Sports and physical activity are extremely beneficial to children's development, not only developing their physical health but also their social skills, problem-solving abilities, and conflict-resolution skills. These activities should be accessible to all, not just those who are "able-bodied." Children and adults with special needs, whether it be physical, developmental, or social disabilities, deserve to have access to the same resources and activities that those who are "able-bodied" or "neurotypical" have access to. Join Russ Ewell and friends as they discuss why inclusion matters in the world of sports and physical activity.

Episode References
Blaze Sports
E-Sports
University High School
Congressional Citation
Jefferson Award
The King's Academy

Inclusion in the classroom has become a topic of discussion in recent years. Though all students deserve to be included, those with disabilities often get overlooked or cast aside. Many theories and ideas have surfaced in regards to this, but successful execution of inclusive education is seen few and far between. One school that has effectively integrated the inclusive model into each of its classrooms is the Hope Technology School. As a K-12 school - including a Vocational Education program and a developing high school called “Learning Curve” - HTS is the embodiment of implementing inclusive education. Russ Ewell sits down with students and educators from HTS to get their thoughts on what inclusion means to them, along with practical ways to execute inclusion using technology in the classroom.

Episode References

• Graduate rates of students with disabilities
• IDEA
• Teachthought on TTS
• Avaz FreeSpeech
• Proloque4Text
• QuickTalk
• More Assistive Technology Products
• Growth Mindset - Carol Dweck
• Quizlet

Peanut Butter Falcon, an independent movie that has shone this summer, is a film like no other. Starring a man with Down syndrome, the filmmakers have sought to break the silence that has been present in Hollywood despite its efforts and growth in inclusion - casting people with disabilities in movies. Russ sits down with the team to discuss initial thoughts about this movie, along with the impact it is capable of having. 

References:

• “Why the ‘Peanut Butter Falcon’ Changes the Disabled Narrative and Scared Hollywood”
• “Zach’s Story”
• “Shia Labeouf, Dakota Johnson, and Zach Gottsagen Interview” 
• “How Shia Labeouf Decided to Join the Movie” 
• “Good Morning America Interview with Shia and Zach”
• Life Goes On with Chris Burke
• A Beautiful Mind
• Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

Russ concludes his time with Greg and Ray discussing the future and potential expansion of E-Sports. Though E-Sports has grown in ways no one could imagine, there is still so much more we can do. We can’t stop pushing for growth until everyone is included and accepted, and must keep setting goals and moving forward towards them until we achieve that.

Episode References

• E-Sports
• Digital Scribbler
• “Start Your Own” E-Sports Program
• E-Sports Social Media:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram: @e_sportsca
  • Twitter: @e_SoccerCA

Continuing their conversation about the progression of E-Sports, Russ talks with Greg and Ray about how the program has grown from just a few kids playing soccer to having about 700-800 kids participating per week across the Bay Area; expanded to multiple countries such as China, Guam, the Philippines, and India; and developed into multiple programs such as E-Soccer, E-Hoops, E-Karate, and, more recently, E-Dance. This growth has gained recognition and attention from multiple organizations, including the Warriors and the Earthquakes, leading to collaborations with both. 

Episode References:

• Digital Scribbler
• E-Sports
• Jefferson Award
• E-Hoops
• University of Pacific Dental School
• University High School
• Warriors Night
• USF
• SJ Earthquakes
• “Start Your Own” E-Sports Program
• E-Sports Social Media:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Russ Ewell sits down with Greg Bodzioch and Ray Kim to discuss the background and growth of E-Sports. What began as an effort to have kids with both typical and special needs play soccer together on a small Foster City field, has now expanded nationally and internationally, and grown into multiple programs, including E-Soccer, E-Hoops, E-Karate, and more, partnering with schools like USF and St. Mary’s. Advocacy and inclusion for people with special needs is crucial, but, as USF’s slogan indicate, we can “change the world from here.”

Episode References

E-Sports

Digital Scribbler

Change The World From Here

Hello all, my name is Russ Ewell, and this is The Digital Scribbler Podcast. In this episode, I will introduce myself and provide a little background for both myself and what this podcast will cover during season one, I will also discuss reasons for doing this podcast and what I wish will come of it.

