Show #21 Opportunity Before Ability

Show #21 Opportunity Before Ability

Today I had the great honor of speaking with Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift.

Norm and Emma have been Keynote speakers at past SENIA events and will be our keynotes again at our upcoming conference in December.

Norman was born with cerebral palsy and initially attended a segregated school for children with physical disabilities; At the age 13, he was integrated into a regular school. From there, he went on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities and a Master of Science degree in Family Therapy.  

Emma is Autistic and is active in the Neurodiversity movement. She initially worked with non-profit agencies that support individuals with intellectual disabilities. She has since completed a Master ‘s degree in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University and is certified both as a mediator and a negotiator through the Justice Institute in Vancouver.   

Norman and Emma are married and live in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Stay tuned for a glimpse into what their keynote will address at SENIA 2020. Hint: Focus on opportunity before determining ability. 

Bio

Although Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift are well known speakers and advocates within the disability rights community, they prefer to think of themselves as modern day storytellers, continuing the long held tradition of using humour and narrative to initiate self-reflection and social change.  

Norman and Emma travel extensively throughout North America and abroad providing in-service and training in the areas of inclusive education, employment equity, conflict resolution, and other disability rights issues. Norman and Emma have a book, several journal articles, and four book chapters to their credit. They also have developed and operate “Conversations that Matter,” an online values training platform consisting of more than 120 video segments of conversations with the leading voices in field of disability rights and inclusive education.  

Norman was born with cerebral palsy and initially attended a segregated school for children with physical disabilities; At the age 13, he was integrated into a regular school. From there, he went on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities and a Master of Science degree in Family Therapy.  

Emma is Autistic and is active in the Neurodiversity movement. She initially worked with non-profit agencies that support individuals with intellectual disabilities. She has since completed a Master ‘s degree in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University and is certified both as a mediator and a negotiator through the Justice Institute in Vancouver.   

Norman and Emma are married and live in Vancouver, British Columbia.

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Show #22 MTSS Online Forum Series

Show #22 MTSS Online Forum Series

Today I speak with Dr. Joan Schumann who is just beginning a new position as Director of Professional Learning and Instruction at International School Beijing. Prior to this she served as the Director of Student Support Services at Stamford American School in Singapore. 

Dr. Schumann and fellow K-12 Directors are passionate about strengthening evidenced-based practices within the international school system. She has helped to spearhead the International MTSS professional learning event and hopes it will translate to improved instructional practice and increased student learning.

And this exciting event is what we ‘ll be discussing today.

Bio

Today I speak with Dr. Joan Schumann who is just beginning a new position as Director of Professional Learning and Instruction at International School Beijing. Prior to this she served as the Director of Student Support Services at Stamford American School in Singapore. 

Dr. Schumann and fellow K-12 Directors are passionate about strengthening evidenced-based practices within the international school system. She has helped to spearhead the International MTSS professional learning event and hopes it will translate to improved instructional practice and increased student learning.

And this exciting event is what we ‘ll be discussing today.

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Show #23 Creating Sustainable Change in Schools.

Show #23 Creating Sustainable Change in Schools.

Today I speak with Patricia Padorsek, a Director of Teaching and Learning formerly of International School of Kuala Lumpur and now on her way to International School Nido de Aguilas in Chile. 

Our topic today is an important one. So many of us want to create and sustain change in our schools, especially in terms of inclusion and other issues we, as people who advocate for differently-abled individuals hold so dear. Patricia shares how we can help to create sustainable change in schools and ideas for us to try when the idea is not received well by others.

Patricia will also be a speaker at our upcoming speaker event where she and her colleague will discuss Universal Design for Learning, another important topic for us all.

Bio

Patricia is passionate about bringing high quality teaching and learning to every child. She admits to being a geek when it comes to conversations around such riveting topics as assessment, inquiry, design, and the future of learning. She hails from Michigan originally, and has lived and worked in Ecuador, Kenya, India, Malaysia, and Chile. She loves food and believes there can never be too much garlic in a recipe.

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Resources from Today’s Show

Grading From the Inside Out by Tom Schimmer

Show #24 Evaluation & Assessment: What ‘s the difference?

Show #24 Evaluation & Assessment: What 's the difference?

Dr. Ann Helmus is a clinical neuropsychologist and Executive Director of NESCA (Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children and Adolescents), in its 20th year in Boston. For the past five years she has provided education and consultations in Asia. Dr. Helmus specialises in providing comprehensive holistic evaluations of the children with learning developmental and emotional disorders as well as strength-based evaluations for children who are typically developing. She obtained her doctorate degree from Boston University School of Medicine and her undergraduate degree from Brown University.

