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In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we continue our What I Wish I'd Known series by talking about inclusion — and being honest about how it actually feels.When we hear the word inclusion, we don't immediately feel hopeful. We feel heaviness. Process. Fight. Sometimes discouragement.We talk about why inclusion so often becomes a disability service instead of a true community responsibility. We wrestle with school settings, adult programs, housing, and the limited options available once our kids grow up. We name the exhaustion of always being the one advocating — and the toll it takes on our kids to keep showing up in spaces not built for them.At the center of this conversation is this truth:The existence of a person with Down syndrome in the world is their resistance.Our kids take up space. They walk into rooms. They show up in communities that weren't designed for them. That matters.Inclusion isn't a program to be applauded. It's a cultural shift. And while we may feel weary some days, we still believe our kids belong — not as a service, but as neighbors, coworkers, and friends.We see you doing the work. Take a breath if you need to. And keep going.Show NotesFor more thoughtful work on disability, community living, and person-centered inclusion, visit Open Future Learning: https://www.openfuturelearning.org/**Interested in diving deeper?We've talked about inclusion before — especially in the context of school, IEPs, and advocacy. If you want to explore more episodes with an emphasis on inclusion in education and collaboration, start here:Episode 78: Building Trust (Not Barriers) w/Your Child's IEP Teamhttps://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/iep-advocacyEpisode 94: IEPs During COVID-19 (ft. Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie)https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/inclusive-education-projectEpisode 270: IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig)https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/270-iep-success-how-to-plan-communicate-and-collaborate-april-rehrigEpisode 272: What Do We Wish We Knew Before Our First IEP Meeting?https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/272-what-do-we-wish-we-knew-before-our-first-iep-meeting-heather-avis-mercedes-laraEpisode 273: Breaking Down Barriers: The Parent's Role in IEP Success (w/Ashley Barlow)https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/273-breaking-down-barriers-the-parents-role-in-iep-success-with-ashley-barlow
This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Elizabeth Rosenberger. Elizabeth's son attends Anderson Early Learning Academy (AELA) in Latham. AELA is a NYS approved 4410 program that provides children ages 3-5 years of age opportunities to learn in an environment that is developmentally appropriate and teaches the skills needed to be successful in kindergarten. Professionally, Elizabeth is a school counselor, handling IEPs and more at an elementary school in the Capital Region of New York. Tune in to hear more from Elizabeth and her perspective as a parent. Learn more about AELA today: www.andersoncenterforautism.org/anderson-early-learning-academy
/* custom css - generated by TagDiv Composer */ /* custom css - generated by TagDiv Composer */ .tdi_2, .tdi_2 .tdc-columns{ min-height: 0; }.tdi_2, .tdi_2 .tdc-columns{ display: block; }.tdi_2 .tdc-columns{ width: 100%; }.tdi_2:before, .tdi_2:after{ display: table; } /* custom css - generated by TagDiv Composer */ /* custom css - generated by TagDiv Composer */ .tdi_4{ vertical-align: baseline; }.tdi_4 > .wpb_wrapper, .tdi_4 > .wpb_wrapper > .tdc-elements{ display: block; }.tdi_4 > .wpb_wrapper > .tdc-elements{ width: 100%; }.tdi_4 > .wpb_wrapper > .vc_row_inner{ width: auto; }.tdi_4 > .wpb_wrapper{ width: auto; height: auto; } This episode is sponsored by Bloom Testing. If your child is struggling in school, melting down over homework, falling behind in reading, zoning out in class, or constantly overwhelmed, it can leave you feeling unsure of what to do next. You know they're bright. You know they're trying. But something isn't clicking. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kimberly Hinman, a licensed psychologist and owner of Bloom Testing, a Kansas City–based practice specializing in high quality psychoeducational, neuropsychological, and autism evaluations for children, teens, and adults. What You'll Hear in This Episode In this conversation, we talk about what it really looks like to pursue clarity when a child is struggling including: The earliest signs a child may be struggling academically, behaviorally, or emotionally The biggest misconceptions about ADHD, autism, and learning difference How to tell the difference between typical development and something that needs evaluation What a psychoeducational evaluation actually is and what it can reveal The difference between school testing and private testing What testing day feels like for a child and how to support anxious or sensitive kid How results translate into real support, including IEPs, 504 plans, and school accommodations What to say to parents who worry about labeling their child First steps to take if you think your child may need testing Dr. Hinman reminds us that struggling in school doesn't mean a child isn't smart- it means we haven't figured out what's getting in the way. A good evaluation doesn't label a child; it explains their experience. Testing isn't about a diagnosis. It's about a roadmap. If you've ever felt that quiet nudge that something feels off, this episode is for you. To make an appointment with Bloom Testing, click here. About Dr. Himan Originally from upstate New York, Dr. Hinman graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the State University of New York at Geneseo and earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University. She relocated to Kansas City in 2020 and has since built strong relationships with local pediatricians, therapists, and schools. As both a clinician and a mom herself, she brings warmth, clarity, and practicality to the families she serves. Dr. Hinman now carries forward the legacy of Bloom Testing's founder, the late Dr. Dawn Bloom, whose compassionate, evidence-based approach made a significant impact in the community. Today, she honors that foundation while expanding the practice's services-including a growing focus on learning differences, ADHD assessments, psychoeducational testing, and comprehensive autism evaluations. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!
EPs can feel overwhelming, emotional, and complicated—and that's because they are.In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we kick off our new season, What I Wish I'd Known About…, by talking about IEPs—what we wish we understood from the very beginning, and what we've learned the hard way.Fresh off a multi-hour meeting, we share honestly about the exhaustion, the tension, and the “us vs. them” dynamic that can creep in. We unpack how evaluations drive goals, how goals drive placement, and why learning the language of the IEP changes everything. We talk about inclusion, evolving expectations, and what it looks like to follow our child's lead as they grow.Most importantly, we remind ourselves—and you—of this:Our kids are not problems to fix.The IEP exists to serve them.Whether this is your first meeting or your fifteenth, we hope this conversation helps you feel more steady, more informed, and less alone.SHOW NOTES:For more practical guidance, we've learned a lot from Ashley Barlow and her work at Ashley Barlow Co.. She offers clear, actionable resources to help you navigate IEPs, strengthen your advocacy skills, and understand your rights—all in one place.Check out more IEP Episodes:78. Building Trust (Not Barriers) w/Your Child's IEP Team – IEP advocacy tips.94. IEPs during COVID-19, ft. IEP Lawyers Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie – IEPs & distance learning.272. What Do We Wish We Knew Before Our First IEP Meeting? – Reflections on early IEPs.270. IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig) – Practical IEP strategies.273. Breaking Down Barriers: The Parent's Role In IEP Success (w/Ashley Barlow) – Parent advocacy in IEPs.CONNECT WITH THE PODCASTWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOKCONNECT WITH HEATHER AVISWEBSITE: THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIALIG: THELUCKYFEWOFFICALFACEBOOKI LIKE YOU SO MUCHTHIS IS DOWN SYNDROMECONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARAIG: HOORAY4THELARASIG: HUMANLY.TVFACEBOOKCONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETTMICHABOYETT.COMIG: ACEFACEISMYFRIENDIG: MICHABOYETTLISTEN TO THE SLOW WAYDISCOUNT CODEFriends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVEInterested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!LET'S CHATEmail hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.
