POPULARITY
Traditional classrooms can be overwhelming for neurodivergent students. Rigid schedules, sensory overload, and one-size-fits-all approaches leave many feeling anxious, disconnected, and unable to thrive. Parents often ask: Is online education a viable alternative?In this episode, we sit down with Kate Longworth, CEO and founder of Gaia Learning, a global online school designed for neurodivergent learners. Kate shares how personalized online learning can reduce stress, increase accessibility, and help students build the confidence they need to succeed—whether in virtual or in-person settings.Key takeaways include:✔️ The misconception that distance learning isn't suited for marginalized students—and why the reality is quite the opposite.✔️ How Gaia Learning's tiered approach helps neurodivergent students transition from disengagement to confidence.✔️ Why emotional safety is the foundation of academic success, and how online learning can foster trust and connection.✔️ Strategies for scaling personalized education while maintaining meaningful, individualized support.
When your child is struggling at school, it can feel frustrating and overwhelming—not just for them, but for you as a parent. You want to help, but where do you start? In this episode, I sit down with Scotti Weintraub, founder of Reframe Parenting, parent coach, and school navigator, to talk about how shifting our perspective can change the way we support our children's education. Instead of viewing school challenges as roadblocks, we discuss how to turn them into opportunities for growth and success. We dive into the red flags that may signal your child is struggling, how to open up productive conversations with teachers, and why taking action now is essential for long-term academic and emotional well-being. Scotti shares insights from her own journey as a “forged-in-fire” parent advocate and provides strategies for working with schools in a way that leads to real solutions. If you've ever felt lost or frustrated trying to help your child succeed in school, this episode will give you a new perspective and the tools to move forward with confidence. To find out more about Scotti, check out her links: InstagramLinkedIn School Support Personality Quiz Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now! Essential Minute
https://iepparentadvocacyark.com Listen to us live on mytuner-radio, onlineradiobox, fmradiofree.com and streema.com (the simpleradio app)https://onlineradiobox.com/search?cs=us.pbnnetwork1&q=podcast%20business%20news%20network&c=ushttps://mytuner-radio.com/search/?q=business+news+networkhttps://www.fmradiofree.com/search?q=professional+podcast+networkhttps://streema.com/radios/search/?q=podcast+business+news+network
About the Guest(s):Dr. Priya Lalvani is a professor of Disability Studies at Montclair State University, where she also coordinates inclusive education graduate programs. Holding a PhD in developmental psychology from CUNY and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Columbia University, Dr. Lalvani brings over 14 years of professional experience working with young adults with disabilities in New York City. Her academic focus is on ableism, the segregation of students with disabilities in educational settings, and she has authored over 20 research articles alongside the co-authored book, "Undoing Ableism."Episode Summary:In this thought-provoking episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Priya Lalvani, an esteemed professor and advocate for the rights of children with disabilities. The episode kicks off with Dr. Lalvani's poignant thoughts on the paradox of segregating children to foster a sense of belonging, asking difficult questions about educational environments that fail these students. This podcast episode is an insightful dive into the history and ongoing challenges of parent advocacy in special education.Dr. Priya Lalvani shares her extensive research on ableism in education, uncovering systemic resistance parents face when fighting for inclusive educational practices. A significant part of the discussion revolves around Dr. Lalvani's recent study on "battle fatigue" experienced by parents advocating within the system, offering both a critique of current practices and practical solutions to overcome these barriers. This episode is a must-listen for educators, policymakers, and advocates passionate about genuine inclusion, as it delves deeply into the responsibilities and challenges of creating inclusive spaces for all learners.Complete show notes + transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/battle-fatigue-the-fight-for-inclusive-education-with-dr-priya-lalvani/Key Takeaways:Segregation vs. Inclusion: Dr. Lalvani questions the logic behind segregating students with disabilities to create spaces of belonging, advocating instead for transforming existing educational environments to become more inclusive.Parent Advocacy and Systemic Challenges: The history and current landscape of parent advocacy in special education reveal systemic barriers that make the fight for inclusion strenuous for families.Battle Fatigue in Advocacy: Dr. Lalvani introduces the concept of "battle fatigue," describing the emotional and physical toll on parents as they continuously advocate for their children's rights in a resistant educational system.Privilege Disparities: The discussion highlights how disparities in privilege affect the efficacy of advocacy efforts, with certain families able to leverage resources and knowledge to push for change more effectively than others.Policy Recommendations: Practical solutions, such as improving professional development for educators on IDEA and inclusive practices, could shift the current paradigm towards more effective inclusion.Resources:Undoing Ableism: https://bookshop.org/p/books/undoing-ableism-teaching-about-disability-in-k-12-classrooms-susan-baglieri/ Battle Fatigue: Parents, Institutionalized Ableism, and the “Fight” for Inclusive Education: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15407969241259365Thank you to our sponsor, IXL: https://www.ixl.com/inclusive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
