This focused episode of the ’Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion’ podcast features a discussion with special education attorneys Amanda Selogie and Vicky Brett from the Inclusive Education Project. The conversation addresses legal concerns that came up in series 2. The conversation focuses on the legal framework of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 and how it supports the inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream classrooms. They explore common challenges like funding and staff shortages and debunk myths about the legality of denying services due to budget constraints. Amanda and Vicky emphasize the importance of individualized education plans (IEPs), the power of collective parental advocacy, and the critical role of teachers in fostering inclusive environments. They also provide practical advice for families and educators on navigating these legal and systemic challenges to ensure that children with disabilities receive appropriate and inclusive education.

This episode of ’Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion’ focuses on Navee, a seven-year-old deaf girl, and the challenges and triumphs of her inclusion in a hearing family and society. It delves into misconceptions about sign language and English, the cultural nuances of being deaf, and how her family tries to create inclusive experiences. The podcast also highlights the importance of understanding a deaf individual’s communication needs and how family dynamics evolve to support them. Guests include Wendy, Brooke, and Navee’s siblings, who share insights about their experiences and discuss strategies for fostering inclusion both at home and beyond.

This episode of ’Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion’ podcast explores the journey of Navee, a deaf student, and the impact of inclusive education settings. Wendy Bowman, a sign language interpreter with rich experience, discusses the challenges and successes of integrating deaf students into general education classrooms. Key themes include the importance of language development, the role of skilled interpreters, and the necessity of appropriate resources and support from schools. Despite initial struggles, Navee’s story highlights how inclusive environments can foster meaningful relationships and provide valuable learning experiences. Concerns about future academic needs and the lack of resources are addressed, emphasizing the combined efforts required from educators, interpreters, and parents to ensure the success and inclusion of all students.

In Episode 3 of Series 2 of ’Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion’ podcast spotlights Christie Anderson, a seasoned educator, as she shares her experiences teaching a first-grade class with a focus on inclusion. The conversation traces the impact of Navee, a deaf student, illustrating how her presence and active participation fostered an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. Ms. Anderson discusses the seamless integration of sign language, the transformation of other students with special needs, and the collaborative efforts with interpreter Wendy Bowman. The episode emphasizes the value of creating inclusive educational settings and addresses challenges like standardized testing for deaf students. Ms. Anderson’s reflections reveal the reciprocal benefits of inclusion for both students and educators, advocating for a collective approach in education that celebrates diversity and fosters unconditional belonging.

In Series Two: Episode 2 of ’Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion’ podcast features a conversation with Ms. Claudia Onofre, an experienced kindergarten teacher, discussing her journey of including Navee Walker, a deaf student, in her classroom. Ms. Onofre shares her initial apprehensions, the support she received, and the strategies she employed to create an inclusive environment. The episode highlights the importance of not viewing disabilities as barriers but as opportunities to innovate teaching practices and embrace all students’ abilities. It emphasizes the profound impact of inclusion on Ms. Onofre, her students, and the overall classroom culture, advocating for a mindset shift towards seeing possibilities instead of limitations.

The first episode of the second series of the podcast ’Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion’ focuses on the journey of creating an inclusive environment for Navee Walker, a deaf child. The episode features an in-depth conversation with Brooke Walker, Navee’s mother, who discusses the challenges and successes in her daughter’s education and inclusion. Brooke shares their experiences with learning ASL, the importance of having a Teacher of the Deaf (TOD), and the advocacy required to ensure adequate support for Navee’s academic growth. The episode also highlights the role of educators and the broader community in fostering inclusivity. Future episodes will further explore the roles of teachers and interpreters in supporting inclusion and will feature insights from Navee herself.

In the second series of Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion listeners will meet Brooke Walker, Wendy Bowman, Ms. Onofre, Ms. Anderson, and others. Together they tell the story of a team coming together to create classrooms inclusive to all children, especially Navee Walker - a deaf child not introduced to language until she was adopted at 4 1/2. But high-quality meaningful inclusion requires appropriate, individualized supports. As Navee goes into second grade, the availability of supports is in question. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

This focused episode is about advocating for a child with a disability or who is neurodivergent. It features a panel of three distinguished parent advocates. The panelists share their experiences, stories, and professional knowledge.

Episode 5, the final episode in this inaugural series features Christy Donathan, the director of the early childhood education department in District 51. Her stories and the responses to my questions provide a glimpse behind the scenes into a school district that creates inclusive experiences like the one Archer and his family received.

In this episode, Archer, Aubrey, and Aaliyah, the children of Zach and Anita Hamilton, whose stories you heard in episodes 2 and 3, share their experiences growing up together.

In this powerful episode, we resume the conversation from episode 2 when I spoke with Zach and Anita about their story and experiences with Archer's transition from Ms. Rochelle's preschool classroom into kindergarten. In this episode, we delve into the emotions experienced by Archer's parents when he is genuinely included in every aspect of life. If you haven't listened to the first two episodes, I encourage you to give those a listen before continuing with this episode.    Archer's CP Adventures Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/archerscpadventures?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this episode you will meet Anita and Zach Hamilton, the parents of Archer Hamilton. Archer was introduced in episode 1 by Ms. Rochelle. Anita and Zach share their story about Archer’s transition from preschool with Ms. Rochelle into a general education kindergarten classroom. We will talk along the way about the necessity for communication, the importance of continuity, receiving a one to one aid, their fears, priorities and advocating for Archer. This is the first of a two part episode with Anita and Zach. Subscribe to receive a notification for the release of the second episode.

In this episode, Rochelle shares her story about Archer and his family. We will talk about her preparation, her use of home visits to support inclusion, and the priorities she places on relationships. She will also share recommendations for teachers in inclusive classrooms or considering teaching in inclusive classrooms.  Image Description: The image above is a woman named Rochelle with a child named Archer, both smiling. They are in a room with a bookcase and shelf in the background. Rochelle is wearing glasses and there is a book visible in the image.  Resources mentioned in the episode https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/ https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/children-disabilities/article/head-start-center-inclusion https://mesacountypcf.org/ https://www.d51schools.org/departments/early_childhood_education   If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact