Unveiling Abilities: Rethinking IEPs and Inclusion

Leta's Tap Styles

#Theater #Non-Profit #Arts #Business #Leta and Amanda #Dance #Nonprofit #Autism #Autism Awareness #Kids With Autism

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying mathematical concepts that power modern machine learning, to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives–even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

год назад 54:07

MP3•Главная эпизода

Send us a text

This week on Leta’s Tap Styles Podcast "Friend's Friday" we welcome Leanne Pritchett. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, insights from years of professional experience, and practical tips for families navigating the complex world of special education, particularly the challenges and intricacies of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Leanne brings a wealth of knowledge to the table from her years as both a special education teacher and an advocate. We discuss the importance of personalized approaches, understanding individual needs, and the significant role parents play in advocating for their children. Tying it back to Leta’s nonprofit, we discuss how we can take the lessons learned from implementing IEPs in schools and bring it into the dance studio world, making “inclusion” more than just a word being thrown around.
Visit our website to find out more about Leanne.

55 эпизодов

Unveiling Abilities: Rethinking IEPs and Inclusion

Leta's Tap Styles

published год назад

MP3•Главная эпизода

Send us a text

55 эпизодов

#Theater #Non-Profit #Arts #Business #Leta and Amanda #Dance #Nonprofit #Autism #Autism Awareness #Kids With Autism

Все серии

1
Each Step Speaks: Communication, Autism, and the Dance of Life 1:15:15

2 дня назад1:15:15

1:15:15

Send us a text In this episode of Leta's Tap Styles podcast, Leta and Amanda host guest Mario Wissa, who shares his journey from Cairo, Egypt to the United States, his diverse professional background, and his passion for communication. The discussion delves into the challenges and nuances of communication, and how it is different for each and every individual. Mario takes some time to question Leta about her communication preferences, and discusses how little things like asking others how they communicate can help build bridges. Leta shares her creative projects, including clay artworks and the Lego polybag set she built during the interview. The episode highlights the need for understanding and adapting communication styles to support autistic individuals effectively. Connect with Mario https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-wissa-b0470628a/ https://www.instagram.com/ecu_mariowissa/ Visit our website https://www.letatapstyles.com Check out the podcast's TikTok for show clips and Leta tap dancing https://www.tiktok.com/@letatapstylespodcast Join Us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562557047377 Help Support Leta's Nonprofit Dance Studio for dancers on the Spectrum https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org…

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Beyond the Mask: Teaching Dance Authentically 49:17

5 дней назад49:17

49:17

Send us a text In this engaging conversation, Amanda and Leta discuss the intersection of autism and the dance studio. They focus on the importance of true authenticity and the detrimental effects of masking. They explore the challenges faced by autistic dancers in traditional dance environments, the role of teachers in fostering inclusivity, modeling true authenticity to their students, and the impact of generational trauma on perceptions of both physical and “hidden” limitations. (Such as physical disabilities, dyslexia, autism, and other disabilities.) Leta and Amanda emphasize the need for supportive spaces where everyone – dance teachers and dance students - can be their authentic self freely without the pressure to conform to societal expectations. They also discuss the need for dance teachers to practice what they preach, being their authentic selves in the classroom. They end talking about how dance teachers need to realize that the dance teachers were never broken or unworthy, that the dance teachers do not need to mask, and that the dance teachers should be their authentic self. Links Podcast Website https://www.letatapstyles.com Leta's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/@letatapstyles Autistic Wings Dance Company's Website (Where you can learn more about Leta's new nonprofit studio for dancers on the Spectrum and donate to help the studio expand.) https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org Interested in being a guest on Leta's Tap Styles? We use PodMatch. Click this link to "match" with us. https://www.podmatch.com/member/letastapstylesguest…

1
Diverse Beats: Life’s Dance Through Neurodiversity 57:55

9 дней назад57:55

57:55

Send us a text In this heartwarming and informative episode of 'Leta Tap Styles', hosts Leta and Amanda welcome Dr. Kristen Williamson, a licensed professional counselor with a PhD in Behavioral Health Management. Join them as they discuss living with autism and ADHD and how it affects their every day life. Come along as they share personal stories, the challenges of masking behaviors, and the unique experiences of military families. Shared anecdotes provide insights into the struggles and triumphs of managing neurodiverse conditions. Places you can find Dr Kristen Williamson https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerminds.solu?_t=ZP-8u5O0AOqGHW&_r=1 https://www.instagram.com/@empowermindsolutionsllc https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573292573273&name=xhp_nt__fb__action__open_user https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristensmith0045/ Check out our website for a mini biography of Dr Williamson and all of our past and future guests https://www.letatapstyles.com You can find the podcast at https://www.tiktok.com/@letatapstylespodcast You can find Leta (and her tap dance videos) on the web at https://www.instagram.com/@letatapstyles (run by her mom.) You can (sometimes) find Amanda at https://www.instagram.com/antrisdale Check out Leta's nonprofit dance studio for dancers on the Spectrum and donate by visiting their website https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org…