In Episode 139 of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie continues explaining school voucher programs. While school voucher/ESA programs offer flexibility, families of students with disabilities should be cautious - IDEA's strongest protections only apply in public schools. Once a child moves to a private school, IEPs are no longer legally enforceable and services become limited, leaving families with far fewer rights and recourse if their child's needs aren't met.Resources:ESA and Voucher Handout: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHAq1wGjXI/UDGoMY_q217FyQ8ZiXDNgw/view?utm_content=DAHAq1wGjXI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h22d7b693b0Contact info for the podcast: letstalklearningdisabilities@gmail.comE-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eDiaglearning/Twitter: @diaglearningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/Instagram: @diaglearning
This week's TFT episode shifts the conversation about conferring from technique to equity. Even with solid conferring routines, some students, especially multilingual learners, students with IEPs, and quieter voices, can miss out on meaningful conferences. Learn how a quick equity scan of your conferring notes can help close these gaps. You'll hear practical strategies to ensure every student benefits from your best teaching moves. Tune in to see how a few simple shifts can make your conferences more equitable and impactful for all writers.Send a textPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. Melanie Meehan: meehanmelanie@gmail.com Stacey Shubitz: stacey@staceyshubitz.com Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.
Sales Game Changers | Tip-Filled Conversations with Sales Leaders About Their Successful Careers
This is episode 814. Read the complete transcription on the Sales Game Changers Podcast website. Join the IEPS Selling Essentials Marketplace webinar with Zeev Wexler and Tom Snyder on February 24 at noon EST here. This is an episode of the "AI and Selling Effectiveness Podcast" with IEPS Selling Essentials Marketplace partner Zeev Wexler from Viacry. Watch the video of this podcast on YouTube here. The Sales Game Changers Podcast was recognized by YesWare as the top sales podcast. Read the announcement here. FeedSpot named the Sales Game Changers Podcast at a top 20 Sales Podcast and top 8 Sales Leadership Podcast! Subscribe to the Sales Game Changers Podcast now on Apple Podcasts! Purchase Fred Diamond's best-sellers Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know and Insights for Sales Game Changers now! This episode previews IEPS' February 24 webinar with Zeev Wexler and Tom Snyder, exploring how sales teams can move beyond casual AI use to build repeatable workflows with Microsoft Copilot that improve prospecting, qualification, and selling effectiveness. The conversation emphasizes "human + AI" — using AI as a true sales assistant while keeping emotional intelligence, trust, and relationships at the center of closing deals. Find Zeev on LinkedIn. ZEEV'S TIP: "AI is not going to replace you but if you don't learn how to use it, another salesperson who does will."
The hundreds of Ohio Education Association locals across the state come in all sizes, ranging from 4,000+ members in big Locals like the Columbus Education Association to just eight members in the Bay Individual/Small Group Instruction Teachers Association (BISGITA), which represents 8 of the 9 hourly certified educators working as intervention specialists and reading specialists in Bay Village City Schools. As BISGITA President Jackie Hartsel tells us in this episode, the Local may be small, but their union gives them a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect student learning conditions and resources, so BISGITA members can have a big impact on their students' success. SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE | If you have an education topic you're passionate about, we want to hear from you on the podcast! Please email us at educationmatters@ohea.org SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Jackie Hartsel, BISGITA PresidentJackie Hartsel has been an educator for 25 years, holding an elementary teaching license (grades 1–8, all subjects) with a K–12 reading endorsement, as well as a K–12 Mild/Moderate Special Education–Intervention Specialist license. She earned her bachelor's degree from Ashland University and her master's degree from Cleveland State University.Throughout her career, she has worked in both public and charter school settings in a variety of roles and employment capacities. She has served as a full-time salaried employee and as a part-time hourly employee, gaining experience as a classroom teacher, reading tutor, and a curriculum and special education supervisor. Currently, she works as a part-time hourly intervention specialist in Bay Village.Hartsel genuinely enjoys working with students, and says, like most educators, the most rewarding part of her work is watching students learn, grow, and gain confidence. She was especially drawn to special education because two of her own children had IEPs during their school years. Parenting children with unique learning challenges has had a profound impact on her teaching practice, allowing her to better empathize with both students and their families and to advocate effectively for their needs.In her personal life, Hartsel is the parent of three grown children and the proud grandparent of nine grandchildren. When she is not spending time with her family, she enjoys tending to flowers and plants, both indoors and outdoors. She also likes tackling home improvement projects, from repairing a kitchen sink to painting and refinishing furniture. One of her favorite traditions is creating a custom Volkswagen-themed dresser for each grandchild when they turn five, complete with working tap headlights in their choice of color. Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on January 7, 2026.
Show Notes: slpnow.com/249Writing IEPs and evaluations doesn't have to feel like starting from scratch every single time. In this episode, we break down simple, systems-based strategies that help school-based SLPs write reports faster—without cutting corners or second-guessing their clinical decisions. You'll learn how small shifts, like templates and text expanders, can reduce overwhelm, boost confidence, and make paperwork feel far more manageable.In this episode, you'll learn how to:Eliminate “blank page syndrome” when writing reportsUse templates to streamline IEPs and evaluationsAvoid common copy-and-paste mistakesSave hours during progress note season
When you move from treatment rooms to team meetings, everything changes, including how you show up as a BCBA.In this episode, I talk with Shalini Solomon about her transition from clinic-based ABA to working as a school-based BCBA. If you've worked in both settings like I have, you know they are completely different worlds. In a clinic, you're often running sessions. In a school, you're collaborating, coaching, and translating ABA into language that makes sense to teachers and administrators.Shalini shares what helped her navigate that shift, from simplifying behavior intervention plans so they actually work in busy classrooms to minimizing jargon and building buy-in with staff. We also talk about why understanding IDEA, IEPs, FAPE, and district systems is critical if you're stepping into a school role, especially if you're one of the first BCBAs in your district.We also discuss her journey toward earning a doctorate in behavioral health and the importance of leadership, mentorship, and representation in our field. It's an honest, practical conversation for anyone considering or currently navigating a school-based BCBA role.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Key differences between clinic-based and school-based BCBA rolesHow to create simple, usable behavior intervention plansWhy policy knowledge and role clarity matter in schoolsRepresentation and advocacy in the ABA fieldMentioned In This Episode:Elevate & Align BehaviorEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
Episode Three of Blind Abilities – The Musical explores what it really means to find your voice as you move from K–12 into college and on toward a career. The three acts set the theme, but the heart of the episode lives in the conversation—real stories about IEPs, learning to speak up in meetings, navigating disability services, and building access when the rules change. Cheryl, Seyoon, Lori, and Jeff share practical strategies for getting accessible books and materials, communicating with professors, managing deadlines, and using tools like screen readers, Braille, and modern tech to stay independent. The discussion also digs into disclosure, confidence in interviews, choosing a campus that fits your mobility needs, and building peer networks that help you succeed. Together, the music and lived experience show that advocacy is a skill you grow over time—and the more you use your voice, the more it carries you forward into college, work, and life. Full Transcript: Thanks for listening!
