PODCAST · education
Help Teach
by Mihai Covaser
Join us in this community audio project as we explore the perspective of youths with disabilities, educators, and members of the general public on the Canadian public education system.Cover art by: Stephanie McCannTranscripts: https://helpteach.transistor.fm/
Episodes
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Episode 45 - Accessibility and Human Dignity - The UN Approach
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…
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Episode 44 - The Story We Create
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…
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Episode 43 - Tough Love
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…
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Episode 42 - Beyond the Swing (Re-Release)
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...
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Episode 41 - Excellence Through the Arts (Re-Release)
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...
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Episode 40 - Not by the Letter
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...
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Episode 39 - Addressing the Weasel in the Room
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…
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Episode 38 - Policy and Pedagogy
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...
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Episode 37 - Catching up with Payton
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...
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Episode 36 - Next Steps
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…
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Episode 35 - Bonus
Bonus content for Episode 35 with Gillian Nycum about neuropluralism in the classroom and her work, Authentic Front by Gillian Nycum (soon to be Fields of Potential).
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Episode 35 - Taking C.A.I.R. - Neuropluralism for the Classroom
In this episode, we take a new approach to the challenge of neurodiversity in the classroom and offer a simple solution for teachers to make their students feel welcome: the C.A.I.R. framework. Join Mihai and Gillian Nycum as they discuss the concept of "neuropluralism"; not just inviting...
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Episode 34 - It's Just Good Business - Part 2
In this episode, we delve into the sometimes conflicted world of entrepreneurship and accessibility, especially for those living with a visual impairment. Join Mihai and Aidan Gibbons as they explore the challenge of finding the right balance between being an advocate and "fitting in" in the…
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Episode 33 - It's Just Good Business - Part 1
In this episode, we delve into the sometimes conflicted world of entrepreneurship and accessibility with Help Teach's second visually impaired guest. Join Mihai and Aidan Gibbons as they explore the challenge of finding the right balance between being an advocate and "fitting in" in the world of...
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Episode 32 - Season 3 Recap
Join Mihai Covaser as he recaps and summarizes the most important lessons from Season 3 of Help Teach, with a focus on the vital importance of attitudes and mentality. Thank you for another amazing year of engagement, from all around the world! We can't wait to bring you more inspiring stories…
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Episode 31 - The Sixth Sense
In this episode, we explain the "accessibility Spidey-sense" that often accompanies life as a disability advocate or ally and how we can more effectively share the work of learning together in the classroom. Join Mihai and Talina Papazian as they discuss allyship, advocacy, and the variety of…
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Episode 30 - Our Own Worst Enemy
In this special milestone episode, Help Teach goes international as we explore the power of our own attitudes in shaping our disability experience. Join Mihai and Andrew Gadd as they discuss the foundational role of educators in shaping the personal perceptions and attitudes that young people…
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Episode 29 - Designed for Whom?
In this long-awaited return episode, we take a deep dive into user experience design, digital platforms, and accessibility in the modern age. Join Mihai and Valérie Chabot as they discuss the important role user experience design experts play in creating intuitive and accessible websites and apps...
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Episode 28 - Excellence Through the Arts
In this episode, we take a trip down memory lane to highlight the vital role that an arts-infused education can play in a young student's life. Discover how we can all foster inclusion and excellence through the arts together heart-warming episode. Happy holidays! Join Mihai and John McMahon as...
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Episode 27 - Beyond the Swing
In this episode, 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...
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Episode 26 - Dream Wings - Inspiring Confidence
In this episode, we explore a program designed to make dreams come true for young people with disabilities in Nova Scotia and talk about why new experiences are crucial for developing self-confidence in the classroom and beyond. Thank you Dimitri and Darren for your amazing work! Join Mihai and...
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Episode 25 - The International X-Factor
In this episode, we answer the question, "What lessons can Canada learn from around the world to improve its accessibility landscape?" We explore the idea that our attitudes may do more heavy lifting than we think in making our environments more accessible. Join Mihai and Maggie as they compare...
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Episode 24 - Making Time
In this episode, we respond to our previous conversation on the proper role of support staff in the school system and ask a Certified Educational Assistant (CEA) about her views and experiences. Join Mihai and Delrene Stade as they discuss the difficulties of working as a CEA/EA in various school...
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Episode 23 - CP from Sea to Sea
In this episode, we trace the multi-faceted experience of life with cerebral palsy through the stages of education and into the professional world and workforce. Join Mihai, Marco Pasqua, Payton Given, and Lucy Diaz as they discuss the experience of life with cerebral palsy (CP) in Canada as it...
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Episode 22 - Short on Time
In this episode, we discuss the role of Educational Assistants and the value of accounting for some extra time in the classroom to support a variety of students and their needs. Join Mihai and Jordan Lowe as they discuss the formative role of Educational Assistants (EAs) in the Canadian public...
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Episode 21 - Holiday Special: 2023 Recap
Join Mihai Covaser on a trip back through 2023 to learn a bit more about the "why?" behind the show and reflect on the past, present, and future of Help Teach. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Episode 20 - Hand in Hand
In this episode, we discuss the concept of collaborative inclusion and how the classroom benefits from open doors to conversation between students, teachers, and parents. Join Mihai and Kyla Bresch as they discuss the concept of collaborative inclusion, drawing on personal stories of well-adapted...