https://iepparentadvocacyark.com Listen to us live on mytuner-radio, onlineradiobox, fmradiofree.com and streema.com (the simpleradio app)https://onlineradiobox.com/search?cs=us.pbnnetwork1&q=podcast%20business%20news%20network&c=ushttps://mytuner-radio.com/search/?q=business+news+networkhttps://www.fmradiofree.com/search?q=professional+podcast+networkhttps://streema.com/radios/search/?q=podcast+business+news+network
Listen to us live on mytuner-radio, onlineradiobox, fmradiofree.com and streema.com (the simpleradio app) https://onlineradiobox.com/search?cs=us.pbnnetwork1&q=podcast%20business%20news%20network&c=us https://mytuner-radio.com/search/?q=business+news+network https://www.fmradiofree.com/search?q=professional+podcast+network https://streema.com/radios/search/?q=podcast+business+news+network
Welcome to the Change Life Destiny podcast series! In this episode, host Stephanie interviews Season Johnson, a functional nutritional therapy practitioner and a mother who shares her compelling journey through the healthcare system. Season talks about adopting her daughter, prioritizing natural health approaches, and later facing the harrowing diagnosis of her son's leukemia. Despite initial resistance, she embraced conventional treatments while integrating holistic methods. Together, they discuss the importance of advocacy, nutrition, and detoxification in pediatric cancer treatment. Season also shares inspiring stories from her nonprofit, and details her goals for impacting families affected by cancer. Tune in to explore how combining allopathic and functional medicine can foster hope and healing.00:00 Welcome to the Change Life Destiny Podcast00:44 Introducing Our Special Guest: Ms. Season Johnson01:34 Season's Journey into Health and Wellness04:19 A Mother's Battle: Facing Childhood Leukemia08:32 Advocating for Your Child's Health17:14 Supporting Families Through Non-Profit Initiatives20:50 Success Stories and Future Aspirations24:38 Envisioning the Future of Healthcare30:51 Closing Remarks and Final ThoughtsGet in touch with Season:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInChange Life & Destiny is a movement to excite, engage, and educate communities about the importance of taking control of our health and wellness. We highlight the latest and greatest technologies that can restore health, prevent disease, and promote wellness, as well as practitioners who are using cutting-edge technology to help patients take control of their health.Learn more about us here:Website: https://www.changelifedestiny.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changinglifedestiny/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/changelifedestiny/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@changelifedestinyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/changelifedestinyWant to learn more? Visit our website or follow us on Instagram, Facebook Youtube, and LinkedIn.Want to learn more? Visit our website or follow us on Instagram, Facebook Youtube, and LinkedIn.
Host: Dana Jonson Guest: April Rehrig Title: Founder, Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting Bio: April Rehrig is a distinguished advocate in special education with over two decades of experience as a school psychologist, teacher, and parent within the public school setting. As the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, April focuses on training parents to be effective advocates for their children. Her strength-based approach emphasizes collaboration, communication, and empowering families to navigate the IEP process successfully. Episode Summary In this episode, Dana Jonson is joined by April Rehrig to discuss the power of parent advocacy in special education. April shares her journey from being a teacher and school psychologist to becoming an advocate and consultant. Together, they dive into: The importance of strength-based IEPs and reforming deficit-based processes. How parents can become equal participants in the IEP process and proactively address their concerns. Strategies for connecting assessment data to meaningful IEP goals and objectives. Training parents and students to advocate for their needs, especially in preparation for post-secondary transitions. The role of parent reports, accommodations, and self-advocacy in fostering better collaboration between families and schools. Listeners will leave with actionable insights into how they can champion their child's unique needs and strengths at the IEP table. Resources Mentioned Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting Website Free Consultation Contact Form COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates): copaa.org Engagement and Sharing Share this Episode: If you found this episode helpful, share it with friends or family who might benefit from learning about parent advocacy in special education. Leave a Review: Help us reach more listeners by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow April on Social Media Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube | FacebookFollow Dana on Social Media Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Related Episodes and Content Parent Advocacy Insights from School Psychologist and Special Education Director Diana Fannon Visit SpecialEd.fm for more episodes and transcripts. Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be available at SpecialEd.fm. Thank you for listening!