What if your private practice could be a platform for change—for your clients and yourself?Today's guest didn't just start a private practice; she built a mission-driven business that blends speech therapy with fierce advocacy. She traded burnout for autonomy and now uses her voice to empower families navigating the complex world of IEPs.I'm so excited to introduce you to Colleen Ashford, a speech-language pathologist and one of the dedicated clinicians inside our Grow Your Private Practice Program. Colleen is the owner and founder of Ashford Speech and Advocacy PC, a mobile and virtual private practice based in Vista, California where she provides evaluations, treatment, consultations, and advocacy at IEP meetings.For Colleen, starting her own practice was about more than flexibility and income—it was about authentic, values-driven work. She has created a unique model that allows her to serve early intervention clients and act as a special education advocate, ensuring families are supported at every step.In this episode, Colleen reveals how leaving the constraints of clinic and school jobs allowed her to design a practice that fits her life, serves her community deeply, and lets her show up as her full, authentic self.Colleen Ashford is a licensed speech-language pathologist and certified special education advocate. After graduating from the University of Illinois with her bachelor's and Illinois State University with her master's, she began her career in a public elementary school with a bilingual program, which fueled her focus on improving her Spanish to better serve her students and families. Love brought her to Southern California, where she worked in multidisciplinary clinics alongside OTs and PTs, learning invaluable lessons about sensory and motor development that inform her holistic approach today.Now in her full-time practice, Colleen's areas of focus include AAC, Autism, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and parent coaching in early intervention. She is passionate about providing culturally responsive early intervention services to the Spanish-speaking population in her own neighborhood. Always an advocate at her core—and now in title—Colleen equips every parent she serves with knowledge of their educational rights and how to navigate the world of special education. Beyond her community, she brings honest conversations about the IEP process to listeners everywhere through her podcast, Unfiltered IEPs.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Leaving a "good job" to answer the craving for flexibility and authentic impactThe moment she realized her school-based experience was a superpower for families in needBuilding a hybrid practice with multiple revenue streams, from early intervention to AAC coachingHow embracing systems gave her back her time and freedomColleen is a powerful example of how you can design a practice that aligns with your deepest values. We are so grateful to have her wisdom and passion in our Grow Program. Her journey proves that with the right tools and community, you can build a career that doesn't just sustain you, but fulfills you.Want to build or scale a private practice that fuels your passion and gives you the autonomy you crave—just like Colleen? Discover how our Grow Your Private Practice...
Los enfrentamientos de Marx Arriaga con la SEP llevan a su destitución, el T-MEC se juega también en el Congreso de Estados Unidos y el cine y las plataformas tendrán un beneficio fiscal del 30% para producir en México, con Alberto Verdusco y Rosalía Lara.-> Nuevo episodio de En Modo Smart, escuchado en YouTube o en Spotify00:00 Introducción02:03 Los enfrentamientos de Marx Arriaga con la SEP que llevaron a su destitución07:07 El T-MEC se juega también en el Congreso de Estados Unidos11:42 El alza del IEPS golpea a las tienditas: ventas caen hasta 20%15:22 El agotamiento digital golpea a las dating apps: crecen los ingresos, cae el entusiasmo18:40 El cine, Netflix, Prime Video y HBO tendrán un beneficio fiscal del 30% para producir
Enrique Quintana
A simple paperwork system can save you hours and protect your focus during the school week. In this episode, I'm sharing an easy way to organize pending IEPs and evaluations so your desk stays clear, you always know what to work on next, and nothing slips through the cracks. You'll hear my go-to folder + checklist setup, plus flexible options for SLPs who prefer printable systems or digital workflows.In this episode, you'll learn:A “one-folder-per-student” system to keep paperwork containedHow to prioritize paperwork by due date automaticallyWhy checklists reduce errors and last-minute scramblingPrintable vs. digital ways to stay consistent and organizedHow SLP Now can streamline forms, progress monitoring, and remindersReady to make paperwork easier? Start your free trial of SLP Now at slpnow.com/pod.
What if the anxiety accommodations you've been writing into your 504s and IEPs are actually making your students more anxious?In this episode, I'm sharing a section from a recent masterclass inside the School for School Counselors Mastermind- one that had members circling accommodations on their plans before it was even over!You'll hear the research behind why avoidance-based accommodations backfire, how we're accidentally teaching students they can't handle hard things, and one dead-simple question you can ask yourself Monday morning to evaluate any accommodation on your caseload.Plus- someone left a review calling this podcast "tragic." Wait till you hear my response...********Join our new Skool for School Counselors community ********Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We're doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ********All names, stories, and case studies in this episode are fictionalized composites drawn from real-world circumstances. Any resemblance to actual students, families, or school personnel is coincidental. Details have been altered to protect privacy. This work is part of the School for School Counselors body of work developed by Steph Johnson, LPC, CSC, which centers role authority over role drift, consultative practice over fix-it culture, adult-designed systems and environments as primary drivers of student behavior, clinical judgment over compliance, and school counselor identity as leadership within complex systems.
