Yes Day Inclusion Podcast

07/05/2025

Parent Passes. Which one do you need? All 3? 🙋🏻‍♀️

05/04/2025

I read this article from The Hechinger Report claiming that the research on inclusion in special education is “flawed.” But honestly? That critique is flawed too — and it reflects the same tired misunderstanding of what inclusion really means and why it matters.

First of all, the article leans hard on standardized test scores to question whether inclusion is working. But when did we decide that test scores were the be-all and end-all of education? Standardized tests are known to be biased, narrow, and incapable of capturing the full picture — especially for students with disabilities. Inclusion isn’t about who fills in the right bubbles on a Scantron sheet. It’s about giving all kids the tools to thrive in life.

If we want to know if inclusion works, show me the real data — 10, 20, even 50 years down the line. How are these students doing in college? In their careers? Are they living independently, earning a living, contributing to their communities? Are they happy? That’s what education is supposed to prepare us for — not just passing a math test in 3rd grade.

Second, let’s talk about implementation. Inclusion can’t be judged fairly when it’s barely being done right. How many schools are doing inclusion without giving teachers the training and support they need? Too many. The truth is, most schools are trying to do inclusion on the cheap — without co-teachers, without proper planning, and with general education teachers who’ve never had meaningful training in special ed. Show me a study where every teacher is certified in special education or trained in inclusive practices. Then let’s talk about outcomes.

Until we build systems where every teacher is prepared to meet every student’s needs, inclusion will never get a fair shot. That’s not a failure of inclusion — that’s a failure of the system.

And one more thing: inclusion doesn’t just benefit students with disabilities. It helps all kids. It teaches empathy. It teaches collaboration. It helps students grow up with a better understanding of the real world — which is diverse, complex, and full of people with different abilities, perspectives, and needs. Why aren’t we measuring that?

Bottom line: The inclusion research isn’t the problem. Our expectations, our definitions of success, and our unwillingness to make real change — that’s the problem.

Analysis of 50 years of research argues that there isn’t strong evidence for the academic advantages of placing children with disabilities in general education classrooms

07/03/2025

We recorded this a while ago but...here's an update!

In this episode, we’re back from our hiatus with updates on how the school year is going as our kids wrap up their final years of elementary school. We dive into the latest Gen A slang, discuss the importance of self-advocacy, and share some of the minor behavioral challenges we’ve encountered a...

28/01/2025

Being a special education parent is strange. We’re all advocating for our kids, but often in completely different ways.

Some are fighting for separation and every last service the school can provide. Others, like me, are fighting for our kids to be affirmed, accommodated, and supported as they are.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all journey, but at the heart of it, we’re all doing what’s best for our kids—and that’s something we can all respect.

22/10/2024

27/09/2024

Special Episode:

We shared an article with AI and it created a podcast discussing that article: Rethinking Behavior in Education (Beyond ABA) This is a special episode that doesn't include Laura and Kirby's banter, but enjoy it anyway. AI is quite empowering for our kiddos! Disclosure: This is an experimental use of...

02/09/2024

Tune in now for an episode packed with laughter, love, and lots of learning. Don’t miss out – Season 4, Episode 1 is available now! 🎧✨

In our very first episode of the season, we dive straight into some of the hottest topics on every parent’s mind! 🌟 Ever wondered if a back-to-back Disney vacation and cruise is just too much magic to handle? 🌴🎢 Find out if Kirby survived the whirlwind adventure, and hear all about her ti...

21/07/2024

Our organization advocates for these five principles. How about sticking them on your water bottle or computer to help spread the word? We have a new sticker in our shop! https://aasr.news/t1f

[ID: Black background with AASR logo at the top. A white speech bubble outlined in red with quotation marks has black and red text that reads, "We advocate for approaches
that follow five critical principles:

Trauma-informed &
Neuroscience-aligned &
Neurodiversity-affirming &
Relationship-driven &
Collaborative."

Quote attributed to Guy Stephens, Executive Director, AASR.]

18/06/2024

"We need to create environments where everyone can thrive. Discrimination occurs when we demand that only those who are different must change, rather than embracing mutual understanding and accommodation."

17/06/2024

16/05/2024

Fight like a Mother ❤

13/03/2024

✨ Awareness. Acceptance. Inclusion ✨

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