In this episode of Inquiry Oasis, we welcome Dr. Taucia González, an assistant professor of special education at the University of Arizona College of Education. Dr. González sheds light on her groundbreaking GANAS project, where high school students use testimonios as a narrative tool to critically reflect on systemic barriers in education. We explore how these narratives from bilingual, Latina/Latino/Latinx, and Hmong youths, with and without disabilities, challenge traditional pedagogies and contribute to a more inclusive educational landscape. Dr. González's insights underscore the importance of integrating cultural and linguistic diversity into educational systems to empower marginalized communities.

Topics Discussed:

• The GANAS Project: Empowering Bilingual Youths Through Testimonios
• Educational Inequities: Insights from Bilingual and Disabled Students
• The Intersection of Race, Language, and Disability in Education
• Testimonios: A Tool for Critical Reflection and Social Change
• Case Study Highlight: Diego's Educational Journey
•  Envisioning a Future of Inclusive and Affirming Educational Spaces

Resources:

• Sustaining Disabled Youth: Centering Disability and Assets Pedagogies - Edited by Federica Waitoller and Kathleen King Thorius
• Mentioned Scholars: Mariana Pacheco (UW Madison), Na Lor (Teachers College, Columbia), Joan Hong (University of Maryland, College Park), Kate Roberts (Doctoral candidate, UW Madison)