces for adults—through belonging activities—can significantly alter conversations around inclusion.</p><p>The episode delves into how ableism subtly permeates educational practices, especially via language and assumptions about rigor. Tim and Megan explore ways educators can responsibly confront these systemic issues using frameworks like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) without feeling overwhelmed. Megan presents practical steps for educators and system leaders to instigate inclusive practices, urging a deep reflection on one’s role in perpetuating systemic inequalities. In her candid dialogue, Megan provides a refreshing yet profound perspective on how schools can evolve into inclusive environments, ultimately making systemic change actionable and tangible.</p><p>Complete show notes and transcript: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/beyond-welcome-what-real-belonging-looks-like-in-schools-with-megan-ohlssen-1326/">https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/beyond-welcome-what-real-belonging-looks-like-in-schools-with-megan-ohlssen-1326/</a></p>