This podcast is for school-based occupational therapists and other educators who are invested in creating a more inclusive world for their students.
Dr. Kristie Patten Ph.D., OT/L, FAOTA, recipient of the highest academic achievement award of the American Occupational Therapy Association- the Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship for this year- 2022, is our esteemed guest in this episode. Dr. Patten is an exemplary OT whose research is focused on using a strengths-based paradigm as well as the perspectives of autistic individuals to understand and impact interventions in public schools for children on the autism spectrum in inclusive settings. Dr. Patten is the Principal Investigator of NYU Steinhardt's ASD Nest Program, an inclusive program for children and adolescents with autism in the New York City Department of Education. She is currently Co-PI of an NSF grant entitled "IDEAS: Inventing, Designing, and Engineering on the Autism Spectrum" that leverages STEM interests of middle school students with autism to develop social competence and potential career pathways. Dr. Patten teaches professional and post-professional courses in the area of pediatric intervention, school-based practice and inclusion, and strength-based approaches for individuals with Autism. Dr. Patten has published and presented nationally and internationally on topics related to examining the efficacy of public school interventions and examining autism from a strength-based or abilities-based model. Articles Referred to: Shifting Focus From Impairment to Inclusion: Expanding Occupational Therapy for Neurodivergent Students to Address School Environments "A different environment for success:” a mixed-methods exploration of social participation outcomes among adolescents on the autism spectrum in an inclusive, interest-based school club Book- Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman Check out the website for episode transcripts- www.inclusiveoccupations.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
Dr. Lakshmi Balasubramanian is passionate and devoted to the cause of enabling and empowering K-12 schools to successfully include students with all abilities including those with extensive support needs. She is a lecturer and researcher at Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA in the department of special education. Prior to this, she worked as a special education teacher and inclusion specialist in a large school district in the Bay Area, CA for 14 years. During this time, she spearheaded the design and implementation of inclusive education programs at the school district in grades K-12. She also serves as a professional development facilitator nationally and internationally on a variety of topics related to inclusive education and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Contact- blakshmi@stanford.edu The book referred to in the conversation, written by Ferose VR (Our guest in episode 6 of Inclusive Occupations titled Rippling of Good Intentions)- "The Invisible Majority- India's Abled Disabled" Works of Dr. Balasubramanian: What peers, educators, and principals say: The social validity of inclusive, comprehensive literacy instruction: Kozleski, E. B., Hunt, P., Mortier, K., Stepaniuk, I., Fleming, D., Balasubramanian, L., ... & Munandar, V. (2021). What peers, educators, and principals say: The social validity of inclusive, comprehensive literacy instruction. Exceptional Children, 87(3), 289-306. Implementing comprehensive literacy instruction for students with severe disabilities in general education classrooms: Hunt, P., Kozleski, E., Lee, J., Mortier, K., Fleming, D., Hicks, T., ... & Oh, Y. (2020). Implementing comprehensive literacy instruction for students with severe disabilities in general education classrooms. Exceptional Children, 86(3), 330-347. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
Dr. John Freer, Professor at St. Clair College Ontario Canada and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Windsor, is our special guest in this episode. Addressing attitudinal barriers to social inclusion is the focus of his research. He developed the Tripartite Intervention, a 12-week program addressing all the 3 domains of attitude, namely the affective (how one feels about disabilities), behavioral (how one acts towards individuals with disabilities), and cognitive (the thoughts and stereotypes one has) domains. From personal experience with Epilepsy as a child to working as an educational assistant in K-12 schools and from extensive research on attitudes of people towards disabilities, Dr. Freer developed the TI program. He offers this to educators to take it on and implement it in their own communities. Few takeaways: Interventions well-grounded in best evidence are important. It is possible that some of our interventions could be based on our own presumptions about disabilities and could potentially cause harm. Some findings of Dr. Freer's latest systematic review- Factors associated with positive attitudes towards disabilities- Improved contact with individuals with disabilities, females have more positive attitudes than males, more positive attitudes towards visible disabilities, more positive attitudes when students have more knowledge about disabilities. Interventions were effective in improving attitudes towards disabilities. Contact Dr.Freer at jfreer@stclaircollege.ca Dr. Freer is willing to consult with and/or offer professional development to educators or school boards looking to learn more. Works of Dr. John Freer: The Tripartite Intervention: Breaking Down Attitudinal Barriers in Education Students' attitudes toward disability: a systematic literature review (2012–2019) The effects of the Tripartite Intervention on students' attitudes towards disability A picture is worth 1000 words: examining students' understanding of disability in definitions and drawings Students' attitudes toward disability: a systematic literature review (2012–2019) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
