Best Sue Learner Podcasts (2025)

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Emotional Based School Avoidance: How Can Schools Help Autistic Pupils? with Sue Sheppard 1:04:23

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1h ago1:04:23

1:04:23

In this week’s podcast, Dr Sue Sheppard, an educational psychologist with over 30 years of experience in autism joins Dale. In this enlightening episode, we delve into the important topic of Emotion-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and how schools can better support autistic pupils. Dr Sheppard discusses the alarming statistics surrounding school atte…

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Bea Rodriguez-Fransen: Embrace decolonial design futures thinking in education 41:00

10h ago41:00

41:00

Assistant Research Professor in Principled Innovation Dr Bea Rodriguez-Fransen works at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University (ASU), focusing on its Principled Innovation Infrastructure for Discovery and Engagement initiative. In early 2025, Bea published the book Education and decolonial futures in the Philipp…

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Supporting ND Learners in Secondary School Settings and Further Education with Susana Gonzalez 1:02:28

5d ago1:02:28

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In today’s episode, Dale is joined by Susana Gonzalez, the director and founder of ND Bright Brains, who brings over 20 years of experience in education. They discuss supporting neurodivergent learners in secondary schools and further education. Neurodivergent students often face unique challenges in environments that aren't designed to meet their …

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Cracking the Code – Early Print Concepts and Literacy Readiness with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman 55:27

12d ago55:27

55:27

The third in a four-part series on literacy success, Dr Sarah Moseley and Ginny Bootman join Dale to discuss ‘Cracking the Code – Early Print Concepts and Literacy Readiness’. This discussion focuses on looking at books, texts or symbols in print and taking meaning from them. During the podcast they discuss: The use of symbols and why you need to k…

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Marie 'Bernie' Fisher: Reflecting on portfolio practice 38:44

22d ago38:44

38:44

Marie 'Bernie' Fisher, SFHEA, AFHERDSA, BA/BSc, Grad Dipl Ed, MA, MA (Hons), is a PhD candidate at the University of New England in Australia. She's been creating portfolios and supporting students create their own for many years in and outside of academia. As a member of the ePortfolios Australia Organising Committee, she's been involved in commun…

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Where Safeguarding and SEND Meet with Sara Alston 58:41

23d ago58:41

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Neglect, abuse and exploitation are challenging subjects, however safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. When it comes to individuals with SEND, things can get complicated. From communication barriers and misunderstood behaviours to gaps in training and confidence, schools can struggle to get it right. In this episode, Dale discusses the comple…

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Autism: The Quiet Ones with Joanna Grace 1:04:42

26d ago1:04:42

1:04:42

We often think of the disruptive autistic child - the one whose behaviour draws attention and prompts others to suggest stricter discipline. This representation, sometimes referred to as the "boys' presentation of autism", overshadows the many individuals who do not visibly express their struggles. Dr Joanna Grace, sensory engagement and inclusion …

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Sue Schibeci: Portfolios in work-integrated learning experiences 28:12

1M ago28:12

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Dr Suzanne Schibeci is the Work-Integrated Learning Partner at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, supporting students, faculty, and employers with the administration and running of work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences. In this episode, Sue shares how she's using portfolios to help her students reflect on their WIL experiences that tak…

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How Learning Can Come To Life Through Horses with Fay Atkins, Suzi Barnett & students 47:23

1M ago47:23

47:23

I'm excited to share today’s podcast, which holds a special place in my heart. Back in primary school, I had the incredible opportunity to ride and learn about horses at the Fortune Centre in the New Forest, igniting a lifelong passion! Nearly 50 years ago, Fortune College was established, and since then, horses have played a vital role in teaching…

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Better Oracy Through Building Speech and Language Skills in Schools with Yin Collighan & Louise Emerson 51:47

1M ago51:47

51:47

Oracy is increasingly taking centre stage in national discussions, and in today’s episode, Dale is joined by Yin Collighan and Louise Emerson, both experienced Speech and Language Therapists. Together, they delve into the significance of oracy in schools and how enhancing speech and language skills can foster a more effective learning environment. …

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Mike Altieri: Use reflection bot Riff for deeper and more meaningful portfolio reflection 24:38

2M ago24:38

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Prof. Dr. paed. Dipl.-Math. Mike Altieri is a professor of Media Didactics in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Media, and Computer Science at Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Amberg-Weiden (OTH Amberg-Weiden) in Bavaria in Germany. He teaches in the Master's programme in Educational Technology and leads the research project Dreiklang. Proj…

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Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging with Dr Susie Nyman 1:19:06

2M ago1:19:06

1:19:06

We are delighted to welcome back Dr Susie Nyman to the SENDcast following her recent visit to Buckingham Palace! In this episode, Susie joins Dale in the studio along with some other special guests……Percy Pig and an array of puppets! In this lively discussion on ‘Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging’ (EDIB), Susie highlights that all studen…

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Parenting a Neurodivergent Child with Kate Steer 55:26

2M ago55:26

55:26

Parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys we can embark on. As a parent of a 10-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son, I’m navigating this rollercoaster and learning along the way. For neurodivergent parents, there’s often the added worry of balancing the past, present, and future. Appointments, meeting our child's needs, and…

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David Hicks: The portfolio tells the story of growth 32:43

2M ago32:43

32:43

Prof Dr David Hicks is a Professor of History and Social Science Education at Virginia Tech in the U.S.A. He's been teaching with portfolios for over 20 years supporting teacher candidates on their journey to become professionals. In this episode he talks about how he and his team integrate portfolios into a capstone course in the teacher training …

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The Role of Technology and How To Use It Effectively Within The Classroom with Stephanie Smith 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

The world outside of education is filled with technology, and if we shield children from it, we risk disadvantaging them when they transition into adulthood. It’s essential that we prepare them for the realities of the modern world. In our latest episode, Stephanie Smith, Head of School at the Cavendish School, joins Dale to explore ‘The role of te…

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Sensory Circuits and Sensory Movement Breaks with Ali Neal 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

Neurotypical pupils are usually able to meet their sensory needs during play time, however SEND pupils may face difficulties in motor or social skills. This is where sensory circuits and sensory movement breaks are often needed in the classroom. But how do you effectively incorporate them into busy school days? Ali Neal, an occupational therapist, …

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Lindsay Richardson: Portfolios in large courses with a side of AI 31:40

3M ago31:40

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Dr Lindsay Richardson is the Educational Technology Manager in the Teaching and Learning Services Department at Carleton University. She is also an Adjunct Professor and Contract Instructor in the Department of Psychology at the university. Lindsay has been using portfolios in large introductory psychology courses with 200 to 450 students. Students…

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Neurodiversity – Building Connections and Building Confidence with Marlon Huggins 50:21

3M ago50:21

50:21

Gaming often gets a bad reputation, but it offers numerous benefits, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Many neurodiverse young people spend their lives in survival mode, navigating challenging environments - not just physically, but socially. The pressure to fit in, the fear of making mistakes, and the constant effort to mask can be exhaus…

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How Can Schools Support Parents of SEN Children More Effectively with Sarah Billingham 1:08:30

3M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

SENCOs, school leaders & class teachers are currently spending large amounts of time supporting or responding to the concerns of parents of SEN children. However, much of this support is reactive and can feel like constant firefighting. A strategic approach to parental support is needed. Sarah Billingham, a specialist teacher with over 18 years of …

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Some thoughts on portfolios over the last 15 years 14:51

3M ago14:51

14:51

In this episode, Mahara project lead Kristina Hoeppner, MA, takes a brief look back at 15 years on the Mahara team at Catalyst IT. She pulls out a few instances of portfolio use. This is only a tiny selection and by no means a full representation of what is happening in the portfolio community as you can see from the many stories that we share on t…

