Podcast

Priscilla Weigel welcomes Travis Grossman, Executive Director of Confidence Learning Center. Travis shares the many ways that Confidence Learning Center provides programing and camp experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families. 

Confidence Learning Center, also known as Camp Confidence, has been helping families experience the outdoors together since 1969. Located in Central Minnesota, Camp Confidence is a year-round outdoor education and recreation center serving people of all ages with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Through accessible outdoor activities, adaptive recreation and a welcoming environment, Camp Confidence helps individuals and families discover new possibilities, build confidence and create memories together.

Wadahadalkan wuxuu ka hadlayaa saameynta ay dhaqdhaqaaqyada ICE, cabsida, iyo hadallada xun ee Soomaalida laga sheego ku yeeshaan carruurta, qoysaska, iyo bulshada Soomaaliyeed. Marian Hassan iyo Bureeqo Dahir waxay ka wada hadleen arrimahan waxayna la wadaageen siyaabaha daryeel-bixiyeyaashu u taageeri karaan carruurta marka ay jiraan waqtiyo adag. Waxay ka hadleen muhiimadda ay leedahay in carruurta loo sameeyo jadwal joogto ah, lala hadlo oo la dhageysto, la ogaado calaamadaha walbahaarka, lana caawiyo qoysaska inay helaan taageero.

This conversation discusses the impact of ICE activities and negative messages about Somalis on children, families, and the Somali community. Marian Hassan and Bureeqo Dahir talk about these concerns and share ways caregivers can support children during difficult times while also caring for their own well-being. They discuss the importance of creating routines for children, listening to them, noticing signs of stress, and helping families find support.

Inclusion Matters welcomes back recurring guest Dr. Kris Gendreau to discuss sleep in children.  Dr. Gendreau shares from her over 30 years as a pediatrician key research and strategies that help build strong foundations of healthy sleep patterns in children.

🌟Additional Resources:
 American Academy of Pediatrics (APA):
🔗 Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?

Inclusion Matters welcomes Dr. Jenn Hall-Lande, licensed psychologist and researcher from the University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration and Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain back to the program to share updated autism prevalence numbers in Minnesota.  She helps us understand the trends in the research and gives useful insights on ways early educators can support early intervention efforts and partner with families.

🌟Additional Resources:

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
  🔗 CDC - Learn the Signs. Act Early
  🔗 Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder
  🔗 2025 Community Report on Autism
• MN Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network
  🔗 https://addm.umn.edu/
• U of M Institute on Community Integration:
  🔗 https://ici.umn.edu/
• Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain:
  🔗 https://midb.umn.edu/

Inclusion Matters welcomes our friend Marian Hassan to the podcast.  Marian was awarded the Minnesota Legacy Cultural Heritage Grant 2024 to document the oral history and lullabies of the Somali culture.  She shares how this project has grown into a book and learning tools offered through the University of Minnesota. Links and further information are included below.  

In this episode of Inclusion Matters, Priscilla Weigel records from Malaysia at the World Forum on Early Care and Education in Kuala Lumpur.  Her guest, Mary-Louise Clifford, is a Director of Early Childhood Services in Australia.  Mary Louise shares about early childhood systems in Australia, including educator training, funding, and supports for children and families. They also reflect on global challenges like the impact of COVID-19 and the importance of finding joy and connection in the work of early childhood.

📸Take a peek inside our adventure in Malaysia! 🌏 Browse photos from the trip and experience the connections, learning, and memorable moments along the way.