Send us a textPrepare to gain a new perspective on developmental approaches as we sit down with Jeff Guenzel, an esteemed counselor and psychotherapist who currently leads the International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL). Jeff shares his extensive knowledge on the DIR Floortime approach, a framework designed to guide and enrich the developmental journey of children, particularly those with significant differences. Using the vivid analogy of a GPS-guided journey, we uncover how developmental capacities, individual differences, and affective relationships work together to support each child's unique path.Explore the contrasts between developmental models like DIR and behavioral approaches such as ABA. Jeff and I discuss the challenges and rewards of researching developmental methods, which may unfold more slowly but promise lasting benefits by embracing neurodivergence and focusing on quality of life. Parents often witness early, meaningful changes in their children, and we provide reassurance by highlighting the growing body of research supporting these transformative approaches.Rounding out our episode, we delve into the critical role of parent involvement and authentic relationships in therapeutic practices. With insights into the global reach of the DIR Floortime, especially in systems like the NDIS in Australia, we emphasize the importance of parent-implemented approaches and the joy of building a supportive community. You'll find out how organizations like ICDL and Profectum are working to advance evidence-based practices while respecting the diverse needs of families navigating various therapies.ICDL.com danabaltutis.com, mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services
The Role of Advocacy in Special Education: A Talk with April Rehrig In this episode of the Prepared School Psych Podcast, host Jenny chats with April Rehrig, founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting. April shares her journey from being an elementary school teacher and school psychologist to starting her own advocacy practice. They discuss the importance of parent advocacy, the impact of AI on school psychology reports, and actionable steps school psychologists can take to better prepare for their roles. April emphasizes the significance of pre-meeting preparation and the evolving landscape of special education, including improvements in interventions and challenges in IEP processes. Resources: April's website: https://www.riseeducationaladvocacy.com/about April's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseedadvocacy/ FREE IEP Resources: https://www.riseeducationaladvocacy.com/resources JOIN SUMMER BOOT CAMP TODAY! Interested in Joining Summer Boot Camp? Register Today: https://jennyponzuric.com/summerbootcamp2024/ Not sure and want to try out a 2-week Free Trial Inside Our Prepared School Psych Community Click Here and use Code Podcast at check out: https://jennyponzuric.activehosted.com/f/159 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe now and join our community of dedicated School Psychologists committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering school environments for every child. Let's embark on this journey of professional growth and student-centered advocacy together! Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more: Instagram: @jennyponzuric
Paid parental leave and supporting working parents in the workplace is great for both employees and businesses. Bobbie Co-founder Sarah Hardy joins us to explain why, and shares tips on how to implement a policy that works for everyone.Connect with us on LinkedIn: Parentaly | Allison Whalen | Jenna VassalloLearn more about our parental leave programs: How We Help | Contact UsKeep in touch with Parentaly: Podcast newsletter | Monthly newsletter
Shortly after publication, a transcript for this episode will be posted on SpecialEd.fm Advocacy Insights with Diana Fannon Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Diana Fannon, Special Educaiton Director and School Psychologist Introduction: Dana Jonson introduces Diana Fannon, a Director of Special Education and a former school psychologist. Diana shares her personal journey with epilepsy and how it has influenced her approach to advocacy and education. Resources Mentioned: Disability Ed Pros Website: www.disabilityedpros.com Free Webinar on Demystifying the Path to Eligibility: www.disabilityedpros.com/webinar Instagram: @DisabilityEdPros Call to Action: Share the Episode with a Friend: Help spread the valuable insights from this episode by sharing it with friends or family members navigating the special education system. Leave a Review: Support the podcast by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps reach more listeners and provide support to more families. Follow Disability Ed Pros on Social Media: Stay updated with the latest resources, tips, and support by following Diana Fannon's initiative, Disability Ed Pros, on Instagram. Note: This episode serves as a comprehensive resource for parents and guardians in the special education process, offering Diana Fannon's expert insights and personal experiences to guide and empower families.
In this episode of Neuroeducation, host Angie Dee discusses the intersection of politics and education. She highlights how taxpayers are the ones funding the education system and argues that they should also have a say in how it operates. Angie criticizes the current outdated and boring factory-style method of education and calls for a revolution in the system. She empowers listeners to take action and make a difference in shaping the future of education.Transform your parenting with 'Montessori Made Easy' a course to help guide your child to thrive in a digital world with creativity, independence, and resilience. Click to explore a toolkit that will help you navigate the messy parts of parenting and rediscover the best parts of parenting: https://teachplayconnect.comFollow The Neuroeducation Podcast:https://www.instagram.com/neuroeducationpodcast/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@neuroeducationpodcast?_t=8iBmpacOWAr&_r=1https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHtouj8CkOyCDrVIO98BHLwhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553970581049Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:31 - The State of Education Funding00:01:15 - The Need for an Education Revolution00:02:09 - Political Engagement in Education00:03:01 - Montessori Programs in Brisbane Schools00:04:07 - Parent Advocacy for Montessori Education00:05:11 - Neuroscience and Montessori Method00:05:44 - Community Involvement in Education00:06:06 - Parental Activation for Educational Change00:07:11 - Supporting Overworked Teachers00:07:53 - Montessori Curriculum in Australian Schools00:08:59 - Call to Action for Local Educational Change00:09:10 - Closing and Podcast Subscription Information
