SENIA's Latest Updates
Nikki Moffitt January 2025 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
We are thrilled to announce that Nikki Moffitt is the recipient of the prestigious SENIA World Changer Award! This honor recognizes her incredible efforts in creating the Facebook group Expat […]
2024 Annual Report
Together, we are creating a more inclusive world, one school, one community at a time.
#98 From the Margins, For the Margins
On this episode of the SENIA Happy Hour podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Maymouna Sakho and Dr. MaryAnn DeRosa about their collaborative project “From the Margins, For the Margins.”
December 2024 Newsletter
Please find the December 2024 Newsletter HERE
October 2024 Newsletter
Please find the October 2024 Newsletter HERE
September 2024 Newsletter
Please find the October 2024 Newsletter HERE
August 2024 Newsletter
Please find the June 2024 Newsletter HERE
June 2024 Newsletter
Please find the June 2024 Newsletter HERE
May 2024 Newsletter
Please find the May 2024 Newsletter HERE
Project Visionary December 2024 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Congratulations to Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) Students! We are proud to announce that five exceptional IBO students from DCB—Gary Zhang, Jayden Ng, Jason Zou, Ethan Ning, and Tim Zhang—are this […]
April 2024 Newsletter
Please find the April 2024 Newsletter HERE
March 2024 Newsletter
Please find the March 2024 Newsletter HERE
February 2024 Newsletter
Please find the February 2024 Newsletter HERE
#97 Building an Accessible Digital Future: From Personal Journey to Global Change
On this episode, host Lori Boll speaks with Alexandra “Zandy” Wong who shared her personal journey with hearing loss and her mission to make the digital world more accessible.
January 2024 Newsletter
Please find the January 2024 Newsletter HERE
#96 Leveling the Educational Field with Assistive Technology
In today’s podcast host Lori Boll interviews Jeff Sisk, Senior Manager of Assistive Technology Services (ATS) in Fairfax County Public Schools, who is also a presenter, author, and adjunct faculty at George Mason University.
Florence Walton November 2024 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
We are pleased to announce that Florence Walton, an international student studying in Bangkok, has been honored with the SENIA World Changer Award. Florence has embarked on a remarkable personal […]
Book Study: Executive Functions for Every Classroom
Executive Functions for Every Classroom This book shows how educators can create a more engaging and effective learning experience while addressing the epidemic of disengagement and executive dysfunction. With practical […]
#95 Identity talk with Kwame
Today host Lori Boll speaks with educator and author Kwame Sarfo-Mensah about his recently published book “Learning to Relearn” which is a call for unlearning and relearning
#94 Disabled by Society
Jamie Shields is a vibrant advocate for disability rights, known for his engaging personality and insightful perspectives. In our recent podcast episode, Jamie shared his journey as a registered blind individual, emphasizing the importance of self-identification and the nuances of language within the disability community.
Sarah Devotion Garner October 2024 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
We are pleased to recognize Sarah for her exceptional contributions to Global Neurodiverse Families, a vital support network for families navigating neurodiversity. Sarah embodies the qualities of compassion, dedication, and […]
Program Assistant
#93 Algorithms, Information Literacy, & DEIJ
In this episode of the SENIA Happy Hour podcast, host Lori Boll chats with Trisha Friedman, a seasoned educator with international experience and the founder of allied.
Smrithy Rajesh September 2024 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Celebrating the remarkable achievements of Smrithy Rajesh, a dedicated advocate for inclusion, her family has turned personal challenges into a powerful movement for change. As a parent of a special […]
#92 Inclusion, Belonging, & Rightful Presence
On today’s podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Kevin Schaefer who is currently the Director of Inclusive Practices/Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP) project through the El Dorado County Office of Education Sacramento, California.
University Opportunities for Students with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities By: Roslyn Dotterweich
It’s a quiet, gorgeous day for a walk on the University of Oklahoma (OU) campus.
And out of the peace, my husband and I hear a sweet little yell.
“MOMMY……take picture! CHEEEEEESE!!!!”
How can I refuse that precious, high-pitched voice?
But as I take the picture, my heart hurts.