Today we discuss her work in Asia and the differences between her evaluations in the US and overseas. We also discuss her upcoming presentation. Is there a difference between evaluations and assessment?

Dr. Helmus has been a popular speaker at SENIA events in the past and will speak again at our upcoming virtual conference.

Bio

Ann Helmus, PhD is a clinical neuropsychologist and Executive Director of NESCA (Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children and Adolescents), in its 20th year in Boston. For the past five years she has provided education and consultations in Asia. Dr. Helmus specializes in providing comprehensive holistic evaluations of the children with learning developmental and emotional disorders as well as strength-based evaluations for children who are typically developing. She obtained her doctorate degree from Boston University School of Medicine and her undergraduate degree from Brown University.

 

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Show #25 TIES Center: An Abundance of Resources

Show #25 TIES Center: An Abundance of Resources

Chances are, since you ‘re listening to our SENIA happy hour podcast, you are an advocate for inclusion. I ‘m so jazzed to bring you today ‘s show. I speak with Dr. Deborah Taub & Dr. Elizabeth Reyes from the TIES Center. TIES Center is the national technical assistance center on inclusive practices and policies.

Today we discuss the work TIES Center does, Universal Design for Learning, and how we can best support students with significant cognitive disabilities throughout this time of virtual instruction. If you don ‘t teach students with significant disabilities, trust me, you will still get so much from our discussion. These two are full of great ideas and resources and I can ‘t wait for you to hear it. So without further ado…onto the show. 

Bio

Deborah Taub, PhD conducts research, training, and technical assistance around ensuring equitable opportunities to learn for all students, including those with significant and complex needs. She draws from her experience as a classroom teacher and has expertise in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), co-teaching and coaching, making standards-based instruction accessible and supporting sustainable change at the school, district, state and national levels.

Elizabeth Reyes, Ph.D. is a research associate at UNC Charlotte for the TIES Center: Increasing Time, Instructional Effectiveness, Engagement, and State Support for Inclusive Practices for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities. As an educator, Dr. Reyes taught students with various high-incidence and low-incidence disabilities in Title I schools in both rural and urban areas in self-contained, resource, and inclusive school settings. Her current research interests include interventionist training for use of evidence-based practice interventions in inclusive settings for students with extensive support needs.

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Resources from Today’s Show

  • Data/ Benefits of Inclusion for all.
    • Classroom Variables and Access to the General Curriculum for Students with Disabilities
    • The Dynamic Relationship Between Context, Curriculum and Student Learning: A Case for Inclusive Education as a Research-Based Practice
    • Outcomes of Inclusive versus Separate Placements: A Matched Pairs Comparison Study

Show #26 Multi Language Learners & WIDA

Show #26 Multi Language Learners & WIDA

Jon Nordmeyer is the international programs director for WIDA, and will be one of our speakers at our upcoming conference. WIDA provides language development resources to those who support the academic success of multilingual learners. They offer a comprehensive, research-based system of language standards, assessments, professional learning and educator assistance. WIDA ‘s trusted resources are used by 41 domestic states and territories and more than 400 international schools throughout the world.

Jon and I speak about our multilingual students and WIDA ‘s work in supporting a global network of international schools. We also discuss how we can Bridge the Gap between and move past silos as learning support and English language teachers; how we can collaborate to provide the best education for all of our students.

Bio

Jon Nordmeyer is the International Programs Director at WIDA. He has been an international educator and consultant for 25 years, teaching at international schools in Quito, The Hague, Taipei, Istanbul, Shanghai and Bangkok. Jon has presented at international conferences in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America and has taught graduate seminars at Harvard Graduate School of Education and Tibet University. He has written articles for International Schools Journal and Journal of Staff Development, co-edited the book Integrating Language and Content (TESOL 2010) and serves on the editorial review board of Globally Informed, a peer-reviewed journal for international educators.

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Resources from Today’s Show

Show #27 Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

Show #27 Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

For over 20 years, Angelica Benson has worked for Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes ““ a world leader in research and remediation for specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder. Angelica  is currently the Director of International Development for Lindamood-Bell. Angelica is also the Executive Director of the Lindamood-Bell Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships to families in need who are seeking life-changing instruction at Lindamood-Bell. She holds a Master of Education degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California.

Today, Angelica shares with us about the incredible resources available from Lindamood Bell and the methodology behind their work. Be prepared to listen and learn, and make sure to check out all the free resources they provide for professionals and parents alike.

