Meeting People Where They Are

In this episode, Scott reflects on the unexpected connection between special education and homelessness. Drawing from his experience as an elementary special education teacher and his work alongside people experiencing homelessness, he explores shared themes of vulnerability, unmet needs, and systems that weren’t built for everyone. This isn’t a comparison — it’s a realization. One that challenges how we judge behavior, define accountability, and offer support. Episode 20 asks an important question: What if the problem isn’t the people… but the systems around them? Chapters (00:00:24) - Unhoused and Unheard Of: IEPs(00:10:50) - Language matters in special education(00:12:47) - In the Fight for Homeless People(00:15:29) - How to Adapt the Homeless to Our System(00:16:48) - Pay it Forward: Ending(00:23:49) - The homeless in the library(00:27:21) - The challenges of treating people with disabilities(00:28:27) - Paying it Forward: This Episode