1
The Pallet Cleanser Epsiode: A Little Bit of Fluff 27:59

12 дней назад27:59

27:59

Send us a text Join Leta and Amanda on this week’s “Tap Tuesday” where they take a break from serious topics and discuss a little bit of fluff and toss in a breakdown of Chloe Arnold's choreography. You'll get a glimpse of their fun interactions, quirky discussions, and spontaneous moments. They also touch upon special events coming up, like the Hollywood and DC Tap Fests, and Leta’s admiration for her mentor, choreographer Chloe Arnold. Special mention of Aaron Watson, Leta's favorite singer of all times, liking Leta's dance video on Instagram adds a personal touch to the episode. This podcast is a mix of heartfelt conversation and playful banter, providing a refreshing take on life, dance, and personal challenges. Register for Hollywood TapFest https://www.hollywoodtapfest.com/ Watch “Man in the Mirror x Chloe Arnold” https://youtu.be/1xD0m6kOY_Y?si=nPb2kGIMT_tGCvsT Support the Chloe and Maud Foundation https://www.chloeandmaudfoundation.org/ Support Leta’s nonprofit dance studio for dancers on the Spectrum https://www.autisticwingdancecompany.org Leta’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/@letatapstyles The Podcast’s Website https://www.letatapstyles.com Join Us As a Guest https://www.podmatch.com/member/letastapstylesguest Have Leta or Amanda on your podcast as a guest https://www.podmatch.com/member/amandatrisdale…

1
Redefining Education and Inclusion with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh 51:17

16 дней назад51:17

51:17

Send us a text In this episode of Leta Tap Styles podcast, guest Dr. Bibi Pirayesh, an educational therapist and adjunct faculty at Pepperdine University, joins us to discuss neurodiversity as a social justice. Especially when it comes to the needs of neurodiverse students in the world of education. Leta shares her personal experience with dance teachers. Dr. Bibi emphasizes the need to see neurodiversity as a social justice issue. She also discusses the need to critique the educational system's neurotypical structures. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, the importance of inclusive teaching methods, and the role of advocacy in achieving equity. Throughout, Leta's energetic personality and love for her adorable puppies shine through. Visit Dr Bibi's website to learn more about Dr Bibi . Visit Leta's Tap Styles to learn more about the podcast. Interested in being a guest on Leta's Tap Styles? Use our PodMatch link to reach out to us. Support Leta's non-profit dance studio for autistic dancers by clicking this link . Every donation helps keep the lights on, and allows Leta to provide quality dance classes for autistic dancers at the same cost as the neurotypical dance studios in town.…

1
How Masking Impacts the Autistic Dance Student 46:34

19 дней назад46:34

46:34

Send us a text In this episode of the Leta’s Tap Styles, Leta and Amanda discuss the lifelong impacts of masking on autistic dancers. They discuss how dance studio owners and teachers – while well meaning – often cause harm by not understanding what masking is, how it manifests itself, and the physical and emotional harm masking causes. Even the most “inclusive” space seems to demand that their autistic dancers mask in order to make the studio owners and dance teachers not feel uncomfortable. Amanda and Leta share personal stories of when they were forced by adults to mask, just so others felt more “at ease” with Leta and Amanda. Throughout the episode, they criticize the lack of genuine inclusivity and address the misconceptions about autism being a 'superpower.' They also highlight the importance of creating an environment where autistic dancers can be themselves without the need to mask, referring to their own Autistic Wings Dance Company as a model for inclusivity. Places like Autistic Wings Dance Company - where autistic dancers aren't asked to mask but allowed to have their "quirks" - are few and far between. Help Leta's dream soar by donating today. https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org Visit our podcast website to find out more about Leta, about Amanda, and about our past and future guests. https://www.letatapstyles.com Masking and learning all about what masking is and what the affects of masking are on people (mentally and physically) is a new field of study. Very few papers currently exist. Below are a few of those papers. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8992921/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6483965/…