Our first guest of season 2 is the highly renowned Dr. Susan Bazyk, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Professor Emerita of Cleveland State University. She shares about the journey of Every Moment Counts, a multi-tiered framework that guides the provision of a range of services and supports geared to meeting the mental health needs of children and youth with and without disabilities and promoting mental health in schools. We discuss several issues and perspectives related to current school-based practice and how OTs can support inclusion and occupational justice through the EMC initiatives. Her important takeaway for occupational therapists is to be true to our professional calling by going back to our foundation- helping children and youth participate in occupations that promote physical and mental health. She urges us to take on an active role in ensuring occupational justice for students with disabilities in schools, so they can fully participate in life's health-promoting occupations. Every Moment Counts (EMC) website- www.everymomentcounts.org Check out EMC's Initiatives: Making Leisure Matter- Making Leisure Matter - Every Moment Counts The Comfortable Cafeteria-Comfortable Cafeteria - Every Moment Counts Calm Moment Cards-Calm Moments Cards - Every Moment Counts Refreshing Recess-Refreshing Recess - Every Moment Counts Building Capacity/Creating Change Leaders-Creating Change Leaders - Every Moment Counts Some Related Publications of Dr. Bazyk: The Comfortable Cafeteria Program for Promoting Student Participation and Enjoyment: An Outcome Study (nih.gov) Building Capacity of Occupational Therapy Practitioners to Address the Mental Health Needs of Children and Youth: A Mixed-Methods Study of Knowledge Translation (nih.gov) What does IDEA say about the Role of OT in schools as a related service provider? Sec. 300.34 Related services - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act " Occupational therapy: (i) Means services provided by a qualified occupational therapist; and (ii) Includes— (A) Improving, developing, or restoring functions impaired or lost through illness, injury, or deprivation; (B) Improving ability to perform tasks for independent functioning if functions are impaired or lost; and (C) Preventing, through early intervention, initial or further impairment or loss of function." If you wish to be part of the ESSA advocacy network, learn more: - 1_ABOUT_ESSA OT Advocacy Network (1).docx - Google Docs Check website www.inclusiveoccupations.com for podcast transcripts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
In season 2 of Inclusive Occupations, we will dive into the plethora of research on inclusive practices in education and equip ourselves with the “how-to” for real-world implementation of authentic inclusion. Our guests this season are exemplars who have taken the research and turned it into actionable programs and practices! Please check out our website- www.inclusiveoccupations.com. You can learn more about Inclusive Occupations and access the transcripts of the podcasts as well. Please support us by subscribing to inclusive occupations on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google play or any other platform you like to listen on. Your feedback is always welcome and appreciated! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
“Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things.” —Thomas Merton The science of compassion is rapidly developing. As a construct, compassion is much better understood now than ever before. In this final episode of Season 1, Dr. Immanual Joseph, founder of Compassionleaders and author of "The Fifth Revolution" gives us a simple, yet deeper understanding of compassion and its relationship to inclusion. Some of the information shared in this episode: Article- Darwin's compassionate view of human nature Article- Empathic distress, not compassion fatigue --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
Sam Drazin shares his personal journey of how and why he started Changing Perspectives. He clarifies the many doubts we may have about the inclusion of children with disabilities (especially severe disabilities) in education. Sam answers important questions and shares interesting stories from his years in this space of disability awareness. He brings to our awareness the different layers of inclusive practices in schools. Sam also offers insights into the practical challenges involved both in terms of mindset and logistics, in implementing the changing perspectives curriculum in schools. To donate to Changing Perspectives please click on this link: https://kindest.com/351446-bring-changing-perspectives-to-more-schools To reach out to Sam Drazin email him at sam@cpne.org Website- www.changingperspectivesnow.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
Mrs. Alpana Singh, a special educator and mentor with over 21 years of experience in special education shares about an event she has organized in her elementary school at Cupertino school district, CA for over 17 years called the "Ability Awareness day/week." Her takeaway message is that education of the different needs and abilities of our students with disabilities is the first step to full inclusion. What if school OTs can take on organizing such events in schools? Information shared by Alpana: Magic Maker Band is now known as Music is Special https://musicisspecial.tumblr.com Gary Lapow- Song Writer and musician who entertains children in elementary schools through his shows with themes of respect and harmony. http://www.garylapow.com/school_concerts.html Jeevan Jyoti- School founded by Alpana Singh in Dhanbad, India, partnering with Rotary Club Facebook page of Jeevan Jyoti- https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-Business/Jeevan-Jyoti-School-for-Special-Children-1933619600196588/ Mrs. Alpana Singh can be reached by email at salpana10@yahoo.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
In this episode, Dr. Deirdre Azzopardi shares her views on OT and inclusion based on her wealth of knowledge from 25 years of working in both private and public school sectors. She has her bachelor's and doctorate degrees in occupational therapy and a master's degree in psychology. Dr. Azzopardi is a registered yoga teacher for both adults and children (RYT 200 and RCYT 95) as well as a trained mindfulness instructor. She has extensive experience and training in addressing children's social-emotional health in the context of school life. Deirdre has offered multiple workshops and developed continuing education courses in this space. Through her blog site Weinsteadofme (www.weinsteadofme.com) Deirdre offers specialized services and professional education to promote social-emotional wellbeing in children. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