In this episode of the Texas Family Law Insiders Podcast, Holly Draper welcomes Sharon Ramage, founder and CEO of the Ramage Law Group in McKinney, Texas. In addition to being a family law attorney, Sharon is one of the few special education attorneys in the state. Sharon brings a unique perspective as both a former social worker and special education hearing officer. She discusses the critical intersection of family law and special education, explaining why family lawyers must understand IDEA, IEPs, and 504 plans when representing families with special needs children. Sharon shares practical advice on drafting orders, avoiding common pitfalls like appointing tiebreakers, and knowing when to bring in a special education attorney. In this episode you'll discover:The basics of Special Education law and the differences between IDEA and Section 504 The necessity of assigning educational rights to one parent and the potential pitfalls when they are not How to advocate properly with the judge when there are special education issues at hand Who should and should not be making Special Education-related decisions
Paperwork doesn't just take time. It takes up mental space. In this episode, we're kicking off a 4-part series to help you reduce paperwork overwhelm by building a simple planning system that supports your deadlines (and your sanity). You'll learn how to map out what's coming, spot your busiest months, and create realistic weekly goals so you're not carrying every IEP and eval in your head at once.In this episode, you'll learn how to:Do a quick paperwork inventory to identify your biggest stress pointsAudit upcoming IEPs/evals by month to plan ahead with confidenceSet weekly paperwork goals that reduce decision fatigue and mental loadProtect focus time using simple schedule boundariesTry the SLP Now free trial at slpnow.com/pod to access the Paperwork Course + workbook and start building your system.
What was your biggest Takeaway from this Episode! I would Love to hear from you!What if helping your child is actually teaching them to stay quiet, comply, and people-please authority figures?In Part Two of this powerful series, Anita Sandoval, LPC, and Gladys Cortez, LPC-S, unpack the uncomfortable truth many parents never realize: over-protection and misdirected advocacy can silence a child's voice instead of empowering it.This episode dives deep into IEPs, 504 plans, ADA rights, neurodivergence, and developmental readiness, revealing how well-intentioned parents may accidentally place adult-level responsibility on children whose brains are still developing.If you've ever wondered:Why your child won't ask for helpWhy accommodations exist but aren't usedWhy “good parenting” sometimes creates anxious, compliant adults
Send us a textWhat happens when grit, humor, and sharp self-advocacy meet a system that still talks over disabled people? We sit down with author, podcaster, and athlete Win Charles for a wide-open conversation about cerebral palsy, pain that won't be ignored, and the stubborn hope that keeps her training for Kona even as she prepares for a hip replacement at 37.Win breaks down what CP actually feels like—spasticity that clamps like a rubber band, a startle reflex that can derail recovery—and the cascading impact of a fall that left her hip 50 degrees out of the socket. She shares the moments that cut deepest: being dismissed at the ER, a pre-op staffer asking others to sign for her, and an anesthesiologist who brushed off her documented allergy. Through it all, she models what real advocacy sounds like: clear language, repeated boundaries, and a refusal to surrender decision-making power over her own body.We widen the lens to education, where accommodations exist on paper but often vanish in practice. Win calls out professors who skip IEPs, highlights the invisible labor students carry, and offers concrete steps for allies: learn the basics of CP and disability, shadow a special education teacher, and design access before it's requested. Then we come back to the everyday—the narrow clinic doorway, the broken door button, the shower that turns into a puzzle—because access lives or dies in these small, solvable details.There's joy here too. Win's Ironman story challenges every lazy myth about disability and ambition, and her rebuild plan after surgery is both disciplined and hopeful. The throughline is simple and strong: speak to the person, not the aide; hold the door when the button fails; believe people when they describe their bodies; and when it's your turn to move, just do it.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others find conversations that center dignity, access, and action. Your support keeps these stories in the light.Support the show
Alec Patton talks to Beverley Jenkins and Kate Hogan of the System Improvement Leads Networked Improvement Community and Nicole Leveille of Cloverdale Unified School District about how Cloverdale dramatically increased the percentage of students with IEPs in the general education population, and cut chronic absenteeism among students with disabilities in half. Every other week, we publish a newsletter with great resources like this one, sign up for it here! What are you waiting for, register for the National Summit for Improvement in Education before you miss out! Episode Notes: You can read an article by Kate Hogan and Sandra Park about this improvement network on Unboxed here ! To learn more about the System Improvement Leads (SIL) team and their supports, visit systemimprovement.org To learn more about California's Compliance and Improvement Monitoring process, visit caltan.info In partnership with Cloverdale, SIL has published a strategy handout linked here Learn more about the High Tech High Graduate School of Education
En este episodio de El Brieff, analizamos el complejo arranque de 2026. Desmenuzamos el repunte inflacionario en México impulsado por los nuevos aranceles a China y el impacto del IEPS. Exploramos la captura de "El Botox" en Michoacán y lo que significa para la industria limonera. Además, discutimos los retrasos del auto eléctrico Olinia frente a la presión del Mundial de Fútbol, los movimientos de relocalización de General Motors y la agresiva ofensiva legal de Donald Trump contra Wall Street. Un análisis profundo sobre cómo la geopolítica y la economía de consumo están reconfigurando el tablero global.STRTGY es el aliado estratégico para tu expansión de mercado. No arriesgues tu capital en suposiciones; utiliza nuestra metodología de certeza matemática para validar cada nueva ubicación. Desde la entrada a nuevos países hasta el escalamiento nacional, blindamos tu inversión con datos. Agenda tu demo en el link.Recibe gratis nuestro newsletter con las noticias más importantes del día.Si te interesa una mención en El Brieff, escríbenos a arturo@strtgy.ai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
En este episodio de El Brieff, analizamos la jornada histórica en los mercados globales. Desde Davos, Donald Trump sacude el tablero geopolítico con un acuerdo sobre Groenlandia que calma a Wall Street pero dispara el oro a niveles récord. Mientras tanto, en México, el "Superpeso" recupera terreno frente al dólar impulsado por datos económicos sólidos, a pesar de las alertas de Banxico sobre el impacto inflacionario del IEPS. También exploramos cómo la gigante china BYD está "canibalizando" el mercado de autos eléctricos en México, absorbiendo aranceles del 50% para mantener su dominio. Un análisis estratégico sobre poder, dinero y resiliencia.STRTGY es el aliado estratégico para tu expansión de mercado. No arriesgues tu capital en suposiciones; utiliza nuestra metodología de certeza matemática para validar cada nueva ubicación. Desde la entrada a nuevos países hasta el escalamiento nacional, blindamos tu inversión con datos. Agenda tu demo en el link.Recibe gratis nuestro newsletter con las noticias más importantes del día.Si te interesa una mención en El Brieff, escríbenos a arturo@strtgy.ai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We are joined in this episode by Stacey Shubitz, K-6 literacy consultant, a former elementary school teacher, and the co-founder of the Two Writing Teachers blog and podcast. Her forthcoming book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future, empowers parents to navigate the special education system. In this episode, we talk openly about what it really takes to support a child with learning challenges in today's school system. Drawing from decades of experience on both sides of the table, Stacey shares why she wrote Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities and what she wishes someone had told her when she was first trying to make sense of evaluations, IEP meetings, and endless paperwork. Our conversation centers on some of the practical mindset shifts that can help change everything for families, with Stacey explaining why leading with a child's strengths and not just their needs is so important for confidence and motivation. She also addresses disability language head-on, discussing why it is that naming disability isn't limiting but instead opens doors to services, legal protections, and access that families often don't realize they're entitled to. Throughout the episode, we highlight how knowledge of data, timelines, rights, and documentation can shift the power dynamic and help parents advocate more effectively. We