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Episode 19 - Best of Both Worlds
In this episode, we discuss the intersection of public and alternative forms of education and lessons that teachers can learn to supplement their accessibility plan in the classroom. Join Mihai and Aaron Wang as they discuss alternative forms of education, such as online and private schooling…
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Episode 18 - Music to My Ears
In this episode, we discuss the value of musical education in practicing self-expression and how social justice, music, and education can all intersect in the lives of young learners. Join Mihai and renowned concert violinist and accessibility advocate Adrian Anantawan as they discuss the…
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Episode 17 - One-Year Recap
In this episode, we celebrate one year of Help Teach! Enjoy this long-form recap and universal takeaway from all of our co-leads. Thank you all for your incredible support so far! Join Mihai, Maggie, Élise, and Payton as they summarize the progression of Help Teach over the past year. They…
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Episode 16 - Things Gone Right
In this episode, we showcase a new inclusive initiative for school-age children in the Okanagan Valley and discuss some of the elements that make advocacy successful. Join Mihai and Melissa Grassmick as they discuss Julia's Junction, a new accessible playground initiative for the city of West...
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Episode 15 - Outdoors In Reach
In this episode, we discuss the intersection between disability advocacy and environmental activism and how students can be better supported as they seek to participate in their areas of passion. Join Mihai, Isabel Huang, and Élise Doucet as they discuss their journies in disability advocacy and...
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Episode 14 - Communication Crash Course
In this episode, we discuss the academic concerns surrounding non-verbal students, advocacy on behalf of someone else, and a specific challenge in the built environment: washrooms. Join Mihai and Lucy Diaz as they explain the physical and academic challenges that come with navigating the school...
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Episode 13 - Para-Parenting Pt. 2
In this episode, we discuss para-sport, the Paralympics, and how young athletes can participate in sports in their communities regardless of their disabilities. Join Mihai and Dr. Jaimie Borisoff as they continue their chat by answering a fan question about para-sport and the Paralympics. They...
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Episode 13 - Para-Parenting Pt. 1
In this episode, we discuss the challenges unique to parenting with a disability and how schools can be more welcoming not only to their students but to the parents of those students, as well. Join Mihai and Dr. Jaimie Borisoff as they chat about what it's like to be a parent and a wheelchair…
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Episode 12 - Late to the Party
Join Mihai Covaser and James Kwinecki as they discuss blindness and vision impairment and the various challenges that these pose, historically and in the modern day. They explain technology for blindness, its progress over time, and how it can be implemented in the classroom, as well as the pros...
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Episode 11 - Outside Looking In
Join Mihai Covaser and Maggie Manning as they give their perspectives on the importance of exposure to different forms of disability advocacy for those looking to become allies to the cause of accessibility and inclusion. They share some personal stories, dig into the frustration that people…
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Episode 10 - Students of Life
Join Mihai Covaser and Amarinder Mehta as they discuss what it means to be at once an educator, a parent, and a person with disabilities and how those varied experiences translate into the classroom setting. They break apart the role of the teacher into three key components - the teacher as an...
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Episode 9 - Maximizing Potential: More Than Words
Join Mihai Covaser and Tybie Elenko as they discuss the obstacles faced by students with challenges that extend beyond the mobile, visual, and auditory. They illuminate the often misunderstood case of the gifted learner, describe their experiences with forced conformity, and provide a key…
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Episode 8 - It's Your Right
Join Mihai Covaser and Élise Doucet as they discuss the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and its implications for disabled youths in the classroom. They discuss articles pertaining to discrimination, disability rights, and education to encourage students to advocate for…
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Episode 7 - Things Better Left Said
Join Mihai Covaser and Alexis Holmgren as they discuss the benefits of invitations to communicate in the classroom. They discuss the experience of missing opportunities for learning and travel due to discrimination against their disabilities and how teachers and students can encourage an...
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Episode 6 - Missing Out and Coming Up
Join Mihai Covaser, Maggie Manning, Élise Doucet, Payton Given, and Alexis Holmgren as they tie off the opening of this community audio project with a collaborative episode. They discuss the experience of being forced to miss school due to a lack of accommodations, cover how the media tends to...
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Episode 5 - An Inside Scoop
Join Mihai Covaser and Stephanie Spies as they discuss teaching in high-needs environments, collaboration in the classroom, and the pressure under which educators are placed to provide for all of their students. Mihai and Stephanie cover human and material resources, teamwork, and communication…
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Episode 4 - Rare, Unseen and Misunderstood
Join Mihai Covaser and Alexis Holmgren as they discuss what it's like to live with rare diseases and disabilities, the enforcement of accommodations in education (or the lack thereof), and attitudinal barriers in place for youths with disabilities in education. Mihai and Alexis explain how public...
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Episode 3 - Being Heard
Join Mihai Covaser and Élise Doucet as they discuss Deaf culture, service dogs (did you know that not only those who are blind use them?), and the history of D/deaf education in North America. Mihai and Élise give the Reader's Digest synopsis of how D/deaf individuals and those who are hard of...
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Episode 2 - To PE or Not to PE
Join Mihai Covaser and Maggie Manning as they discuss disability as a life journey, building community, and physical education for youths with physical or mobility-related impairments. Mihai and Maggie have a laugh over their experiences with the monstrous gym class bench, talk about how advocacy...
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Episode 1 (Pilot) - Talk the Walk
Join Mihai Covaser and Payton Given as they discuss navigating the Canadian public education system with a physical disability, the value of disability education in the classroom, and the use of proper language and etiquette in approaching those with disabilities. Mihai and Payton share lived...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join us in this community audio project as we explore the perspective of youths with disabilities, educators, and members of the general public on the Canadian public education system.Cover art by: Stephanie McCannTranscripts: https://helpteach.transistor.fm/
HOSTED BY
Mihai Covaser
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