Shows
Help TeachEpisode 29 - Designed for Whom?In this long-awaited return episode, we take a deep dive into user experience design, digital platforms, and accessibility in the modern age.Join Mihai and Valérie Chabot as they discuss the important role user experience design experts play in creating intuitive and accessible websites and apps for everyone to enjoy. Together, they bridge the gap between the digital world and the classroom to highlight the impact that "agility" can have on educators looking for the best ways to accommodate their students with diverse needs. Thank you for your patience and continued support of Help Teach!2025-05-0232 minHelp TeachEpisode 28 - Excellence Through the ArtsIn this episode, we take a trip down memory lane to highlight the vital role that an arts-infused education can play in a young student's life. Discover how we can all foster inclusion and excellence through the arts together heart-warming episode. Happy holidays! Join Mihai and John McMahon as they reminisce on old times and tell inspiring stories of students whose lives were forever changed after being enabled to take an active role in their early education through the arts. This discussion on creative and critical thinking, building relationships, and striving to see the best in one...2024-12-1337 minHelp TeachEpisode 27 - Beyond the SwingIn this episode, we dissect the nuts and bolts of inclusive playgrounds, from funding to construction, and discuss the importance of both free play and universal design for young people of all abilities.Join Mihai and Melissa as they explain how crucial inclusive (not "accessible"!) playground equipment can be for young learners. They offer recommendations for teachers on how to help advocate for, fund, and construct these structures so that as many students as possible can have the experience of free play, irrespective of their abilities. Please visit the links below for more information on accessible play...2024-11-1528 minHelp TeachEpisode 26 - Dream Wings - Inspiring ConfidenceIn this episode, we explore a program designed to make dreams come true for young people with disabilities in Nova Scotia and talk about why new experiences are crucial for developing self-confidence in the classroom and beyond. Thank you Dimitri and Darren for your amazing work! Join Mihai and Payton as they bring you the story of Payton's experience with Dream Wings, a program that gives Nova Scotian youths with disabilities the gift of flight. They dive into how life-changing it can be to have access to exciting (and sometimes challenging) new opportunities as a disabled youth...2024-08-2325 minHelp TeachEpisode 25 - The International X-FactorIn this episode, we answer the question, "What lessons can Canada learn from around the world to improve its accessibility landscape?" We explore the idea that our attitudes may do more heavy lifting than we think in making our environments more accessible.Join Mihai and Maggie as they compare notes about their experiences with accessibility abroad. On their conversational voyage, they pass by mobile, visual, and auditory obstacles typically found in countries older than Canada as well as the benefit of space before arriving at the topic of the international X-factor: attitudes. While Canada may be a...2024-07-2628 minHelp TeachEpisode 24 - Making TimeIn this episode, we respond to our previous conversation on the proper role of support staff in the school system and ask a Certified Educational Assistant (CEA) about her views and experiences.Join Mihai and Delrene Stade as they discuss the difficulties of working as a CEA/EA in various school districts, including a lack of administrative engagement and proper training for new support staff. They then turn the conversation to how the school system and training regime might be improved, to the benefit of staff, teachers, and (most of all) students. 2024-05-3132 minHelp TeachEpisode 23 - CP from Sea to SeaIn this episode, we trace the multi-faceted experience of life with cerebral palsy through the stages of education and into the professional world and workforce.Join Mihai, Marco Pasqua, Payton Given, and Lucy Diaz as they discuss the experience of life with cerebral palsy (CP) in Canada as it relates to education and work. They trace the outline of the life of a CP advocate through elementary school, high school, post-secondary and into the labour force, with special attention to the value of good relationships and constructive attitudes. Happy Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month!Rick Hansen...2024-03-2959 minHelp TeachEpisode 22 - Short on TimeIn this episode, we discuss the role of Educational Assistants and the value of accounting for some extra time in the classroom to support a variety of students and their needs. Join Mihai and Jordan Lowe as they discuss the formative role of Educational Assistants (EAs) in the Canadian public school system and their personal experiences with educational support. They touch on patience, compassion, collaboration, and the idea of leaving extra time in the day to ensure that students don't feel pressed or rushed in the classroom.Jordan Lowe ElevaTours Canada2024-02-2326 minHelp TeachEpisode 21 - Holiday Special: 2023 RecapJoin Mihai Covaser on a trip back through 2023 to learn a bit more about the "why?" behind the show and reflect on the past, present, and future of Help Teach.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!2023-12-2726 minHelp TeachEpisode 20 - Hand in HandIn this episode, we discuss the concept of collaborative inclusion and how the classroom benefits from open doors to conversation between students, teachers, and parents. Join Mihai and Kyla Bresch as they discuss the concept of collaborative inclusion, drawing on personal stories of well-adapted classrooms and the benefits of collaboration to achieve accessible ends. Together, they highlight the importance of building bridges and opening doors to students, parents, and other school staff members to integrate diverse viewpoints and meet students where they are in their education journey.2023-10-2028 minHelp TeachEpisode 19 - Best of Both WorldsIn this episode, we discuss the intersection of public and alternative forms of education and lessons that teachers can learn to supplement their accessibility plan in the classroom.Join Mihai and Aaron Wang as they discuss alternative forms of education, such as online and private schooling, and what public school teachers can learn from these programs to make their classrooms more accessible. They also touch on the work of psychologist Lev Vygotsky and how teachers can implement his ideas to help students that learn outside the norm to flourish.The Learning Game by Ana Lorena...2023-09-2228 minHelp TeachEpisode 18 - Music to My EarsIn this episode, we discuss the value of musical education in practicing self-expression and how social justice, music, and education can all intersect in the lives of young learners.Join Mihai and renowned concert violinist and accessibility advocate Adrian Anantawan as they discuss the benefits of musical education for students with disabilities. They describe three key components of inclusive education - space, tools, and attitudes - and share personal stories of advocacy and music in their lives. 2023-07-2129 minHelp TeachEpisode 17 - One-Year RecapIn this episode, we celebrate one year of Help Teach! Enjoy this long-form recap and universal takeaway from all of our co-leads. Thank you all for your incredible support so far!Join Mihai, Maggie, Élise, and Payton as they summarize the progression of Help Teach over the past year. They discuss what they have been up to over the past few months, where the show is heading next, and how audience members can become more involved. Finally, they give advice on how to best approach members of the disability community with your questions and offers of support. 2023-06-2345 minHelp TeachEpisode 16 - Things Gone RightIn this episode, we showcase a new inclusive initiative for school-age children in the Okanagan Valley and discuss some of the elements that make advocacy successful.Join Mihai and Melissa Grassmick as they discuss Julia's Junction, a new accessible playground initiative for the city of West Kelowna. They dive into what made this project so successful and what helped Melissa and her daughter Julia navigate elementary school so far, ensuring Julia's inclusion despite the obstacles in their path.Julia's Junction2023-05-2630 minHelp TeachEpisode 15 - Outdoors In ReachIn this episode, we discuss the intersection between disability advocacy and environmental activism and how students can be better supported as they seek to participate in their areas of passion.Join Mihai, Isabel Huang, and Élise Doucet as they discuss their journies in disability advocacy and environmental activism. They discuss what it means to support many causes at once, where barriers can arise, and how teachers can best empower students to become holistic individuals and invested community members, starting in the classroom.Participate in Isabel's anonymous surveyLearn more about the FBC Youth Program2023-03-3131 minHelp TeachEpisode 14 - Communication Crash CourseIn this episode, we discuss the academic concerns surrounding non-verbal students, advocacy on behalf of someone else, and a specific challenge in the built environment: washrooms. Join Mihai and Lucy Diaz as they explain the physical and academic challenges that come with navigating the school system as a person with severe cerebral palsy and a lack of verbal communication capacity. They elaborate on what advocacy can mean in different contexts, such as for people without lived experience, and illustrate the importance of fully accessible built environments. Difference Maker of the Year Awards by RHF2023-03-0330 minHelp TeachEpisode 13 - Para-Parenting Pt. 2In this episode, we discuss para-sport, the Paralympics, and how young athletes can participate in sports in their communities regardless of their disabilities.Join Mihai and Dr. Jaimie Borisoff as they continue their chat by answering a fan question about para-sport and the Paralympics. They explain how the Paralympics rank their athletes, how to differentiate between the Special Olympics and the Paralympics, and how an aspiring athlete might end up participating in para-sport at different levels, with or without a disability. BC Athletics - Para AthleticsParalympic Sports - Canadian Paralympic CommitteeInternational...2023-02-1022 minHelp TeachEpisode 13 - Para-Parenting Pt. 1In this episode, we discuss the challenges unique to parenting with a disability and how schools can be more welcoming not only to their students but to the parents of those students, as well.Join Mihai and Dr. Jaimie Borisoff as they chat about what it's like to be a parent and a wheelchair user in Canada, including the struggle of dealing with an inaccessible school and a reluctant school board. They touch on playgrounds, restaurants, and more as they explore the attitudes surrounding disabled parenting and what can still be done to improve the experience, especially...2023-01-3028 minHelp TeachEpisode 12 - Late to the PartyJoin Mihai Covaser and James Kwinecki as they discuss blindness and vision impairment and the various challenges that these pose, historically and in the modern day. They explain technology for blindness, its progress over time, and how it can be implemented in the classroom, as well as the pros and cons of entering the world of disability at a later age in life, rather than having a disability from birth or school age.VoiceOver by Apple2023-01-0226 minHelp TeachEpisode 11 - Outside Looking InJoin Mihai Covaser and Maggie Manning as they give their perspectives on the importance of exposure to different forms of disability advocacy for