Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast

Don’t Wait: The Critical Window for TK & Kindergarten IEPs (And Why Early Intervention Matters)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

As the school year winds down, this is a critical window for families and educators. If there’s anything you’ve been meaning to put in motion before summer, now is the time to act. Planning ahead is essential, and school districts often operate on fixed timelines, leaving limited flexibility for scheduling assessments and services. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the challenges many families face in kindergarten and transitional kindergarten classrooms when it comes to getting students evaluated and connected with the support they need. Tune in as we break it down and share what you should know.

Show Highlights:

The reality of expectations for TK students measured against kindergarten standards
Watch out for the “typical peer” trap.
What we are seeing from schools
An example to support this question: “Which group of typical peers is my child being compared to?”
Does the level of support prove that the child needs services?
Understanding the functional component of education (lining up, transitioning to other classrooms, grasping routines and procedures, etc.)
The purpose of an IEP is to provide consistent implementation from year to year.
It’s not appropriate to rely on the “COVID baby” designation to excuse a student’s struggles.
Early intervention is everything!

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.

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Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns via Facebook, Instagram, X, the IEP Website, or Email.

Analyzing School Non-Attendance Data: Where Do We Go From Here? with Dr. Dennis Lefevre

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

We are back with the second part of our conversation with Dr. Dennis. Our previous episode covered the escalating attendance crisis and how we can address it with new evaluations and data-collection tools. We are excited to dive deeper into this important subject through Dr. Dennis’ expertise and passion. Join us!

Dr. Dennis Lefevre recently served as the Executive Director of Student Support Services in a small, high-performing school district in southern CA. Before that role, he worked in various capacities in public, non-public, and private school settings with thousands of preschool, elementary, and secondary students. He had a front-row seat to the unfolding attendance crisis and became increasingly frustrated with the lack of ownership among schools, homes, and communities. He is now piloting a new kind of evaluation that is an intensive data collection process designed to lower the threshold enough to get students back on campus. As an educational psychologist in private practice, Dr. Dennis started an agency called Back at School, which offers consultations, advocacy, targeted data collection, interventions, workshops, and more to help the attendance crisis.

Show Highlights:

A new approach based on revising the BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan): the AIP (Attendance Intervention Plan)
Creative interventions for attendance challenges
Differentiating between school refusal and truancy
School refusal is typically an attempt to escape aversive stimuli, like bullying, tests, social phobias, and separation anxiety.
Truancy is characterized by defiance, a pursuit of external rewards, and developmentally inappropriate rebellious behavior.
Educators are trained to treat all students the same, which doesn’t allow for specialized needs.
Why it’s important to ask, “Is this a performance deficit or a skills deficit?”
Providing even a small amount of control or choice to the student can be very effective.

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Dennis Lefevre: Website

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.

Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns via Facebook, Instagram, X, the IEP Website, or Email.

Exploring the School Attendance Crisis: School Refusal or Truancy?

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Whether you’re ready for Spring Break or still have a few weeks until Spring Break, the reality is that there isn’t much of the school year left. There are many assessments and IEP meetings that need to be scheduled now. In today’s episode, we are talking with a wonderful guest, really getting into the trenches of evaluations and the escalating attendance crisis of the last few years. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Dennis Lefevre recently served as the Executive Director of Student Support Services in a small, high-performing school district in southern CA. Prior to that role, he worked in various capacities in public, non-public, and private school settings with thousands of preschool, elementary, and secondary students. He had a front-row seat to the unfolding attendance crisis and became increasingly frustrated by the lack of ownership among school, home, and community. He is now piloting a new kind of evaluation that is an intensive data collection process designed to lower the threshold enough to get students back on campus. As an educational psychologist in private practice, Dr. Dennis started an agency called Back at School, which offers consultations, advocacy, targeted data collection, interventions, workshops, and more to help the attendance crisis.

Show Highlights:

Understanding the crisis and the disconnect between school districts and parents
Prioritizing the fidelity of “the data” is not the solution
Different categories of school team perspectives: those who are competent and conscientious, those who are “just okay,” and those who aren’t competent and are just waiting for summer break
The benefit of school study team meetings in identifying school refusal/avoidance or simple truancy
A truism in school attendance: “The longer you’re out, the harder it is to go back.”
Understanding external and internal behaviors in crafting solutions
When the IEP program/curriculum is the root cause of attendance issues
The facts: 19-25% of students remain chronically absent since COVID (Neurodivergent/special needs students are affected about 3x more than their peers.)
Specifics about the MDAE, Multi-Domain Attendance Evaluation

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Dennis Lefevre: Website

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.

Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns via Facebook, Instagram, X, the IEP Website, or Email.

Beyond Dysregulation: How FBAs and BIPs Can Support Your Child

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

It’s already March, and we are quickly approaching Spring Break season when different school districts have those breaks scattered over the next 4-6 weeks. Seeing a flare-up in behavior problems is not unusual during this time. There are highly severe sensory and emotional dysregulations happening with many students, and our goal should not be punishment. We need to appropriately address these behaviors that might be outside of the student’s control, especially those that are a result of a disability. Join us for today’s discussion about Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs).

Show Highlights:

The first step in an FBA is to collect data to define and describe the behaviors.
Sensory overload, avoidance, and seeking attention are common challenges that cause dysregulated behaviors.
Unmet needs have to be understood and met before behaviors can be regulated; this is where a BIP comes in.
A BIP can be helpful when “the behavior is affecting a student’s learning or the learning of others.”
Autistic students may use masking behaviors at school and explode later.
How FBAs compare to the former Functional Analysis Assessment
Defining behavior in assessments should follow the ABC format: antecedent, behavior, and consequence.
We must teach both preventive and reactive coping skills.
The BIP should be checked and thoroughly evaluated after 30-60 days.
Amanda’s advice to parents about getting the most out of a BIP
Vickie’s advice to teachers about implementing a BIP

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.

Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, the IEP Website, and Email.

The Time is NOW: Be Proactive in Scheduling End-of-Year Meetings

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0400

We are entering the crazy season when Spring Breaks will be happening all over the country during March and April. This is a friendly reminder to be proactive in scheduling any meetings, tours, tests, and assessments that you would like to have completed before the end of the school year. The year will be winding down before we know it! We don’t want to see more students fall behind by multiple grade levels simply because assessments haven’t been done in a timely fashion. It’s not just academics that warrant an IEP meeting; social and emotional struggles should be documented and addressed as well. Don’t be afraid to be the “squeaky wheel” when it comes to advocating for your child’s educational services!

Show Highlights:

When there is a problem, be proactive, not reactive.
Don’t be afraid to raise the alarm and raise the questions to get support in place for your child.
Transition IEP meetings should be robust and address ALL the student’s needs.
Amanda’s tips for IEP meetings for students transitioning to middle or high school
Specific problems with providing IEP services and accommodations amid the current teacher shortage
Handling RSP hour shortages and makeup times (Ask for the logs to verify the required hours.)

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns via Facebook, Instagram, X, the IEP Website, and Email.

Better Behavior Solutions: Brain Breaks, Connection, and Rhythm

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In our final episode of 2025, we spoke with Dr. Doug Bolton about innovative solutions for students experiencing dysregulation. We received a lot of feedback on that episode and had already planned a follow-up episode about the shift in perspective we are seeing in student behavior. We are thrilled to welcome him back to learn from him about student behavior and regulation. Join us for another conversation with Dr. Bolton!

Dr. Doug Bolton is a clinical psychologist who has always been drawn to working with kids who experience behavioral problems. Knowing that being in schools gives him the best vantage point from which to help kids, Doug became a school psychologist and later a principal at a therapeutic school. He is currently a consultant working with families to help vulnerable kids become more resilient. From his unique perspective and extensive experience, he wrote the book Untethered.

