What if there were truly inclusive schools out there where families didn't have to fight for their children with extensive support needs to be included? The good news is that there are. But the not-so-great news is that in order to access them, it depends on where you live This Fall, get ready for the stories of families and school districts fully committed to inclusive schools for each and every learner. Produced by MCIE.

Inclusion Stories Teaser Trailer

Carolina and Jaiker share their journey of advocating for inclusive education for their daughter Natalia, who has Down syndrome. They discuss the challenges they faced in navigating the special education system and their decision to remove Natalia from special education services. They highlight the importance of inclusive education and the positive impact it has had on Natalia's development and happiness. The episode also features insights from Cecil County Public Schools in Maryland, where inclusive practices are the norm. This is part one of a five-part series about families and school districts fully committed to inclusive practices for all learners. Transcript: <a href="https://otter.ai/u/I61Kqa0ABSDbl7RMgbVGFOfwMHA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://otter.ai/u/I61Kqa0ABSDbl7RMgbVGFOfwMHA</a> Resources: The Segregation of Students&nbsp;with Disabilities (National Council on Disability): <a href="https://ncd.gov/sites/default/files/NCD_Segregation-SWD_508.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ncd.gov/sites/default/files/NCD_Segregation-SWD_508.pdf</a>Cecil County Public Schools: <a href="https://www.ccps.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ccps.org/</a> Thank you to our sponsors! Communication First: <a href="https://communicationfirst.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://communicationfirst.org/</a>Roots of Inclusion: <a href="https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/</a>Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates: <a href="https://www.copaa.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.copaa.org/</a>Thompson Policy Institute on Disability: <a href="https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx</a>iSecurePrivacyThe White FamilyThe Teague Family Support was provided by the <a href="https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction</a> and <a href="https://clubtwentyone.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Club 21</a> in Pasadena, California. Music Theme: The Light by Greg Drews and The TruthEnd Credits: Stella's Rhumba by Marcus Gerakos MCIE: Website: <a href="https://www.mcie.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mcie.org/</a>Email List: <a href="https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/</a>Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/think_inclusive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/think_inclusive</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs</a>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/</a>

Chapter One: It Is a Long Story

Christina and Justin share their journey of advocating for inclusive education for their daughter Harper in general education and their frustrations with their school district's initial placement recommendations. Christina expresses concerns about an upcoming IEP meeting and the possibility of the district pushing for a separate placement for Harper. The episode also features insights from Bre Gastaldi, who visited West Linn-Wilsonville near Portland, Oregon, an inclusive school district. Bre discusses the importance of having school leaders who are supportive and knowledgeable about inclusive practices and highlights the need for strong leadership at the district level to drive systemic change. This is part two of a five-part series about families and school districts fully committed to inclusive practices for all learners. Transcript: <a href="https://otter.ai/u/xYLaeCCq3gYFL8Nr-2R3lOBAe38" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://otter.ai/u/xYLaeCCq3gYFL8Nr-2R3lOBAe38</a> Resources: West Linn-Wilsonville School District: <a href="https://www.wlwv.k12.or.us/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wlwv.k12.or.us/</a> Thank you to our sponsors! Communication First: <a href="https://communicationfirst.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://communicationfirst.org/</a>Roots of Inclusion: <a href="https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/</a>Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates: <a href="https://www.copaa.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.copaa.org/</a>Thompson Policy Institute on Disability: <a href="https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx</a>iSecurePrivacyThe White FamilyThe Teague Family Support was provided by the <a href="https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction</a> and <a href="https://clubtwentyone.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Club 21</a> in Pasadena, California. Music Theme: The Light by Greg Drews and The TruthEnd Credits: Passenger by Jose Galvez MCIE: Website: <a href="https://www.mcie.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mcie.org/</a>Email List: <a href="https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/</a>Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/think_inclusive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/think_inclusive</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs</a>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/</a>

Chapter Two: What a Novel Idea

Tim Villegas visits schools in Washington state that are fully committed to inclusive education. He starts his journey at McMicken Elementary School, where he observes the inclusive practices in action. He then visits Sehome High School, where he witnesses the inclusive culture and co-teaching practices. The schools prioritize the needs of all learners and provide support and accommodations to ensure their success. The goal is to create an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and included. This is part three of a five-part series about families and school districts fully committed to inclusive practices for all learners. Transcript: <a href="https://otter.ai/u/Eh_hzeoGMUE0pwsPJopRNd3i68g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://otter.ai/u/Eh_hzeoGMUE0pwsPJopRNd3i68g</a> Resources: Beyond Access Model: <a href="https://bit.ly/UNH-beyond-access" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/UNH-beyond-access</a>Does Self-Contained Special Education Deliver on Its Promises? <a href="https://bit.ly/causton-self-contained" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/causton-self-contained</a>McMicken: <a href="https://mcmicken.highlineschools.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mcmicken.highlineschools.org/</a>Sehome: <a href="https://sehome.bellinghamschools.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://sehome.bellinghamschools.org/</a> Thank you to our sponsors! Communication First: <a href="https://communicationfirst.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://communicationfirst.org/</a>Roots of Inclusion: <a href="https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/</a>Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates: <a href="https://www.copaa.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.copaa.org/</a>Thompson Policy Institute on Disability: <a href="https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx</a>iSecurePrivacyThe White FamilyThe Teague Family Support by the <a href="https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction</a> and <a href="https://clubtwentyone.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Club 21</a> in Pasadena, CA. Music Theme: The Light by Greg Drews and The TruthEnd Credits: End Song by The CafFiends MCIE: Website: <a href="https://www.mcie.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mcie.org/</a>Email List: <a href="https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/</a>Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/think_inclusive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/think_inclusive</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs</a>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/</a>

