From Segregation to “Work, Live, and Play in Normalized, Integrated Settings” | 45 Minutes, Episo...

What does it take to move from providing separate spaces for people with disabilities to creating opportunities for them to participate in everyday community life? In this third episode of 45 Minutes, Keith and Natalie Yelinek reflect on changes in education and community opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Madison, Wisconsin. Their story follows the efforts of parents, educators, and advocates who worked to expand access to public education and create opportunities for students to learn and work in integrated settings. We hear about the development of educational services in Madison, the influence of educator and researcher Dr. Lou Brown, and the shift toward preparing students for meaningful participation in their communities. These changes became part of Kristin Yelinek’s own story, including her graduation from high school and the beginning of her career at McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Alice Udvari-Solner and Joel Amidon provide context and reflection on the educational ideas, practices, and people that helped shape this history. 45 Minutes is a five-part Amidon Planet special series about a family’s story of advocacy, education, and the ongoing work of inclusion. Listen on the Amidon Planet podcast feed, and find supporting materials for the series at amidonplanet.com/45minutes (https://amidonplanet.com/45minutes) .