{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/66cb4201ff5eaa8e1bdb61fc/67cf71b504bbfb91404ea5ea?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Emma Plourde-Doran: Championing Inclusive Education for Students with Autism","description":"<p>In this episode of <em>Forks</em>, <strong>Alexis and Amie</strong> sit down with <strong>Emma Plourde-Doran</strong>, an educator who faced a defining <em>fork in the road</em>: follow a traditional teaching path or <strong>build a high-support classroom for students with autism, from scratch</strong>.</p><p><br></p><p>Emma took the leap—and it changed everything.</p><p><br></p><p>Teaching in Northern Ontario, she transformed an empty classroom into a <strong>structured, inclusive space where students with autism could thrive</strong>. She pioneered the <strong>STEP program</strong>, creating tailored education models that empower students with diverse needs. Her groundbreaking work earned her a nomination for the prestigious <strong>Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence</strong>.</p><p><br></p><p>💡 <strong>In this episode, we explore:</strong></p><p>•\tHow Emma built a high-support classroom from the ground up</p><p>•\tThe challenges and triumphs of implementing inclusive education</p><p>•\tStrategies for fostering student independence and confidence</p><p>•\tThe impact of national recognition in the education field</p><p><br></p><p>Emma’s story is a powerful reminder that <em>bold choices lead to meaningful change</em>. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>#ForkInTheRoad #AutismSupport #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducation #Neurodiversity #TeachingWithPurpose #EducationMatters</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Follow Forks</strong></p><ul><li>Website (apply to be on the show!) - <a href=\"https://open.acast.com/networks/66cb4023ff5eaa8e1bdafc2d/shows/66cb4201ff5eaa8e1bdb61fc/episodes/forkspod.com/contact\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">forkspod.com/contact</a></li><li>Instagram - @forkspod</li><li>Facebook - The Forks Podcast</li><li>LinkedIn - <a href=\"https://open.acast.com/networks/66cb4023ff5eaa8e1bdafc2d/shows/66cb4201ff5eaa8e1bdb61fc/episodes/linkedin.com/company/forkspod\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">linkedin.com/company/forkspod</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Copyright</strong></p><p>All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Disclaimer</strong></p><p>The Forks podcast, available at forkspod.com, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. The content provided is not a substitute for professional advice, and the hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on podcast discussions.</p><p><br></p><p>By participating as a guest, individuals consent to the recording and sharing of their stories. Listener privacy is respected in line with our privacy policy, and any data collected will be handled in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.</p><p><br></p><p>For full terms and policies, please visit forkspod.com.</p><p><br></p>","author_name":"Alexis Hood & Amie Plourde"}