Inclusion Starts Now

Ep 30 Rethinking Education: A Conversation with Tim Villegas

In this episode of Inclusion Starts Now, we sit down with Tim Villegas from MCIE to explore how non-profit organizations like his champion inclusive education. Together, we imagine what the education system might look like without the Department of Education and discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating equitable learning environments.
 
You can check out MCIE: https://mcie.org/
and
Tim's podcasts: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/
If you want more of our conversation, subscribe:
https://ko-fi.com/inclusionstartsnow
 

Ep 29 Disaster Preparedness: Inclusive plans to keep everyone safe with Mer

The L.A. fires are terrifying and as a Southern California native, who has recently moved out of the state, this past week has been heartbreaking to say the least. On this episode, Mer and I discuss mindset shifts and simple steps we can take now to prepare our families for evacuations, focusing on the disabled community. As a community, we have the ability to come together in a time of need but it starts with taking care of ourselves.
ADA Emergency Planning: https://www.ada.gov/topics/emergency-planning/
Ready.Gov resources for disability: https://www.ready.gov/disability
Mer's personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/aspoonfullofsalt/
Ready Set Disability IG: https://www.instagram.com/ready.set.disability/

Episode 28 Inclusive Resolutions: Raising Kids Who Embrace Everyone

Start the new year with purpose! In this episode of Inclusion Starts Now, we share meaningful resolutions for teachers and parents to foster inclusion in 2025. From actionable tips to fresh perspectives, learn how small changes can make a big impact in raising empathetic, inclusive kids. Let’s make this year the most inclusive yet!
Subscribe below!
https://ko-fi.com/inclusionstartsnow

Ep. 27 Unfiltered Conversations: Understanding Perspectives with an Online Critic

In this unfiltered episode, I sit down with someone who disagreed with one of my viral reels about behaviors. We dive into their perspective, unpack our differences, and explore common ground in fostering inclusive conversations online and offline. It's a raw, real look at what happens when we take disagreements beyond the comments section.

Ep 26 Wickedly Inclusive: A Symbolic Dive Into Disability and Representation

In this episode of Inclusion Starts Now, I review the movie Wicked, unpacking its rich symbolism, moments of disability representation, and the quotes that resonated with me most. Join me as I reflect on the notes I attempted to jot down during the movie and explore how its themes align with the values of inclusion and understanding.

Ep. 25 Stories That Shape Us: Inclusive Books by Self-Published Authors

In this episode, I sit down with three inspiring self-published authors who are breaking barriers with their educational and inclusive books. We dive into their creative processes, the challenges of self-publishing, and how their stories are fostering understanding, empathy, and representation for readers of all ages.
 
You can find Rashda's book Think Big: https://www.rashzee.com/
and follow her on instagram:  @Rashzee128 @rashzee1
You can buy your own copy of Sean Gold's book the ABC of Disabilities: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sean%20Gold/author/B08ZCB44H3
and follow him on instagram: @authorseangold
You can get Jenny's book: https://www.jennymouse.com/store
and follow her on instagram: @travelingchalkboard
Inclusion starts with you and I just want to help!

Ep 24 Educational Talks: Raise Inclusive Kids this Holiday Season

How do we raise inclusive kids during the holidays? In this episode of Inclusion Starts Now, I share how I teach my kids about consent with Santa, skip the 'Elf on the Shelf is watching' narrative, and prioritize sustainable gift-giving. Let’s make the holidays joyful, honest, and meaningful for all!

Ep 23: The Grinch, Whoville, and What’s in a Name with Bhavna

Bhavna, cohost of a horror movie podcast called the Bloody Broads, joins Inclusion Starts Now to unwrap the deeper symbolism of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. We explore the importance of honoring people’s correct names, the contrasts between Canadian and American school systems, and how we all might find a little Grinch inside ourselves. Together, we discuss how to channel our inner Whos from Whoville to foster connection and transformation.
 
For the horror movie fanatics out there, check out here podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bloody-broads/id1586971667

Ep. 22: Bridging Divides: Getting Involved and Staying Open

In this episode of Inclusion Starts Now, I share my journey of beginning to engage with my district's school board and reflect on the importance of open communication. By choosing not to block people with differing opinions, I explore how we can break down barriers and create space for productive dialogue in our communities.

Ep. 21: Building Play for Everyone: Affordable Adapted Toys & Inclusive Design with Greg

In this episode, Greg, founder of adapted-design, shares his journey in creating adapted toys for disabled children. Together, we dive into practical tips on how parents and educators can adapt store-bought toys, making play more affordable and accessible. Greg also unveils his innovative rubric for designing inclusive playgrounds, showing how thoughtful design can transform spaces to support a wider range of needs. We explore the many ways adapted toys benefit not only disabled kids but also babies developing new skills and disabled adults seeking more accessible forms of play with their children.
 
Check out Greg's videos on adapting toys: https://adapted-design.com/pages/adapting-tutorials
On instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/adapteddesign/
And his website that has his book, inclusive playground rubric, and connect with him here: https://adapted-design.com/