#91 Burn Bright, Not Out
On today’s podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Sybil Hall about the important topic of Teacher Burnout. Sybil recently published Burn Bright, Not Out: 35 Lessons that Cultivate Teacher Well Being.
The Intersection of Disability and Poverty
SENIA Connect Santiago
SENIA International Comes to South America! Read More
Congratulations to Nur Afiqa Amani on being recognized for her impactful and inclusive project! Afiqa’s work demonstrates a deep commitment to supporting the wellbeing and mental health of all students, […]
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
World Emoji Day
Member School Spotlight: School of the Nations (SON)
Member School Spotlight School of the Nations Website Tell us about your school? At SON, we envision a learning environment where neurodiverse learners are not only accepted but celebrated for […]
Today host Lori Boll is joined by renowned Universal Design for Learning expert, Dr. Loui Lord Nelson. Loui is an internationally recognized leader in UDL implementation.
Celebrating Success: Harare International School Staff Achieve SENIA Level One Certification
We are thrilled to congratulate Harare International School on the remarkable achievement of having six of their staff members successfully complete the SENIA Level One Educator certification in 2024.
Member School Spotlight: Tokyo UIA International School
Member School Spotlight UAI International School of Tokyo Website Who is UIA? Our school celebrates each person’s unique individuality, fostering an inquisitive spirit and embracing multicultural perspectives to ignite a […]
# 89 The Proud Stutter
On today’s podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Maya Chupkov, host of The Proud Stutter podcast. Maya is a stuttering advocate and community organizer.
This academic year saw Chinese International School (Hong Kong) celebrate its first Neurodiversity Week! While we have certainly seen an increase of awareness around neurodiversity on our newsfeeds, the important thing for us was to make it contextual and relevant for our school’s unique context and mission.
KATE BOWLER MAY 2024 SENIA WORLD CHANGER AWARD RECIPIENT
It is with great pleasure that we announce Kate as the recipient of the 2024 SENIA World Changer Award for her tireless efforts to promote inclusion for children in Cambodia. […]
#88 Help! My Kid Won’t Go to School
On today’s podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Katie Fowle and Sharoya Ham, authors of the #1 Bestselling book, Help! My Kid Won’t Go to School: Finding Hope on a Bad Day.
#87 Distinguishing the Difference
On today’s podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Heidi Mermis-Cava, the Director of Student Support Services at the Shanghai American School. Heidi recently presented at the in-person SENIA conference in Vietnam, where she received overwhelmingly positive feedback for her work.
“Student Agency boils down to students having a voice in the classroom…” Laurie Manville & Dr. Alva Lefevre Towards the end of the school year 2022-2023, my class roster started […]
Inclusively Inspired with Lori Boll
Hello SENIA Peeps, Last week, I had the privilege of virtually attending The Brookings Institute Symposium on Inclusion and Education Systems Transformation. Inclusive leaders from around the world gathered to […]
SENIA International Honored with IFIP Global Inclusion Award
#86 Leaders Do the Right Thing: Changing School Systems
Kevin is the founding director of the Common Ground Collaborative (CGC), one of SENIA’s partner organizations. CGC is a learning ecosystem used by schools in 20 countries. Kevin has led schools in Tanzania, Austria, Namibia and Belgium.
Raymond Weil Garagus February 2024 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Meet Mr. Raymond Weil Garagus, an exceptional inclusion teacher based in Keningau, Sabah. Passionate about empowering students with learning disorders and hearing impairment, he goes above and beyond in his […]
Beth Stark, a Universal Design for Learning and Inclusionary Practices Strategist and Jeremie Rostan, a High School Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator at the International School of Panama who worked together to create LUDIA which was created as a new kind of entry point and scaffold for developing a Universal Design for Learning mindset, intentionally designing to reduce learning barriers, and discovering the power of Artificial Intelligence.
#84 Inclusion is the Language of Inclusion
Ceci Gomez-Galvez who was one of our SENIA virtual conference speakers this year. Ceci (she.her.ella) is a collaborator, coach and advocate who empowers educators to create equitable learning opportunities for all language learners.
#83 Empowering Futures
Max has demonstrated a proven track record in the inclusion space from establishing 3 vocational training centers, modelling 11 inclusive and sustainable social businesses, and delivering essential consultancy services to organizations seeking enhanced inclusivity.