1
We Were Going to Talk About Her Thrive Program: Chatting with Michelle Choairy 32:56

23 дня назад32:56

32:56

Send us a text The plan had been to talk to about her program, Thrive, for parents of kids with complex needs. But, when friend of the program, Michelle Choairy, joins the program, scripted questions go out the window. Join us instead as we kind of talk about Thrive, hit upon Michelle's Facebook support group for parents, Wisdom4Complex Kids, and just talk about having kids who aren't "typical." Check out Wisdom4Complex Kids on Facebook Check out the Thrive Facebook group for parents Check out Michelle's website and book a free call Donate to Leta's nonprofit dance studio, Autistic Wings Dance Company, by visiting their website, https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org…

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Sticks and Stones: Teachers Inability to Understand Leaves Lasting Consequences 39:52

26 дней назад39:52

39:52

Send us a text This week, thirteen years old co-host, Leta, gets a bit personal as she discusses how her dance teachers words left deep wounds. Coming at the discussion from her invisible hip issues, Leta and Amanda discuss how dance teachers never fully understood how Leta's hip works. They talk about how dance teachers inability to fully comprehend the extent of Leta's hip problems have led to issues; from pushing Leta to the point of Leta hurting her hip again, to convincing Leta she will never be able to dance. Even the love and acceptance from Leta's SoleTalk Family isn't strong enough to fully heal the wounds left by others. We end by talking about how everyone needs a safe space to dance. A place where teachers take the time to understand the needs of their students. If you can donate $10 a month to help Leta build her dream dance studio, please visit the donation site . To learn more about Leta's dream studio, or to enroll a dancer/as a dancer, visit the website Visit https://www.letatapstyles.com to learn more about Leta, Amanda, and the podcast. Use our link to join PodMatch today. (Leta's Tap Styles receives 20% commission for each person who joins using our link.) https://www.joinpodmatch.com/letastapstyles…

1
Son Rise to Sarah Rise: A Conversation with author Jennifer Celeste Briggs 45:38

4 weeks назад45:38

45:38

Send us a text This week, we welcome Jennifer Celeste Briggs, author of the new book, "Watching Sarah Rise." Jenny's takes us along on her journey to find the right therapies and support for her daughter, Sarah. With the help of an entire community of volunteers, Jenny and her family took the Son Rise Program and molded into the perfect therapy for Sarah. "Watching Sarah Rise" is out now. Find it wherever you buy books, or at Bookshop https://bookshop.org/p/books/watching-sarah-rise-a-journey-of-thriving-with-autism-jennifer-celeste-briggs/21608437?ean=9781647428242&next=t&next=t Find Jenny online at https://www.instagram.com/jennifercelestebriggsauthor/ Visit our website for more information about Jenny. https://www.letatapstyles.com…

1
Chloe Arnold's Syncopated Ladies 2025 Concert Tour Review 29:46

5 weeks назад29:46

29:46

Send us a text Chloe Arnold's Synco;ated Ladies have officially kicked off their 2025 Concert Tour. Join Amanda and Leta as they give their review of the two shows they watched. (Greeley on Feb 1st and Lone Tree on Feb 2nd.) Get your tickets - or let the Ladies know where they shoulg go next - by visiting https://www.syncopatedladies.com Help Chloe and Maud keep tap dance alive for the next generation by donating at https://www.chloeandmaudfoundation.org/donate Visit our website for more information about Leta, Amanda, and Leta's nonprofit dance studio for autistic dancers in Colorado Springs, Colorado. https://www.letatapstyles.com Have a tap piece or tap film you want Leta and Amanda to review? Text us at the link above and let us know.…

1
Unveiling Abilities: Rethinking IEPs and Inclusion 54:07

5 weeks назад54:07

54:07

Send us a text This week on Leta’s Tap Styles Podcast "Friend's Friday" we welcome Leanne Pritchett. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, insights from years of professional experience, and practical tips for families navigating the complex world of special education, particularly the challenges and intricacies of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Leanne brings a wealth of knowledge to the table from her years as both a special education teacher and an advocate. We discuss the importance of personalized approaches, understanding individual needs, and the significant role parents play in advocating for their children. Tying it back to Leta’s nonprofit, we discuss how we can take the lessons learned from implementing IEPs in schools and bring it into the dance studio world, making “inclusion” more than just a word being thrown around. Visit our website to find out more about Leanne.…

