In Episode 2, Season 5 of Inclusive Occupations, host Savitha Sundar welcomes Dr. Matthew Brock, a Professor of Special Education and Faculty Associate at the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy. His research focuses on inclusive practices for students with significant cognitive disabilities, with an emphasis on peer-mediated interventions, preparing teachers and paraeducators to implement evidence-based strategies, and literacy supports for students with complex communication needs.A former preschool and elementary school teacher and U.S. Peace Corps educator, Dr. Brock has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, authored It Isn’t Inclusion Without Peers, and secured more than $6 million in federal grants, including a Fulbright award in Mongolia. His work has earned national recognition, including the 2023 Martin J. Kaufman Distinguished Early Career Research Award, the 2021 CEC Research Award, and placement in Stanford’s World Ranking of Top 2% of Scientists.In this episode, Dr. Brock introduces the FLIP Recess Program (Focus on Learning, Interaction, and Play) — a $3.2 million grant-funded project designed to foster meaningful peer interactions and social connections for students with extensive support needs during recess. Implemented in over 30 schools and involving more than 100 students with disabilities and hundreds of peers, FLIP is already demonstrating powerful results.Together, Savitha and Dr. Brock explore:🌟 The origins of FLIP – how his teaching experiences shaped a shift from adult-led strategies to peer-centered models of inclusion.🎥 Two components of FLIP – peer mediation and video modeling – and how these intentional supports enable authentic play, communication, and friendships.📊 Research findings – dramatic increases in peer interactions, social network connections, and participation beyond recess.🚧 Barriers and solutions – from scheduling challenges to misconceptions about workload, and how creative problem-solving (even AI-assisted scheduling!) makes FLIP feasible in schools.🧩 The role of occupational therapists – why OTs are uniquely positioned to support recess participation, communication access, and collaborative IEP goals that extend beyond fine motor skills.❤️ Personal journey – how Dr. Brock’s background, including growing up with a sister with Down syndrome, fuels his commitment to inclusive education.Inclusion doesn’t have to be complicated—practical, peer-centered approaches like FLIP can transform school culture.Recess is more than a break; it’s a critical occupation for building friendships, belonging, and community.Occupational therapists and educators can collaborate to create sustainable, inclusive practices that extend beyond the classroom.Learn more about Dr. Brock’s work and his book, It Isn’t Inclusion Without Peers.Key TakeawaysResources & LinksAll About the FLIP Recess: https://crane.osu.edu/our-work/focus-on-interaction-learning-and-play-flip/Dr. Brock's Book- It Isn’t Inclusion Without Peers: https://a.co/d/duZaNPqPodcast Transcripts Available at Otter.ai-https://otter.ai/u/auYOBJpYVdKYnFF2RxBPhzEWb0w?utm_source=copy_url

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