TW: This episode has topics of pregnancy loss and transracial adoption. If these topics trigger you, please feel free to skip this episode. In this episode of a Heart to Heart with Adoptions From The Heart podcast, we invited Emily Hogar. Emily is an adoptive mother from our Central PA office and a midwife. Emily adopted her daughter in 2019 with her husband. We want to take time to talk to Emily to hear more about her professional experience working with expecting parents as well as how that has impacted her on her journey as an adoptive mother. In this episode we will discuss birth mother support, open adoption, midwifery, transracial adoption and racial advocacy. To learn more about Adoptions From The Heart, please visit www.afth.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-heart-to-heart/message
Does the eligibility category matter? My knee-jerk reaction is "NO!" BUT...there are several reasons why it can sometimes relate to what services and supports your child receives. Listen to this episode if you have an iniital eligibility meeting or a re-evaluation meeting coming up! BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! New Course! If you are new to the IEP process and want to kickoff your advocacy on solid ground, check out The IEP Basics Mini-Course! From now until Saturday (11/26/2023) the course is 50% off with the code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout! For just $44 you get an overview of the legal basics, the eligibility and re-eligibility process, the IEP process, and the IEP Paperwork! Learn more and snag your deal at https://TheIEPLab.com/Basics BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE Add a month of The Parent Advocacy Club on at checkout and receive 50% off your first month as well! Get the support you need as a parent advocate so you can help your child get supported this year! PODCAST GUIDE Need a guide to find the episodes most helpful for your situation? Download the free Podcast Listening Guide! https://TheIEPLab.com/LISTEN
Are you tired of everyone talking about self-care and how important it is to be level-headed when advocating... ...but needing help in having some tools to actually DO that? It's so much harder to put into practice. Today, Denise Kleinman is helping to introduce an actual tool you can use to process your advocacy emotions to have them stop getting in the way of effective advocacy. Topics we address on this episode: 1) Why advocating is so emotional 2) How using tools (similar to tapping) help you advocate with more clairity 3) A real-time tapping example that directly relates to school meeting stress! New to the podcast? Download free tools at https://TheIEPLab.com/freeresources Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode149 Connect with Denise and have a fee tapping experience: https://tapintuition.com/fatigue
The #1 thing I help parent advocates do is to focus in on WHAT their advocacy should be focused on. SO! It's not suprising that we have to back up and ask ourselves some questions about the plan in place, and how it's working and how it isn't! This is the recording of the free webinar we held last week to help parents answer 3 questions to determine if their child's IEP/504/other learning plan was effective, and YOU can listen to it today! Join The Parent Advocacy Club before Thursday: https://theieplab.com/CLUB Free Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/365033878323074/?mibextid=oMANbw Shownotes: https://theieplab.com/episode147
Eva Pacheco's journey as an advocate for quality bilingual education programs and parental engagement within school communities began with her experiences as a teacher in Mexico. When she moved to the US, she noticed the limitations of the American school system in supporting bilingual learners like her own children, who had limited resources. Determined to make a difference, Eva became passionate about transforming the educational experience for all students. Witnessing the difficulties her children faced, she embarked on a mission to create a better learning environment. She firmly believes that parental involvement and community support play a crucial role in building a successful educational institution. Series: "Education Channel" [Public Affairs] [Education] [Show ID: 39019]
Eva Pacheco's journey as an advocate for quality bilingual education programs and parental engagement within school communities began with her experiences as a teacher in Mexico. When she moved to the US, she noticed the limitations of the American school system in supporting bilingual learners like her own children, who had limited resources. Determined to make a difference, Eva became passionate about transforming the educational experience for all students. Witnessing the difficulties her children faced, she embarked on a mission to create a better learning environment. She firmly believes that parental involvement and community support play a crucial role in building a successful educational institution. Series: "Education Channel" [Public Affairs] [Education] [Show ID: 39019]
Eva Pacheco's journey as an advocate for quality bilingual education programs and parental engagement within school communities began with her experiences as a teacher in Mexico. When she moved to the US, she noticed the limitations of the American school system in supporting bilingual learners like her own children, who had limited resources. Determined to make a difference, Eva became passionate about transforming the educational experience for all students. Witnessing the difficulties her children faced, she embarked on a mission to create a better learning environment. She firmly believes that parental involvement and community support play a crucial role in building a successful educational institution. Series: "Education Channel" [Public Affairs] [Education] [Show ID: 39019]
Eva Pacheco's journey as an advocate for quality bilingual education programs and parental engagement within school communities began with her experiences as a teacher in Mexico. When she moved to the US, she noticed the limitations of the American school system in supporting bilingual learners like her own children, who had limited resources. Determined to make a difference, Eva became passionate about transforming the educational experience for all students. Witnessing the difficulties her children faced, she embarked on a mission to create a better learning environment. She firmly believes that parental involvement and community support play a crucial role in building a successful educational institution. Series: "Education Channel" [Public Affairs] [Education] [Show ID: 39019]
Hello and welcome to another episode of Rad Mom Radio!This week my guest is Anastascia, a local wife, mom, and college counselor. Anastascia has two sons, her youngest, Caleb, is a senior in high school and is diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. In this episode we talked all about Angelman Syndrome, Anastascia's experience as Caleb's parent advocate in the school system, and what an inclusive classroom should be.Thank you so much for listening!
