In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron interviews Rebecca Engle, a special education teacher diagnosed with autism. Rebecca shares her experiences as both a special education student and teacher, discussing the importance of true inclusion. She highlights how inclusion is more than just being present in a classroom; it involves genuine participation and understanding. Rebecca also offers tips for parents on advocating for their child’s inclusion in general education settings, emphasizing the importance of data to support their case. The episode dives into practical strategies to foster meaningful inclusion in schools.

Key Takeaways:

Inclusion Potluck: Inclusion is like a potluck where everyone brings something different, and it's essential to ensure every student feels their contribution matters.

Misunderstood Inclusion: Just being in a classroom doesn’t equate to being included; inclusion requires intentional connection and participation.

Impact of Labels: Labels can limit expectations for students, but it's up to educators to challenge those perceptions.

Self-Advocacy: Teaching students to advocate for themselves is crucial, as they won’t always have someone to speak for them.

Inclusive Teaching: Teachers with disabilities or experience with disabilities can better relate and set higher expectations for students.

Rebecca’s definition of inclusion:

It’s like hosting a potluck where every student brings something different to the table and they share it with each other.

Rebecca’s Bio:

Rebecca Engle, at just 21, is a seven-time published author, educator, and entrepreneur. Despite being non-verbal until age 5, she has defied the odds and achieved extraordinary success. Rebecca owns Rebe Crafts, serves on the boards of three national non-profits, and is a distinguished seven-time winner of Presidential Awards for Community Service. Featured in numerous news and billboards and media outlets, she has also captivated audiences as a guest on over 400 podcasts, sharing her inspirational journey and relentless drive.

Connect with Rebecca:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.Engle.02/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Re02.20/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 4

No - 7

Hasn’t tried it - 1

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In this episode of the Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews Erin Perkins, a deafblind accessibility strategist, who shares her personal journey navigating life with dual sensory impairments. The conversation explores challenges in accessing support, from inconsistent educational accommodations to barriers in public venues like concerts. Erin emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and offers practical steps for businesses to improve accessibility, from websites to social media. The discussion highlights empathy as a key tool for inclusivity and addresses common misconceptions about visible and invisible disabilities, aiming to empower people with disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

Inconsistent Support: Disability support varies greatly based on location and individual circumstances.

Self-Advocacy: Learning to advocate for yourself in corporate settings is vital but often learned through experience.

Concert Accessibility: Obtaining accessible concert tickets is complex and varies by venue.

Accessibility Tools: Accessibility tools like hearing aids and cochlear implants are aids, not solutions; communication access is key.

Empathy in Inclusion: Empathy, including listening without judgment, is crucial for making the world more inclusive.

Erin’s definition of inclusion:

Everyone can participate or be part of something no matter what they identify as. We all may crave some normalcy. However Normal is the opposite of diversity. But diversity is what makes the world amazing! It’s what makes creativity possible.

Erin’s Bio:

Erin Perkins is deafblind, but you might not notice at first glance. She relies on a hearing aid and cochlear implant for hearing, without which she's profoundly deaf. Her vision is limited to 50 degrees, so if she doesn't wave back when you do, it's likely she didn't see or hear you.

Working with independent business owners, coaches, and mentors opened her eyes to the widespread lack of accessibility awareness. This led her to focus on accessibility education.

Erin is passionate about teaching businesses to be more accessible, using her personal experiences to promote true inclusion at every level. Her mission is to make the world more accessible, one business at a time.

Connect with Erin:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MabelyQ

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mabely_q

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erineperkins/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mabely_q

Website: https://www.mabelyq.com/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Hasn’t tried it

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 4

No - 6

Hasn’t tried it - 1

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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron and guest Michelle Tetschner discuss their shared experiences advocating for inclusion in education for their children with disabilities. Michelle, the mother of a son with Down syndrome, highlights the importance of teamwork, confidence in IEP meetings, and a vision for the future. Together, they stress focusing on a child's strengths, building empathy with educators, and correcting misconceptions about disabilities to foster inclusion in schools and society.

Key Takeaways:

Inclusion journey: Inclusion requires teamwork and is a continuous journey.

Advocacy focus: Lead IEP meetings with confidence and a clear vision for your child’s future.

Strengths-based: IEP goals should focus on a child’s strengths, not their limitations.

Presume competence: Encourage independence by presuming competence in children with disabilities.

Educator empathy: Build relationships with educators and understand their challenges.

Michelle’s definition of inclusion:

To me, inclusion is a journey! It is an action verb. It takes a team to be successful!

I am a passionate” Inclusion-ista”!

I believe wholeheartedly that inclusion in school leads to changing a community!

When children in schools are exposed to persons with disabilities at a young age, they become more comfortable with the differences that we all created with. They then grow up to be more comfortable when working next to, hiring, being neighbors with, and welcoming people with exceptional abilities into their community.

Inclusion is a game changer!

Inclusion can change the world!

I am the author to the book: Fully Included~ Stories to Inspire Inclusion and am always seeking out new stories, new people, and trying to spread successful stories everywhere❤️

Michelle’s Bio:

Michelle Tetschner is a proud mom to three boys, the youngest is Raymond who happens to rock an extra chromosome. She is the author of the book: "Fully Included~Stories to Inspire Inclusion" with her husband Stacy. She is also a writer for The Mighty with over 25 stories published on disability and Down syndrome.

Michelle has been featured on several podcasts and webinars as a leading expert on inclusion in both public and private Catholic schools. She is the current president/founder of FIRE Foundation NE Florida.

She describes herself as a "passionate inclusionista" who has fought yearly for her son Raymond to be included in school. She has coached hundreds of parents with inspiration and guidance for school meetings and IEPs.

Her son Raymond, is used to being the first. He was one of the first students in Phoenix, AZ to be fully included in Catholic school. He went on to be the inaugural student of a brand new program in Maryland, as well as the first student with Down syndrome, in the diocese of St Petersburg- to graduate fully included. He is an amazing drummer, actor, and an amazing guy who loves God and his family.

Michelle believes we all live in one world, and longs for the day when everyone chooses to open their hearts and minds to seeing each person's gifts and talents first.

Connect with Michelle:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559089771384

Fully Included - Stories to Inspire Inclusion Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559015318714

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 4

No - 6

☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad

Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates