Podcasts

Barrier Free Futures

May 20, 2023, 28 minutes

Bob interviews Alan Holdsworth, Director of Disability Equality in Education.

Beyond Awareness: Disability Awareness That Matters

August 05, 2022, 36 minutes

Talking About Disability in Schools with Dr. Christa Bialka

In this episode, Diana Pastora Carson and Dr. Christa Bialka discuss what research tells us about how we do or do not discuss disability in our classrooms, as well as what holds teachers back from having conversations about disability in schools. She implores us to begin talking about disability because "when you don't talk about disability, you're ignoring somebody's experience, and the barriers that they might encounter." But she says that when we talk about disability, it should be in the context of how it shows up in our society. For example, we should be talking about disability history and culture, and framing disability as a social identity. 

Down to the Struts

March 30, 2021, 33 minutes

Disability-Positive Education featuring Alan Holdsworth

Continuing on the theme of disability and education, this episode features a conversation with disability civil rights activist Alan Holdsworth.

Qudsiya and Alan dive into Alan's work as Director of Disability Equality in Education, a non-profit dedicated to eradicating disability stigma in schools.

Listen to learn how and why disability should fit into the K-12 curricula, fighting disability stigma on college campuses, and the surprising number of U.S. presidents who have been disabled.

Somethin’ Needs to Be Said

August 31, 2022, 20 minutes

Disability Equality Education on Somethin' Needs to Be Said

The invited guest is Lisa Aquila, an active board member and volunteer for Disability Equality Education (DEE). DEE is a cross-disability organization led by people with disabilities who are experts in the fields of inclusive disability education and advocacy

Think Inclusive by MCIE

April 3, 2025, 41 minutes

Disability Inclusive Curriculum: Changing Mindsets in Pennsylvania Schools and Nationwide

In this enlightening episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas welcomes Lisa Aquila, a fervent advocate for disability rights and Vice Chair at Disability Equality in Education. They explore the importance of integrating disability into K-12 education, emphasizing that disability is a natural part of human diversity. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Lisa outlines her journey from home care attendant to becoming a key figure in disability advocacy.

Lisa shares her experience spearheading the disability-inclusive curriculum initiative, highlighting the success of the program piloted in Pennsylvania. The conversation delves into the social model of disability, focusing on how societal barriers can be dismantled through education. Both Lisa and Tim discuss the potential of early education in changing perceptions, advocating for resources and support systems that enable teachers to effectively incorporate disability studies into classrooms nationwide.

Your Disabled Joy

June 30, 2023, 10 minutes

Nico and Lisa: Your Disabled Joy

“Today for Your Disabled Joy I chatted with my friend Lisa, whose joy comes from helping ensure students learn about Disability history and see Disability representation in their lessons. Lisa is on the leadership team of Disability Equality Education, which pushes for Disability Inclusive Curriculum in Pennsylvania”

Videos

Cities of Inclusion Disability Summit - Using Your Voice

On October 10th, DEE attended the Cities of Inclusion Disability Summit at Lincoln Financial Field. Lisa was invited by the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University and Joe Hohenstein to participate in a panel called “Using Your Voice to Create Positive Change.” She delivered a powerful explanation of the process she went through from the idea of legislation that would bring Disability Inclusive Curriculum into more schools, all the way to the bill’s passage.

Articles

3 Ways to Create a Disability-Inclusive Curriculum - Educating All Learners - November 2023

Highlighting Disability Equality in Education - Inclusive Schools Week - November 2024

Related to Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Bill

Hohenstein Highlights Importance of the Disability Curriculum Act

March 2, 2023, 2 and a half minutes

Hohenstein: Empowering ALL Children Through Education

February 11, 2022, 1 and a half minutes