Show Highlights:

Recognizing rhythms to the school year, especially as a new semester begins
The correlation between mental health issues and the school year (for students AND teachers)
Our system is stressing everyone out because of the over-focus on test scores.
A focus on test scores makes us lose the connective tissue of learning and community.
Our best learning requires emotional regulation and connection in relationships.
What we know about deep learning and where it happens
The value of a teacher who is willing to put ego aside and TRY to implement the IEP accommodations for a student
Brain breaks are essential for emotional regulation.
Music, art, recess, and vocational planning are brain breaks that help decrease stress hormones.
Proactive breaks vs. reactive breaks (Not all breaks are equal!)
Being curious about misbehavior (“Misbehavior is stress behavior.”)
Disruptive students are dysregulated students.
Key takeaways from Dr. Bolton about the power of belonging, connected relationships, and emotional regulation
Connect with us on social media with your questions for Dr. Bolton for a future episode!

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Doug Bolton: Website and Untethered

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns via Facebook, Instagram, X, the IEP Website, or Email.

Shifts are Happening: Pay Attention!

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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 eligibility
Decisions are made in various ways and based on various criteria from state to state
Accommodations 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) provides
Digging 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email

Trauma-Informed IEPs: When Behavior Signals More with Dr. Desirie Sykes

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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 issue
Bridging the gap between home and school behavior: A look at the big picture
Parents should speak up in IEP meetings and ask questions confidently.
Identifying your “starting point” in getting real about behavioral responses
The challenge: Turning functional behavioral plans into doable bits
Importance 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 know
Services available through NESS Behavior Consulting

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Desirie Sykes

NESS Behavior Consulting

NESS Cares

DesirieSykes.com

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

A New Look at Misbehavior: Creating Upstream Solutions for Dysregulated Students with Dr. Doug Bolton

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0400

This episode will be the final one of 2025, as we take a break from the podcast over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Before we introduce today’s topic and guest, we want to address the “elephant in the room”: the shifts happening in the Department of Education under the Trump administration. Just a heads-up: following us on Instagram is the best way to stay up to date on current happenings in our world. Please keep in touch! Today’s topic is behavior and discipline with our guest, Dr. Doug Bolton. Join us!

Dr. Doug Bolton is a clinical psychologist who has always been drawn to working with kids who experience behavioral problems. Knowing that being in schools gives him the best vantage point from which to help kids, Doug became a school psychologist and later a principal at a therapeutic school. He is currently a consultant working with families to help vulnerable kids become more resilient. From his unique perspective and wide range of experience, he wrote the book Untethered.

Show Highlights:

When it comes to discipline and punishment with our kids, we are getting it wrong.
Incentives, motivations, and punishments
Regulation and dysregulation show up differently for different kids. (“Misbehavior is stress behavior.” –Stuart Shanker)
Figure out the “why” of the stress—and help them learn to cope.
How punishments reinforce failure and create shame
Understanding upstream vs. downstream behaviors
Our expectations of students under the guise of “academic rigor”
The results of our insensitivity to kids’ developmental needs
An issue of development: Kids born in August are 31% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than kids born in September.
Steps to create upstream solutions to help kids build resilience when they misbehave:
Focus on assisting them to get regulated.
Get curious, and listen to what’s going on with them.
Get them talking to each other to create a community of belonging.
The value of taking a classroom to “pause and ponder.”

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Doug Bolton: Website and Untethered

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

The Current State of DEI in the US: What is Worth Fighting For?

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0400

With so many school holidays fast approaching, there are many kids who need interventions right now, and their parents are panicking. Furthermore, the effects of the government shutdown are being felt as Head Start programs are having to close their doors. Families are scrambling, and we are witnessing significant shifts that are having a profound impact on our kids. Today’s guest shares her perspective on anti-DEI sentiment and the current state of our country, affecting both education and the corporate world.

Nadine Jones is a 2003 graduate of Howard Law School, with a background in antitrust and corporate law as a general counsel. In January of 2025, she left that corporate position to work from home as a consultant. As the mother of a special-needs son, she has insight into what parents in the US face today.

Show Highlights:

Nadine’s perspective on the most immediate risks to legal compliance in the shutting down of DEI programs
Anti-DEI sentiment, which causes major problems for contractors whose top customer is the federal government
Diverse workforces and better marketplace competition
Nadine’s advice for educators who want to do the right thing for their students (in lower and higher education)
Ethical considerations when funding is not available
What was so attractive about eliminating DEI?
Nadine’s thoughts about what’s coming and what our attitudes should be
The importance of letting the data ground what we do
DEI work can go on, even when it’s not termed “DEI.”

Resources:

Connect with Nadine Jones

Website and LinkedIn

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It) with Lindsey Cormack

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s topic is one that not many people are talking about, but it’s a big problem in our country. We are discussing the deficit in our children’s education about civics, government, and basic politics. As parents and educators, we have a huge responsibility to do better, and today’s guest is taking on the challenge. Join us to learn more!

Lindsey Cormack is a professor of political science at Stevens Institute of Technology, a little-known but premier engineering school in Hoboken, NJ. Seeing extremely bright students every day who don’t understand the basics of our government prompted her to write How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It). The guidebook is geared toward parents to help them produce good citizens who are active and knowledgeable participants in our government and politics.

Show Highlights:

Lindsey’s extensive research and writing process
Identifying the deficit and what can be done about it
Our educational plan in civics and government is NOT working.
The “We don’t talk about politics” attitude is not helping our children.
Two ends of the spectrum about politics in the US
It’s not fair (or true) to say that all politics are bad.
Kids need to see specific behaviors modeled, like collaboration through difference, information-seeking techniques, normalizing disagreement, and how to consider another perspective.
The beauty of American democracy is based on collaboration and compromise, and our kids need to learn this.
“Raise an athlete—not a fan.”
Parents should be the agents of change.
An overview of Lindsey’s book
Key takeaways from Lindsey

Resources:

Connect with Lindsey Cormack: Website and How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It)

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email

A Look at CA Assembly Bill 461 and a New, Much-Needed Approach to Truancy

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Typically, October is a busy month for us as we are already a couple of months into the new school year; reality has set in, and winter/holiday breaks are fast approaching. Today’s focus comes from a lively topic of discussion that was posted on our Instagram last week: an update on CA Assembly Bill 461, which repeals a 2011 Truancy Law. That law provided for criminal misdemeanor charges, fines, and jail time for parents of chronically truant children or for a student over 18 with chronic truancy. The problem is that the law disproportionately affects low-income students and those with disabilities, some of whom are fighting for the accommodations and support they need. The new law repeals the 2011 law and sets forth a plan for supportive strategies instead of punishments. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

The backfiring of the 2011 law: The first case prosecuted a person of color with a child with sickle-cell anemia while she was trying to get additional accommodations in place.
Governor Newsome’s perspective on the new law, effective January 2026, is that this is a social issue and not a criminal problem.
The problems families face in receiving attendance letters when they are actively trying to get their kids into school
Many parents are trying to find ways to ensure it is safe for their child to go to school.
Local change CAN happen!
The new law offers a more collaborative approach to the truancy problem.
The ramifications of the CA law that might spread to other states

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email

What Do Our Kids Really Need? Moving Forward with the “Next Great Iteration” of our Educational System with Dr. Annalies Corbin

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

We’ve become accustomed to the normal back-to-school craziness this time of year, but this year seems more chaotic than usual! Numerous lawsuits are being filed to challenge the funding cuts, which are having a significant impact on programs, services, staffing, and students. There are numerous unknowns that contribute to the turmoil. We are doing our best to keep our listeners informed as much as possible. In this episode, we refer back to the Supreme Court decision from earlier this year, in which $65 million in educational funding was cut. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Annalies Corbin is the founder and CEO of The PAST Foundation. Her work focuses on educational research and development, aiming to be not only a thought leader but also a thought partner with school districts, states, and the federal government. The overriding question driving Dr. Corbin’s work is, “What do our kids really need?”