1
The Magic of Gene Kelly and Jerry the Mouse: A Choreography Breakdown 44:39

6 weeks назад44:39

44:39

Send us a text On this week's "Tap Tuesday", Leta and Amanda breakdown the iconic Gene Kelly and Jerry the Mouse duet from "Anchors Away" (1945). Then, Leta and Amanda talk about what tap dancing means to Leta. The conversation transitions into the nonprofit dance studio Leta founded, Autistic Wings Dance Company. They discuss that the fact that Autistic Wings Dance Company has outgrown its current home. They talk about the studio's current fundraiser, 350 in 365, where they are hoping to raise enough money to pay the rent on a new, larger studio space. To donate to Autistic Wings Dance Company's 350 in 365 Campaign, visit https://donorbox.org/350-in-365-1 To enroll in classes, or to join the waitlist for future classes, visit https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org Follow The Podcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562557047377 https://www.tiktok.com/@letatapstylespodcast Follow Leta https://www.instagram.com/stories/letatapstyles/ Follow Amanda https://www.instagram.com/antrisdale/…

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Skiing, Climbing, and Living Beyond Labels: a conversation with Robert and Ryan Delana 1:19:35

6 weeks назад1:19:35

1:19:35

Send us a text In this episode of 'Leta's Tap Styles,' Leta and Amanda welcome Rob and Ryan Delana. We chat a bit about everyone's experiences dealing with neurodivergent diagnosises, and discuss what hasn't quite changed about the way we look at people who are different.. Then, Ryan shares his journey from being a misunderstood child with various diagnoses to becoming a successful skier and rock climbing guide. We talk about the importance of allowing children the freedom to explore their interests. We also discuss how parents need to trust themselves, and realize they know their child better than anyone else. Find Ryan at https://www.instagram.com/extreme_ryan_delena/ https://www.youtube.com/ @extreme_ryan_delena Find Robert at Instagram: http://www.instagram/robert.delena Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.c.delena Buy their book "Without Restraint" by visiting http://without-restraint-book.com/ Help support Leta's nonprofit, Autistic Wings Dance Company, by becoming a monthly donor. We're trying to find 350 new donors willing to donate at least $10 a month this year so Autistic Wings Dance Company can move to a new studio space. Donate today at https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org 00:00 Introduction to Leta's Podcast 00:54 Meet Our Special Guests: Ryan and Rob Delaney 01:38 Challenges and Misdiagnoses in Special Needs Education 03:31 Therapeutic Schools: Reality vs. Expectations 06:29 The Impact of Restraints and Misguided Therapies 18:11 Skiing: A Turning Point for Ryan 22:10 Questioning the Experts: A Parent's Perspective 30:47 The Importance of Self-Confidence and Authenticity 39:40 The Impact of Teachers and Interns 41:27 The Role of Medication and Therapy 43:04 Personal Experiences with Medication 50:38 Skiing and Rock Climbing Adventures 54:00 Parenting Perspectives and Letting Go 59:08 Challenges and Misconceptions in Autism 01:15:06 Final Thoughts and Future Plans…

1
Rise Up: Breaking Down the Syncopated Ladies Choreography 41:35

7 weeks назад41:35

41:35

Send us a text Tap Tuesday is here again. Join Leta and Amanda as they breakdown Chloe Arnold's "Rise Up" Choreography. Or at least attempt to break it down between laughter and stories about the Syncopated Ladies. Which Sync Ladies video should we breakdown next? Want to see the Syncopated Ladies in person? Their 2025 Concert Tour starts Jan 23rd in Lincoln, Nebraska. Check out their website for tickets. https://www.syncopatedladies.com/ Purchase your own “Too Shiny” Dance Board from Dance Daze by visiting this link https://dancedazedanceboards.com/products/the-jet-setter-dance-daze-dance-board Are you a podcast host? Or a podcast guest? Join PodMatch, a community for podcasters and guests that uses AI to “match” guests and podcasts. Using our affiliate link helps out the channel. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/letastapstyles Interested in being a guest on Leta’s Tap Styles? We use PodMatch to book our guests. https://www.podmatch.com/member/letastapstylesguest takes you to our PodMatch Podcast Profile where you can message us about being a guest.…

1
The Art of Being Authentically You with Murphy Monroe 51:54

7 weeks назад51:54