As a father of two sons with disabilities, I have both a deep and personal connection to disability advocacy. It has been vital to me not just to advocate to create a better and more inclusive world for my sons, but to do what I can to create that world myself. I have used my own specific skill set--particularly my interest in technology--to create a platform to discuss and contend with accessibility, inclusion, and assistive devices. At times I will also invite special guests to the podcast to provide a varying perspective, a conversation, or a new side to something that I don’t have personal experience with.

Read more...

Virtual Reality (VR) is a burgeoning technology space that is only limited by what we can image. With those possibility there has been an effort to use VR for good. Whether in the education arena or, simply,  even helping kids with doctor visits and receiving vaccines. 

Russ sits down with Parker and Sean to talk about VR and the possibilities of what it can do to be a tool to aid and help people. Possibly providing a safe space to face fears or prepare for medical appointments for those in the special needs community. Or in the classroom, making education a more hands on experience by taking hard to grasp concepts and placing the students in a virtual world that allows them to experience their education.  

We will check back in with Sean and Parker, plus the Digital Scribbler team, to learn more about their progress with Virtual Reality, so stay tuned.

Mentioned On The Show:

Simulation based virtual learning environment in medical genetics counseling: an example of bridging the gap between theory and practice in medical education

Improving biotech education through gamified laboratory simulations

Physical and Virtual Laboratories in Science and Engineering Education

How VR is taking the fear out of kids getting their shots

Inclusion isn't always easy. Even though it is a lifestyle we believe everyone should excel towards sometimes we feel unequipped in how to comprehensively include those with Special Needs. But inclusion isn't just a program it is a accumulation of moments that are seized. Those moments when you notice someone wants to be included or you see an opportunity to include someone. It can be as simple as treating a special needs family like a typical family, because when you include a family, you include their kid as well.

Russ, Greg and Jackson continue their discussion from Part 1 about the 5 Levels of Inclusion and how everyone, individual or family, has something to contribute to the larger whole, it is our job as "includers" to find out what that is. And that is the fun of inclusion; just as much as you or I am giving, we are getting from including those with Special Needs. Including others will change our lives equally as much as we can change theirs. On "This Is Me" our greatest hope is that everyone will find out that serving the Special Needs community can impact the world.

The 5 Levels of Inclusion is an inclusion philosophy developed by Russ Ewell years ago to help guide people on how true inclusion is a holistic approach. Russ sits down with his friend Greg Bodzioch and San Jose State University student Jackson Schaefer, who is studying Inclusive Physical Activity in Communities for his Kinesiology degree and has been a coach in the inclusive soccer program E-Soccer for the past 5 years.

Their discussion is sparked by the recent articles of Chris Kaposy and Ruth Marcus. There is a level of dehumanization of individuals with special needs that is neglected in society. This dehumanization can be solved if inclusion is embraced by each person. Often our view of those with special needs results in just sympathy but inclusion is not just the sympathy of those who have special needs but empathy matched with action, because inclusion is not just showing up or bringing a group of individuals with special needs on an outing, but engaging them on all the levels of humanity. They also touch on why Silicon Valley and the Bay Area could be a catalyst location for Comprehensive Inclusion in societies around the world.

 The 5 Levels of Inclusion:
Community – This is social inclusion which can be physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual.
Connection – This is emotional inclusion, which results in meaningful relationships between typical and special needs individuals.
Contribution – This is intellectual inclusion, where the individual with special needs develops a sense of dignity, as they use their ability to make a personal or group contribution to the community.
Contemplation – This is spiritual inclusion where the individual is able to pursue some form of meaning and purpose.
Comprehensive – Comprehensive inclusion occurs when the individual has experienced 1-4, and benefits from the latest scientific and medical research, as they grow into adulthood and an ever improving quality of life. 

David P. Traver, M.D., FAAP joins the show along with Cameron Straw, Certified Nutrition Consultant (CNC), to discuss what it takes from all of us to build the right team of support around those we love with special needs. Navigating the healthcare system can seem like a daunting task but when we remember that it's about building the relationships between those on the team we can never feel like we're trapped. Continue to look for those who are willing to go the extra mile while staying humble and hungry to always provide an answer is key to your team's success.

Digital Scribbler's podcast focuses on inclusion. Telling stories and providing tools for anyone to begin their inclusion story.

Friendship Circle – 20 Tips Planning Doctors Visit

NIH Impact Health Care Expenditures

Parents of Kids Social Contribution

Care Planning for Future Health – 10 Questions to Answer by Lucile Packard

Building A Dream Team of Support - DigitalScribbler.com