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The Stories We Tell About Autism with Joanna Grace 1:19:19

3M ago1:19:19

1:19:19

I expect you’ve come across controversial headlines such as ‘cause for autism discovered’, which suggest that autism is a disease. You may have also heard narratives claiming that autism results from bad parenting or is merely a form of behaviour. Some of these stories have been repeated for so long that they continue to shape our understanding wit…

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Bridging the Gap with Parent Carers with Rachel Wright 52:58

3M ago52:58

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I wanted to share our latest episode featuring Rachel Wright, founder of Born at the Right Time and a parent of neurodiverse children discussing ‘Bridging the Gap with Parent Carers’. While schools, social care, and health services may believe they are partnering effectively with parents, the reality can be quite different. Rachel shares her person…

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DiKuLe: Planning and decision making guide for portfolios 28:52

4M ago28:52

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Cordula Schwiderski, MA, Hannah Brodel, MA, Martina Osterrieder, and Dr Martin Sticht work at Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg in Germany. Hannah, Martina, and Martin are members of the DiKuLe project, and Cordula works in the eFolio team, which was established through the project. DiKuLe - Digitale Kulturen der Lehre entwickeln (develop digital …

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Special Episode nasen live 2025 20:37

3M ago20:37

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nasen live 2025 preview We are delighted to welcome Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen to the SENDcast. We are excited to be exhibiting at nasen live 2025 on Friday 4th July at the VOX in Birmingham! It is nasen’s flagship conference dedicated to supporting education for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilitie…

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Digital Dilemmas with Helen Bray 1:13:59

3M ago1:13:59

1:13:59

As children spend more time engaging with screens - whether through social media, gaming, or streaming - there are growing concerns about the impact on their ability to focus, self-regulate, and form meaningful real-world connections. This is a topic that resonates with us all, especially as I prepare to navigate technology with my daughter. In tod…

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How Does Dyslexia Impact in the Classroom? with Jane Craig & Samantha Buttle 1:08:11

4M ago1:08:11

1:08:11

In our fast-paced world, it's essential to rethink how we approach learning and education. Unfortunately, many dyslexic learners are being left behind in the rush to cover extensive curriculum content. However, small adjustments in classroom practices can lead to significant improvements, enabling these students to thrive and reach their full poten…

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Christina Stollner & Romy Hösl: Portfolio support for educators and learners 30:44

4M ago30:44

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Christina Stollner, MA, and Romy Hösl, MA, work at Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Amberg-Weiden (OTH Amberg-Weiden) in Bavaria in Germany. There they are members of the 'Dreiklang' project, which aims to make it easier for lecturers and students to work with portfolios by offering a triad of support: theory, communication, and examples for the…

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Hearing the Patterns – Phonological Awareness in Literacy Development with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman 1:14:59

4M ago1:14:59

1:14:59

The second in a four-part series, Dr. Sarah Moseley and Ginny Bootman join Dale to discuss phonological awareness and its importance in literacy development. They explore how phonological awareness, detecting and manipulating sounds in spoken language, forms a foundation for reading skills. Sarah emphasises that understanding sounds is crucial for …

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Special Episode The Autism & ADHD Shows 2025 27:37

4M ago27:37

27:37

We are delighted to welcome Geoff and Nargis Soppet, Event Directors and Founders, on The SENDcast. Geoff and Nargis join Dale in the studio for this special episode to discuss their reasons for creating the event 15 years ago, the autism friendly adaptions made, and the value attendees will get from the variety of sessions available. About the Aut…

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Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Insights from Awesome Archie with Rebecca Clapcott 59:28

4M ago59:28

59:28

Last month, Archie Clapcott joined Dale in the studio to share his transition from mainstream to special education. Today, his Mum, Rebecca Clapcott, draws on her extensive experience as the founder of the Awesome Archie nonprofit to discuss how to support neurodiverse students and why schools must embrace change. Rebecca emphasises that many teach…

