Dr. Michael Barla is an early childhood educator and former higher‑ed faculty member who now works at the Anchor Center for Blind Children in Denver. In 2024, he completed a residential fellowship at the Clyfford Still Museum, where he designed a sensory‑based translation of a Clyfford Still painting for a young child with a visual impairment.

Jen Taylor is a teacher of students with visual impairments. She began her career in East Texas, spent several years at the Anchor Center, and now works in the Cherry Creek School District. Jen collaborated with Michael on conceptualizing and designing the multisensory translation of the artwork.

Taylor Kingsbery is the parent of Miko, the toddler who explored Michael’s translated artwork. Taylor brings a powerful perspective on accessibility, representation, and what it means to co‑create environments where disabled children can experience belonging and opportunity.

This episode explores what it means to translate fine art—not simply replicate it—for young children with visual impairments. Dr. Michael Barla shares how his residency at the Clyfford Still Museum evolved into a hands‑on project: reimagining a Clyfford Still painting (pH‑914) as a fully sensory experience for Miko, a two‑year‑old who is blind.

With deep collaboration from VI teacher Jen Taylor and insight from Miko’s mom Taylor Kingsbery, the project transformed color, texture, line, and movement into elements children can feel, hear, and explore with their whole bodies. We follow Miko’s visit to the museum—feet first, face pressed close, mapping the artwork from every angle—and learn how sensory access opens doors to representation, identity, and belonging.

The conversation expands from art to universal design, rightful presence, and why inclusion has to begin at the design stage—not as an afterthought. The guests remind us that co‑creation with families and communities is essential if we want places like museums, classrooms, and public spaces to welcome everyone.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/how-museums-can-support-young-learners-with-visual-impairment-1316/

Katie Novak is an internationally recognized education consultant, author, and expert in Universal Design for Learning. She teaches at the University of Pennsylvania and leads Novak Education, helping schools and districts disrupt inequitable systems and embrace inclusive practices. Katie is also a mom of four and a passionate advocate for public education.

In this episode, Katie explains why UDL should be seen as a mindset rather than a checklist and how it can dismantle systemic inequities. She uses vivid analogies—like camping trips and tax filing—to illustrate flexibility and access in learning environments. Katie also shares her personal journey from being a struggling student to becoming an education leader, thanks to one teacher’s high expectations. The conversation explores the nuances of inclusion versus inclusive practice, the importance of systemic support for educators, and why high expectations and hope matter most for students.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/katie-novak-on-why-udl-is-not-the-goal-but-the-tool-for-equity-1315/

Jennifer Berkshire: Education writer, author, and co-host of Have You Heard. Known for her sharp analysis of education policy and its impact on communities.

Jack Schneider: Historian of education, researcher, and co-host of Have You Heard. Jack brings a deep understanding of the historical and sociological forces shaping public schools.

Public education is under pressure like never before. Jennifer and Jack explain why the system is on a precipice, how misinformation and political agendas distort reality, and what’s at stake for students—especially those with disabilities—if privatization wins. Tim shares a powerful story from the Georgia State Capitol about a parent fighting for inclusion, and the trio discusses why educators and advocates must reclaim the narrative. Plus, we dive into the history of school choice, the rise of vouchers and charters, and end with a lighthearted mystery question from Tim’s 12-year-old.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/public-education-on-the-precipice-narratives-inclusion-and-whats-at-stake-1314/

On this special Giving Tuesday edition of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas celebrates 13 years of the podcast and the ongoing work of MCIE to advance inclusive education. The live event features interactive games, audience participation, and heartfelt reflections from special guests and supporters. The episode highlights stories of advocacy, legal victories, and personal transformation, while also surpassing fundraising goals for MCIE. Listeners are treated to bold predictions for the future of inclusion, practical tips for educators, and a collaborative spirit that defines the Think Inclusive community.

Special Guests

• Keith Jones
• Jenna Rufo
• Mark Crenshaw
• Diana Pastora Carson
• Andrew McEntrye

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/think-inclusive-turns-13-1313/

Lisa Mihalich Quinn is the founder of Reach Every Voice and co-founder of Adaptiverse. She is a former public school teacher who builds solutions for non-speaking autistic learners. Her work matters because she helps unlock grade-level access and trains educators to presume competence and embrace inclusion.

This episode explores how opening up possibilities for communication can transform the lives of non-speaking students. Lisa shares her journey from public school teacher to innovator, highlighting the importance of presuming competence and understanding apraxia and co-regulation. The conversation covers practical strategies, breakthrough stories, and the need for systemic change in education.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/empowering-non-speaking-students-tools-and-mindsets-for-inclusive-schools-1312/

Audrey and Jeremy are lifelong friends, advocates, and co-hosts of The Audrey and Jeremy Show. Together, they speak up for disability rights, share their experiences as people with disabilities, and work to make schools and communities more inclusive. Their work matters because they show the world that everyone deserves to belong, be valued, and have their voices heard.

Audrey and Jeremy join Think Inclusive to talk about their journey as advocates, podcasters, and friends. They share stories about speaking up for Medicaid in Washington, D.C., challenging ableism in schools, and using their podcast to teach others about inclusion. Their message is clear: everyone deserves to belong and be valued.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/down-syndrome-advocacy-in-action-lessons-from-audrey-and-jeremy-1311/

Jordyn Zimmerman is a passionate educator, disability advocate, and accessibility innovator. Diagnosed as autistic and denied access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) until age 18, Jordyn’s work centers on ensuring every learner has the tools and supports they need to thrive. Their advocacy is rooted in personal experience with segregation and inclusion, making their voice essential for building more inclusive schools.

In this episode, Jordyn Zimmerman shares their journey from segregation to meaningful inclusion in schools. The conversation covers the importance of presuming competence, the need for accessible communication, and how policy and practice must evolve to create truly inclusive communities. Jordyn also discusses their work with the Nora Project and Center for Enriched Living, and what it means to measure success beyond just placement numbers.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/designing-schools-for-belonging-jordyn-zimmerman-on-inclusion-and-aac-tools-1310/

Meghan Ashburn is a mother of autistic twins. She's an educational consultant who is passionate about inclusion and accessibility. Meghan is the creator of Not an Autism Mom and hosts That Au-Some Book Club.

Jules Edwards is an autistic activist and parent of autistic children. She is the writer of Autistic, Typing, and works to educate the community and influence policy to promote disability justice.

Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards join Tim Villegas to talk about their journey from online tension to collaboration, co-authoring a book that challenges dominant narratives about autism and disability. They discuss why inclusive classrooms benefit everyone, the ethics of autism research, and the importance of learning out loud.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/disability-justice-and-inclusion-meghan-ashburn-jules-edwards-speak-out-1309/