November 2023 Newsletter
Please find the November 2023 Newsletter HERE
#82 Extraordinary Experiences
Host Lori Boll speaks with Kathi Silva, author of ‘Extraordinary Experiences: Tales of Special Needs Abroad,’ a book about living with special needs as expats. Kathi wrote this book as a way to share stories and help others prepare for adventures overseas while parenting their neurodiverse children.
October 2023 Newsletter
Please find the October 2023 newsletter HERE
#81 Changing Perspectives Through Promoting Awareness & Inspiring Empathy
Sam Drazin, Founder and Executive Director of Changing Perspectives, one of SENIA’s sponsor organizations and partners
Manobina Chakraborty November 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Based in India, Manobina Chakraborty is a highly skilled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, as well as a Neurodiversity Coach and Learning Leader. With nearly two decades of experience in […]
#80 Making the World More Inclusive One Playground at a Time
G. Cody QJ Goldberg, co-founder and Chief Play Officer of Harper’s Playground which inspires and empowers global communities to build radically inclusive playgrounds.
Nurfaizah Binti Mohd Shokri October 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Nurfaizah Binti Mohd Shokri is the head of the special education department at her school, Keningau Vocational College, which is the only inclusive vocational college in Malaysia that offers inclusive […]
#79 The 4 A’s of DEIJ
Kevin Simpson, the founder of one of SENIA’s partner organizations, AEILOC, which stands for the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color.
September 2023 Newsletter
Please find the September 2023 newsletter HERE
#78 How Predictable, Shared Routines Create Collective Efficacy
Mitch Weathers, creator of The Organized Binder. Mitch created this binder to empower teachers with a simple but research-backed strategy to teach students executive functioning skills while protecting the time needed for content instruction.
Anvi Vijay Zanzarukia September 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Anvi Vijay Zanzarukia has become known as the “Rubber Girl of India.” She began learning yoga at the age of 4 and since then has shared her unique journey with […]
#77 The Importance of Exercise in the Classroom
David Geslak and Amber Pantaleo, Founder and Vice President of Exercise Connection, an organization that uses evidence-based solutions to empower those who support individuals with autism and other disabilities to teach exercise successfully.
#76 Keynote Speaker- Dr. Emily Meadows on LGBTQ+ Policy and Practice
Emily is an LGBTQ+ consultant specialized in international schools. In addition to her doctoral degree, Emily holds master’s degrees in both Sexual Health and Counseling, and has worked as an international school counselor for over a decade
Kitsie LaRock has a big heart and is always looking for ways to implement universal design into her work at Bernie LaRock & Sons Construction. Just days before the inaugural […]
#75 Meet the Host of the “Think Inclusive” Podcast
Tim Villegas who is the director of communications of MCIE or the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, a nonprofit that envisions a society where neighborhood schools welcome all learners and create the foundation for inclusive communities.
June 2023 Newsletter
Please find the June 2023 newsletter HERE
#74 Executive Functioning Challenges: Impact on Students with ADHD & Dyslexia
Helen Trethewey, an experienced inclusion leader with a passion for early identification of children with learning differences.
May 2023 Newsletter
Please find the May 2023 newsletter HERE
Hoang Minh Duong May 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Meet Minh, a 12th grade student at UNIS Hanoi who is proudly neurodivergent. He displays his talents as a guest writer for the school newspaper. One of Minh’s internship pathways […]
April 2023 Newsletter
Please find the April 2023 newsletter HERE
#73 Supporting our Gifted Learners
Anita Churchville, an educational consultant and founder of the HAGT Learners Collaborative. She currently coordinates the High Ability Program at the American School of Bombay and conducts professional development workshops, courses, and ongoing coaching at a number of private international schools with European and American curricula.
Korok Biswas April 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Korok Biswas is India’s first ever dance performer with down syndrome to be credited in India’s Book of Records. From an early age, Korok and his parents believed with love […]
March 2023 Newsletter
Please find the March 2023 newsletter HERE
#72 Mindsets + Skill Sets = Results
Today, host Lori Boll speaks with Kathleen Kryza, an outstanding international presenter/consultant and author of 6 books for educators who is committed to bringing best brain-based educational practices to schools and teachers so they can support and nurture their students.
