Shaka Soul Surfers (Part 2): Estefania Holt on Training Volunteers to Work with the Disability Community for Inclusive Recreation

"Fast 15" with Champions of Special Education

When Estefania Holt transitioned from the traditional classroom to the open waves, she didn't just change her scenery—she transformed lives. On our latest episode, the founder of Shaka Soul Surfers shares how her innovative surf program is making waves in the special needs community, providing an uplifting and inclusive experience for children with developmental disabilities.

Episode Notes:

Welcome to Part Two of our engaging conversation with Estefania Holt, the inspiring founder of Shaka Soul Surfers. In this episode, we dive deeper into Estefania's unique approach to volunteer training, community building, and the power of surfing as a tool for social skills development and community integration.

Join us as Estefania shares her journey from special education teacher to passionate advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. She provides insight into the challenges she faced and the innovative solutions she implemented to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for the community she's serving and her volunteers.

Connect with Estefania Holt and Shaka Soul Surfers:
For more information or to get in touch with Estefania and Shaka Soul Surfers, visit https://www.shakasoulsurfers.org/contact.html.

Episode Highlights:

• Estefania's approach to volunteer training and community building.
• The transformative power of surfing for social skills development and community integration.
• The impact of working with high school volunteers and creating long-lasting relationships.
• Estefania's journey from special education teacher to a passionate advocate for the disability community.

Sponsor Message:

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors, Specially Designed Education Services (SDES), publishers of The Functional Academics Program.

SDES's collaborative efforts with educators and families pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Their Functional Academics Program empowers students with moderate to severe disabilities to improve their ability to live independently and show meaningful growth both academically and personally.

To learn more, visit sdesworks.com.

Support the show

Barbara Beck is the host of the FAST 15 Podcast. She is a highly dedicated Disability Advocate and Special Education Consultant specializing in IEP Transition Services. Barbara has an extensive background as a special education teacher spanning nearly 30 years. She has dedicated her career to empowering transition-age youth and fostering positive post-school outcomes.

Barbara's expertise lies in providing comprehensive support and guidance to students with disabilities, ensuring their successful transition from school to adult life. She possesses a deep understanding of secondary services and possesses the skills to develop tailored strategies that maximize individual potential.

For more information and resources on special education school-to-adulthood transition planning and independent living, visit www.mykeyplans.com. Join us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions about special education, inclusion, and disability advocacy. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and use #IEPLaunchpadPodcast to join the conversation. Thank you for tuning in to the IEP Launchpad Podcast! 🎧🎙️#IDD #teaching #specialed #specialneeds #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowerVoices #edtech, #education #edtech, #teachers

Chapter

1. Shaka Soul Surfers (Part 2): Estefania Holt on Training Volunteers to Work with the Disability Community for Inclusive Recreation (00:00:00)

2. Empowering Community Through Surfing (00:00:02)

3. Seasonal Surfing Program in Florida (00:07:24)

4. Thinking Outside the Box (00:11:20)