Practical Access Podcast

S10 E7: Embracing Accessibility ft. Luis Perez

Summary: In this engaging episode of "Practical Access," hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines invite Luis Perez, the Disability and Digital Inclusion Lead at CAST, to discuss the vital topic of accessibility and universal design for learning (UDL). Perez shares his personal journey, having been diagnosed with a visual impairment as an adult, and how it fuels his passion for making digital spaces more inclusive. Resources: 1.  Highlights: - Personal Experience with Disability: Luis Perez ope...

S10 E6: Inclusive Education for Diverse Needs ft. Dr. Avien Henry

This episode of Practical Access features Avien Henry, the Principal of the Children's Learning Center at Helen Keller Services. During this episode, she, along with Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines provide valuable insights into early childhood education for children with special needs. Dr. Henry's experience and strategies offer practical advice for educators and parents seeking to create supportive, inclusive, and effective learning environments for young learners with diverse needs. Al...

S10 E5: Using Technology Based-Solutions for Professional Development

This episode of Practical Access discusses Drs. Lisa Dieker & Rebecca Hines' Federal Grant project called FLIGHT STEM Coaching,  which focuses on assisting math and science coaches in supporting special education teachers. The project utilizes a tool called Debriefscape, offering a comprehensive coaching and professional development approach. FLIGHT STEM Coaching with Debriefscape represents an innovative approach to professional development and coaching in special education. By combining v...

S10 E4: Enhancing Social Skills and Learning through AI and Robotics

In this episode of Practical Access, Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines discuss Project RAISE (Robots and Artificial Intelligence to Improve Social Skills for Elementary Students), a federally funded initiative aimed at integrating AI and robotics in educational settings. The project is a collaboration with UCP of Central Florida and led by computer science expert Charlie Hughes, among others. Link to website:  https://www.ucf.edu/research/research-project/raise-robots-and-artificial-intelligen...

S10 E3: A.I. in Education: Opportunities and Challenges

In this follow-up episode on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines explore its multifaceted role. The discussion is framed around a book by Reid Hoffman, written in collaboration with ChatGPT, focusing on the impact and potential of AI in enhancing human capabilities in educational settings. Link to Reid Hoffman & ChatGPT Discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myWPwwj0THE This episode highlights the need for educators and students to approach AI as a critic...

S10 E2: Harnessing A.I.

This episode of Practical Access offers a comprehensive look at how AI can be a valuable asset in education, from assisting in lesson planning to enhancing student engagement. Drs. Lisa Dieker & Rebecca Hines encourage educators to explore AI tools, considering ethical considerations and the potential for increased efficiency and customization in teaching and learning. Key Points Discussed: 1. Customization through AI: Dr. Hines highlights the potential of AI, like ChatGPT, in assisting te...

S10 E1: Embracing Change & Advancing Education through Technology

In this insightful episode of Practical Access, hosts Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines discuss the evolving landscape of education, particularly focusing on technology's role in shaping flexible learning methods. The episode opens with Dr. Dieker sharing her recent move to the University of Kansas, where she highlights her involvement in the School of Education and Human Sciences and her role in the Department of Special Education. This episode of Practical Access provides a thought-provo...

S9 E11: Teacher Preparation with Dr. Mary Little

Today we interview Dr. Mary Little, a Professor of Exceptional Student Education at the University of Central Florida and in expert in partnerships. Tune in to learn about her experience and her goal to improve K-12 student learning, especially within diverse, urban schools. Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (...

Season 9 Bonus: Call Me MISTER

Less than 2 percent of public school teachers in the United States are African American men. Call Me MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) was established to help increase the number of African American males in the classroom. Call Me MISTER is an innovative and effective leadership development program for African American males to prepare and place them as teachers and role models in elementary schools. The program aims to address the most pressing educational c...

S9 E9: Reinvigorating Teacher Prep Programs with Dr. Eileen Glavey

S9 E8: Inspire of Central Florida

In today’s episode, we have two special guests from Inspire of Central Florida, Nashalie Soto and Liliana Continanzi. Tune in to learn more about Inspire of Central Florida and how they provide educational, vocational, residential, and transportation services to adults with special needs in Central Florida. Their various Special Needs Adults Day Programs provide a safe environment for adults of differing abilities as they pursue independence and success in their lives and careers.   Don't f...