offer some concrete guidance on when to push for evaluations, why waiting too long can do a lot of harm, and how to ask for progress data without feeling confrontational. Stacey also shares what makes IEP meetings feel collaborative instead of adversarial, from simple preparation strategies to small human touches that ease tension. Communication comes up again and again: how approaching teachers with curiosity, clarity, and respect can lead to better outcomes for kids! Stacey also speaks candidly about burnout, emotional exhaustion, and why joy isn't optional but protective. This conversation offers reassurance, realism, and a clear-eyed look at how parents can show up informed, empowered, and grounded while advocating for their children. Show Notes: [2:32] - Hear how Stacey's experiences with IEPs inspired her to help other parents. [4:04] - Stacey describes leading with strengths, not just challenges or disabilities. [6:03] - Highlighting positives alongside challenges helps children see themselves as capable. [9:42] - Stacey argues that children should know their rights and services so that they can advocate for themselves. [12:49] - It's so important for parents to monitor progress, request data, and push for evaluations when their child isn't advancing. [14:58] - Stacey adds that it's also essential to advocate firmly and request evaluations when interventions aren't producing results. [16:20] - Preparing for meetings with clarity, human touches, and understanding who's present can help make discussions more productive. [19:44] - Coming to meetings prepared with documents in advance helps balance power and supports advocacy. [23:04] - Stacey discusses how reviewing IEPs in advance can help ensure more effective teacher interactions. [25:00] - Approaching teachers with curiosity and gathering accurate information helps promote calm, productive conversations around school. [28:18] - Stacey gives an example of how being open about personal struggles allows teachers to provide better support for children. [30:33] - Stacey asserts that assuming positive intentions about teachers helps lead to collaboration and avoids unnecessary conflict. [32:07] - Stacey wishes that she had known sooner how important it is to read the procedural safeguards book to understand parental rights and timelines. [34:12] - Stacey expresses that she has learned that intentionally curating joy and connection can help prevent burnout. [37:05] - Joy is a legitimate form of intervention. Links and Related Resources: Stacey Shubitz - Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future Episode 164: 5 Keys to Productive IEPs with April Rehrig Episode 238: Dismantling DEI and the Department of Education: How Changes Impact Your Child with Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie Episode 246: Accommodations, Modifications, or Remediation? How to Know What Your Child Really Needs with Amy Cushner Connect with Stacey Shubitz: Stacey's Website Email: stacey@staceyshubitz.com Stacey's Substack Two Writing Teachers Website
2026 has already had an interesting start, with numerous changes to education, particularly here in California. We urge you to check with your state representatives to see what's happening in your state amid the chaos and confusion of the current state of US education. Your voice needs to be heard! We want this solo episode to focus on the trends we are seeing right now and how parents can be proactive. One of the biggest problems is the lack of services for the kids who need them most; so many are struggling to learn and function, but they are deemed ineligible for IEPs. Join us to learn more!Show Highlights:Understanding the federal law and its interpretation of IEP eligibilityDecisions are made in various ways and based on various criteria from state to stateAccommodations and supports are wonderful, but how would that child do without those in place?Being the squeaky wheel has its advantages.What the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) providesDigging deeper into social skills and problem-solving skills can help identify special needs.Parents can ask for additional assessments and evaluations from their school district.Special education analysis needs to be done from a holistic perspective that considers each child as a whole person.Resources:Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org.Thank you for listening!Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram,
What if learning disabilities aren't permanent? In this powerful conversation, educational therapist Lorraine Driscoll explains why IEPs, tutoring, and medication often miss the real problem — and how the brain can actually change. We talk neuroplasticity, sensory integration, labels, homeschooling, and the hidden reasons kids struggle with reading, focus, and self-regulation. This episode will completely change how you see your child's potential. Mentioned in this episode: Regulated Brain Learner Kit Free Download https://lorrainedriscoll.com/ Building Better Brains Free Class SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter Private Homeschool Mentoring with Janae: Schedule a Free Discovery Call School to Homeschool Website School to Homeschool YouTube Channel *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links. CONNECT with US Instagram Contact Janae: schooltohomeschool1@gmail.com
AI literacy in the classroom looks like students practicing judgment, sense-making, and self-awareness while working alongside AI, not replacing thinking with tools. It emphasizes mindset before mechanics. In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman frame AI literacy through the BAKE Mindset: Balance – Knowing when AI helps and when it doesn't Adaptability – Updating learning practices as tools change Knowledge Sharing – Making thinking visible and collective Empathy – Designing learning with student experience in mind How Does AI Change Research in Schools? AI changes how research starts and what counts as learning. Instead of: Finding information Rewriting sources Formatting citations Students now practice: Comparing perspectives Identifying bias and heuristics Deciding what matters and why Research becomes an exercise in judgment, not retrieval. The episode traces this shift historically—from card catalogs to microfiche to Google—and positions AI tools as the next evolution rather than a rupture. The conversation highlights several skills that remain human-led: Judgment – Evaluating ideas, not accepting outputs Question Formation – Using AI to clarify what to ask next Bias Awareness – Recognizing anchoring and confirmation effects Metacognition – Noticing learning gaps and strengths AI supports these skills but does not perform them on a learner's behalf. What Does "AI as a Co-Learner" Mean? AI as a co-learner means: Students remain responsible for decisions AI offers scaffolding, variation, or clarification Learning paths stay human-directed This mirrors patterns already familiar in education, including IEPs, 504 plans, and differentiated instruction. How Does AI Literacy Connect to SEL? AI literacy intersects with social-emotional learning by strengthening: Self-awareness of strengths and gaps Confidence in asking questions Comfort with uncertainty and revision As students work with AI, they gain clearer insight into how they learn—not just what they produce. Who Is This Episode For? Classroom teachers rethinking research and assessment School leaders shaping AI literacy strategy Instructional coaches and curriculum designers Educators focused on mindset, SEL, and learning design Series Context This episode is part of the BAKE Mindset series from Shifting Schools. Ready to learn more: https://www.shiftingschools.com/ Do you love the way this show is edited and produced? If you are looking for an amazing producer, learn more about connecting with our very own, Sagheer M. https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01a20f0c0c32996d55
The World's #1 Personal Development Book Podcast! In today's episode, we have the pleasure to interview Karen Mayer Cunningham, author of The Epic IEP: A Powerful Playbook for Parents, Educators, and Advocates Navigating the Special Education Process.Karen is a nationally recognized special education advocate, speaker, and mediator with nearly three decades of experience at the IEP and 504 table. Known as The Special Education Boss®, she's helped families and school teams all over the country navigate IDEA, Section 504, and disability law so kids with exceptionalities get the services and support they deserve.In this episode, you'll learn why special education, when delivered with fidelity, can change a child's entire future, how to walk into IEP meetings informed and prepared instead of overwhelmed and outnumbered, and practical ways parents and educators can work together—rather than against each other—to create truly “epic” IEPs that set kids up to thrive.We hope enjoy this incredible conversation with Karen Mayer Cunningham.To Learn More about Karen and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/atoeF7gWebsite/Socials: https://www.instagram.com/specialeducationboss/https://specialeducationacademy.com/https://www.youtube.com/c/SpecialEducationAcademyhttps://www.facebook.com/specialeducationacademyhttps://tiktok.com/@specialeducationboss____________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!