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Michael Sankey: The portfolio as the place of representation for emerging professionals 37:52

4M ago37:52

37:52

Professor Dr Michael Sankey from Charles Darwin University in Australia has been involved in the ePortfolio practice for more than 25 years. He started out writing HTML pages, then used various portfolio platforms throughout his university career, and transitioned to a non-institution owned site now that he is retired. In this conversation Michael …

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Why does the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle matter? with Sara Alston 1:11:26

4M ago1:11:26

1:11:26

Since the 2015 SEN Code of Practice SEN support has been based on a graduate response that includes an Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) cycle. Unfortunately, this cycle is becoming fragmented, with each component operating in isolation. Assessments are not being linked to children’s needs or plans to support them. Plans are made but not implemented …

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Informal SEND Provision in Mainstream Primary: The Positives and The Pitfalls with Kate Browning 1:00:47

5M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

In this episode of the SENDcast, Dale discusses informal SEND provision in mainstream primary schools with Kate Browning, an experienced SEND consultant. They explore the increasing demand for inclusive education amid a rise in children with complex needs and the challenges schools face in effectively supporting these students. Kate highlights what…

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Mahara 25.04 and how a feature makes it into Mahara 17:05

5M ago17:05

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In this episode, podcast host Kristina Hoeppner, MA, who is the Mahara Project Lead and Product Manager, shares how a feature makes into the application, using a couple of recent examples from Mahara 25.04 that will be released by the end of April 2025. Mahara 25.04 will have a number of great new features available that enhance portfolio practice …

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Universal Approaches to Support in Education with Clare Ward & James Galpin 1:07:52

5M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

I just finished listening to this thought-provoking podcast episode featuring Dr Jamie Galpin and Clare Ward! They join Dale to discuss ‘Universal Approaches to Support in Education’, at a time when we're seeing rising levels of emotion-based school avoidance, teachers struggling with mental health challenges or leaving the profession altogether, a…

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How Dealing with Mental Images and ‘re-wiring’ the Brain Can Create Breakthroughs for Dyslexia with Lou Barnes 51:44

5M ago51:44

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In our latest episode, we dive into the challenges faced by children struggling with reading and writing. It's crucial for us as educators to recognise the signs that indicate a child's brain may not be processing text in a way that allows for easy reading and spelling. Dale is joined in our new studio by Lou Barnes, a trainer and founder of Unlock…

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Margarete Imhof, Franziska Ohl, Sebastian Laube: Feedback as driver for learning with portfolios 42:07

5M ago42:07

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Prof Dr Margarete Imhof, Franziska Ohl, MSc, and Sebastian Laube, MSc work in the Institute for Psychology, and there specifically in the Department of Psychology in Education at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz in Germany. They are members of the feedback portfolio project, supporting lecturers and students in their department with the creatio…

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nasen awards - Clare Brun Teacher of the Year 28:00

5M ago28:00

28:00

In this final special episode of our nasen award winner series, Clare Brun shares her experiences and insights as the Teacher of the Year, highlighting her work at Holyrood Academy and the transformative impact of their enhanced learning provision. Throughout the discussion, Clare emphasises the importance of support, collaboration, and strong rela…

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Special Episode Autism Europe International Congress 2025 24:26

5M ago24:26

24:26

We are delighted to welcome the team behind Autism Congress on the SENDcast. In this special episode of the SENDcast, Dale Pickles discusses the upcoming Autism Europe International Congress 11-13th September in Dublin. The event team join Dale including Adam Harris, Peter Vermeulen and Zsuzsanna Szilvasy. They highlight that the Congress aims to c…

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Awesome Archie's Journey from Mainstream to Specialist Education with Archie Clapcott 35:14

5M ago35:14

35:14

I'm excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring our youngest guest, 16-year-old Archie Clapcott. Archie travelled to our studio to discuss his journey from mainstream education to a specialist setting. As an autistic individual with ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome, he offers a unique perspective that we can all learn from. I was really taken…