S9 E8: Inspire of Central Florida

In today’s episode, we have two special guests from Inspire of Central Florida, Nashalie Soto and Liliana Continanzi. Tune in to learn more about Inspire of Central Florida and how they provide educational, vocational, residential, and transportation services to adults with special needs in Central Florida. Their various Special Needs Adults Day Programs provide a safe environment for adults of differing abilities as they pursue independence and success in their lives and careers.   Don't f...

S9 E7: Supporting Doctoral Students

What does obtaining a Doctoral of Philosophy (Ph. D) mean? How can we support more individuals to get a terminal degree in Special Education? Why is research so important in special education? Tune in to today's episode to hear how Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines tackle these questions and more!  Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Pra...

S9 E7: Supporting Doctoral Students

What does obtaining a Doctoral of Philosophy (Ph. D) mean? How can we support more individuals to get a terminal degree in Special Education? Why is research so important in special education? Tune in to today's episode to hear how Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines tackle these questions and more!  Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Pra...

S9 E6: Supporting Students with Emotional Behavioral Disorder (EBD)

In today’s episode, we talk about how to support students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD). Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

S9 E6: Supporting Students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD)

In today’s episode, we talk about how to support students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD). Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

S9 E5: Let's talk about Nonverbal Communication

In today’s episode, we talk about all Nonverbal Communication!  Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

S9 E4: Post Pandemic Concerns

 Studies have shown the cumulative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the educational setting. This impact includes learning loss but also how we interact with one another. In today's episode, Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines talk about post-pandemic learning concerns. Please tune in to hear some of their tips on increasing students' executive function skills and the importance of including more movement in the classroom.  Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any q...

S9 E3: Co-Teaching Part 2: How to Make it Work

Co-taught inclusion classes can look wildly different depending on how the model is implemented, and there's no silver bullet on how it's done. In today's episode, Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker continue their conversation on co-teaching and share some tips on how they've collaborated successfully to help build an effective teaching partnership.   Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questio...

S9 E2: Co-Teaching Part 1

In today’s episode, Dr. Rebecca Hines interviews Dr. Lisa Dieker about Co-Teaching.  Co-teaching is a collaborative approach to instruction in which two teachers, typically a general education teacher and a special education teacher, work together to plan and implement instruction for a class that includes students with disabilities. Tune in to this episode to hear their tips on co-teaching for teachers, and administrators, and how to get buy-in from all stakeholders.    Don't forget we lov...

S9 E1: Our Favorite Things

Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker are back for season nine! This season we are talking all about "their favorite things." This includes topics such as co-teaching, technology, and a few special guests! Please tune in today as they kick off the first episode of the season and focus on technology.  Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Pract...

S3 E11: Season Wrap Up

Today we wrap up Season 11 with Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines. Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

S8 E9: Knoebels Amusement Park with Stacy Yutko

Today we have a special guest for you! We have Stacy Yutko from Knoebels Amusement Park. Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

S8 E8: Chance 2 Dance with Nicole Warren

Today we have a special guest for you! We have Nicole Warren from Chance 2 Dance  (C2D). In 2018, Nicole Warren designed the blueprints for a new dance studio vision; C2D built out the state of Florida's First sensory-friendly dance studio and black box theater to provide a safe, inclusive, and accommodating atmosphere for all individuals to receive specialized dance classes.  Chance 2 Dance is Central Florida's only inclusive and accommodating dance organization that provides complete progr...

S8 E7: Arts for Autism with Audrey Amadeo

In today's episode, Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines sit down with the owner of Arts for Autism, Audrey Amadeo. Audrey was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and has always been passionate about giving back to her community by teaching and working with individuals with Autism. Audrey earned a Master’s degree in Developmental Disabilities with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Nova Southeastern University. She is now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She paired that with ...

S8 E6: Orlando Ballet with Catherine Linder

In today's episode, Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines converse with Catherine Linder from the Orlando Ballet. Catherine uses her passion for dance to advocate for the inclusion of arts in education to enable children and students to become more conscious, creative, and innovative. Tune in to learn about Orlando Ballet's commitment to expanding opportunities to allow children with varying abilities to express themselves through the art of dance.   Don't forget we love to hear from our liste...

S8 E6: Orlando Ballet with Catherine Linder

In today's episode, Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines converse with Catherine Linder from the Orlando Ballet. Catherine uses her passion for dance to advocate for the inclusion of arts in education to enable children and students to become more conscious, creative, and innovative. Tune in to learn about Orlando Ballet's commitment to expanding opportunities to allow children with varying abilities to express themselves through the art of dance.   Don't forget we love to hear from our liste...