Chapter Three: Everyone's an Inclusive Educator

Tim Villegas visits Ruby Bridges Elementary School in Woodinville, Washington. He speaks with educators, administrators, and leaders at the school and the state to understand how inclusive practices are being implemented and the impact they have on students with disabilities. The episode starts off with conversations with self-advocates and families at the Tools for the Journey Conference in Pasadena, California. This is part four of a five-part series about families and school districts fully committed to inclusive practices for all learners. Transcript: <a href="https://otter.ai/u/ohoThBbF7ua9R536WjXTRcws_xM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://otter.ai/u/ohoThBbF7ua9R536WjXTRcws_xM</a> Resources: Tools for the Journey Conference (Club 21): <a href="https://clubtwentyone.org/programs/tftj/about.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://clubtwentyone.org/programs/tftj/about.html</a>Ruby Bridges Elementary School: <a href="https://rubybridges.nsd.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://rubybridges.nsd.org/</a>Inclusionary Practices Project Demosites: <a href="https://ippdemosites.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ippdemosites.org/</a> Thank you to our sponsors! Communication First: <a href="https://communicationfirst.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://communicationfirst.org/</a>Roots of Inclusion: <a href="https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/</a>Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates: <a href="https://www.copaa.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.copaa.org/</a>Thompson Policy Institute on Disability: <a href="https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx</a>iSecurePrivacyThe White FamilyThe Teague Family Support by the <a href="https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction</a> and <a href="https://clubtwentyone.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Club 21</a> in Pasadena, CA. Music Theme: The Light by Greg Drews and The TruthEnd Credits: All I Ever Wanted by Nicky Costabile MCIE: Website: <a href="https://www.mcie.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mcie.org/</a>Email List: <a href="https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/</a>Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/think_inclusive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/think_inclusive</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs</a>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/</a>

Chapter Four: Everybody's In, No Exceptions

Tim Villegas shares his experiences with inclusive education and the obstacles he faced while attempting to implement it in non-inclusive school systems. He shares the story of Damian, a student with multiple disabilities who was included with the assistance of a paraprofessional. However, Tim realizes that this approach was not true inclusion and failed to address the systemic issues that resulted in segregation in the first place. Tim has a conversation with a former colleague about the impact one teacher can have on changing a system from within. He also discusses the progress and challenges faced by Sevi, Harper, and Natalia, three students with disabilities whose families have been advocating for inclusive education. Finally, Tim concludes with some hopeful discussions with future educators and the real question everyone should be asking themselves. This is part five of a five-part series about families and school districts fully committed to inclusive practices for all learners. Transcript: <a href="https://otter.ai/u/JM-lQu_nfi6qoaJ3BAQkvvoH2rc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://otter.ai/u/JM-lQu_nfi6qoaJ3BAQkvvoH2rc</a> Thank you to our sponsors! Communication First: <a href="https://communicationfirst.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://communicationfirst.org/</a>Roots of Inclusion: <a href="https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.rootsofinclusion.org/</a>Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates: <a href="https://www.copaa.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.copaa.org/</a>Thompson Policy Institute on Disability: <a href="https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chapman.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/thompson-policy-institute/index.aspx</a>iSecurePrivacyThe White FamilyThe Teague Family Support by the <a href="https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction</a> and <a href="https://clubtwentyone.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Club 21</a> in Pasadena, CA. Music Theme &amp; End Credits: The Light by Greg Drews and The Truth MCIE: Donate: <a href="https://secure.givelively.org/donate/maryland-coalition-for-inclusive-education-inc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://secure.givelively.org/donate/maryland-coalition-for-inclusive-education-inc</a>Website: <a href="https://www.mcie.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mcie.org/</a>Email List: <a href="https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/</a>Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/think_inclusive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/think_inclusive</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs</a>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/</a>

Chapter Five: An Experiment in Hope

Inclusion Stories&nbsp;is a five-episode audio documentary series that tells the stories of families and school districts who have committed to pursuing authentic inclusive education. Produced by MCIE.

Inclusion Stories

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