Did you know that your state likely has a state parent center? I've heard from many parents that they are connected to theirs, and it's a great way to connect to your local resources! Join me on this week's episode with Erin Camper from Colorado's Peak Parent Center letting us know what State Parent Centers are all about! Hurry and get 10% off your Parent Advocacy Club Membership prior to August 31st -- just in time for our Semptemebr theme: beginning of the school year advocacy! Shownotes including a link to the Parent Center Hub: TheIEPLab.com/episode140
From freebies to courses to summits, here is the plan to support you as a parent advocate this 2023-2024 school year! HAPPENING NOW The Ultimate Parent IEP Prep Course is open for fall enrollment until Thursday, August 24th, 2023! Go to https://TheIEPLab.com/COURSE to find out more! Freebie & Resource Page: https://TheIEPLab.com/freeresources Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode139
Do you know it's possible to have more than one IEP meeting (otherwise an "IEP continuation meeting?" Now you do! But do you want 1? Or 2? Or 5? Maybe there isn't a magic number, but there are certainly advantages and disadvantages of multiple meetings, and we are going to discuss them all! We cover: 1) The parent right to have more than one IEP meeting 2) When to ask for a continuation meeting 3) Case Manager personality and meeting numbers 4) Finding your "sweet spot" of IEP meetings Don't forget to sign up for the FREE Advocacy Focus Workshop this Thursday evening OR Friday morning! More information at https://TheIEPLab.com/August Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800719414225685/ Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode13
You've tried everything -- and that relationship is just not awesome. How can you get un-stuck in your advocacy this year? In this episode we cover: 1) The reasons why you may be feeling like you are hitting a brick wall when it comes to advocating with some school IEP team members 2) 5 options for small actions that skirt you over under or through that barrier to advocacy Check out the newly updated free resources page! https://theieplab.com/freeresources Shownotes: https://theieplab.com/episode136
In this episode, Diana interviews Olivier Bernier, film producer of Forget Me Not, which revolves around his family's fight for inclusive schooling for their son, Emilio, who has Down Syndrome. Olivier Bernier Bio Forget Me Not Film Links Mentioned or Related The Henderson Inclusion School, Boston Tom Hehir Sue Swensen Stay Connected with Diana Diana's Website, including blog Free Resource - 5 Keys to Going Beyond Awareness Free Resource - How to Talk with Kids about Disability Beyond Awareness: Bringing Disability into Diversity in K-12 Schools & Communities - Diana's Book Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights - Diana's Children's Book Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights Thematic Unit/ Disability History Lesson Plans "Beyond Awareness" Digital Course Diana's TEDx Talk Beyond Awareness Facebook Page Diana on Instagram Beyond Awareness Tote Bag Beyond Awareness Pullover Hoodie Beyond Awareness Raglan Baseball T-Shirt Beyond Awareness Journal/Notebook Diana's Teachers Pay Teachers Store - Disability as Diversity Diana's Brand New Resource! Beyond Disability Awareness: An Educator's Guide, Published by National Professional Resources, Inc. (NPR, Inc.) Credits and Image Description Intro and outro music courtesy of Emmanuel Castro. Podcast cover photo by Rachel Schlesinger Photography. Podcast cover image description: Black and white photograph of Diana, a Spanish-American woman with long, wavy, brown hair. She is wearing a flowy, white blouse and smiles at camera as she leans against wooden building. Photo is colorfully framed with gold and orange rays of seeming sunshine on top half, and with solid sage green color on bottom half. Text reads "Beyond Awareness: Disability Awareness That Matters, Diana Pastora Carson, M.Ed."
CPS (Collaboritive Proactive Solutions) is a model that takes it a step deeper than "behavior" to find support needs or difficulties, and is also a model that teaches problem solving and buiding rapport. Santana Ficken is a mental health provider and autustic adult that works as an advocate with Minasota NEAT, Minnesota Neurodivergent Education, Advocacy, and Therapy Services (MnNEAT), a non-profit group that specialized in supporting neurodivergent people to be included across the livespan. In this episode we cover: 1) What the CPS model is and why it's worth it to invest time into learning 2) The "lens change" that can help get to the root of difficulties your child is experiencing (rather than everyone focusing on behavior) 3) How Santanna has used the model within the context of IEP advoacy 4) How the CPS method can help with identifyng accommodations and goals for your child Minnasota NEAT: https://mnneat.org/ Minnasota NEAT email: info@mnneat.org Download the Podcast Listening Guide: https://TheIEPLab.com/listen Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode135
Listen as Educator Barnes discusses the importance of parent advocacy, activism, and engagement with Ashley Thomas, RISE Indy Vice President of Organizing, and Maritza Guridy, National Parent Union Deputy Director of Parent Voice & Outreach.