S8 E5: Autism on the Seas with Dr. Janet Bertoni

Today we have a special treat for you! Our hosts Drs. Dieker and Hines get to sit down with Dr. Janet Bertoni, a part of Autism on the Seas. Autism on the Seas is an international organization that develops cruise vacation services to accommodate adults and families living with children with Special Needs. This includes but is not limited to, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and all Cognitive, Intellectual, and Developmental Disabilities. Tune in a...

S8 E4: A Mom's Story with Kathleen Williams

Today we have a special treat for you! Our hosts, Drs. Dieker and Hines get to sit down with a friend of the show and mom, Kathleen Williams. Kathleen is not only a part of the UCF Exceptional Education family but also a mother to a son with special needs. In this episode, she shares her experiences as a mother to a social and lovable son with Autism and ADHD. She shares his journey from growing up and supporting him through therapy, his unique experiences, to being able to move out on his o...

S8 E3: Inclusive Impact with Andrea Piazza

In today’s episode, Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines have a conversation with Andrea Piazza. Andrea Piazza graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is passionate about working with underserved communities such as individuals with special needs, eating disorders, complex trauma, and members of the LBGTQIA+ community. Andrea has served as a substance use counselor and therapeutic movement practitioner for individuals wi...

S8 E2: Horse Therapy

S8 E2: Equestrian Horse Therapy

Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker are starting Season 8 with their first guest, Jeannie to talk about Equestrian Horseback Riding. Please don't forget to tune in!  Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Accesss).

S8 E2: Equestrian Horse Therapy for Therapy

Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker are starting Season 8 with their first guest, Jeannie to talk about Equestrian Horseback Riding. Please don't forget to tune in!  Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Accesss).

S8 E1: Summer of Fun

 Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker are starting Season 8 with ideas and suggestions for a fun summer. Please tune in today as our first episode as we kick off with our first episode of the summer as we explore fun options and practical tips to enjoy the summer!  Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPract...

S7 E16: Wrapping up the Season

S7 E15: CEC Book Share & More with Dr. Tara Courchaine

In today's episode, recorded live at the CEC 100th Anniversary, we were able to sit down with Dr. Tara Courchaine. She is the Chief Research & Development Officer. Tara comes from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. In that role, she helped to support the work in two divisions: Research-to-Practice and the Monitoring and State Improvement Program. She also brings experience as a classroom teacher in both K-12 and postsecondary settings. Tune in as Drs. Re...

S7 E14: CEC Back to Basics with Dr. Mary Ruth Coleman

In today's episode, recorded live at the CEC 100th Anniversary, we were able to sit down with Dr. Mary Ruth Coleman. Dr. Coleman is a Senior Scientist, Emeritus, at the FPG Child Development Institute, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  She directs many projects and has numerous publications including the 14th Edition of the seminal textbook, “Educating Exceptional Children.” She has served many terms on various councils and organizations and is truly a pillar in our field....

S7 E13: CEC Incorporating Tech with Dr. Tara Kaczorowski

Today, we have Dr. Tara Kaczorowski join us in an episode of Practical Access, which was recorded live at the 100th CEC Conference. Dr. Kaczorowski's primary research areas are in teacher/faculty preparation, instructional technology, video-enhanced reflection, and math/STEM instruction for students with high-incidence disabilities. Currently, she also serves as the President of the Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET) division of the Council for Exceptional Children. Tune in ...

S7 E12: CEC Teaching All Kids with Marcee Wilburn and Jolly Piersall

You are in for a treat! For the first time ever, Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker interview have two guests for one episode! In today's episode, Marcee Wilbrun and Jolly Piersall are the Director and Project Coordinator at the Indiana IEP Resource Center. Tune in as Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker honor, celebrate, and reflect on their careers, and the Council of Exceptional Education (CEC) 's past 100 years while also thinking ahead to the future. Don't forget we love to hear from our...

S7 E11: CEC Developing Culturally Responsive Educators with Dr. Cathy Kea

Dr. Cathy Kea is a Professor of Special Education at North Carolina A&T State University. Dr. Kea’s research interest and engagement focus on the intersection between general education, special education, and multicultural education- a trilogy to be transformed. Her current research focuses on preparing teachers to design and deliver culturally responsive instruction in urban classrooms and ways to infuse diversity throughout course syllabi and teacher preparation programs. Tune in as Drs. ...