Show Highlights:

A breakdown of the Supreme Court’s decision to withhold $65M in teacher grant funding
Inclusion is EVERYTHING!
The implications of withholding the $65M, specifically relating to ongoing research
Ramifications for national security, citizenship, the future economy, and other aspects
What can we do to forge educational reform?
The current state of affairs: “Education is to be controlled by the states.”
Dr. Corbin’s call-to-action: “We need to spend the time, energy, and work at the state levels to advocate for the things kids need.”
Understanding a frustrating system for educators
The next great iteration of our educational system

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Annalies Corbin: Website, Instagram, and the Learning Unboxed Podcast

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

Virginia District Funding Cuts Jeopardize Education For All

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Here we are, on the front lines of the fight for inclusive education. Now, a month or so into the new school year, we are already in the thick of the fight, and we are seeing numerous lawsuits being filed as things are changing daily. Many of our listeners are already feeling the impact of funding cuts to education. Today’s episode focuses on the actions of the US Department of Education at the beginning of August regarding five school districts in northern Virginia. Join us to learn more.

Show Highlights:

$50 million is being withheld from the states in the form of formula funding, discretionary grants, and impact aid grants.
The example of attempted resolutions for trans kids—and the stance of VA school districts who won’t back down
The far-reaching budget impacts of the withholding of this funding
The chilling fact: Our children are the ones who suffer the most.
Practical results in terms of staffing, programs, hiring, and critical services
The legal perspective and ramifications of this decision
Look out for the domino effect! Contact your representatives.
Key takeaways about the federal government’s power and our fragile system
What you can do today to help

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, or Email.

Racial and Cultural Responsiveness and Accountability in Education with Jebeh Edmunds

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Our goal is always to keep people informed about what’s going on in today’s world that directly affects the education of our students. It is essential to consider the communities that are forming within the broader context of the current political climate. How are conversations being navigated around important topics like race and culture? Today’s guest has valuable insights to share! Join us!

Jebeh Edmunds is the founder and CEO of Jebeh Cultural Consulting, a firm that helps disseminate multicultural lesson plans for K-12th grade. Part of her essential work also includes providing training sessions on DEI and cultural responsiveness. Jebeh was a classroom teacher for 18 years before she became an entrepreneur. Proud of her heritage, Jebeh is a first-generation Liberian-American who came to the US as a toddler.

Show Highlights:

Foundational steps to set yourself up as a culturally responsible educator
We should ALL learn from our mistakes.
Watch out for biases.
Children are capable of having hard conversations.
Common ineffective strategies around cultural responsiveness:
“I don’t see color.”
“We don’t have any people of color here, so we don’t need this lesson.”
Books help open the door for brave and honest discussions.
Jebeh’s advice to educators about reacting in “the hot moment” regarding the following:
Handling harmful statements (You cannot ignore them.)
Asking for help from your school administrators
Jebeh’s key takeaway: “Look to families as a resource and support. They are giving you their best resource: their child.”

Resources:

Connect with Jebeh Edmunds: Website (Find resources and courses.) and Jebeh's podcast, Cultural Curriculum Chat with Jebeh Edmunds.

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.

Please feel free to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns via our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X), our IEP Website, and Email.

The Ripple Effect of Losing $65 Million in Federal Education Support with Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400

We are in the middle of the start of another school year across the country, whether your students have already returned or have a later start date. One of the most important events from last school year was the Supreme Court decision to withhold $65M in federal funding for education, and we are seeing those impacts across the board. Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez is here to unpack the decision and the far-reaching effects. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez is the CEO at the National Center for Learning Disabilities, an organization that is almost 50 years old. Their mission is to serve ALL students, their families, their educators, and their future employers. Dr. Rodriguez has a background steeped in education, from teaching special education at all levels to being an administrator. Her passion for advocacy and equity for all students is the central theme of her work, always focused on a more inclusive and equitable education system.

Show Highlights:

The story of the $65M earmarked for DEI efforts—now withheld by the Supreme Court decision
Who will feel the impacts? Every single student!
The uproar from multiple states about the withholding of grant money, most of which was to combat the nationwide teacher shortage
Specific examples of what these grants were doing in teacher retention and residency programs
The politicization of teacher preparation is a dangerous precedent.
The average layperson is unaware of what’s happening and what the effects of this decision are.
The need for awareness and the dangers of staying silent
Action steps you can take today
Dr. Rodriguez’s admonition to school leaders, superintendents, and any concerned person who wants to take action

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Rodriguez and the NCLD: Website (Click the “Take Action” tab at the top!)

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

Finding Balance in the “Least Restrictive Environments” for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students with Jennifer Catalano

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to the podcast as we kick off a new school year! We are excited, as always, to jump into some very important topics in the coming weeks. First up is our amazing guest, Jennifer Catalano, to discuss her work in deaf education and share her perspective on the least restrictive environments for these students. Is it better to have 100% inclusion or 100% special instruction? Let’s learn more from Jennifer’s perspective in today’s episode!

Jennifer Catalano is the director of both undergraduate and graduate deaf education programs at Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. Her background spans deaf education, elementary education, and special education, making her current role the perfect intersection of her experience and expertise. She loves working with current and future teachers to help them serve deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Show Highlights:

Jennifer’s introduction to deaf education began in high school.
The recent shift to integrate these students with their peers
The most important factor is to follow the path for EACH student in finding what’s best for them—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
The best scenario is a blend of inclusion and special instruction
LRE should stand for “Language Rich Environment.”
An overview of Jennifer’s course: The Deaf Ecosystem Course
A unique approach to getting alumni business owners involved
The critical language period of the first 5 years of life–and the ripple effects
Encouraging and promoting inclusive practices, even in the business world

Resources:

Connect with Jennifer Catalano: Flagler College Website and Email

Mentioned in this episode: Deaf President Now documentary

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, X, IEP Website, and Email.

350: The Current State of Affairs in US Education: Our Appearance on Dr. Karen Wilson’s Podcast

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

This is our last episode before our much-needed summer break. Taking this break helps us to refocus and prepare for a new school year. We recently made another appearance on the Diverse Thinking Different Learning: A ChildNEXUS podcast with Dr. Karen Wilson, who has also joined us on our podcast before. Today, we are featuring that episode as an overview of what’s been happening, and continuing to happen, in the field of special education in the US since the Trump administration took office. Enjoy the conversation!

Show Highlights:

An overview of the state of affairs right now in US special education, especially regarding the executive order to dismantle the Department of Education
Thoughts on the illusion of “giving educational rights back to the states”
Miscommunication and misinformation about the role and scope of the Department of Education
A real-life example from San Diego, CA, about a specific grant and its far-reaching impact to students
Parents feel fear and anxiety because of grant-funded programs and other initiatives that may not be there to support their children.
The best power the people have is to contact their state and federal representatives.
DEI initiatives are about much more than race and gender.
The potential impact on early childhood education programs
What can YOU do?

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Karen Wilson and her podcast: Diverse Thinking Different Learning: A ChildNEXUS podcast

Mentioned in this episode: 5 Calls App

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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Clearing Up Confusion About 504 Plans with April Rehrig

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

The landscape of American education has undergone significant changes over the past few months, particularly in the realm of special education. Our diligence in staying informed about developments in our field is more important than ever as we approach the start of a new school year in just a few weeks. Our focus today centers on understanding 504s with our guest, April. Join us to learn more!

April Rehrig is a special education advocate who does things differently. Her experiences as a teacher, mother, and school psychologist for 20 years provide her with a wide-ranging perspective on education and a unique approach to advocacy. She is the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting and has a passion for helping parents and their children navigate the world of special education.

Show Highlights:

Shift from IEPs to 504s: The biggest problem is insufficient training.
The trend of inconsistency in 504s
April’s perspective on the disconnect between IEP teams and 504 teams
A huge increase in the number of students who have medical needs, like diabetes, migraines, etc. (These students need a healthcare plan at school!)
Misconceptions about accommodations, 504 plans, and IEPs
504 meetings: What’s happening—and what needs to happen
The benefits of a student being involved in the 504 meetings in the beginning

Links/Resources:

Connect with April Rehrig: Website (many resources are available!), YouTube, and Instagram

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Digging into DEI Success for Students with Tracy Baynes, Part 2

Tue, 27 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode brings back Tracy Baynes to share her best tips and advice for getting your student involved in their education earlier rather than later. She gives practical steps middle school students can take to prepare for college success, even if they are low-income students. Join us to learn more!

Tracy Baynes is the founder, president, and CEO of STEP, the Student Expedition Program. As an instructor in the oceanography field, Tracy noticed the persistent achievement gap between high-income and low-income students. She created the STEP college access and leadership program for low-income high school students, guiding students from their sophomore year through every step of the college application process. STEP includes summer leadership experiences as part of its comprehensive program to prepare students for college.

Show Highlights:

Advice for parents of middle school students about early algebra exposure, challenging courses, extracurricular activities, college applications, living on campus/off campus, choosing a major, and taking on new challenges in life
Why doing the hard work in high school really does pay off.
Quality extracurricular involvement extends beyond school to church and community organizations.
“How many college applications should my student fill out?”
Misconceptions about liberal arts colleges
The benefits of living on campus—at least for the first year
Tracy’s take on choosing a college major in high school
Challenging experiences set you up for new successes and more confidence!
Success stories for 2025 in Tracy’s work with students

Links/Resources:

Connect with Tracy Baynes and STEP: Website and Email

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, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Digging into DEI Success for Students with Tracy Baynes

Tue, 13 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

We continue our journey to view the education of our children holistically as we strive to develop them into productive and inclusive members of society. Tracy Baynes joins us to share her interesting work in helping students achieve unimaginable success.

Tracy Baynes is the founder, president, and CEO of STEP, the Student Expedition Program. As an instructor in the oceanography field, Tracy noticed the persistent achievement gap between high-income and low-income students. She wanted to focus her efforts on students who are working hard despite their adverse economic background. In 2004, she established STEP and soon took the first group of students to Alaska for a three-week sea kayaking trip.

Show Highlights:

The struggle to strive for educational equity for students
The “rest” of Tracy’s story of finding opportunities for students beyond their financial barriers
Student successes in the STEP system
The playing field is NOT level for first-generation college students.
Tracy’s accounts of students developing strength and defeating imposter syndrome
DEI does not equal “less than” or “unqualified.”
Understanding the pathway to success and generational change
Tracy shares Bill’s success story, and he’s just one of the 750 alumni of STEP!
Interested in launching a STEP program in your area? Contact Tracy for more information.

Links/Resources:

Connect with Tracy Baynes and STEP: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

A One-Size-Fits-All Approach Does Not Work with Dr. OiYan Poon

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s conversation covers the impact of recent executive orders on DEI, the historical context of the civil rights movements, and the importance of local community efforts. Our guest is Dr. OiYan Poon, a community-engaged research scholar, educator, storyteller, and leader for intersectional racial equity. Her research is focused on the racial politics of Asian Americans, and her book is titled Asian American is Not a Color.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Poon’s efforts to navigate her work under the new Trump administration
A historical context of civil rights, advocacy, and the push for DEI
It’s up to OUR generation!
The one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn’t work.
Less government or more government?
The importance of building local communities

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. OiYan Poon: Website, Public Pedagogy website, Instagram, and Asian American is Not a Color

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Innovative Learning with the Modern Classrooms Project with Robert Barnett

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode features a fascinating conversation about strategies to support students and schools during unknowns and big transitions in education in the US. We welcome Robert Barnett to the podcast to discuss his innovations in teaching math and how his nonprofit, The Modern Classrooms Project, is training teachers to teach differently. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

Robert’s background as a math teacher–and how he learned to do things differently
The Modern Classrooms approach to accessible learning for ALL students
Our current educational structure does NOT match with what we know about various learning styles.
Understanding how the Modern Classrooms model applies to every grade level and every subject
When tired, overworked, and exhausted teachers are unwilling to be flexible, the results are not good.
Tools and strategies for an all-inclusive classroom
Watch Rob’s TEDx talk, Why Americans Hate Math--and What to Do About It

Links/Resources:

Connect with Robert Barnett and the Modern Classrooms Project: Website and Rob’s TEDx talk, Why Americans Hate Math--and What to Do About It

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Fostering Independence and Community: A Look at Jonathan’s Landing Foundation

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Many parents of kids with disabilities share the same fear of what will happen to their child in adulthood and when they are no longer here to care for and advocate for them. Today’s guest is Kimberly McCarten, CEO of Jonathan’s Landing Foundation, in Orlando, FL. This remarkable organization is bringing innovation into how we service people in the adult transition by providing a bridge to communication and independence for adults across the autism spectrum. A division of Jonathan’s Landing is Techtonic’s Workforce Academy. This social enterprise certifies neurodivergent individuals in WISE certification, paving the way for sustainable careers in the rapidly growing tech repair industry. Join us to hear more from Kimberly!

Show Highlights:

Kimberly’s background story in becoming the CEO of Jonathan’s Landing
The story of Jonathan’s Landing, its founding, and what the organization does
The importance of “outside-the-box” thinking to highlight the strengths of these kiddos
Highlights of the Techtonic Workforce Academy
Closing the gap by helping autistic kids identify an interesting career, working at this job, and keeping the job
What’s next for Jonathan’s Landing?
The vision for an all-inclusive housing community to foster independence

Links/Resources:

Connect with Kimberly McCarten, Jonathan’s Landing, and Techtonic: Jonathan's Landing Website, Techtonic Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Inclusivity and Equity in the Classroom with Dr. Emily Affolter

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

We love to offer solutions along with our discussions of the current problems in education today. Today’s fresh perspective comes from Dr. Emily Affolter, the director of the Sustainability Education Ph.D. at Prescott College. The focus of this program is on the nexus of social and environmental justice as enacted in teaching, learning, and leading. Emily’s interest is in culturally responsive teaching across grade levels to infuse social justice principles into education. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

The battle for social justice in education
Culturally responsive teaching is NOT a political stance.
Thinking about opening up the ways we teach and embracing pluralistic methods
Examples of a pluralistic approach to education
The issues of systemic apathy
Resources for parents and teachers from the Equity Literacy Institute (ELI)

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Emily Affolter: LinkedIn

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The “Dear Colleague” Letter and Recent Executive Orders

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

One of the benefits of hosting a podcast in our field of civil rights and special education is that we can do quick follow-ups to incidents as they happen. If you follow us on social media, you know we cover many topics there, and we utilize the podcast for more in-depth conversations about relevant happenings in our field. One such recent event is the "Dear Colleague" letter of 2/14/25 sent out by the US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). It gives guidance clarifying how they will interpret federal laws about discrimination for educational institutions that receive federal funding. Let’s take a closer look in today’s episode.

Show Highlights:

Recent executive orders and memorandums
The weaponization of DEI
Understanding the “Dear Colleague” letter
A breakdown of the January 21 Executive Order and its impact
Thoughts on civil rights, discrimination, and DEI
What school districts need to understand
Attempts to spread fear and chaos
There is power in the voice of the people! Stand up!

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns!

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Connection, Vulnerability, Empathy, Advocacy, and “Healthy Mental Health” with Mike Robbins

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0400

We are still in the early months of 2025, and there is a LOT happening in the state of California and across the country. There are many important conversations we need to have, and our guest, Mike Robbins, joins us to discuss the current state of affairs. We have concerns about what’s happening with DEI and special education, but we want to keep things in perspective and learn how we can find common ground in an increasingly divided and disconnected world. Join us to learn more from Mike!