Sitting on the "school side" of the IEP table gave me a TON of insights into what approach to the team (suprisingly regardless of case manager personality!) was the most effective. Feel like a "bulldog" at IEP meetings? Chances are, behind the scenes your child isn't getting truly the best service. Feel like you have no input to share and you are lost in the process? We can give you some confidence to know what to ask and what your role is. Because the most effective approach, is of course, somewhere in the middle. In this episode, we cover the 3 different approaches to advocacy and how you can get to a place of "middle of the road" and why it's so important to get there! Download the free IEP Step-By-Step Process Guide: https://theieplab.com/iep Download the Podcast Listening Guide: https://theieplab.com/listen Shownotes: https://theieplab.com/episode134
Do you want to feel empowered and confident in advocating for your child's healthcare needs? Are you searching for a solution that will help you effectively speak up for your child in healthcare settings? In this episode, I will be sharing the key to unlocking your advocacy potential, enabling you to achieve the outcome you desire - ensuring the best possible care for your child. By exploring the role of child life specialists, together we will explore how child life provides you with the knowledge and tools necessary to become a formidable advocate. Say goodbye to feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, and hello to being a strong and effective voice for your child's healthcare needs. They show you how to understand your child's needs and empower you to advocate for their wellbeing. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand why parental advocacy is essential to getting the best possible health outcome for the child Learn how child life specialists use their skills to help parents learn how to advocate Be aware of the challenges of advocating in healthcare and how child life supports parents during those times. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:21 - Introduction, 00:01:11 - The Importance of Parent Advocacy, 00:03:10 - Research on Caregiver Advocacy, 00:04:22 - Teaching Parents How to Advocate, 00:07:28 - Overcoming Challenges of Advocacy Resources mentioned in this episode: Visit Child Life On Call's website at childlifeoncall.com/parents to access more information and free resources to help support your child's unique needs. Tune in to the Child Life On Call podcast every Wednesday to hear parent stories and gain insights from those who have gone through similar experiences. Explore the different episodes of Child Life On Call 101, where we cover various topics related to child life specialist practices, to learn more about how you can implement these tools and tips into your family life or professional work. Sign up for updates and newsletters from Child Life On Call to stay informed about new resources, events, and opportunities to further support your child's healthcare journey. Take advantage of the educational and emotional support provided by Child Life On Call specialists to help you navigate the hospital system and effectively advocate for your child's needs. Share your journey and experiences as a parent on the Child Life On Call podcast to support and inspire others going through similar situations. Connect with the Child Life On Call community through social media platforms to engage with other parents and caregivers who are also navigating the healthcare system and advocating for their children. Consider becoming a member of Child Life On Call to Every family deserves a child life specialist. ________________________________________ Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about child life, this podcast is for you. Learn 6 Positions to Help Kids Feel Comfortable and Safe Here are some of our favorite affiliates that help promote positive coping for kids: 10% off Coping Kits and other select merchandise at Present Over Perfect Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform revolutionizing pediatric healthcare by putting parents at the center of the medical journey. With over 13 years of experience as a certified child life specialist, Katie has made significant contributions to the field. She is an accomplished author, an engaging speaker on child life and entrepreneurship, and the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast. Katie's work emphasizes the vital role of child life services in supporting caregivers and enhancing children's medical journeys. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan
Have you ever throught your child got a medical diagnoses because of their qualification for an IEP? Did you ever stop to think that the educational label (ie. what the school used to qualify your child for an IEP) does not mean that they have a medical diagnoses? This episode details out the differences and what you need to know about each situation to get the best support for your child at school! In this episode we discuss: 1) What an outside evaluation looks like an does for your child 2) What the intention of an educational label is, and how it's different 3) Deciding if you need one or both of these to get your child what they need Download teh NEW Podcast Listening Guide! www.TheIEPLab.com/listen Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/365033878323074/ Shownotes with Transcript: www.TheIEPLab.com/episode131
Moving schools? Moving districts? Moving states? It may be a pain, but you actually have a clear advantage of moving from one situation to the next (even though it may be scary, too!) In this episode we discuss: 1) The typical process of records exchange from one school to the next 2) How to set the tone with the next school to create an atmosphere of effective parent advocacy 3) The imporantace of making sure you understand what's in your child's IEP paperwork 4) Knowing what questions to ask the new school/district to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible Need some personalized support this summer? Take advantage of 20% off the NEW 1:1 Advocacy Power Hours! This is 60 minutes of focused sessions to get next steps in your advocacy. It includes a recording of our session and a PDF session recap. Check out more information and schedule your time at www.TheIEPLab.com/PowerHour Snag your FREE IEP Process Step By Step Guide: www.TheIEPLab.com/IEP Shownotes: www.TheIEPLab.com/episode130
Does this sound familiar? Your child "keeps it together" during school hours...and then when arriving home for the day they fall apart emotionally and energetically. This isn't them being manipulitive, or tricky at all...they are what's termed "masking" at school, something that has been described in the autistic community as a very stressful experience. On this episode, we have guest Tara Marshall, an autistic adult and speech language assistant. She shares her experiences with masking and how to advocate for their support within school walls as well as when they come home. TRIGGER WARNING Tara describes a traumatic event about a special object to her and what was done to it. It may be triggering to some people. [Around ______] Tara's email: azautisticadvocate@hotmail.com IEP Process Step By Step Guide: www.TheIEPLab.com/IEP Shownotes: www.TheIEPLab.com/episode128
I mention this in every intro...and it's time to not only break it down, but actually have examples from a real live person of what focusing on these 3 areas has meant for a real parent advocate! As you will learn today, Chellor Crossley, parent advocate and resident guide for the self-care session included in The Parent Advocacy Club is here to guide us through her journey so far! (sumemr enrollment is open NOW for The Parent Advocacy Club! Check it out at www.TheIEPLab.com/club) In this episode we cover: 1) The 3 pillars of parent advocacy Beth observed in over 400 IEP meetings 2) Chellor's journey, pointing out that this can really be a rollercoaster of successes and challenges 3) The support offered in The Parent Advocacy Club and the extra bonus announced at the end of the episode! The Parent Advocacy Club: www.TheIEPLab.com/club Connect with Chellor on Instagram: @ChellorsHouseofLight
Have you ever disagreed with your school team's educational evaluation? Did you know there is something in your parent rights/procedural safeguards that you can choose to exercise in this case? They are called Independent Educational Evaluations, or IEE's. And they can help you get a second opinion for your child -- at the public expense. In this episode we discuss: 1) What is an IEE and where to find more state-specific information about them 2) What the steps would be to exercise that right 3) Some FAQ's and funky things to be aware of 4) Why it is MUCH more preferable for you and your child if you don't have to get to the IEE stage! (Copy and Paste the links into your browser if they aren't hyperlinked :) ) Grab your FREE IEP Process Step-By-Step guide at: www.TheIEPLab.com/IEP Find the Shownotes with all the links at: www.TheIEPLab.com/episode124 Link to Colorado IEE guidelines mentioned in this podcast: https://disabilitylawco.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Q%26A%20-%20Independent%20Educational%20Evaluations%202021.pdf
“The problem with the vision screening test is that, they're only looking at distance vision and that's not where most of learning is”.Today we welcome Catherine Carter, a mother of five and a true rockstar who's been working on state and federal policy and legislation to improve access to vision care. After her son was diagnosed with double vision and the school refused to provide accommodations, Catherine filed state complaints and contacted the US Department of Education. Her efforts led to a national memorandum recognizing non-acuity vision impairments. In this episode you'll hear about:(9:32) Demystifying chain office's eye doctors' poor medical practices.(12:37) Catherine's advocacy journey takes her to the White House to find answers for her kid.(15:33) Investigating schools that were out of compliance.(18:37) Catherine's son's Vision Therapy and Modifications.(20:18) Normal Vision is not a difficult concept to teach to our children.(24:45) “They were not checking the vision of our soldiers when they were getting hit in the head”: winning the battle to advocate for their visual health.(28:11) Other legislative initiatives.(31:49) Join Catherine's movement and keep advocating for our children's vision health.Resources & LinksVisit Catherine's FB Group Let Them See Clearly for more information and updates on her work.Go back and listen to our episode How Can I Better Advocate For My Child? where we talk with Michele Hillman from Vision Therapy Parents United mentioned in today's episode.American Optometrist Association Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support! Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”
One thing I realized with parents who were really successful advocates in the schools was how they framed their concerns, their child's strengths, and how they set the tone for the meeting that naturally led to the parents getting to know what was possible...and what to ask for. This week, we have Scotti Weintraub from Reframe Parenting. In this episode we cover: 1) 4 reframes to help you center yourself and the IEP team to focus on solutions and strengths 2) Specific examples of taking challenges and turning them into what to ask for in the school environment Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/365033878323074/ Scotti's Website: https://www.reframeparenting.com/ Download Scotti's Freebie: https://www.reframeparenting.com/summer Shownotes: https://theieplab.com/episode123/
Is your team a bit stressed because they are short staffed? It can feel like you have no power to enforce the IEP, and it can also feel even harder to ask for additional support for your child! But in this episode, we are exploring actions you can take to help the school help your child! In this episode, we discuss: 1) Why schools are experiencing staffing shortages 2) What you can do to help those that are doing their best in the schools 3) Options for what you can do to help by getting them staffed 4) How to help your team get support from the "higher ups" in the school administration Check out the NEW Parent Advocacy Club! (founding member pricing through April 30, 2023) Join the Facebook Group Shownotes
Advocating for your child at school is crucial as it can significantly impact their academic success and overall well-being. By advocating for your child, you ensure that their needs are being met and that their unique learning style, abilities, and challenges are being taken into consideration. However, many parents are unaware of their right to ask for resources or to question if certain resources or teaching methods are working for their child, which is also a form of advocacy. In this episode, I discuss the following topics:
If you are hearing "but their grades are so good, they are fine!" then you certainly aren't alone. This week, guest Valerie Cantella shares her own journey of advocating for her daughter and how her eyes were opened to district resources when she sat on a school board later in her advocacy journey. In this episode we cover: 1) The ups and downs of advocacy 2) How advocating for social emotional supports is changing (and still needs to change more!) 3) Valerie's top tips for parent advocates April is FREE 300 day trial of The New Parent Advocacy Club Membership! FREE IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide Valerie Cantella's website Read 1st Chapter of Valerie's Book HERE Shownotes
The heroism of Nashville police officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo is on full display as we listen to the chaotic audio of their well-orchestrated takedown of the Covenant School shooter from the officers' body cameras. Also, Lori Gimelshteyn joins Dan to discuss her application for a waiver and permit to host a 'Rally for Parent Rights' on the west steps of the Colorado capitol building. The waiver is required because their request is under the 30-day period required for such a permit to be granted.
THE DOORS TO THE ULTIMATE PARENT IEP PREP COURSE ARE OPEN! It's negative out there. Like depressing. But you need to search for resources and make connections because this IEP journey can be a bit lonely and intimidating, right? So how do you take negitive experiences of others and make sure that doesn't happen? Because the truth is...that SOME IEP EXPERIENCES ARE AMAZING!!! And how do we get THAT amazing experience...for you? In this episode we cover: 1) Where you will find negitivity in parent advocacy 2) How to take what you need, and leave what you don't 3) How you focusing on your circle of influence actually has a bigger impact than focusing on big news stories or other people's experiences in the past. If you want help prepping y THE DOORS TO THE ULTIMATE PARENT IEP PREP COURSE ARE OPEN! Join the Facebook Group Shownotes
LIMITED TIME BONUS EPISODE Have you mastered the 4 pillars of parent advocacy? Beth shares these 4 themes she identified in participating in over 400 IEP meetings and shares what to do to get help in kicking the IEP meeting stress to the curb and welcoming IEP advocacy confidence with open arms! THE ULTIMATE PARENT IEP PREP COURSE DOORS ARE OPEN TODAY! Click THIS LINK to check out the prep course and see what option will help you kick IEP meeting stress to the curb! Don't forget to get on The IEP Lab's email list if you haven't already to get fast action and other bonus items for joining The Ultimate Parent IEP Prep Course ASAP! You can get on the mailing list by Downloading your FREE IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide!