S7 E11: CEC Developing Culturally Responsive Educators with Dr. Cathy Kea

Dr. Cathy Kea is a Professor of Special Education at North Carolina A&T State University. Dr. Kea’s research interest and engagement focus on the intersection between general education, special education, and multicultural education- a trilogy to be transformed. Her current research focuses on preparing teachers to design and deliver culturally responsive instruction in urban classrooms and ways to infuse diversity throughout course syllabi and teacher preparation programs. Tune in as Drs. ...

S7 E10: CEC Inclusive Education with Dr. Peggy Schaefer-Whitby

In today's episode, recorded live at the CEC 100th Anniversary, we sit down with Peggy Schaefer Whitby, Ph.D., BCBA-D. She is an associate professor at the University of Arkansas and the program coordinator for Inclusive Education and Clinical Programs. Dr. Whitby has worked in the area of special education and applied behavior analysis for more than 20 years. She specializes in autism spectrum disorders. Tune in as Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker honor, celebrate, and reflect on Dr. Sch...

S7 E9: CEC CoTeaching & Inclusion with Dr. Wendy Murawski

In today's episode, recorded live at the CEC 100th Anniversary, we sit down with Dr. Wendy Murawski. She is one of the nation’s top experts in co-teaching. Her research, publications, and presentations have been used nationally and internationally to help schools become more inclusive through the use of collaborative teaching. Dr. Murawski is also a former general education high school German teacher, as well as a former special education teacher with credentials in Learning Disabilities and...

S7 E8: CEC Leadership with Dr. Luann Purcell

In today's episode, recorded live at the CEC 100th Anniversary, we sit down with Dr. Luann Purcell. In the past 48 years, she has dedicated her life to learning, leading, and progressing in education. She is currently the president of Luann Purcell, LLC, where she consults and is a strategic analyst for educational and associational organizations. Her tag sums up her current professional philosophy: Learning, Leading and Progressing. In her position, she is currently consulting and advising...

S7 E7: CEC Reflections on Disability with Joan McDonald

Tune in as Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker honor, celebrate, and reflect on Joan McDonald's career, the Council of Exceptional Education (CEC) 's past 100 years while also thinking ahead to the future. Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

S7 E6: CEC ELA with Dr. Claudia Rinaldi

In today's episode, recorded live at the CEC 100th Anniversary, we were able to sit down with Dr. Claudia Rinaldi. She focuses her work and research on implementing comprehensive school reform efforts using evidence-based models, including Response to Intervention, Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports, and Multi-Tier System of Support. Her experience engages educators in improving systems and instructional practices for students with reading difficulties who may be at-risk for failu...

S7 E5: CEC Reading with Dr. Holly Lane

In today's episode, recorded live at the CEC 100th Anniversary, sit down with Dr. Holly Lane. Dr. Lane is an Associate Professor of Special Education at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on literacy intervention and prevention of reading difficulties through effective early literacy instruction and teacher education. She has conducted studies of tutoring interventions, increasing access to books in children's homes from low-income families, and teacher knowledge of literacy. If...

S7 E5: CEC with Dr. Holly Lane

In today's episode, recorded live at the CEC 100th Anniversary, sit down with Dr. Holly Lane. Dr. Lane is an Associate Professor of Special Education at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on literacy intervention and prevention of reading difficulties through effective early literacy instruction and teacher education. She has conducted studies of tutoring interventions, increasing access to books in children's homes from low-income families, and teacher knowledge of literacy. If...

S7 E4: CEC with Dr. Marilyn Friend

Today's episode was recorded live at the CEC 100th Anniversary with Dr. Marilyn Friend. Dr. Marilyn Friend is one of the foremost experts on co-teaching. Since the 1990s, she has written extensively about co-teaching, which she suggests can be a highly effective way of providing students with special needs access to the general curriculum in the least restrictive environment. With her extensive personal experience and research demonstrating the power of co-teaching, Dr. Friend is a strong pr...

S7 E4: CEC with Co-Teaching Dr. Marilyn Friend

Today's episode was recorded live at the CEC 100th Anniversary with Dr. Marilyn Friend. Dr. Marilyn Friend is one of the foremost experts on co-teaching. Since the 1990s, she has written extensively about co-teaching, which she suggests can be a highly effective way of providing students with special needs access to the general curriculum in the least restrictive environment. With her extensive personal experience and research demonstrating the power of co-teaching, Dr. Friend is a strong pr...