Sequencing goals are common in IEPs, but do they actually lead to meaningful outcomes? In this episode, I share why I no longer write traditional sequencing goals and what I do instead to support generalization, comprehension, and real-world language use. We'll look at how isolated sequencing tasks fall short and how embedding sequencing within narrative-based therapy can better support students' communication skills.In this episode, you'll learn:Why decontextualized sequencing tasks often don't generalizeHow narrative-based frameworks support sequencing, memory, and comprehensionExamples of functional, measurable alternatives to traditional sequencing goalsPractical ways to scaffold sequencing within real stories and experiencesListen in to rethink how you target sequencing and walk away with ideas you can apply in therapy right away.
En este episodio, analizamos la respuesta de Claudia Sheinbaum ante la amenaza de Donald Trump de realizar "ataques por tierra" en México. Exploramos por qué la cuesta de enero de 2026 será la más dura en años debido a nuevos aranceles y el IEPS. A nivel global, Trump lanza un ultimátum a Cuba tras la captura de Maduro, presiona a petroleras para invertir 100 mil millones de dólares en Venezuela y lanza ataques en Siria. Además: las protestas masivas en Irán, la crisis de imágenes en X, y el giro nuclear de Meta en los mercados.Este episodio es patrocinado por EVA, de STRTGY. EVA es un Enterprise Virtual Analyst que utiliza inteligencia de mercados e IA para transformar datos masivos en estrategias de expansión y Go-to-Market en tiempo récord. Optimiza tus decisiones comerciales con la certeza que solo encuentras en www.strtgy.ai.Recibe gratis nuestro newsletter con las noticias más importantes del día.Si te interesa una mención en El Brieff, escríbenos a arturo@strtgy.ai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Labor Pains: Dealing with infertility and loss during pregnancy or infancy.
Grief doesn't only follow death—it also shows up when life turns out very different than we imagined.In this powerful Episode 53 of Female Voices: Life & Loss, host Teresa Reiniger sits down with writer, speaker, and photographer Michelle Lee Steiner to explore life with a hidden learning disability, the grief that comes with unmet expectations, and the resilience required to keep going when the world underestimates you.Diagnosed in kindergarten and repeatedly told what she wouldn't be able to do, Michelle shares how she learned to adapt, advocate for herself, and redefine success on her own terms. This conversation offers encouragement for anyone navigating invisible struggles, educational systems, grief outside of death, or the long journey toward self-acceptance.Episode Highlights & Topics Discussed● Living with a hidden learning disability and being misjudged because “you don't look disabled”● The grief of realizing life will look different than planned● The power of parental advocacy, IEPs, and early intervention● Redefining success beyond traditional expectations● Finding strengths in writing, speaking, and creativity● Why grief also comes from limitations, not just loss of life● How community, grace, and customized support matter
Happy New Year! We can't believe it's already 2026. We made it through the holidays, which can be a particularly challenging time for many students. Our last episode of 2025 covered the topics of misbehavior and dysregulation, and we continue in that direction with today's guest. Join us to learn more!Dr. Desirie Sykes is a speaker, leader, advocate, author, and CEO. She is the founder of NESS Behavior Consulting and NESS Cares, a nonprofit in New York. NESS Behavior Consulting provides resources for mental health and special education, targeting children with a primary diagnosis of autism. Dr. Sykes collaborates with local school districts in the Long Island, NY, area, providing support and services tailored to meet a student's IEP. Her passion is to enlighten, uplift, and empower, while changing the narrative around mental health and providing accessible resources to those who need them. Show Highlights:Being sensitive and intuitive when behavior signals a deeper mental health issueBridging the gap between home and school behavior: A look at the big pictureParents should speak up in IEP meetings and ask questions confidently.Identifying your “starting point” in getting real about behavioral responsesThe challenge: Turning functional behavioral plans into doable bitsImportance of concrete, objective data about student behavior“How does the child feel about their environment?”Look at the big picture, not just the IEP meeting.Implementation of the needed supports is the key!One thing Dr. Sykes wants educators and parents to knowServices available through NESS Behavior ConsultingResources:Connect with Dr. Desirie SykesNESS Behavior ConsultingNESS CaresDesirieSykes.comContact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org.Thank you for listening!Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora,
The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals
Ever feel like your BCBA schedule is just one long game of “calendar Tetris”? Between driving to in-home sessions, juggling billable hours, supervising staff, and trying to have a life outside of work, it can feel impossible to fit it all in.In this episode, Audra and Caitlin break down 10 practical, doable strategies to help you build a sustainable schedule—whether you're clinic-based, school-based, or driving from house to house—without sacrificing supervision quality or your own sanity.
Durante 2025 elementos de la SSC CDMX auxiliaron a 36 mujeres en labores de partoA partir de este jueves uno de enero queda prohibida la venta de animales vivos en el Mercado de SonoraIsrael prohibió la operación en la Franja de Gaza de 37 organizaciones de ayuda humanitariaMás información en nuestro podcast
Education advocate Dr. Kathryn Otto meets with Bryce Hamilton LSCSW to discuss all things related to IEPs and 504s. These... The post Navigating IEPs and 504s with Dr. Kathryn Otto appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.
En Jalisco, detienen aumento a tarifa del transporte Sur de México reduce pobreza extrema: Banxico Tailandia y Camboya anuncian alto al fuego inmediatoMás información en nuestro Podcast
Subirá el precio base de las gasolinas en 2026 Borrarán deudas pequeñas del Buró de CréditoArrestan a reservista israelí tras atropellar a palestinoMás información en nuestro podcast
Colapsa avión de Semar en Texas, cinco personas murieron; anuncian subida del IEPS en gasolinas; Maduro sería inteligente si dimitiera: Trump.
Today, we're diving deep into the world of foster care education with the incredible Sharon Dunlevy, an educational advocate who's truly making waves in this often-overlooked area. Sharon's mission is crystal clear: she's all about bringing the needs of children in foster care to the forefront of educational policy and practice. She's not just a trainer for foster parents; she's a passionate speaker and influencer who recently snagged the fan favorite title in a speaking competition, proving that her voice is one that resonates. Together, we'll explore the unique challenges these kids face in the education system, from trauma-induced learning barriers to the importance of building supportive teams around them. So, grab a comfy seat and get ready to be inspired as we uncover how we can all play a part in ensuring these children not only survive but thrive!A heartwarming and enlightening chat unfolds as we dive into the intricacies of advocating for children in foster care with our remarkable guest, Sharon Dunlevy. With a mission that's as noble as it is necessary, Sharon opens up about her journey from special education teacher to educational advocate dedicated to ensuring that the voices of foster children are heard and their educational rights are upheld. We explore the challenges these kids face, often overlooked by society, especially concerning their schooling. Sharon emphasizes that many foster children deal with a unique set of traumas that affect their ability to learn and thrive in educational environments. She highlights the importance of understanding trauma-informed practices in education and how these can make a monumental difference in a child's learning experience. Throughout our conversation, Sharon shares her insights into the laws designed to protect these children and how foster parents can be empowered to advocate for their educational needs. From the Every Student Succeeds Act to individualized education plans (IEPs), we discuss the tools available to foster parents and educators to help foster children succeed academically. Sharon's passion shines as she recounts her experiences training foster parents, explaining how their knowledge of these laws can lead to better outcomes for their children. The episode is filled with anecdotes and practical advice for anyone involved in the foster care system, making it clear that we all have a role to play in supporting these vulnerable kids. As we wrap up, Sharon encourages listeners to develop empathy and understanding towards those around them, especially when it comes to invisible struggles. She leaves us with a powerful reminder that every child deserves a champion, urging us all to take action and advocate for the rights of foster children. This episode is not just a call to awareness; it's a rallying cry for compassion and informed advocacy, making it a must-listen for foster parents, educators, and anyone interested in making a positive impact in their community.Takeaways: Sharon Dunlevy is an educational advocate dedicated to improving outcomes for children in foster care, focusing on their educational rights and needs. The Every Student Succeeds Act mandates that foster children stay in their school even if they change homes, ensuring stability in their education. Foster children often face unique challenges due to trauma that affect their learning and behavior, requiring trauma-informed practices in schools. Educators and foster parents must work collaboratively to create supportive environments for foster kids, keeping the child's needs at the center of discussions. It's crucial for foster kids to be aware of their rights and available resources, especially as they transition into adulthood. Anyone can help foster children without becoming a foster parent by mentoring, tutoring, or donating essential supplies to support foster care agencies....
Estados Unidos sanciona al Cártel de Santa Rosa de Lima, con más impuestos y más vigilancia, el SAT nos cobrará 5.8 billones de pesos en 2026, y la cooperativa Pascual resiste entre el IEPS y los gigantes globales, con Mónica Alfaro e Ivet Rodríguez.-> Cuéntame de economía: "El auto ideal en 2026: ¿gasolina, híbrido o eléctrico?", no te lo pierdas en Spotify o en Youtube.00:00 Introducción01:32 EU sanciona al Cártel de Santa Rosa de Lima y a “El Marro”04:14 Más impuestos y vigilancia: así nos cobrará el SAT 5.8 billones de pesos en 202608:15 Del tanque a la batería: uno de cada 10 autos vendidos en México ya es híbrido o eléctrico13:19 Las streaming tienen menos estrenos en 202517:36 Pascual, la cooperativa que resiste entre el IEPS y los gigantes globales
Sales Game Changers | Tip-Filled Conversations with Sales Leaders About Their Successful Careers
This is episode 801. Read the complete trancription on the Sales Game Changers Podcast here. This is the sixth episode of the "Marketing and Selling Effectiveness Podcast." Regularly, the IEPS posts a new show with Selling Essentials Marketplace partner Julie Murphy from Sage Communications. Watch the video of this podcast on YouTube here. The Sales Game Changers Podcast was recognized by YesWare as the top sales podcast. Read the announcement here. FeedSpot named the Sales Game Changers Podcast at a top 20 Sales Podcast and top 8 Sales Leadership Podcast! Subscribe to the Sales Game Changers Podcast now on Apple Podcasts! Purchase Fred Diamond's best-sellers Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know and Insights for Sales Game Changers now! On today's show, Fred and Julie meet with Kelley Harar, a Maximus Managing Director and Liz Anthony, formerly a marketing director at Maximus. Find Liz on LinkedIn. Find Kelley on LinkedIn. LIZ'S TIP: "In B2G, marketing effectiveness isn't about generating noise. It's about enabling sales to earn credibility long before a deal is on the table." KELLEY'S TIP: "Marketing and sales effectiveness isn't about alignment meeting. It's about showing up together around the mission and earning trust at every step of the buying journey."
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Navy spouse Mackenzie Yaede, family communications and logistics coordinator for Luke's Wings, an organization that provides emergency travel planning services and airplane tickets for the families and loved ones of wounded, ill, and injured service members, Veterans, and fallen officers, during hospital recovery and rehabilitation.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestMackenzie Yaede serves as the Family Communications and Logistics Coordinator at Luke's Wings, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the organization's flight assistance programs for wounded warriors, Veterans, fallen officers, and their families. In this role, she reviews and approves flight requests, coordinates with travel partners, supports program reporting, and collaborates with partner organizations—including military hospitals, hospice care centers, and law enforcement agencies—to ensure seamless and compassionate support for those in need.Before joining Luke's Wings, Mackenzie spent several years working in the field of education, where she built a strong foundation in program coordination, student support, and inclusive practices. Most recently, she served as an Education Specialist, leading special education assessments, facilitating individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting cross-functional teams to promote academic and behavioral growth. Her prior roles in both New Jersey and California focused on delivering targeted interventions, collaborating with families, and fostering equitable, student-centered environments.In addition to her professional work, Mackenzie brings extensive volunteer leadership experience, particularly in support of military families and individuals with special needs. For the last several years, she has overseen key aspects of an annual family camp that supports individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, coordinating inclusive programming and providing meaningful respite and community. While living in San Diego, she also founded and led a military ministry support group at her local parish, offering fellowship and support for military-connected individuals. Her broader volunteer work includes mentoring youth, coordinating service projects, and supporting faith-based outreach programs.As a military spouse with a deep personal connection to the military community and a lifelong passion for service, Mackenzie is proud to support Luke's Wings' mission of keeping families connected during times of healing and recovery. She understands firsthand the power of family presence and is honored to play a role in reuniting loved ones when they are needed most.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeLuke's Wings WebsiteDelta Sky Miles ContributionPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor learning path, Self-Care for Caregivers. Learn how you can prevent burnout and care for yourself throughout your caregiving journey. After completing all of the courses in this series, you'll receive a "Self-care for Caregivers" digital badge to share on social media and highlight your learning journey. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/bundles/self-care-for-caregivers Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Hallie chats with Luba about how to help parents navigate IEP meetings.In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Luba — SLP, bilingual private practice founder, and the brain behind Kidology and The Confident IEP Parent. They dive into the real challenges parents face when navigating IEPs, why so many feel lost (and sometimes overwhelmed), and how Luba helps families show up to meetings with confidence instead of confusion. Along the way, she shares her journey from aspiring broadcast journalist to running a thriving clinic, plus tips for SLPs thinking about private practice or looking to grow their own niche. If you've ever wished you could hand parents a “how-to” guide for IEPs, or you're curious about juggling business, therapy, and advocacy, this episode is full of practical advice, inspiration, and plenty of real talk moments you won't want to miss.Bullet Points to Discuss: Luba's journey from broadcast journalism to running a bilingual private practiceWhy parents often feel totally lost in the IEP process—and how she guides them step by stepThe story behind The Confident IEP Parent and how it helps families show up to meetings with confidenceTips for SLPs on working with parents, starting a practice, and growing your niche without losing your sanityHere's what we learned: Parents need clear, simple explanations to feel confident in IEP meetings (no jargon, promise!)You can start a private practice with just a few clients—no fancy clinic requiredGrowing your practice means evolving with your clients and building trust over timeThere are so many ways to make an impact as an SLP—therapy, advocacy, content creation, coaching, and moreLearn more about Luba Patlakh-Kaplun: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubapatlakh WebsiteKidology Inc.: https://kidologyinc.com The Confident IEP Parent: https://confidentiepparents.com Instagram@kidologyinc: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyinc @kidologyqueen: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyqueen @theconfidenteipparent: https://www.instagram.com/theconfidentiepparent @kidologyplayspacesouthampton: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyplayspacesouthampton@thegrowthlabpodcast: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthlabpodcast TikTok@kidologyinc: https://www.tiktok.com/@kidologyinc@thegrowthlabpodcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrowthlabpodcast Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:
Mid-year IEP revisions don't have to be stressful. Learn how to review student progress, adjust goals, and revise services with ease using templates and team input. Body: The holidays are approaching—and so are mid-year IEP reviews. In Episode 292 of Be The Exception, Dawn shares practical strategies for updating IEPs based on Q2 progress and real-time data. Learn how to: Know when to revise an IEP mid-year Use academic + behavior data to guide changes Collaborate with your team to make smart service adjustments Use amendment templates to save time
Send us a textA simple song sparks a bigger truth: creative expression can move us through trauma and toward purpose. From that opening, we dive into a frank, compassionate conversation with neurodiversity consultant and advocate Lisa Richer about late diagnosis, parenting autistic and ADHD kids, and the hard-earned art of trusting your gut when the “experts” disagree.Lisa traces her path from anxiety and ADHD to burnout and recovery, revealing how a single label can validate years of lived experience without defining the person behind it. We examine the emotional whiplash of hearing “too early” or “too late” on a child's diagnosis, and how both reactions can fuel action when channeled into building the right team. Pediatricians who listen, psychologists who see the whole child, OTs, behaviorists, and teachers who collaborate—these partners reduce the unknown unknowns that stall progress and drain hope.We also unpack Lisa's years as an elite gymnast, only later learning she navigated visual processing challenges that made beam edges and vault boards feel like they were shifting. What looked like inconsistency was adaptive brilliance. That lens now informs Journey to Bloom, where Lisa helps parents navigate IEPs and emotions, mentors professionals—many neurodivergent—through career pivots, and equips organizations to lead across neurotypes using her RIPE Ideas framework: reflect, implement, practice, evaluate.There's more to explore: Lisa's chapter in Confident You, Raw Conversations, a collaborative book about finding purpose through lived challenges; and By With And For Autistic Adults, where the Launch You program supports ages 18–24 with person-centered planning, small cohorts, and practical goals, from independent living to leadership. Throughout, we return to one principle: your gut is data. Trusting it doesn't silence experts; it helps you pick the right ones, set boundaries that protect energy, and build belonging without shrinking.If this conversation resonates, follow Journey to Bloom, check out the book, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that validation is not definition. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what's one piece of support you wish you had sooner?Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com
In today's episode, I sit down with Luba Patlakh-Kaplun, the founder of Kidology, a mom of three, speech language pathologist, and dedicated advocate for families navigating IEPs. We talk about the loss that shaped both of us, the waves of grief, and the quiet moments where our parents still feel close. We get into mindset as the bridge between the human and the infinite, why asking for help is an act of faith, and how small, consistent actions create lasting change. Luba shares how she built her business, raised young kids, and learned to trust her own direction while stepping into her next chapter with purpose.
Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's expert episode, #232, with Speech Dude, Chris Wenger, sharing his neurodivergent affirming approach to IEP's and wow does he have a refreshing take on them.In this episode of the Brave Together podcast, Chris Wenger shares his journey as a neurodivergent educator and advocate for students with special needs. He discusses the importance of understanding neurodiversity, the need for a shift from deficit-based IEPs to a more affirming approach, and the significance of creating safe and supportive learning environments. Chris emphasizes the value of connecting with students authentically and provides insights into effective teaching strategies and resources for educators and parents alike.Chris Wenger is a neurodivergent high school speech-language pathologist of over 20 years, international speaker, and creator of the Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning, a strengths-based assessment for autistic students. He is also the founder of NeuroAffirm, a first-of-its-kind worldwide interactive directory connecting providers and families. Globally known as Speech Dude, he has amassed nearly one million social media followers, sharing inspiring and educational content, always with a humorous twist.Find more information about Chris Wenger here.Follow Chris Wenger on IG here.This episode is generously brought to you by: PCSI. PCSI is a nationwide, mission-driven nonprofit that creates meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans while delivering exceptional services to both the public and private sectors. Through our Workforce Development programs—including Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Employment, and Careers at PCSI—we empower individuals to achieve independence, personal growth, and long-term success. By combining sustainable business innovation with a values-based approach, we strengthen communities, challenge the status quo, and deliver outstanding results in every partnership. PCSI enhances the lives of people with disabilities through employment, advocacy, partnerships, and innovation. Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere. JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here. Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here. Can't get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube. Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer