Think Inclusive

di Tim Villegas

Stagione 13

"I Identify as Blind": Lachi on Disability Language, Identity, and Why Words Matter in Schools

Lachi is a distinguished figure in the music and media industries, known for her work as an award-winning recording artist, producer, and advocate. She has a dynamic career that includes a Grammy-nominated album, hosting the PBS series Renegades, and founding the organization RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities). Lachi is also a national trustee of the Recording Academy and she identifies as blind and neurodivergent. In this riveting episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a profound conversation with the multitalented Lachi, who uses her platform to advocate for disability pride and accessibility in the music industry. The episode dives deep into how language shapes our understanding of disability, and why Lachi chooses to “identify as blind,” a declaration that challenges societal norms and sparks dialogue about the disabled community versus the disabled population. Joining this dialogue, Lachi shares her experiences growing up with blindness and neurodivergence, highlighting how these challenges shaped her career as a musician and advocate. This episode is rich with insight into Lachi’s philosophy on inclusion and her journey to remove stigmas attached to disabilities. Her reflections on navigating the industry, establishing RAMPD to support disabled music professionals, and the importance of speaking to individuals with dignity and respect offer a thoughtful critique on how society views and engages with disability. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/i-identify-as-blind-lachi-on-disability-language-identity-and-why-words-matter-in-schools-1340/

S13 · E40

31 lug 2026

59:58

Navigating Identity: Poetry, Disability, and Inclusion Advocacy with LeDerick Horne

LeDerick Horne is a spoken word poet, advocate, and speaker known for his work in special education and disability advocacy. He serves as the board chair of All In for Inclusive Education and is co-author of “Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities: A Path to Pride and Success.” LeDerick has performed his poetry at high-profile venues, including the White House, and is the co-host of the “Black and Dyslexic Podcast.” His work primarily revolves around exploring his dual identity as a Black man with a learning disability, utilizing poetry to advocate for inclusive education practices. In this insightful episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas is joined by LeDerick Horne, a distinguished advocate for inclusive education and a spoken word poet. The conversation delves into the implications of labeling in education and the transformative power of truly inclusive environments. As someone who has navigated the challenges of a learning disability, Horne shares his journey and the significance of acknowledging disability as a political identity. The dialogue explores how educators can effectively support students with hidden disabilities such as dyslexia. With an emphasis on collaboration among teachers and acknowledging gaps in knowledge, Horne asserts that integration within classrooms should not merely be about co-location but about genuine collaboration and support. Furthermore, the episode includes a compelling discussion on the intersectionality of race and disability, urging educators to demystify neurodiversity and challenge systemic segregation in schools. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/navigating-identity-poetry-disability-and-inclusion-advocacy-with-lederick-horne-1339/

S13 · E39

30 lug 2026

50:55

Building Inclusive Schools: A Journey of Transformation and Belonging with Angela Macklin and Sue Wright

Angela Macklin is a dedicated special education teacher and inclusive systems leader who played a pivotal role in transforming Cottage Lake Elementary School into a hub of inclusivity. Angela’s expertise in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive practices has now extended to the district-wide level in the North Shore School District, Washington. Her innovative approach is centered on fostering environments where every student can thrive, focusing on systemic change from the ground up. Sue Wright is an experienced kindergarten teacher at Cottage Lake Elementary, where she has taught for 15 years. She possesses firsthand knowledge of how segregated and inclusive practices impact students and faculty. Over the years, Sue has become a vital ally in implementing inclusive models at the school, working closely with Angela Macklin to break down barriers between general and special education. In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages with Angela Macklin and Sue Wright to uncover what happens when a school stops waiting for the ideal inclusive blueprint and takes matters into its own hands. At the heart of Cottage Lake Elementary’s transformation lies a commitment to fostering inclusive educational spaces where every student is valued and no classrooms are segregated. Through their account, Angela and Sue provide insider insights into creating schools where each child truly belongs, recounting their journey of trial, error, and ultimate success. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/building-inclusive-schools-a-journey-of-transformation-and-belonging-with-angela-macklin-and-sue-wright/

S13 · E38

24 lug 2026

1:06:52

If Not Now, Then When? Early Childhood Education, LRE, and Inclusion with Melissa McCollough and Jani Kozlowski

Melissa McCollough is the Principal and Director of Early Childhood for the East Moline School District in Illinois. A pioneer in inclusive early childhood education, she oversees a program where every preschool classroom is an inclusive one. Melissa is recognized for her innovative approaches to early childhood education and her dedication to creating inclusive learning environments for all children. Jani Kozlowski is a Technical Assistance Specialist with the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center at the University of North Carolina’s Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. She is also the author of “Every Child Can Fly,” and is well-versed in strategies for inclusive education. Her expertise involves providing support and training to enhance early childhood inclusion practices. In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a meaningful discussion with Melissa McCollough and Jani Kozlowski about the essence of inclusive early childhood education. They delve into how inclusive practices can be organically integrated at the early stages of schooling, ensuring that children with disabilities are educated alongside their typically developing peers in welcoming environments. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/if-not-now-then-when-early-childhood-education-lre-and-inclusion-with-melissa-mccollough-and-jani-kozlowski-1337/

S13 · E37

23 lug 2026

53:44

Shifting Focus from Compliance to Outcomes in Education with Glenna Wright-Gallo

Glenna Wright-Gallo is the Vice President of the Office of Strategic Research and Policy at Everway, a global neurotechnology software company. She has previously served as the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the U.S. Department of Education. Glenna is also a person with a disability, a parent, and a former state Director of Special Education. Her extensive experience across educational roles at state and federal levels positions her as an influential figure in shaping inclusive education policies and practices. In this riveting episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas speaks with Glenna Wright-Gallo about the pressing need to shift from a compliance-focused model to outcomes-focused education within special education systems. Glenna brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive career in education advocacy, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational practices with the intent of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) to create systems that genuinely serve all learners. This episode delves into how educational structures, often hampered by outdated schedules and siloed learning environments, can truly realize the promise of inclusive education by focusing on system-wide solutions rather than ad-hoc heroics. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/shifting-focus-from-compliance-to-outcomes-in-education-with-glenna-wright-gallo-1336/

S13 · E36

17 lug 2026

1:02:17

Teaching Regulation as a Developmental Skill in Schools with Leah Kuypers

Leah Kuypers is a distinguished occupational therapist, internationally acclaimed trainer, and speaker renowned for creating the Zones of Regulation framework. With a strong background in occupational therapy and experience as an autism resource specialist, Leah has contributed significantly to international educational practices with her innovative approach to emotional and energy regulation within schools. Her work emphasizes the integration of both co-regulation and self-regulation strategies for learners, partnering with educators to foster a supportive environment for social and emotional development. Leah Kuypers continues to influence schools around the globe with her updated digital curriculum of Zones of Regulation, building on over 15 years of expert knowledge and application in the field. In this insightful episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas chats with Leah Kuypers, the creator of the internationally recognized Zones of Regulation framework. Designed to help manage emotions and energy levels, this model is used globally to encourage the development of self-regulation skills within educational settings. The conversation centers around understanding regulation as a skill that can be taught—not just a behavior to manage. They explore the transformative impact of the Zones framework for entire school communities, highlighting how it shifts traditional disciplinary models to more supportive and skill-building approaches.

S13 · E35

16 lug 2026

1:11:48

Inclusion for Students with Visual Impairments: Overcoming Barriers Together with Jonathan Hooper

Jonathan Hooper is a distinguished educator and a certified teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) and an assistive technology professional (ATP). With 13 years of experience as an itinerant vision teacher in New York City, Jonathan currently contributes his expertise at Pediatric VIEW at The Children's Home of Pittsburgh. There, he specializes in Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and complex support needs alongside Dr. Christine Roman Lantzy. His journey into the field was driven by firsthand classroom experiences with a student with visual impairments, which inspired him to transition from a general education role to a specialized advocate for inclusive education. In this insightful episode of Think Inclusive, hosted by Tim Villegas, listeners explore the essential aspects of creating inclusive environments for students with visual impairments. Jonathan Hooper shares his journey from a general education teacher to a specialist in visual impairments, emphasizing the separation of vision from cognition and the significance of presuming competence. The discussion broadly encompasses the value and implementation of accessibility in educational contexts, ranging from academic subjects to everyday social interactions in lunchrooms and playgrounds. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/inclusion-for-students-with-visual-impairments-overcoming-barriers-together-with-jonathan-hooper-1334/

S13 · E34

10 lug 2026

1:06:05

1 di 24

Think Inclusive

"I Identify as Blind": Lachi on Disability Language, Identity, and Why Words Matter in Schools

Navigating Identity: Poetry, Disability, and Inclusion Advocacy with LeDerick Horne

Building Inclusive Schools: A Journey of Transformation and Belonging with Angela Macklin and Sue Wright

If Not Now, Then When? Early Childhood Education, LRE, and Inclusion with Melissa McCollough and Jani Kozlowski

Shifting Focus from Compliance to Outcomes in Education with Glenna Wright-Gallo

Teaching Regulation as a Developmental Skill in Schools with Leah Kuypers

Inclusion for Students with Visual Impairments: Overcoming Barriers Together with Jonathan Hooper

Fighting to Stop Fighting: What Keeps Advocates Like Ryan Honick Going?

Patrick Mulick: Why "Bad Choice" Is the Wrong Language for Schools

TerpsEXCEED: Making College Possible for All