Mike Robbins is a speaker, writer, workshop leader, and podcaster. His work focuses on inclusivity, connection, teamwork, and collaboration. Mike is a leadership expert who partners with top organizations to enhance culture, performance, trust, and belonging. He teaches people, leaders, and teams to infuse their lives and businesses with authenticity and appreciation.

Show Highlights:

Current circumstances have us asking, “What is happening, and what does this mean?”
Mike’s background–and how he learned valuable lessons about diversity and teamwork through baseball
It all comes down to connection.
Understanding what it’s like to NOT be in the majority
Mike’s perspective on current issues in the US: “We should stay informed and engaged without being constantly triggered and angry.”
Understanding “healthy mental health”
Leading with vulnerability produces empathy

Connect with Mike Robbins:

Website

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Understanding ICE and Immigration Issues in 2025

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0400

There is SO much going on in our country right now, and we are faced with many unknowns about what’s coming next. We don't want to be part of the “noise,” but we want to give you accurate information about relevant topics. Today’s focus is on ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, particularly in schools. Our guest is Victoria Lucero, an immigration attorney, and returning guest from a few years ago. She practices special education law in New Mexico and US immigration law, so she’s the perfect person to help us understand the ramifications of the new policies on students and their families. Join us!

Show Highlights:

An update on Victoria’s life over the last few years
New policies about enforcement actions announced by the Department of Homeland Security (and how “safe zones,” like schools, are affected)
The dilemma for school personnel, and Victoria’s advice about what to do
Misinformation is everywhere!
At this point, anyone can be a target for removal. (What you can do.)
The mental health ramifications for kids and families living in fear
Where to go for resources, information, and help

Links/Resources:

Connect with Victoria Lucero: 505-343-2009 and Website

Additional Resources:

United We Dream - To report a raid, call 1-844-363-1423 or send a text message to 877877. If possible, take photos, videos, and notes.

National Immigration Detention Hotline: 1-209-757-3733 (open Monday through Friday 12pm to 8pm PST) or for more information on the hotline you can also go to: https://www.freedomforimmigrants.org/hotline

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Workable Solutions to Combat Teacher Burnout with Karen Foley

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Teachers are our “boots on the ground” partners for all we want to accomplish in education. There are real mental health challenges all around us, and teachers need our support more than ever. Nothing will impact a child’s learning like a great teacher–and the reverse is also true, unfortunately. Join us as we explore this important topic!

Karen Foley is the president and CEO of The Juvenile Protective Association, a Chicago nonprofit founded in 1901. The JPA provides therapy in schools and clinics to give children the mental health care and support that they need. Karen is a former corporate executive who left that field to care for her son and found her calling in nonprofit work.

Show Highlights:

Karen’s background and passion for the work she does today
The truth about teachers: 48% experience burnout and leave education within the first 5 years.
A real-life example of a teacher’s impact on a student
The work of the JPA to make a difference in schools and communities
Karen’s advice for administrators
Signs of teacher burnout: increased turnover, mindset shifts, and overloaded responsibilities
Karen’s experience with social-emotional development in the school setting
Tips for teachers
The importance of building rapport with students
Data that validates the success of the JPA’s work with students

Links/Resources:

Connect with Karen Foley and the JPA: Website and Karen's email

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Helping Students Learn Executive Functioning Skills with Dr. Tara Williams

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Executive functioning is more than a catchy buzzword phrase in the world of education. What does it mean, how can we understand it better, and how can we do a better job of helping students? Join us as we explore this topic in today’s episode!

Dr. Tara Williams is the owner and founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants, which assists students with learning difficulties via a personalized plan based on their strengths and weaknesses. Students learn to hone their executive functioning skills and build confidence in an online environment through working with the staff at ICC.

Show Highlights:

What are executive functioning skills?
Differences in executive functioning skills for elementary, middle school, and high school students
The balance needed in providing an accommodation skill AND teaching the child how and when to use the skill
The problem when kids are good at masking
Challenges for older students who have to advocate for themselves
Identifying a student’s motivation
It’s all about building confidence!
The difficult transition from high school to college (or life)

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Tara Williams and Innovative Collegiate Consultants: Website and Instagram

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Advocacy, Equity, Inclusion for Even the Most Marginalized with Patrick Jones

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Grassroots efforts usually work to bring about change. Unfortunately, our political leaders don’t look closely at education, disability rights, and reform in the same way we discuss these topics here in this space. Our goal is always to spur more conversations about education, disability rights, civil rights, and support for marginalized communities. Patrick Jones, aka “Mr. JonesX,” joins us for today’s discussion in light of the current political climate in the US. Join us!

Show Highlights:

Patrick’s background and path to the advocacy work he does today
Inclusion and educational equity challenges are everywhere.
Being a good person matters most.
Patrick’s perspective on “laying out the facts” without ulterior motives
Why we can’t stop talking about equity and inclusion
Patrick’s experience as a basketball coach who focused on much more than just basketball
What we vote for has an impact on our kids and their education
Patrick’s thoughts on the 2024 election
When the most marginalized are lifted up, so is everyone else.
Patrick’s beginnings on TikTok, thanks to his kids

Links/Resources:

Connect with Patrick Jones: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Building a Classroom Community of Confident Writers with Rob Sanders

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Believe it or not, October is over. It was a busy month for IEP meetings, and the holiday rush is about to begin. In today’s episode, we want to give helpful insights about community building in a classroom through a simple, actionable technique; this conversation will benefit teachers, parents, and administrators–anyone who wants to foster confidence and community in kids.

We are joined by Rob Sanders, a children’s book author who spent time as a 4th grade ELA teacher and writing coach. Rob is the author of several books, including the newly published picture book, We Are a Class.

Show Highlights:

Rob’s writing journey by way of the classroom
The biggest classroom challenges in building community
Why Rob wrote We Are a Class.
Empowering students to be confident writers through embracing a common purpose
Creating a good classroom culture through pledges
Students take ownership when they know what to expect.
The inner voice that a student can rely on to recognize their purpose through a simple pledge
Alternatives to the word “pledge” to fit your culture and preferences (i.e. agreement, promise, guarantee, etc. )

Links/Resources:

Connect with Rob Sanders: Website (Find Rob’s other books!), Facebook, Instagram, Email, and We Are a Class

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Education is in Peril with the Implications of Project 2025

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode includes a look into the controversial Project 2025 plan, a 900-page roadmap created by far-right think tanks, like The Heritage Foundation. With the elections looming, we are giving our perspectives on some of the alarming implications of this proposal, particularly its potential to dismantle essential educational protections, erase civil rights language, and threaten public education across the United States.

Tune in as we discuss how Project 2025 threatens diversity, equity, and inclusion, how it threatens The State Department of Education and Title 1 funding, and the risks posed to students with disabilities, students of color, and low-income families. We also discuss how this could have broader consequences for public education and society, as a whole.

Please be sure to share this episode with your family, friends, and others!

Show Highlights:

Deleting terms—and the effects on the American education system
Potential defunding of public schools through voucher programs
Transfer of IDEA and Title I funding to private block grants
Risks posed to students with disabilities, students of color, and low-income families
Forcing more segregation: Is that what we want?
P. 319–”Federal education policy should be limited.”
How the removal of federal oversight would widen educational disparities
Project 2025’s attack on key civil rights laws (Section 504, IDEA, Civil Rights Act)
Connection to policies from the Trump administration and Betsy DeVos
Real-world impacts on school lunch programs and state education departments
These kinds of changes outlined in Project 2025 affect everyone, whether you have young children or not. Have questions about Project 2025? Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Changing Face of College Admissions and Equity with Emily Chase Coleman

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode, Vickie and Amanda discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions with Emily Chase Coleman, CEO of HAI Analytics. They explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on admissions, highlighting the shift away from standardized testing and the importance of considering diverse factors in admissions decisions. Emily shares insights on the challenges faced by students from different socioeconomic backgrounds and emphasizes the need for more equitable admissions policies. If you are a parent navigating the college admissions process, tune in!