BONUS IEP Prep Series! We are answering the question of the MOST EFFECTIVE advocacy approach to IEP meetings. It's called the Goldilocks Approach to Advocacy. In this episode we cover: 1) The three main advocacy approaches (passive, aggressive, and just right) 2) What it looks like AFTER the IEP meeting for each of these approaches from inside the school walls 3) Keys to finding your "just right" Don't forget to snag your IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide! Shownotes Hint The Ultimate Parent IEP Prep Course is opening up again in the next week! Don't forget to follow The IEP Lab on socials and get on the email list (by downloading the guide!) Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook
Parent rights (officially called Procedural Safeguards) should be your complete guide to your options for knowing what you can do as a parent. BUT they can be hard to read, and it's hard to not get overwhelmed and forget what's in them! In this episode we cover: 1) Where to find a copy of your parent rights 2) Top 8 highlights of most common and helpful parts of the parent rights document 3) Common procedures or school staff knowledge of parent rights FREE IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide Join the Facebook Group Shownotes
Why are principals so important to your advocacy efforts? Simply because they lead the culture of the school! So if you have any questions about what principals do behind the scenes, this episode is so helpful for knowing when to draw them in! In this episode we cover: 1) Qualifications of School Principals 2) What they actually do in the school 3) If you want them at your child's IEP or not! Download the FREE IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide Join the Facebook Group Shownotes
So...what is an IEP Season? It's a naturally grouped clump of IEPs due all at once. Why does this matter? Because there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to having your child's IEP at a certain time of the year, and today we are talking about what you can do to capatalize on the advantages, and counteract some disadvantages, too! IEP Bootcamp (to understand how to read your child's IEP!) Join the Facebook Group Snag the Free IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide Shownotes
Did you know that social workers are listed as someone to do functional behavioral analysis? Curious, as they aren't in every district! There are some suprises in this role, so let's see if you have it available! In this episode we cover: -qualifications for school social workers -what they actually do -what other professionals they overlap with Join The IEP Bootcamp Join the Facebook Group Shownotes
The school system is not always going to be working FOR your child, in fact, as my guest shares, your child's school might cut corners and not tell you. You have rights as parents but you might not even know what they are! We all need someone in our corner like attorney, Catherine Michael, who's my guest on this episode. She helps parents through school issues where their child has been injured, disciplined and/or have special needs that aren't being met at the school level. Catherine shares jaw dropping information that every parent needs to know about how the “system” works and that it's PARENTS who need to enforce the laws for their children because left unchecked, there is no penalty for schools if they don't follow the rules and regulations they are supposed to. WE need to hold them accountable. The problem is that most parents don't know where to start or what questions to ask if they're in a position where their child is being mistreated, left behind, or not being given the support they need. Parents are scared to hold schools accountable for fear the school will take it out on their child. It feels like an impossible position when your child is struggling in school. I wish I knew this information sooner; I know you will feel the same way. Please share this episode with anyone who needs to hear it too. **For Catherine's guide on Parent Advocacy, you can download it from the Parent Toolbox. www.parent-toolbox.com** About Catherine M. Michael Catherine M. Michael is an attorney who practices throughout the state of Indiana, Texas, and Michigan. She also is an educational consultant and parenting coach. She represents students and their families in a variety of education and personal injury matters including Special Education Due Process, Section 504 matters, expulsion, disciplinary issues, personal injury of children including injury, sexual abuse, molestation, and rape cases both in and out of school environments, private school issues and discipline as well as other civil rights and disability claims experienced by students. Contact Information: Email: Catherine@cmklawfirm.com catherine@coffeewithcatherine.com Social Media: Website: www.coffeewithcatherine.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMKlaw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-michael-5144b936/ Resources to Protect Educational Rights for Students with Disabilities and Their Parents or Family Members: https://www.copaa.org/ Thanks for listening! It means so much to me that you listened to my podcast! If you resonate with my message and would like my personal help in your parenting journey, I'd love to talk to you. Please visit my website to book a call with me where we can talk about your parenting frustrations and I'll share how I can help you. www.parentingforconnection.com My intention with my show is to build a community of parents that can have open and honest conversations about parenting without judgement or criticism. We have too much of that! I honor each parent and their path towards becoming the best parent they can be. My hope is to inspire more parents to consider the practice of Peaceful Parenting. If you know somebody who would benefit from this message, or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe on the podcast app on your mobile device. Leave a review I appreciate every bit of feedback to make this a value adding part of your day. Ratings and reviews from listeners not only help me improve, but also help others find me in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes goes a long way! Thank You!!