Assembling Edu

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 Med...

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...

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 accessibi...

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 t...

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% o...

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 o...

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 ( D ancers R ealize E xcellence through A rts and M ovement) DREAM 2019 Event Per...

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 &...

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 ha...

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, S elf- A dvocates LU cas T ol E do. SALUTE has done amazing work with self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Members of the organization have owned their voices to influence businesses, gain emp...

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 b...

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 t...

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 st...

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...

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 )