Show Highlights:

The evolving landscape of college admissions post-COVID-19
Implications of standardized testing in admissions processes
Importance of considering diverse factors in admissions decisions
Challenges faced by students from different socioeconomic backgrounds
The need for holistic admissions processes that recognize individual circumstances
Economic biases in traditional admissions metrics
The role of student engagement and interest in the admissions process
Accessibility of online resources for prospective college students
Financial challenges and the true cost of college attendance

Links/Resources:

Connect with Emily Chase Coleman: Website (complete contact form) LinkedIn

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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The US Supreme Court, Affirmative Action, and the Future of Education

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode focuses on a Supreme Court case in favor of eliminating affirmative

action, which has huge implications in the world of education. In reality, what the

Supreme Court does and how they make decisions stems from who the justices are.

With every decision, we should evaluate if it aligns with what we believe and what is

best for our country. The upcoming election is a pivotal time because of the impact

on the Supreme Court and who our justices are. Join us for more!

Show Highlights:

● The case in question concerning Harvard, UNC, affirmative action in higher

education

● The dissenting justices’ statements: Are our justices in touch with our

population?

● The reality of racial inequality in the US today

● The issue goes beyond college admissions and permeates other areas, even

the rights of children with disabilities.

● This ruling sets the stage for what we could face in the future.

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram – We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Leading with Empathy in an Inclusive Classroom Environment with Dr. Jessica Werner

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s focus is on accommodating children in the general education classroom to provide a truly inclusive environment. It’s vital for all of us involved in education to understand the WHY of these accommodations with an emphasis on empathy. Join us for a closer look.

Dr. Jessica Werner is the founder of Northshore Learning, a team of consultants based in Minneapolis. They support schools, parents, and teachers worldwide to work with students of ALL types by incorporating cutting-edge neuroscience insights into their coaching and training programs. They offer support for inclusion, classroom management, instructional excellence, executive coaching, and educator wellness. Jessica’s experience with her 9-year-old son’s educational needs has opened her eyes to learning challenges and how to better train teachers in accommodating ALL learners.

Show Highlights:

The truth about educators and their training (and why they need more)
Many ADHD accommodations can be applied to every student–and will be beneficial
Alternatives to “the old ways” are necessary in education today.
Threading in neuroscience to understand executive function deficits from an empathetic viewpoint
Understanding why classroom environments really do matter
What we call defiance in a student isn’t always defiance.
Teacher pushback is often fear-based.
Fresh perspectives on the anxiety epidemic in today’s classrooms

Links/Resources:

Connect with Jessica and Northshore Learning: Website and Email

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram – We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Teaching Inclusion, Acceptance, and Responsibility Through Character Development with Kristin Woodward-Vaassen and Icle Freeland

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Teaching Inclusion, Acceptance, and Responsibility Through Character Development with Kristin Woodward-Vaassen and Icle Freeland

Character education can happen in many forms. Today’s episode highlights a unique program that is fun, effective, and quickly growing in popularity. What child doesn’t love taking care of a pet? Join us to hear more from our two guests.

Kristin Woodward-Vaassen founded Two by Two Character Development in 2005. The program fosters positive character traits in thousands of youth and families across the nation. It has grown from its beginnings in Dubuque, Iowa, to 36 states and several other countries. Kristin spent many years as a 3rd-grade teacher and noticed that kids’ socio-emotional needs were not being met, so she started this innovative program in an effort to make a real difference.

Icle Freeland is the Community Outreach Director at Two by Two. From his initial background as a 2nd-grade teacher, he has worked in character education with elementary through college students. He works with schools to help implement the Two by Two program.

Show Highlights:

Highlights of the programming offered by Two by Two for all grade levels
The basis of Kindhearted Kids, which uses ten lessons about kindness, empathy, responsibility, and more to grow productive citizens
“Pet ownership” opens the door for connections with students.
Encouraging and supporting inclusion and acceptance in classrooms
Real-life results of Kindhearted Kids
The components of Kindhearted Kids are important in building many real-life skills in versatile ways.
The impact of using pets to break down barriers, address challenges with communication and expression, and teach responsibility

Links/Resources:

Connect with Kristin, Icle, and Two by Two: Website and Email

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Teaching the Teachers: Strategies for Inclusive Education with Andrew Goff

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Most of the country is off and running into another school year, and it’s a great time to reflect on where we can improve and how we can be more knowledgeable in supporting students and addressing their needs. This episode focuses on training for school staff, district staff, and parents. Today, we share part two of our interview with Andrew Goff. Part one aired at the end of the last school year and share his perspective as an early childhood teacher advocating for students at IEP meetings. If you missed part one, listen to Episode 311 here. Join us to learn more about ongoing trends in teacher training.

Andrew Goff taught early childhood special education in five different least restrictive environments spanning 12 years. He is currently the lead instructor at Colorado Northwestern Community College, not far from Steamboat Springs. He wrote a memoir, Love is a Classroom, and is a fierce advocate for “inclusion–early, everywhere, and always.”

Show Highlights:

Andrew’s role at community colleges training in the virtual space
The importance of collaboration in developing and implementing accommodations
Teacher experiences and three components of curricula: indirect, direct, and temporal
Thoughts about co-teaching
A big root of the problem is that we aren’t educating all teachers on all the varieties of ways kids learn.
All children deserve to learn equally and have their needs met.
Barriers to learning—and how they show up
Relationships and connections allow students to learn better!
Teaching teachers to create cultures in a classroom
Teachers with biases find it difficult to show up and give a child what they need.

Links/Resources:

Connect with Andrew Goff: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Love is a Classroom Podcast, and Love is a Classroom book

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

ENCORE: Live from the BOOST Conference!

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode is a replay of our session at the BOOST Conference from a few months ago. It relates specifically to next week’s conversation, which is the reason we want to air it again. This episode was also featured as an encore episode over the summer. Enjoy!

We loved having the opportunity to speak at the BOOST Conference about our podcast, the IEP system, and special education in general. The BOOST Conference is an annual event to inspire youth, learning, and change. Many different educational professionals attend the conference in Palm Springs, California, to participate in classes, workshops, networking events, and to explore the latest in technology and innovation related to education. Join us to hear this live presentation and the Q & A session!

Show Highlights:

An overview of the IEP podcast
What is an IEP? What are IEP meetings?
The importance of collaboration in the entire IEP process
Individualization, not comparison, is most helpful in the IEP process.
The vital need for parents to talk to the teachers before the IEP meeting
95% of the conflict in IEP meetings is due to a breakdown in communication.
Vickie and Amanda field questions from the audience about IDEA provisions for school-sponsored events, supporting students with extreme behaviors, and expanded learning programs in the IEP process.

Links/Resources:

Find out more about the BOOST Conference: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Benefits of Instructional Audio Systems for Inclusive Classrooms with Dr. Stephanie Meyer

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Last week’s episode was about central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) and its impacts on a student’s ability to learn. For this episode, we are excited to welcome Dr. Stephanie Meyer to the show. She is an audiologist in the Rio Rancho public schools who will share her perspective about how instructional audio can be more inclusive. Her career as an audiologist in public school systems spans almost 30 years!

