S7 E8: Preparing to Launch into the Workforce

In this episode, Gerald and Alexis discuss how young adults can make the most of their years after high school, whether in college or not, to prepare for their future in the workforce… to be ready to launch!

Life changes in so many ways once you leave what may feel like living in a bubble during childhood where there are fewer interactions and experiences outside of your community or school environment. This discussion aims to elicit insight and bring about a sense of hope as we change the expectations from failing to launch to being Prepared to Launch.

We explore experiences and challenges that come after high school; strategies to navigate the uncertainty; and insights to make meaning and gain wisdom throughout the journey. Ideas shared come from Gerald's expertise as a practicing psychologist and Alexis’ expertise as an educational therapist and executive function coach working with young adults everyday.

Summary:

Exploring Changes & Uncertainty after High School & entering the workforce

Finding Purposeful work, Preparation and Gaining Wisdom from Experiences

Navigating Uncertainty, Investigating both Values and Emotional Triggers

Executive Function & Life Skills

Utilizing Resources to Grow and Adapt

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is co-hosted by Siblings by Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

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*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

In this episode, Gerald and Alexis explore the experience of social anxiety for the second time on this podcast. In this discussion, we try to normalize social anxiety as it relates to the internal human drive for connection. We provide context and nuance as to how and when social anxiety can become triggered. Gerald describes how he addresses social anxiety for his patients in psychotherapy pulling from multiple theoretical and practical viewpoints. Sub-topics discussed in this episode include social media's impact on social anxiety, communication patterns, identity, values, intentions, and mindsets.

Summary

• Defining and understanding social anxiety
• Contexts and triggers of social anxiety
• Influences of social anxiety
• Gaining self-awareness through reflection
• Ways to feel more socially comfortable

S7 E6: Disabilities & Accessibility w/Dr. Luis Pérez and Mia Laudato

In this episode, Alexis and Gerald have an in depth discussion about the topic of disabilities and accessibility with two experts in the field of education and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - Dr. Luis Perez and Mia Laudato. We get into many topics. We start by discussing the way in which accessibility is such a prominent aspect of society already and is beneficial to those with and without disabilities. The conversation attempts to pull in listeners who may not realize that most of us in our elderly years are likely to have some kind of disability and in need of support to access aspects of society and daily living. Then, we discuss the way in which systems can be viewed as aiming to support individuals with disabilities as a way to help everyone to both contribute and also to feel a sense of belonging. Further, the difference between ‘helping’ versus ‘supporting’ by reducing barriers is discussed as a way to shift the frame around what it means to address the needs of those with disabilities. Lastly, we discuss the way in which language is used regarding disabilities, including how language is perceived, how it evolves, and how we can think more openly and reflectively about the language we use and also on the effectiveness of how we embrace inclusion.

Meet Mia Laudato, MSEd, a passionate leader in inclusive education and co-director of CITES—the Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems at CAST. With over 25 years of experience, she’s dedicated to making sure every learner—especially those with complex needs—has access to equitable, high-quality education. Mia’s expertise in assistive technology, Universal Design for Learning, and inclusive design has taken her around the world as a speaker and change-maker. As a teacher from Pre-K to college, she brings humor, heart, and a few “punny” jokes to everything she does. When she’s not transforming systems, you’ll find her kayaking, doing yoga, or laughing and sharing stories over good food with family and friends.

Dr. Luis Pérez is Senior Director of Disability and Accessibility CAST and the Principal Investigator for CITES, but the views shared on this podcast episode are all his own. He holds a doctorate in special education and a master’s degree in instructional technology from the University of South Florida. Luis was recognized with an International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Making It Happen! Award in 2020. Dr. Pérez has published three books on accessibility, mobile learning and UDL: Mobile Learning for All (Corwin Press), Dive into UDL (ISTE) and Learning on the Go (CAST Publishing). He currently serves as an AT and Workplace strand advisor for the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA).

https://luisperezonline.com

Summary

• How Accessibility affects Society
• Belonging and Contribution for All
• The Difference between Help and Supports
• Perception and Use of Language
• The Process of Integrating UDL

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by @AlexisAnnReid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by @CyberSoundRecordingStudios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid (www.Jerapy.com) @MusicJerapy.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

Be Curious. Be Open. Be Well.