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nasen awards - Jane Fearnley & Faye Ebbs, Alternative Provision of the Year 36:39

5M ago36:39

36:39

Jane Fearnley and Faye Ebbs from the LEAF Centre, discuss their work and recent recognition as winners of the nasen Alternative Provision of the Year award. The Leaf Centre, located within Willow Tree Academy, focuses on providing therapeutic intervention support to improve student attendance, reduce exclusions, and foster early intervention, leadi…

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Relationship Dynamics with Children with PDA with Beth Elkins & Ian Thorsteinsson 1:09:55

6M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

I am delighted to share the latest episode of our podcast, where Beth Elkins and Ian Thorsteinsson from Gretton School join Dale to explore the relationship dynamics with children who have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Beth is a parent to a young man with PDA and brings a unique perspective that combines both personal and professional insigh…

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Chahira Nouira: Use a portfolio to give students space and time to reflect 33:57

6M ago33:57

33:57

Chahira Nouira, MSc, is an instructional designer at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen in Germany where she supports lecturers in their use of educational technology and how to incorporate them into their teaching and learning activities. In this episode, Chahira talks about the support that the instructional design team offers to lecturers, in pa…

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nasen awards - St Andrews International School, International Provision of the Year 33:04

6M ago33:04

33:04

In this special episode, Catherine McCluskey, Paul Schofield, and Roo Stenning from St Andrews International School in Bangkok discuss their recognition as the International Provision of the Year at the nasen Awards. They highlight the school's commitment to inclusivity, emphasising that every child's potential is valued and supported. Catherine no…

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‘Improve not Prove’: Self-Evaluation for Continuous Improvement in Inclusion 56:27

6M ago56:27

56:27

Inclusion continues to be a hot topic in education, and while schools have made tremendous strides in fostering inclusivity, several barriers remain, particularly league tables and Ofsted defining school intent. In our latest episode of the SENDcast, Dale speaks with Maria Dawes, CEO of the Schools Alliance for Excellence. Maria shares valuable ins…

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nasen awards - Alison Eason, Changemaker of the Year 35:30

6M ago35:30

35:30

Alison Eason discusses her recognition as the Changemaker of the Year at the nasen Awards for her innovative work in using technology to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She emphasises how her computing strategies help students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, and ADHD, promoting independence and reducing re…

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Why We Need More Support For Neurodivergent Teachers with Catrina Lowri 1:08:33

6M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

We typically discuss how to support neurodivergent children, but what about teachers? Today, Dale and Catrina Lowri, founder of Neuroteachers, discuss the need for increased support for neurodivergent teachers and support staff. Catrina shares her personal journey as a neurodivergent educator with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, dyslexia and ADHD.…

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Matthew E. Mueller: Create and control your own narrative with a portfolio 31:31

6M ago31:31

31:31

Matthew E. Mueller, CRC, MA, MBA, is the Director of Accessibility and Disability Services at Dominican University of California where he's also finished his MBA in December 2024. He's also one of the integrative coaches of the Student Success Center. In this episode, Matthew talks about how all of his roles at Dominican contribute to him being abl…

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nasen awards - Michelle Madziak, Teacher of the Year 25:46

6M ago25:46

25:46

In this special episode, Michelle Madziak discusses her recognition as a joint winner of the Teacher of the Year award at the nasen Awards. She emphasises her passion for empowering students and the transformative impact of her work in a special needs setting. Michelle highlights her innovative use of communication tools like tactile signing and iP…

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The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL learners with Chantal Bryan & Sarah Giles 49:49

6M ago49:49

49:49

In today’s episode, ‘The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL Learners’, Chantal Bryan and Sarah Giles from the charity Teach Us Too join Dale for an engaging discussion. The conversation centres around Chantal’s son, Jonathan, who faces significant challenges due to his complex physical disabilities. I was inspired by his incredible journey to…