Show Highlights:

Dr. Stephanie’s journey into audiology and working with kids in impactful ways
The difference it makes for students when the proper audio systems are in place in the classrooms
Common audio systems that teachers can use in classrooms to be inclusive for every learner
Dr. Stephanie’s insights about the benefits of proper audio technology in the classroom–(and how she conveys her message to teachers/administrators)
Success stories of helping students with CAPD and hearing loss
The benefits of instructional audio as an accepted learning tool–for students AND teachers
Dr. Stephanie’s advice for teachers and audiologists
The need for equipment specifically designed for educational spaces instead of the cheaper alternatives on Amazon

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Stephanie Meyer:

Link to the instructional audio Dr. Meyer uses in her district: https://lightspeed-tek.com/

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Digging Deeper into Central Auditory Processing Disorder

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s show expands on our previous episode with Dr. Connie McReynolds in which we discussed central auditory processing deficits in kids with autism or ADHD. Even though many experts would argue that this is a medical disorder, it has profound impacts on education and certainly qualifies as an area of unique need for many children. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

Common pushbacks from school districts and characteristics of CAPD (central auditory processing disorder)
Children with CAPD will typically “hear” with no difficulty, but information processing is deficient.
Digging into the underlying root causes of processing issues requires proper assessments and evaluations.
The dangers of an early misdiagnosis
Typical signs that a child should see an audiologist
Strategies that are helpful for kids with CAPD
IEPs, accommodations, and services may not bring improvement if they don’t target the specific issues with CAPD.

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Solving the ADHD Riddle with Dr. Connie McReynolds

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

It’s the beginning of another school year, and we are coming to you with many informative episodes to prepare and support you in whatever challenges this new school year may bring. Today’s episode focuses on a better way to assess, intervene, and support kids with ADHD by identifying and addressing the root causes.

We welcome today’s guest, Dr. Connie McReynolds, a licensed psychologist and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with well over 30 years of experience working with children and adults with ADHD and anxiety. She is the author of Solving the ADHD Riddle and hosts the Roadmap to the Brain podcast.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Connie’s background and work as a rehabilitation psychologist and clinic founder
Understanding the evolution of a deeper and broader perspective of the root causes of ADHD and how it affects people
Common problems in the current IEP process that Dr. Connie encounters regularly
The outdated picture of current assessments—and how we can do better
An overview of Dr. Connie’s assessment process of 37 different areas
Ideas to improve the assessment and intervention process with a brief, 20-30 minute evaluation
Dr. Connie’s work within school districts to effectively address the root causes of ADHD–and keep more kids in general ed classrooms
Dr. Connie’s book, Solving the ADHD Riddle, and how it helps people understand neuroplasticity and neurofeedback

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Connect with Dr. Connie McReynolds

Website (Find a free assessment, tips, and resources!)

Solving the ADHD Riddle book, and the Roadmap to the Brain podcast.

Remote Neurofeedback and Telehealth Now Available! (909) 435-7189

A Big-Picture View of Special Education Litigation with Tim Adams

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Welcome! Today’s episode takes a big-picture view of what’s going on in education with our taxpayer dollars and how we can educate more parents about their general rights in advocating for their children. We use a recent California case as an example of how things can go so wrong–and cost millions of dollars–in special education law.

Tim Adams has been in law practice for over 23 years after working as a lay advocate in the special education legal clinic at the Pepperdine Law School. As president and CEO of the disability rights law firm Adams & Associates, Tim has worked with numerous families to help them advocate for their children and has firsthand experience in this role because of his younger brother with special needs. He sees his career as a special education attorney as a unique opportunity to help and support families.

Show Highlights:

Tim’s recent high-profile case: Irvine Unified School District V. Landers and Gagliano
The money side of this case (what the school district spent on litigation—over $1.1 million)
The point of the recent Wall Street Journal article highlighting this case
The facts: what parents and their attorneys are asking for in intervention and services is a drop in the bucket compared to what is spent in litigation
Tim’s perspective on how often school districts are appealing court decisions
Why this case has been a “win at all costs” endeavor for the school district
Digging deeper into the argument that this case was a pushback attempt at anything jeopardizing the school district’s control, such as school choice, privatization, charter schools, etc.
Tim’s decision-making process on which cases to appeal
Why there will be many COVID cases in litigation for years to come
The toll that a litigation process takes on families

Links/Resources:

Connect with Tim Adams: Website, LinkedIn, and Facebook

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

ENCORE: Approaching Life with an Unstoppable Mindset with Michael Hingson

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

We are joined today by a special guest, Michael Hingson, host of the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. We have shared a lot of time on each other’s podcasts and learned a lot from Michael’s perspective on special education, especially what he experienced in the very early days of special ed. Join us to learn more about Michael’s life and work!

Michael Hingson has a unique story. With a master’s degree in physics, Mike is an educator, best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and disability advocate–and he is blind and a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor. When his premature birth called for a pure oxygen environment, his retinas were irreparably damaged, and he has been blind ever since. His parents were urged to institutionalize him because “no blind child can ever amount to anything or contribute to society”---or so the doctors said. His parents refused and gave him every chance to learn, sending him to public schools throughout his life. He earned his physics degree and secondary education teacher credential, going on to become an accomplished salesman and sales manager. He is a coveted keynote speaker and the author of the bestseller, Thunder Dog: The Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust.

Show Highlights:

Mike’s story: science, sales, the early days of disability law, and a life of advocacy
Michael’s learning process with guide dogs and white canes
Michael’s 9/11 experience at the World Trade Center which led to his book, Thunder Dog
“Disability does not mean a lack of ability.”
We will have Mike back very soon for Part 2 of this conversation, in which we will discuss his involvement in technology development to help many people with disabilities of all kinds. Stay tuned!

Links/Resources:

Connect with Michael Hingson

Website

Unstoppable Mindset podcast

Thunder Dog book

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

ENCORE: Three Steps to Plan Now for the Future of Your Disabled Child with James Lange

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

We're happy to bring you some of our listener favorites during the next few weeks. These episodes are sure to pique your interest by featuring topics important to each of us Enjoy!

We are pivoting from our normal education-centric topics today to take a broader view of the financial side of raising a child with a disability. We want to make sure that families, and people working with these families, have all the resources and tools for a well-rounded toolkit for supporting their kids. We welcome James Lange to the podcast to share his practical insights and expertise.

James Lange is a CPA, a state attorney in Pennsylvania, and the author of nine best-selling financial books. He is a nationally recognized IRA, 401(k), and retirement plan distribution expert. As a result of his daughter’s disability, James developed a passion for helping parents who need to provide sufficient care for a disabled child even beyond their own lifetime. He explains how he and his wife are providing for their daughter’s future and what parents of a disabled child should do right now to ensure the financial future of their child.

Show Highlights:

James’ plan to provide for his daughter for the rest of her life
James’ mission to help parents of children with disabilities optimize their financial assets
Three steps to take right now for your disabled child:
Get your child qualified for government benefits in the SSI or SSDI. (James explains the #1 mistake most parents make in applying for these benefits.)
Get your estate planning done appropriately with the proper trust or conservatorship option. (Don’t rely on “Joe Schmo Attorney” for this!)
Get the Roth IRA conversion strategy done right by a financial professional. (The difference in doing this correctly and incorrectly can amount to a huge difference in available funds for your child.)
Best resources for parents to use in their education and planning:
Get James’ FREE book, Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability. Click here!
Sign up for Expert Advice for Parents of Children with Disabilities: A Virtual Summit, June 18-20, 2024. Click here for more information about this FREE event!

Links/Resources:

Connect with James Lange: Disabled Child Planning, Pay Taxes Later, and LInkedIn

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

ENCORE: LIVE from the Boost Conference

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

We're happy to bring you some of our listener favorites during the next few weeks. These episodes are sure to pique your interest by featuring topics important to each of us Enjoy!

We recently had the chance to speak at the BOOST Conference about our podcast, the IEP system, and special education in general. The BOOST Conference is an annual event to inspire youth, learning, and change. Many different educational professionals attend the conference in Palm Springs, California to participate in classes, workshops, and networking events, and to explore the latest in technology and innovation related to education. Join us to hear this live presentation and the Q & A session!

Show Highlights:

An overview of the IEP podcast
What is an IEP? What are IEP meetings?
The importance of collaboration in the entire IEP process
Individualization, not comparison, is most helpful in the IEP process.
The vital need for parents to talk to the teachers before the IEP meeting
95% of the conflict in IEP meetings is due to a communication breakdown.

