Carolina and Jaiker share their journey of advocating for inclusive education for their daughter Natalia, who has Down syndrome. They discuss the challenges they faced in navigating the special education system and their decision to remove Natalia from special education services. They highlight the importance of inclusive education and the positive impact it has had on Natalia's development and happiness. The episode also features insights from Cecil County Public Schools in Maryland, where inclusive practices are the norm.

This is part one of a five-part series about families and school districts fully committed to inclusive practices for all learners. Listen to the rest of Inclusion Stories: https://shows.acast.com/inclusion-stories

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/I61Kqa0ABSDbl7RMgbVGFOfwMHA

Resources:

The Segregation of Students with Disabilities (National Council on Disability): https://ncd.gov/sites/default/files/NCD_Segregation-SWD_508.pdf

Cecil County Public Schools: https://www.ccps.org/

Thank you to our sponsors!

Communication First: https://communicationfirst.org/

Roots of Inclusion: https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates: https://www.copaa.org/

Thompson Policy Institute on Disability: https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx

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The White Family

The Teague Family

Support was provided by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Club 21 in Pasadena, California.

Music

Theme: The Light by Greg Drews and The Truth

End Credits: Stella's Rhumba by Marcus Gerakos

MCIE:

Website: https://www.mcie.org/

Since 1988, MCIE has equipped over 200 schools in 25 school districts across the country to include children and youth who are at the greatest risk of exclusion.

Your gift directly impacts our ability to develop resources and support educators and families as they work to create authentic inclusive experiences for all learners that result in a sense of belonging, engagement with peers, friendships, and learning grade level content.

Donate: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/maryland-coalition-for-inclusive-education-inc

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About the Guest(s):

Alan Courtis is an Argentine experimental musician known for his work with the band Reynols. Founded in 1993, the band is distinctive in the experimental rock scene, especially since its lead singer, Miguel Tomasin, has Down syndrome. Courtis has collaborated broadly in the music industry, contributing significantly to avant-garde and noise music. He continues to challenge conventional boundaries by creating innovative musical experiences and focusing on inclusivity within the music world.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas navigates us through a fascinating conversation with Alan Courtis from the groundbreaking Argentine band Reynolds. Broadcasting from Marietta, Georgia, while on a vinyl hunting expedition, Tim introduces us to the profound and inspiring story of Miguel Tomasin, a musician with Down syndrome leading a band renowned for its experimental sounds. Courtis dives into the journey and evolution of Reynols, shedding light on how this unique band rose to prominence and discusses the nuances of creating art that transcends conventional expectations.

Focusing on inclusivity and diversity in music, the discussion uncovers the band's philosophy of allowing Miguel to drive their creative pursuits. Despite initial skepticism from critics, Reynols has sustained a remarkable 30-year career by creating music that defies typical categorization, enabling audiences to indulge in an unparalleled auditory experience. Alan highlights the importance of embracing the unpredictability of their music-making process and the artistic value this brings. Listeners are encouraged to not only appreciate but also learn from the inclusivity and innovation championed by Reynols.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/HEU8KnWUGSpDbnvPY7g20fu_uWc

Key Takeaways:

• Reynols band, led by a musician with Down syndrome, creates experimental rock music that defies conventions and embraces unpredictability.
• The band values Miguel's unique contributions, emphasizing creativity and innovation gained from letting him guide their musical journey.
• Inclusive art forms can drive significant cultural change and challenge societal norms surrounding disability.
• Despite facing criticism, Reynols has sustained a 30-year career due to their commitment to breaking musical barriers.
• Alan Courtis emphasizes living in the present and leveraging individual talents to enrich artistic expression.

Resources:

Reynols on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minecxio/

Reynols on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reynols_oficial/

New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/02/world/americas/argentina-miguel-tomasin-drummer.html?unlocked_article_code=1.bU4.V4Mi.IOKr7TTILPry&smid=url-share

Reynols “Manorla Acuplemo”: https://youtu.be/XqHzgU9czQM?si=yAMwFLffe3kpJLaj

Thanks to our sponsor, IXL: https://ixl.com/inclusive

MCIE: https://mcie.org/

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

About the Guest(s):

Alexis Thomason is an accomplished virtual art instructor at the Pearson Georgia Connections Academy. She has a robust background in teaching, having spent 25 years in various educational roles. Initially starting her career in middle school education with certifications in K-12 art and language arts for grades 4 through 8, Alexis transitioned to the virtual teaching sphere following her enriching experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is known for her dedication to fostering an inclusive and engaging educational environment that benefits all learners, including those with disabilities.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, host Tim Villegas explores the realm of virtual education alongside guest Alexis Thomason from the Georgia Connections Academy. This episode dives deep into the possibilities and challenges of providing inclusive education in an entirely virtual setup. With the rapid transition to online schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, many educators faced the challenge of adapting their teaching methods. Alexis shares her journey from traditional classroom teaching to becoming a virtual art educator and discusses how online education can be a viable and inclusive option for students, especially those with disabilities.

As virtual education becomes a more prominent fixture in the educational landscape, Alexis outlines how Pearson Georgia Connections Academy operates as a tuition-free online public school, serving K-12 students. Emphasizing flexible learning and accessibility, Alexis explains how virtual schooling can uniquely support learners with disabilities, allowing for personalized and differentiated instruction. With insights on how virtual environments foster self-driven learning and teaching, Alexis provides a compelling case for educators and parents to consider virtual schooling as a potential avenue for their educational needs.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/12q3Th8cahLWUnBULlKfYnN34so

Key Takeaways:

• Virtual education can be an inclusive and accommodating environment for students, including those with disabilities, by offering personalized learning options.
• Pearson Georgia Connections Academy provides a flexible, 100% online schooling option that caters to K-12 students across multiple states.
• Differentiation in teaching methods is crucial in a virtual setting to cater to diverse learning styles and needs, helping ensure that each student receives the appropriate support.
• The transition to virtual education offers flexibility not just for students but for educators too, allowing them to find a teaching style that suits their personal needs and professional goals.
• Students can thrive in a virtual learning environment by receiving individualized support and having access to recorded lessons and flexible learning schedules.

Resources:

Pearson Connections Academy: https://www.connectionsacademy.com/

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

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