Today we’d like to introduce you to Joaquin Rangel.
Hi Joaquin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into advocacy and inclusion started with both my background in education, and my upbringing. I, myself, am the older brother of two siblings that are on the spectrum, and a cousin to others that have special needs. My mother was a Special Education teacher growing up, and currently works as a Diagnostician here in the state. In 2015 I began working with children in a variety of ways. From being an afterschool counselor for an Austin School while in college, to operating a STEAM Program that taught kids how to fly drones and introduced them to engineering across the state of Texas. Over the years, I saw firsthand how difficult it was for families—especially those in underserved communities—to navigate the school system when they had a child with a disability. Parents were struggling, teachers weren’t always equipped with the right tools, and students were missing out on opportunities to thrive.
That’s why I founded Joaquin in2 Inclusion. My goal was simple: to bridge the gap between families, educators, and resources so that inclusion isn’t just an idea—it’s a reality. We started by hosting Inclusive Learning Labs, where we train teachers to create supportive and accessible classrooms. From there, we expanded into parent advocacy, helping families understand their rights and work with schools to get the best possible education for their children. We’ve also written numerous articles to help educators and parents/guardians navigate the education system more effectively.
As the organization grew, we realized that inclusion isn’t just about education—it’s about community. That’s why we launched initiatives like seasonal giving campaigns, inclusive sporting events, and support for oral hygiene and food security. It’s all connected. If we want children with disabilities to thrive, we have to look at the whole picture.
Today, Joaquin in2 Inclusion continues to grow, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. Whether it’s securing funding to bring Inclusive Learning Labs to more schools or organizing events like our Rock in2 Inclusion concert, the mission remains the same: to build a better Texas for Texans with disabilities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some days, it feels like we’re on cruise control—things are running smoothly, partnerships are growing, and we’re making a real impact. But more often than not, we’re putting out fires. Whether it’s navigating funding challenges, overcoming logistical hurdles, or dealing with the emotional weight of the stories we hear, there’s always something that keeps us on our toes.
One of the biggest struggles has been expanding our Inclusive Learning Labs. We know these labs work. They equip teachers with the tools they need to run inclusive classrooms, which benefits all students. But the reality is, public schools in Texas often don’t have the funding to bring these labs in, and state-level support just isn’t there. That means we’re constantly looking for alternative funding sources to ensure these programs reach the schools that need them most.
Like any new business, we’ve had our share of growing pains. Building something from the ground up means learning as we go—figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and how to adjust quickly. There’s also the emotional toll. Some of the families and educators we work with are facing unimaginable challenges, and hearing their stories can be heavy. But no matter how hard it gets, we push through, because we know the work we’re doing is making a difference.
Despite the struggles, we keep going. Every challenge is a reminder of why Joaquin in2 Inclusion exists—to fight for a better, more inclusive world for children with disabilities. And no matter how tough the road gets, we’re here for the long haul.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Joaquin in2 Inclusion, we believe that inclusion isn’t just a concept—it’s something that must be actively built in schools, communities, and everyday life. We work to create a better Texas for Texans with disabilities by equipping educators, supporting families, and ensuring that children with disabilities have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Our biggest initiative is our Inclusive Learning Labs, where we train teachers on how to create inclusive classrooms using therapeutic tools and best practices. These labs don’t just benefit children with disabilities—they create a more supportive learning environment for all students and help reduce teacher burnout. Beyond the classroom, we also advocate for parents, helping them navigate the education system and secure the support their children deserve.
What sets us apart is our commitment to action. We’re not just talking about inclusion—we’re out in the community making it happen. From seasonal giving campaigns that provide meals and gifts to families in need, to inclusive sporting events like pickleball tournaments and powerlifting meets, to ensuring children have access to oral hygiene and personal care products, we take a holistic approach to supporting individuals with disabilities.
One thing we’re most proud of is the impact we’re making, despite the challenges. We don’t have the big budgets or state funding that some organizations do, but we’ve been able to build something special—something that’s changing lives. Whether it’s helping a teacher feel more confident in supporting their students, making sure a child has a meal over the holidays, or hosting events where everyone feels included, we’re proving that inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a movement.
For anyone reading this, we want you to know that Joaquin in2 Inclusion is here to help however we can. Whether you’re a parent needing guidance, an educator looking for resources, or a community member wanting to support the cause, we’re all in this together.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
While a part of me wants to say that what I like best about our city is Longhorn football and bleeding Burnt Orange, the best part of Austin, by far, is the sense of community and the way people show up for one another. Austin is a city where people genuinely care—not just about big causes, but about their neighbors, their schools, and their local businesses. Whether it’s a fundraiser, a community project, or just someone in need of support, there’s always a group of people ready to step up. That culture of giving and looking out for each other has made a huge difference in the work we do at Joaquin in2 Inclusion. We’ve seen firsthand how businesses, educators, and families rally together to make sure children with disabilities have the support they need. It’s that communal spirit that makes Austin feel less like a big city and more like a close-knit community.
Dislike? That’s easy. I-35.
Pricing:
- Our Inclusive Learning Labs vary. It costs us $800 to do something small like a smaller daycare center. For an elementary school, we are looking at thousands of dollars to properly equip educators with the tools we use.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ji2.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joaquin.in2.inclusion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555959762942