those looking to become allies to the cause of accessibility and inclusion. They share some personal stories, dig into the frustration that people often feel when faced with the seemingly insurmountable obstacles to accessibility in the world today, and tackle a divisive question: what does take to be part of the disability community?English IDPwD Webinar with ASLFrench IDPwD Webinar with ASL2022-12-0523 minHelp TeachEpisode 10 - Students of LifeJoin Mihai Covaser and Amarinder Mehta as they discuss what it means to be at once an educator, a parent, and a person with disabilities and how those varied experiences translate into the classroom setting. They break apart the role of the teacher into three key components - the teacher as an advocate/activist, the teacher as a caretaker, and the teacher as a learner - and provide resources for educators to familiarize themselves with the idea of lifelong learning. Bias Assessment ToolLearning Needs Tests:The VARK Questionnaire Arden University - What...2022-11-0725 minHelp TeachEpisode 9 - Maximizing Potential: More Than WordsJoin Mihai Covaser and Tybie Elenko as they discuss the obstacles faced by students with challenges that extend beyond the mobile, visual, and auditory. They illuminate the often misunderstood case of the gifted learner, describe their experiences with forced conformity, and provide a key takeaway so that teachers can support all students as they work together to maximize student potential. SAGE BCRick Hansen Resource LibraryRick Hansen - Create an Inclusive School YearRick Hansen Supplementary Resources2022-10-1026 minHelp TeachEpisode 8 - It's Your RightJoin Mihai Covaser and Élise Doucet as they discuss the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and its implications for disabled youths in the classroom. They discuss articles pertaining to discrimination, disability rights, and education to encourage students to advocate for quality schooling and educators to help their students do so. UNICEF Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Landing PageUNCRC Full TextUNCRC Child-Friendly TextResources and Research on the UNCRCUNESCO: What you need to know about the right to education2022-09-1228 minHelp TeachEpisode 7 - Things Better Left SaidJoin Mihai Covaser and Alexis Holmgren as they discuss the benefits of invitations to communicate in the classroom. They discuss the experience of missing opportunities for learning and travel due to discrimination against their disabilities and how teachers and students can encourage an environment of mutual growth through simple, regular check-ins in the classroom. Moodle.orgInformation on Google Classroom2022-08-1525 minHelp TeachEpisode 6 - Missing Out and Coming UpJoin Mihai Covaser, Maggie Manning, Élise Doucet, Payton Given, and Alexis Holmgren as they tie off the opening of this community audio project with a collaborative episode. They discuss the experience of being forced to miss school due to a lack of accommodations, cover how the media tends to portray living with a disability, and drive home the message that the story of each individual is unique and crucial to guiding a successful educational journey. From all of us, thank you for your support in the early stages of this initiative and, as always, we'll see you next time. 2022-07-1836 minHelp TeachEpisode 5 - An Inside ScoopJoin Mihai Covaser and Stephanie Spies as they discuss teaching in high-needs environments, collaboration in the classroom, and the pressure under which educators are placed to provide for all of their students. Mihai and Stephanie cover human and material resources, teamwork, and communication as key factors in the fight for accessible Canadian classrooms.2022-07-0428 minHelp TeachEpisode 4 - Rare, Unseen and MisunderstoodJoin Mihai Covaser and Alexis Holmgren as they discuss what it's like to live with rare diseases and disabilities, the enforcement of accommodations in education (or the lack thereof), and attitudinal barriers in place for youths with disabilities in education. Mihai and Alexis explain how public and online schooling treat disabilities differently and muddy the waters of Individual Education Plans in Canada before leaving teachers with a takeaway about helping students achieve their maximum potential.2022-06-2730 minHelp TeachEpisode 3 - Being HeardJoin Mihai Covaser and Élise Doucet as they discuss Deaf culture, service dogs (did you know that not only those who are blind use them?), and the history of D/deaf education in North America. Mihai and Élise give the Reader's Digest synopsis of how D/deaf individuals and those who are hard of hearing came to be treated the way they are in the current educational model and how Universal Design Principles can help to integrate the social model of disability more readily into society. RESOURCES:The Universal Design Principles of the National Disability Authority (Ir...2022-06-1435 minHelp TeachEpisode 2 - To PE or Not to PEJoin Mihai Covaser and Maggie Manning as they discuss disability as a life journey, building community, and physical education for youths with physical or mobility-related impairments. Mihai and Maggie have a laugh over their experiences with the monstrous gym class bench, talk about how advocacy can come out of living with particular obstacles, and share a key takeaway that PE teachers can implement in the classroom today.2022-06-1426 minHelp TeachEpisode 1 (Pilot) - Talk the WalkJoin Mihai Covaser and Payton Given as they discuss navigating the Canadian public education system with a physical disability, the value of disability education in the classroom, and the use of proper language and etiquette in approaching those with disabilities. Mihai and Payton share lived experiences to show how far a supportive classroom can go towards supporting youths and give teachers a key takeaway on these themes to implement in the classroom today. 2022-06-1431 min