Inclusion Starts Now

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/
 

Ep 20: Ep 20:Navigating Tough Conversations: Family, Holidays, & Raising Inclusive Kids After the Election

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of discussing sensitive topics with family during the holiday season, especially in the context of the recent election. We'll explore practical ways to use these conversations as learning moments, offering insights on how to approach complex issues thoughtfully. Whether it’s about differing views or finding ways to foster understanding, we’re here to help you raise inclusive kids who value kindness and empathy—even when family conversations get tough.

Season 2 Ep: 19 Pathways to College: Empowering Neurodivergent Students with Matt McGee

In this episode of Inclusion Starts Now, we sit down with Matt McGee, founder of MRM Education, to discuss how students with disabilities, including neurodivergent learners, can successfully navigate the journey to higher education. Matt shares insights on the support available through 1:1 tutoring and admissions counseling, emphasizing that college is within reach for everyone and that diverse minds can thrive in academic spaces. Together, we explore how future goals are worth pursuing and adapting along the way, empowering students to create a college path tailored to their unique strengths.
Come join our Facebook group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1611107013001431/
Can't get enough of us? Enjoy our recording of our presentation we did a couple of months ago:
https://youtu.be/SzNGOGuntt8
 

Season 2 Episode 18: Big World, Little Ears: Helping Kids Understand Big Events

In this very short episode, we explore the importance of educating children about major world events and why honesty and transparency—when done in an age-appropriate way—can be empowering. I will discuss a traumatic moment of my own life that happened this last week and how everything I have done up till this point, made it less traumatic for my child. We discuss how guiding kids through tough topics with care not only helps them process what's happening around them but also equips them with tools to navigate personal challenges. When children are given a safe space to ask questions and understand the world, they become more resilient, empathetic, and prepared for big moments in their own lives.

Season 2 Ep 17: Monsters & Misconceptions: Horror, Ableism, and the Fear of the Unknown

In this episode, I sit down with horror movie enthusiast Adam to explore the hidden layers of ableism in classic Halloween creatures like Frankenstein. We dive deep into how these depictions play on societal fears of disability, and how they reflect broader themes of religious anxiety and fear of the unknown. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that redefines the horror genre beyond jump scares and creepy costumes.

Season 2 Episode 16: An Inclusive Halloween

We are officially in spooky season and I want you to know that you can create an inclusive environment at school, work, or in your home. In this episode, I go over how to celebrate Halloween if people at your school don't celebrate Halloween, making sure all of the Fall activities are accessible for all students, and creating an inclusive trick-or-treating path to your house!
Here are some resources to create an inclusive Halloween: https://www.connectingforkids.org/Halloween
(inclusive parties)
and
https://stressfreekids.com/4621/halloween-tips-avoid-meltdowns/
(supporting dysregulated behaviors)
Did I miss something? Let me know in the comments!

Season 2 Episode 15: Voices of Change: Conversations with Cassidy

Join Inclusion Starts Now for an enlightening conversation with Cassidy, a remarkable disability rights activist who has experienced life in profound ways by the age of 22. We delve into the barriers disabled individuals face when voting, explore the ethical implications of using accommodations as Halloween costumes, and discuss how we can all become better allies to the disabled community. Cassidy’s insights and experiences will inspire you to think critically and act compassionately. Tune in for a powerful dialogue about advocacy, respect, and empowerment!
 
Check out everything Cassidy is doing @cass_huff on instagram
If you want to join the inclusive bookclub it is with @therecessprojectofficial and we go live (almost) every Monday on @trpinclusivebookclub instagram!