The Charter School of Morgan Hill (CSMH) embraces a philosophy of full inclusion- meaning every student who gets selected in the lottery, regardless of the nature of their (dis)ability belongs in their age-appropriate classroom with same-aged peers. There are no "Self-Contained Classrooms" here. In this episode, our guest Brooke Trombly, a teacher of special education at the CSMH shares how they make this work. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
In this episode Debbie Schwind, recipient of the 2020 NBCOT impact award, shares practical strategies and ideas of how she supported inclusion in her role as a school based OT practitioner. The final take aways from Debbie are 1. Inclusion is a continuum that does not happen when our students turn twenty one. It happens day one. 2. Occupation based interventions in schools would require us to step into student's different classes including art, music, PE, reading and so on and work our magic. 3. School based OTs must advocate for inclusion to make our interventions more meaningful for our students. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
In this episode, Ferose VR, a highly accomplished and world-renowned thought leader, change-maker, and author shares his journey of how he found his calling to become an advocate for inclusion. He piloted the autism at work project at SAP which in 4 years evolved to become a Harvard case study and a worldwide phenomenon. He has authored several books including the bestseller, "Gifted: Inspiring Stories of People with Disabilities" which is now translated into 6 different languages. He shares his insights and wisdom for educators and society from his decade long immersion in the disability space and his own experience as a parent of an autistic child. Check it out - About Ferose VR - https://ferosevr.com/ Autism at Work Project- https://www.sap.com/about/careers/your-career/autism-at-work-program.html India Inclusion Summit - https://indiainclusionsummit.com/ Thorkil Sonne- Founder of The Specialisterne Foundation- A not-for-profit foundation with the goal to generate meaningful employment for one million autistic/neurodivergent persons through social entrepreneurship, corporate sector engagement, and a global change in mindset https://specialisterne.com/ Book- Gifted- Inspiring Stories of People with Disabilities - https://www.amazon.com/Gifted-Inspiring-Stories-People-Disabilities/dp/8184005458/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=gifted+Ferose+VR&qid=1613254072&s=books&sr=1-1 From The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) The Role of Occupational Therapy in Facilitating Employment of Individuals With Developmental Disabilities: https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/WI/Facts/Workers%20with%20DD%20fact%20sheet.pdf Occupational Therapy Services at the Workplace: Transitional Return-to-Work Programs: https://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/WI/Facts/Transitional.pdf --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
Mr. Bill Thiemann has seen it all in his 37 years. As a special education teacher and as an instructor at the Santa Clara County Office of Education's teacher credentialing program (called EPIC), Mr. T has valuable insights to share. While full inclusion is the ideal we aspire for, in reality, this is a challenge often because we do not know how to foster meaningful relationships between children with significant communication and social differences and their neurotypical peers. In this episode, Mr. T shares his efforts and experience in facilitating a culture of inclusion in his school community. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
In this episode, we are honored to have Deborah Schwind, DHSc, BCP, SCSS, OTR/L, a school based occupational therapy guru, share her stories. Debbie has extensively contributed to school based OT practice through her many publications and presentations nationally. Authentic inclusion ( a true sense of belonging) is often a two way process. First, a community that is conducive to inclusion and next, individuals who find purpose and value in that community. Debbie shares how she created real job opportunities for students, often educated in self contained classrooms to find a place of value and belonging in their school community. Students' abilities and successes were the the focus in this approach, thus nurturing an authentically inclusive community. A video of Community Based Education at Cedar Lane Elementary- https://vimeo.com/161837834 Deborah Schwind's contributions are so many that I decided to share a link to her work here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dqETTPjkn1DjI21vPba6E375EHhkXzoi2VfNQ8X_XV4/edit?usp=sharing Article by Seruya and Garfinkle- Seruya, Article mentioned in the podcast: F. M., & Garfinkel, M. (2020). Caseload and Workload: Current Trends in School-Based Practice Across the United States. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(5), 7405205090p1-7405205090p8. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.039818. Article about workplace morale/productivity improvement - https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/how-disability-diversity-in-the-workplace-can-improve-productivity?fbclid=IwAR2SK2aLOAcEB6dp95i9a1LNHG5bfyC9Fvva6jcO1BMH6jTQiN1dCGZLtNw --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
Empathy stems from awareness. Sam Drazin, founder and executive director of Changing Perspectives, talks about his program on social emotional learning/disability awareness. Changing perspectives is a ready to use curriculum to sow the seeds of inclusion for our future world. Check out the website@ www.changingperspectivesnow.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
In this episode, we dive a little bit into the role of occupational therapy and situate inclusion within our practice. Show Notes: Comfortable Cafeteria- https://everymomentcounts.org/view.php?nav_id=1 Vocational Training - Occupational Therapy in Cedar Lane- https://vimeo.com/161837834 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inclusiveoccupations/message
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