Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Tyana Velazquez- Velazquez-smith
Hi Dr. Tyana Velazquez-, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a Black Latina woman diagnosed with autism during the final year of my PhD in Teaching and Curriculum, I bring a unique blend of lived experiences to my work in early childhood and special education. My academic journey, spent largely undiagnosed, highlighted the many flaws in the educational systems designed to support only certain types of learners. The frustration I felt—navigating a system that couldn’t or wouldn’t see me—shaped my commitment to reimagining education for neurodivergent students like myself.
I love how my intersecting identities come together, because it is within this collective genius that I find strength and purpose. My proximity to systems that are deeply flawed gives me a unique perspective on how those systems can and should be reimagined. I intimately understand how they fail to support students who, like me, may not fit into traditional molds. But this also means I know how those systems can be transformed to truly honor and uplift the diverse minds of all learners. My ability to see the gaps and re-envision education with a focus on equity and inclusion is what makes me best suited for this work.
The creation of Sensational Inclusion stems from my belief in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). To me, UDL is not just a framework—it’s a practice of radical inclusion that ensures every learner has access to meaningful, engaging, and affirming educational experiences. It’s about creating environments where students don’t have to conform, mask, or hide who they are, but instead, are celebrated for their unique genius.
Intersectionality is at the heart of my work. Living as a Black Latina autistic woman has given me a deep, multidimensional understanding of how systems of oppression intersect and impact marginalized learners. My role is to challenge ableism, racism, and other oppressive forces, while designing inclusive spaces that allow students to be seen, valued, and supported. I see education not just as a tool for individual growth but as a powerful means to dismantle inequitable systems and create spaces of joy and collective thriving.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, and my lived experiences never suggested that my personal path would be paved for me. My journey has been filled with challenges, many of which stem from navigating an educational system that wasn’t built with someone like me in mind. As a Black Latina autistic woman, I faced the dual struggle of being undiagnosed until I was nearly finished with my PhD and feeling out of place in systems that didn’t recognize or support my needs. The lack of appropriate support during my schooling years left me feeling isolated, misunderstood, and often frustrated—both academically and socially.
One of the most significant struggles was not having the ‘label’ of autism early on, which meant I didn’t receive the accommodations that could have helped me thrive. Instead, I had to navigate a world designed for neurotypical students, constantly masking my challenges and adapting to environments that weren’t made for me. This created a deep sense of frustration with the educational industrial complex and its rigid approach to learning.
Even today, as an adult, I am continuously working against the pressure to mask in an ableist world. Founding Sensational Inclusion was my way of confronting these struggles head-on. I wanted to create something that challenges the status quo and offers neurodiverse-affirming spaces where all learners are seen, supported, and celebrated. My struggles have shaped my vision, and while the road hasn’t been easy, it has given me a deep understanding of how flawed systems can be reimagined to work better for everyone.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Sensational Inclusion, we believe that education must move beyond rigid teaching methods and traditional forms of differentiated learning, which are often still dictated by the educator. Instead, we create learning opportunities that are flexible, playful, and pliable—where the learning process is shaped not by the educator, but by the student. In these spaces, students have the power to differentiate their own learning, choosing the pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and natural learning styles.
In pliable learning environments, students are not passive recipients of knowledge; they actively co-create their educational experience. They engage with the material in ways that make sense to them—whether through hands-on activities, sensory exploration, or creative expression. This gives students the freedom to take the lead in their learning journey, helping them build autonomy and confidence as they navigate different subjects and skills.
Our goal is to ensure that no child needs a label or diagnosis to access learning spaces that support and celebrate their individuality. In these environments, students are empowered to tailor their learning experience based on what works best for them. They’re not following a one-size-fits-all model, but rather shaping their own path, supported by a framework that allows for growth, creativity, and the demonstration of their unique genius.
At Sensational Inclusion, we aim to transform the traditional approach to differentiation. Instead of educators deciding how to modify lessons, students are the ones making decisions about their learning. This is a radical shift from the conventional model, and it allows for a truly inclusive educational experience where every learner feels empowered to take charge of their own development.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to finding a mentor or building a network, my approach has always been rooted in authenticity and intersectionality. For me, it’s about connecting with people who not only understand my professional goals but also respect and recognize the complexities of my identities as a Black Latina autistic woman. I believe the most meaningful mentorships are built on shared values, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths we bring to the table.
One piece of advice I always give is to seek out mentors who reflect or appreciate the full range of your identity, even if that means thinking outside traditional professional spaces. I’ve found that some of my best mentors have come from spaces outside my immediate field—people who understand my lived experiences and help me navigate systems that weren’t built for people like me. For example, I have found support in individuals who are not only education experts but also advocates for disability justice and anti-racism work. This combination of expertise and lived experience has helped me grow in ways that a single lens could not.
Another key strategy for networking that has worked well for me is building relationships through shared missions. Instead of focusing on networking as transactional, I approach it as a chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are also passionate about reimagining education. Engaging in intersectional spaces, where people bring their whole selves—race, gender, ability, and more—creates the opportunity for deeper, more genuine connections. This can lead to mentorships that are not only supportive but transformative.
Finally, showing up authentically and sharing your story is powerful. I’ve found that being open about my own challenges and successes as a Black Latina autistic woman working in education has attracted people who resonate with my experiences and values. It’s allowed me to build a network that isn’t just professional, but personal, offering guidance that is both strategic and empathetic.
In short, my advice is to look for mentors and networks that value the full scope of who you are, and to engage with people who are working toward similar goals. By doing so, you create connections that are truly intersectional and supportive of your growth in all areas of your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sensationalinclusion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensational_inclusion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555598290449
- Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/tyana.velazquez/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/tyanavelazquezsmith/
