Unlocking Potential: Special Education Perspectives

Join the Unlocking Potential podcast as hosts Winston and special co-host Kristi Tucker dive deep into work-based learning with Joette Hardin from Texas A&M's Center for Disability and Development!Discover what work-based learning really looks like in practice  Learn why it's crucial for transition planning.Explore how schools can build stronger employment pathways for students with disabilities.Joette shares insights from supporting over 130 programs across Texas that provide on-campus and community-based vocational training. This episode is packed with practical strategies for creating meaningful adult outcomes and employment independence!Perfect for educators, transition specialists, parents, and anyone passionate about unlocking potential for students with disabilities.Learn more about this program here:https://cdd.tamu.edu/https://cdd.tamu.edu/wbl-project/#UnlockingPotential #TransitionPlanning #WorkBasedLearning #DisabilitySupport #EmploymentFirst #SpecialEducation #TransitionServices

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we continue our season on transition to adulthood for students with disabilities by visiting with Jose Briseño—a 30-year-old professional who has been totally blind since birth.Jose shares his journey from public school to college and beyond, reflecting on the resources, strategies, and determination that helped him successfully navigate life after high school. Now working as an assistive technology trainer and content creator, Jose empowers others through his website and podcast, Screenless Allies.Tune in as Jose discusses the differences between high school and college supports, overcoming employment barriers, and his advice for educators and families helping students prepare for independent adult lives.Learn more about Jose’s work at screenlessallies.com

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we’re spotlighting The Discovery Academy—an 18+ program in Canyon ISD helping young adults with disabilities build independence, learn life skills, and gain meaningful work experience.Since launching just a few years ago, the program has thrived, offering innovative opportunities like an in-house laundry business and student-created products such as laundry soap and room sprays.Hosts Winston and Danielle are joined by Shelli Jones, Director of Discovery 18+, and Bree Holbrook, Discovery 18+ Coordinator, who share how the program began, what makes it unique, and how it’s helping students prepare for life beyond high school."https://www.canyonisd.net/631635_3

In this kickoff to our new season, we sit down with Kristi Tucker, Evaluation & Transition Consultant at Region 16, to unpack what transition to adulthood services look like in schools. Kristi shares what educators need to know, what ARD committees are required to do, and what she’s seeing in schools across the region. We also spotlight two powerful tools from Texas SPED Support—Next Steps to Independence: Skills and Strategies and Connecting Community Supports—that can help families and educators guide students toward independence and meaningful post-school outcomes.  Next Steps to Independence: Skills and Strategies DocumentConnecting to Community Supports DocumentContact Kristi Tucker at 806-677-5198 or kristi.tucker@esc16.net

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Blackwell, a dedicated special education teacher serving elementary students with complex access needs. Elizabeth shares what it means to truly presume potential, foster inclusion, and creatively provide access to learning and connection for every child. With compassion, expertise, and innovation, she’s changing the game for students who need more than just support—they need champions. Tune in to hear her story, her strategies, and her heart for this work.   

In this episode,  we’re wrapping up our series on MTSS—Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. If you’ve been with us for our Tier 1 and Tier 2 episodes, you know we’ve been digging into how schools can build layered systems of support for all students. And now... we’re diving deep into Tier 3 with Lead Strategic Integration Liaison Krystal Hare.

In this episode we’re joined by our Pre-K Summit keynote speaker, Amanda Morgan. For our listeners interested in learning more about Amanda or our Pre-K Summit, we’ll provide links in the show notes. Thanks so much for listening! https://notjustcute.com/https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=1025266

In this episode we welcome Casey Newman from Region 16 to discuss MTSS. We'll discuss what MTSS is and how it benefits students.

In this episode we sit down Heidi Brewer and Janna Padilla from Region 16 to discuss UDL and how it can help students.

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we're joined by Kelisha Murray, MOT, OTR, and Director of Donor Guidance for The Turn Center, to dive into the transformative power of sensory supports in the classroom. In this conversation, we explore how simple, proactive Tier 1 interventions can benefit all students by fostering focus, engagement, and self-regulation. Kelisha shares her expertise on creating inclusive sensory-friendly environments and offers practical strategies that teachers can implement to meet the diverse sensory needs of students.

In this episode, we continue our dive into MTSS.  Candra Clary, one of four Statewide Lead Strategic Integration Liaisons (SILs) at Region 16, speaks with us about Tier 1 instruction.

In this episode we welcome Khara Skidgel Region 16’s Coordinator of Tiered Services and Mandie Duggan Region 16’s Strategic Integration Liaison to discuss what Tiered Services will mean for you and your school. 

In this episode we are joined by Anne Marie Wartes, who is the Lead Counseling and Mental Health Specialist with Tiered Services here at Region 16.

Assistant Director of Tiered Services here at Region 16. She discusses why the SPED Department moved to Tiered Services and how that move will help us reach more teachers and help more students. 

Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Paula has also been a university professor and has taught courses on both inclusion and disability studies. Most recently, Paula’s work has centered on helping teachers and administrators educate all students in their schools and classrooms. She also frequently works with families and advocacy groups to support goals related to inclusion. In addition to inclusive education, her professional interests include Universal Design for Learning, co-teaching, and educating students with complex support needs.website - https://inclusionrules.com/

In this episode we are joined by Kate Martin. Kate is committed to engaging, relevant training, speaking, and coaching, which empowers and builds capacity in leaders and organizations.  You can register for this year's SPED Camp here: https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/conference.aspx?isSearch=0&conference_id=981243

Dr. Layne Pethick joins us on this episode to talk about his upcoming keynote sessions for SPED Camp & the Autism Conference.  Layne brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table as a Behavior and Autism Spectrum Disorders Master Consultant for Region 10 ESC. Register for SPED Camp here: https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/conference.aspx?isSearch=0&conference_id=981243

In this episode we are joined by Catherine Pratt to discuss some of the biggest myths about Assistive Technology. MYTHS AND FACTS SURROUNDING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES AND SERVICES Lending Library Contact Catherine Pratt if you have any Assistive Technology questions. catherine.pratt@esc16.net Thanks!

Danielle and Winston are joined by SLP Tiffany Leach. Tiffany is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Supervisor for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Texas Woman’s University. She has worked in public schools, outpatient settings, home health and owned and operated a private practice.  She is currently an Education Specialist for ESC9 in Wichita Falls, Texas. They will discuss the shortage of SLPs in the state and a unique program for anyone wanting to become a SLP from Texas Woman's University. Here is a link with more information: https://www.region10.org/programs/speech-language-pathology-masters-degree-program/overview/

In this episode of Unlocking Potential we are joined by Myra Johnson to discuss this year's Transition Fair. The Transition Fair is on February 9, 2024. You can find out more info by clicking the link below. https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=977367 Please contact Myra if you have any questions about this year's fair. Myra Johnson Education Specialist  /  Early Childhood Special Education phone: 806. 677.5283