Kan Fook Keong March 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Kan Fook Keong is a special education teacher in Sabah, Malaysia. Despite originating in Selangor that is more well-developed, Kan chose to stay teaching at a vocational school in the […]
February 2023 Newsletter
Please find the February 2023 newsletter HERE.
#71 Ubuntu: We Are One
Estelle Baroung Hughes, an inspirational speaker, school leader, and founder of the non profit organization Africa Learning International which focuses on Quality Education for All.
#70 Teach RARE- supporting caregivers of children with a rare disease or undiagnosed disability
Today host Lori Boll speaks with Richard Poulin, an educator and parent. When Richard’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease, he and his wife, Judy (also a teacher), felt isolated and didn’t know how to support their daughter.
January 2023 Newsletter
Please find the January 2023 newsletter here.
#69 WIDA, Collaboration, & SENIA Africa
Host Lori Boll speaks with Jon Nordmeyer on today’s show, WIDA’s International Program Director. Jon is a long-time friend of SENIA, international presenter, published author, An international educator and researcher for over 30 years, and has taught graduate seminars at Harvard Graduate School of Education and Tibet University.
November 2022 Newsletter
Please find the November 2022 newsletter here.
October 2022 Newsletter
Please find the October 2022 newsletter here.
September 2022 Newsletter
Please find the September 2022 newsletter here.
Sarah Anne Bulman January 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Sarah has always had a unique perspective on life. Her neurodiversity enables her to see beauty and value in unexpected ways. Sarah manages to find meaningful ways to share her […]
#68 The Impact of the MARIO Approach
Phillip Bowman, a Learning Support Specialist and the Co-Founder and CEO of MARIO Framework.
#67 Becoming a Totally Inclusive School
Angeline Aow and Dr. Sadie Hollins, the authors of Becoming a Totally Inclusive School a Guide for Teachers and School Leaders published by Routledge in November, 2022.
#66 Building a foundation for digital accessibility
Today host Lori Boll speaks with Patrick (Paddy) McGrath, who is an international speaker, blogger, podcaster, and Head of Education Strategy at the Texthelp Group.
#65 We’re Not Complete Without You
Lori Boll speaks with Joel Llaban, the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice of the International Schools Services (ISS). Joel and Lori discuss the important work ISS and other organizations are doing to ensure schools are inclusive in all areas from their hiring practices, to their mission statement, to their curriculum and how they should be living the words, “We’re not complete without you.
Lana Abon October 2022 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Lana Abon is a special education teacher in the rural area of Sabah, a Malaysian island state. She teaches students with hearing impairments and students with learning disorders. She has […]
#64 IDD and Me: I Am Confident & Positive
. Aidan and LIsa first met Lori on a playground in Shanghai, China when they had just been told that Aidan could no longer attend the international school he was attending due to his Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD).
#63 Dysgraphia Defined
Cheri is an international speaker, author, and consultant who trains adults to shift their mindsets about struggling writers to strengthen the social-emotional well-being of people with dysgraphia so they can fully engage in life activities and unleash their potential to change their future and other generations through the written word.
Alexius Ignatius September 2022 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient
Alexius Ignatius was the first Malaysian to win a gold medal at an international art festival with his animated tale. The monthly art festivals hosted by Festival Bridges headquartered in […]
August 2022 Newsletter
Please find the August 2022 newsletter here.
Avyasvina Istiniza Anak Unong August 2022 World Changer Award Recipient
Avyasvina Istiniza Anak Unong is a special educational needs educator who has played a major role in training the special needs learners at her school to partake in various art […]
#62 Strength-Based, Talent-Focused Education
Samuel Young the founder of Scholars Academy, a strength-based, talent-focused virtual enrichment center that supports twice-exceptional students and their families.
June 2022 Newsletter
Please find the newsletter here.
May 2022 Newsletter
#61 Don’t Dis My Disability- Part 2 “There’s a Fire in My Soul”
Nicole Demos, a SENIA Europe Board Member and a proud disabled Third Culture Kid, and host Lori Boll chat more about Nicole and how she now accepts her disability as part of her identity.