Bio

For over 20 years, Angelica Benson has worked for Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes ““ a world leader in research and remediation for specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder. Angelica  is currently the Director of International Development for Lindamood-Bell. Angelica is also the Executive Director of the Lindamood-Bell Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships to families in need who are seeking life-changing instruction at Lindamood-Bell. She holds a Master of Education degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California.

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Resources from Today’s Show

Show #28 Get Talking w/ Spokle

Show #28 Get Talking w/ Spokle

Today I speak with two of the co-founders of Spokle. Spokle empowers parents to support their child ‘s speech therapy with home-based exercises. They do this using over 400 video tutorials developed by experienced therapists, who guide both parents and therapists along each step on the path to developing spoken language. They provide simple play-based activities that can be completed in 5-10 minutes using everyday items. As a parent, this is something I certainly wish I had access to when my son was first developing language. It is a true gift to families. Enjoy today ‘s podcast!

Bio

Gia Kuek lived in Indonesia more than 20 years ago where services were scarce and schools were non-existent for children with disabilities. She believes that every child is special and every special needs child is a gift that makes one’s journey interesting but rewarding as well. She is a mother of a child with a disability who is independent, kind and funny. She is also speech language therapist.

Andrew was the Global Rehabilitation Manager for Cochlear Ltd from 2010 to 2016 where his role was to develop and drives the rehabilitation strategy for the company to ensure candidates, recipients and professionals are well supported across the globe.

Andrew is a certified LSLS Cert. AVT and served on the Board of Directors of the A G Bell Academy for four years.

In 2016 along with his Co-founders, Elisabeth Yunarko and Gia Keuk, they created Spokle. 

Andrew continues to passionately work as an Auditory Verbal Therapist at the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) supporting families whose child has a hearing loss.

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Show #29 What Happens After High School? A Peek into Post-Secondary Education for Students with Learning Needs.

Show #29 What Happens After High School? A Peek into Post-Secondary Education for Students with Learning Needs.

On today ‘s podcast Toby Tomlinson Baker (soon to be Dr. Toby Tomlinson Baker) discusses her research into post-secondary education for our students with learning disabilities. Toby shares a sobering fact; that 72% of students with disabilities are dropping out of university. Why is this the case? Spoiler alert: one reason is that many university professors have zero training in working with students with varying needs. Today ‘s conversation is eye-opening and shows us that we have a lot of work to do to ensure our students are getting their needs met in all levels of their education.

Bio

With more than 12 years of experience as a special education teacher, Ms. Baker currently teaches with Los Angeles Unified School District. Since becoming a doctoral student at Pepperdine, she has become a Research Assistant for IC4, a global media making club. Ms. Baker began investigating the perception and academic success of postsecondary students with disabilities (SWDs) and best teaching practices for higher education faculty, her dissertation topic. She has presented her doctoral work nationally at the White House, to Congress, and the Department of Education. She has presented globally in China on College Advocacy for SWDs and families in Southeast Asia. Ms. Baker has published numerous Opinion Editorials on special education policy. She has had the honor of receiving Learning Disability Association ‘s National Harrison Sylvester Award for her research and CHADD ‘s 2018 Educator of the Year. Ms. Baker holds a Masters of Education from Cabrini University and a Bachelor ‘s degree from Adelphi University.

 

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Resources from Today’s Show

Show #30 Teaching Children To Become Life Long Problem Solvers Through Stories.

Show #30 Teaching Children To Become Life Long Problem Solvers Through Stories.

HI everyone, today I speak with children ‘s author, Julia Cook. Julia is a children ‘s author with over three million books in print. Many of us have used her books when working with our students.  With titles such as My Mouth is a Volcano, A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue, and Tease Monster, Julia ‘s books speak to and teach children about themselves, their learning, and their brains in fun and creative ways. Julia Cook is a former school counselor and teacher, and uses her books to support our learners through research-based ideas. She now travels the country and abroad encouraging others to follow in her footsteps. “There are so many ideas out there that need to be shared!” says Julia who takes top research and creatively translates it into “kid language” that is both entertaining and engaging. Julia has the innate ability to enter the world view of a child through storybooks, giving both children the “what to say” and the “how to say it.”

I hope you enjoy our conversation. 

Bio

With approximately three million books in print, Julia Cook is a former school counselor and teacher who never dreamed she could evolve into a national award-winning children ‘s author, parenting expert and inspirational speaker. She now travels the country and abroad encouraging others to follow in her footsteps. “There are so many ideas out there that need to be shared!” says Julia who takes top research and creatively translates it into “kid language” that is both entertaining and engaging. Julia has the innate ability to enter the world view of a child through storybooks, giving both children the “what to say” and the “how to say it.”

 

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