Episodes

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron speaks with Kayla Coburn, an inclusion specialist and author, about the challenges of fostering inclusion in schools. Kayla shares her journey from paraprofessional to running her own business, “Inclusion Starts Now.” They discuss personal experiences with navigating educational systems, advocating for inclusion, and the importance of defining inclusion based on individual needs. Kayla offers tips for parents to move the needle towards inc...

On this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, AAron welcomes Joe Carr, who discusses his journey with cerebral palsy and the use of an AAC device. Joe shares his experiences of inclusion in school, adaptive sports, and his charitable efforts through his lemonade stand, raising over $70,000 for Gillette Children’s Hospital. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, self-acceptance, and building genuine connections. Joe’s insights offer a heartfelt reminder that love, understanding, and inclusion c...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, AAron speaks with Dr. Cheryl Blankman, an experienced school psychologist and advocate for inclusivity in education. They discuss the nuances of inclusion, emphasizing the importance of shifting the conversation from "inclusion" to "inclusivity" as a holistic, community-wide responsibility. Dr. Blankman highlights the significance of understanding disability through the social model, which focuses on creating environments that reduce barriers. They a...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, AAron addresses the issue of parents being denied access to visit their child in special education classrooms. He discusses the common reasons given—privacy and safety—and explains why these justifications may not always be valid, particularly with regard to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). AAron emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in ensuring their child’s needs are met and offers advice on how to address access denia...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, AAron interviews Stephanie Polcyn, a mother and advocate with a personal connection to disability. Stephanie shares her journey, highlighting her husband’s military-related disability, her own sudden hearing loss, and her experiences advocating for her children with ADHD and asthma. She discusses the challenges of navigating the education system, the importance of family involvement in defining success, and the power of inclusion as acceptance and su...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews Sarah St. Louis, a certified ADA coordinator. They discuss Sarah’s work in advocating for more inclusive public spaces, including her involvement in Changing Spaces Minnesota, which advocates for adult-sized changing tables in public restrooms. Sarah shares her personal journey into the world of disability advocacy following her son’s accident, and the importance of empathy and education in creating inclusive environments. The c...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, AAron discusses the challenges and frustrations of encountering and addressing The Americans With Disability Act (ADA) violations in everyday life, particularly as a parent of a daughter who uses a wheelchair. He shares personal experiences, such as inaccessible sidewalks and schools, emphasizing the ongoing need for awareness and advocacy. Despite the ADA being in place for 34 years, AAron highlights the persistent gaps in accessibility and the emot...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron interviews Anthony Cutno, a retired Marine and single father of three, including a daughter with a disability. Anthony shares his journey of learning about disabilities through his daughter and how it has shaped his perspective as a parent. He discusses the importance of inclusion, the challenges and rewards of raising a child with a disability and how his daughter’s resilience inspires him daily. The episode highlights the power of family...

In this episode of the Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron interviews Michael Humel, a disability advocate with spina bifida. Michael shares his experiences growing up with a disability, including the challenges of using a wheelchair in an often inaccessible world. He discusses the importance of inclusion, the difficulties faced in everyday situations like parking and using public restrooms, and the need for greater empathy and awareness in society. Michael also talks about his initiative, Wheels ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Becca Boston, an inspirational speaker and mental health advocate. Becca shares her journey of growing up with dyslexia and auditory processing disorder, overcoming a domestic violence relationship, and finding her voice as an advocate for inclusion. They discuss the importance of empathy, active listening, and self-care, especially for caregivers. Becca emphasizes the power of embracing differences and linking arms to create a mo...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews Nick Yerhart, a resilient individual with cerebral palsy who defies expectations. Nick shares his journey of overcoming physical limitations, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and empathy. He discusses how he navigates daily life, the challenges of accessibility, and the impact of his supportive parents. Nick’s story highlights the need for awareness and systemic change to ensure people with disabilities are fully included...

On this episode I interview Tim Villegas of Think Inclusive!!

-Conference Recap -My Inclusion Story

Initial thoughts after IEP meeting.