Help Teach

In this episode, we take a look at accessibility on the international stage and how the United Nations talks about disability inclusion today.Join Mihai and Ainsley Wood as they discuss the disabled identity and the international disability movement. They explain the human rights/dignity framework that guides the United Nations in its accessibility recommendations today, and encourage teachers to consider presenting their students with rights-language resources on the ongoing quest for more accessible classrooms.Making the case for access, at home and worldwide - UBC Okanagan NewsRepresenting Canada: Ainsley Wood travelled to the United Nations to provide a youth perspective - RHF BlogsUN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)Rick Hansen Foundation Youth Leadership Committee (now chaired by Ainsley Wood)

In this episode, we look at allyship and innovation in the accessibility space in a different, perhaps even slightly contradictory, way. Join Mihai and returning guest Talina Papazian as they discuss Talina's new projects that explore the story we, as advocates and allies, tell about accessibility. Together, they formulate a response to the individual/particular model of advocacy, which suggests that there is value in finding a "common thread" in the story we tell about disability in society. By following this thread, we can leverage collaboration to its fullest, help each other play to our strengths, and find inspiration in the contributions of others. BizKids For Change @ You Taught Me YouTubeYou Taught Me websiteYou Taught Me InstagramYou Taught Me on AmazonEpisode 35 - Taking C.A.I.R. - Neuropluralism for the Classroom with Gillian Nycum

In this episode, we broach the subject of self-image in a different light and talk about where would-be advocates and their role models might be holding themselves back.Join Mihai and Lindsey Mazza as they discuss the hard road to becoming one's own advocate in the face of a lifetime of adversity. They talk about the enabling role of allies and impart three key lessons for actors in education: the value of problem-solving and a strong self-image for students, the teacher's power to instill confidence or destroy it, and the parents' role in modelling self-advocacy, most importantly by supporting their children in taking up their own battles.Lindsey's website - Mentorship, speaking, and partnerships

Tune in to this re-release of a hidden gem that opened Season 3 of Help Teach, where 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 advocate for, fund, and construct these structures so that as many students as possible can experience free play, regardless of their abilities. Please visit the links below for more information on accessible play and the Rick Hansen Foundation's Accessibility Certification program:Playworld: Commercial Playground Equipment ManufacturerRick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) programRHFAC Professional TrainingBC Government Capital ProgramsBC Playground Grant Listings by Habitat SystemsPlayground Grants and Funding in Canada

Enjoy this re-release of one of most popular episodes from the Help Teach vault. In December, 2024, Mihai reconnected with his elementary school principal John McMahon to discuss how teachers can help their students of all abilities discover their potential through an arts-infused education.Join Mihai and John McMahon as they reminisce on old times and tell inspiring stories of students whose lives were forever changed after being empowered 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 another is sure to leave you gladdened, at the least, and hopefully even inspired to act. Enjoy this longer, uncut episode and have a great summer!ArtStarts ProgramBrent Kobayashi | Meowza GamesMikayla SagerExcellence Through the ArtsGeorge Pringle Elementary arts video compilation

In this episode, we discuss recovery after Post Concussion Syndrome and the importance of access to the classroom, even when it seems impossible.Join Mihai and debut author Paulina Turczynska as they discuss the long and little-known road to recovery faced by those suffering from Post Concussion Syndrome. They share stories about making one's own adventures while stuck in bed, talk about pursuing ambitions despite life being put on pause, and remind teachers that the best solutions to unusual problems are often found when you choose not to go by the letter. Letters from a Concussed Girl - Paulina Turczynska Toronto District School Board Concussion Procedure PR712BC Guidelines Appendix B: Return to School ProtocolHelp Teach Discord

In this episode, we discuss ADHD in the modern day, in adulthood and, most importantly, in the classroom. Join Mihai and young entrepreneur Ammaar Khan as they explore the most recent developments in understanding ADHD, especially among adults and women of all ages. Together, they tackle persistent misconceptions about the condition, highlight the vital importance of diagnosis and access to information for better health outcomes, and leave teachers with some questions to encourage self-reflection and help build community in the classroom. The ADHD WeaselCentre for ADHD Awareness, CanadaHelp Teach Discord

In this episode, we discuss disability in post-secondary and professional education, the impact of policy on access and the power of professors to make a difference in their students' lives.Join Mihai and his new colleague, Toufic Chehab, as they break down the impact of provincial and federal policy on accessibility in Canadian post-secondary institutions. They share stories of their experiences across different provinces, highlighting the crucial privilege of a second chance and how professors can use their power, coupled with strong awareness, to help their students succeed.Accessible Canada Act, (S.C. 2019, c. 10)Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)Help Teach Discord

In this episode, we discuss transitioning from high school to post-secondary studies as a disabled student and three tips for making the most of the experience.Join Mihai and Help Teach's first-ever guest, Payton Given, as they catch up on life and discuss transitioning from high school to post-secondary as a disabled student. They celebrate Payton's budding para-athletics career, connect over the impact of their role models on their lives and share some advice for teachers to help their students with disabilities aim high in academia.Athletics Nova Scotia Awards - Athletics East Track and Field ClubMore about PaytonAccessibility at Post-Secondary blog series by the RHF YLCCasey Perrin MSVU Valedictorian Speech 2019Rick Hansen MSVU Convocation Speech 2019Interabled by Hannah and Shane Burcaw (Squirmy and Grubs on YouTube)Help Teach Discord

Join me as I offer some life updates on where I've been and where I'm headed in 2025. In this episode, I lay out some plans for the future of Help Teach, chat about my experience so far in law school, and share my Top 5 favourite moments of 2025.Toronto Pearson International Airport earns RHF Gold CertificationMore about RHFAC GoldAbout Master Smith, Difference MakerHelp Teach Episode 30