In this kickoff to Season 5, Savitha Sundar welcomes Amrita Sareen-Tak and Kaya Duggan, the dynamic duo behind B.e.t.t.e.r Ed Guide, an initiative dedicated to transforming how schools approach disability awareness and inclusion.

Drawing from their personal journeys as parents and advocates, Amrita and Kaya share how their experiences inspired them to create tailored workshops and immersive programs that foster inclusive mindsets in school communities—especially in independent (private) schools.The conversation explores:

• The meaning behind the BETTER acronym: Battle stigmas, Embracing differences, Transforming thinking, Teaching future leaders, Eliciting action, Recognizing strengths.

• Why disability must be recognized as a vital part of human diversity and identity.

• Practical strategies for integrating disability studies concepts across curricula and school culture.

• Real-life stories of inclusion, challenges, and progress in both public and private school settings.

• The power of student agency, universal design for learning, and the need for intentional efforts to foster belonging.

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusion is a collective, ongoing process that benefits all students.

• Language, mindset, and intentional action are critical to dismantling ableism in schools.

• Empowering students and educators with disability studies frameworks leads to lasting change.

• Everyone—educators, parents, and students—can play a role by being curious, asking questions, and embracing discomfort as a path to growth.

Call to Action:

• Explore resources on disability studies and accessibility, such as “Demystifying Disability” by Emily Ladau.

• Be curious and ask questions to challenge inequalities in learning environments.

• Bring new concepts and resources into your classroom or community.

Resources Mentioned:

• “Demystifying Disability” by Emily Ladau

Connect with Better Ed Guide:Learn more about Amrita and Kaya’s work at www.betteredguide.com

Podcast Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/X0fk8HQwnOkuz1HQhLiaFchg8ec?utm_source=copy_url