Links/Resources:

Find out more about the BOOST Conference: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Proactive Solutions to Students’ Mental Health with Maria Barrera

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

We are taking a summer break for July to soak up a little summer fun with our families, so we are replaying some of our most popular episodes that are packed with information and inspiration. We will be back in August with new episodes to prepare us for the 2024-2025 school year. Today’s replay first aired a few weeks ago during Mental Health Awareness Month. Maria Barrera helps us understand the need for a more comprehensive and relevant curriculum focused on skill-building and emotional awareness instead of reacting to students’ mental health needs “after the fact.” Doesn’t it make more sense to support “mental wellness” than to simply address “mental illness”? That’s the idea behind Clayful! Join us to learn more!

Maria Barrera is the founder and CEO of Clayful, a company that began as a way to address the mental health crisis in a more preventative way. Clayful offers supportive tools and resources to help students become more resilient and emotionally aware before they get to their breaking point. Maria is committed to addressing the youth mental health crisis, and her dedication to training a diverse mental health workforce and establishing partnerships with schools have impacted thousands of students across the country.

Show Highlights:

The need for more targeted interventions and skill-building in schools
The origins of Clayful to address students’ needs during the pandemic
The challenge in supporting students with behavior regulation issues
Labels and language have POWER!
The gist of CA Assembly Bill 2173: to change the language from “emotional disturbance” to “emotional disability”
Clayful’s work in destigmatizing the need for emotional support
Clayful allows students to connect with a coach every week to develop a “protective layer.”
The mental health crisis is here! We need to partner together to help as many young people as possible!

Links/Resources:

Connect with Maria Barrera and Clayful: Website and Email

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Moving From Diversity to Inclusion (Part 2 with Michael Hingson)

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

We promised you a Part 2 with Michael Hingson—and here it is! We don’t always get the opportunity to follow up a guest interview with a second part, and that’s why we are thrilled to bring you more of Michael’s inspiring story and his important work in the field of accessibility. Michael first joined us last May for an episode titled, “Approaching Life with an Unstoppable Mindset.” (Click here to listen!)

Michael Hingson has a fascinating life story. With a master’s degree in physics, he is an educator, best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and disability advocate—and he is blind and a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor. When his premature birth called for a pure oxygen environment, his retinas were irreparably damaged, and he has been blind ever since. His parents were urged to institutionalize him because “no blind child can ever amount to anything or contribute to society”---or so the doctors said. His parents refused and gave Michael every chance to learn as any other child, sending him to public schools throughout his life and demanding that he adapt to his disability to live an independent life. He earned his physics degree and secondary education teacher credential, going on to become an accomplished salesman and sales manager. He is a coveted keynote speaker, author of Thunder Dog: The Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust, and host of the Unstoppable Mindset podcast.

Show Highlights:

Diversity, inclusion, and disability (According to the CDC, 25% of Americans have some sort of disability.)
Why we don’t talk about disability
Fear can be a powerful tool to focus us when we feel blinded, paralyzed, or overwhelmed.
Michael’s next book (August 2024), Live Like a Guide Dog: True Stories from a Blind Man and His Dogs about Being Brave, Overcoming Adversity, and Walking in Faith
Michael’s work with AccessiBe to advance accessibility with AI technology
Accessibility technologies for those with cognitive disabilities, ADHD, etc.
Changing the thinking around disability and “visual impairment”
A glimpse into Michael’s full life today: traveling, speaking, podcasting, and working tirelessly to advance accessibility for everyone

Links/Resources:

Connect with Michael Hingson: Website, Thunder Dog book, Live Like a Guide Dog book, and the Unstoppable Mindset podcast.

Find out more about AccessiBe.

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Affirming Neurodiversity in IEPs with Santanna Ficken

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode is Part 2 of our conversation with Santanna Ficken, a mental health practitioner who proudly identifies as a disabled, autistic/ADHDer with multiple neurodivergencies. Santanna is a passionate advocate with MnNEAT (Minnesota Neurodivergent Education, Advocacy, and Therapy Services), which focuses on building trust and relationships in the neurodivergent community while advocating for social justice for all disabled people. Today’s episode is focused on how IEPs can be improved to be neurodiversity-affirming. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

Understanding what it means to be neurodiversity-affirming
IEPs for neurodiverse students should respect autonomy, validate differences, assume competence, adjust expectations, encourage self-advocacy, adapt to systems/environments, and honor ALL forms of communication.
The goal in IEPs should NOT be to change or “fix” the student!
Examples of trauma for students caused by the IEP
Santanna’s experience in school as a neurodivergent student
The process of rewriting IEPs to be neurodiversity-affirming
IEP data misses a lot of relevant information about the student’s experience.
What Santanna would like school administrators to know

Links/Resources:

Connect with Santanna Ficken and MnNEAT: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Systemic Ableism in the IEP Process–and How We Can Change with Santanna Ficken

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode is Part 1 of our conversation with Santanna Ficken, a mental health practitioner who proudly identifies as a disabled, autistic/ADHDer with multiple neurodivergencies. Santanna is a passionate advocate with MnNEAT (Minnesota Neurodivergent Education, Advocacy, and Therapy Services), which focuses on building trust and relationships in the neurodivergent community while advocating for social justice for all disabled people. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

Santanna’s background in advocacy and support for neurodivergent children and their families
Ableism—what people should know about this form of discrimination
Understanding the three types of ableism: institutional, internalized, and interpersonal
The IEP process is clearly systemic ableism, as Santanna explains.
Our focus on “fixing” a disability is wrong.
The difficulties in trying to redirect IEP conversations to ensure that every child has an affirming educational experience with accessibility
What Santanna wants every school team to know
The need for plain language in IEPs that focuses on supporting the child

Links/Resources:

Connect with Santanna Ficken and MnNEAT: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Right Approach to Bullying Prevention with Alain Pelletier

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

June is here! That means many school districts are on summer break, and many more are in the last week or so of the school year. Wherever June finds you, we are glad you’re with us for this exciting episode.

We have mentioned bullying on the show many times, but we’ve never dedicated an episode to it. We welcome Alain Pelletier, a professional youth speaker on the topic of bullying. He has been fully engrossed in this topic for several years, and he shares with us how he finds a connection with youth on bullying through theory and emotion.

Show Highlights:

The emotional process around understanding bullying: utilizing empathy and sympathy
What parents should know about bullying
Alain’s process when he speaks to children about bullying
Alain’s story of “the kid in the back of the room”
“How can we stop bullying?” is the wrong question.
The most critical emotional education of your children takes place in their first 12 years.

Links/Resources:

Connect with Alain Pelletier: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

A Holistic View of Language and Cultural Context (Part 2) with Dr. Alexander Tan

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

We are honored to visit again with Dr. Alexander Tan to discuss the integrity of evaluations and assessments of English-language learners. This topic aligns perfectly with our goal of helping all parents better understand the IEP process. Are we providing culturally- and linguistically-responsible evaluations? Do parents of different cultural backgrounds understand the numbers and data that we are using? Join us to learn more in today’s episode!

Dr. Alexander Tan is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and supervisor at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). His expertise is in the assessment of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. He is an internationally recognized expert and frequent speaker about topics such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health. He recently joined us for Episode 310: A Holistic View of Language and Cultural Context.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Tan’s role in the assessment process: to inform and educate the parents
The value of conversations in context to equip and empower the parents
Cultural and language differences can impact the integrity of assessments at the most foundational levels.
The feedback session is the most important part of any evaluation.
A holistic perspective of contributing factors and inconsistencies in evaluations is essential.
The overriding question in my role is, “Are we as evaluators painting an accurate picture of this student and their needs?”
Dr. Tan emphasizes the four major guidelines in test/evaluation fairness for diverse populations: maximizing comfort in evaluations, minimizing biases in tests and test items, maximizing accessibility in testing, and maximizing the validity of our interpretations

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Alexander Tan: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Proactive Solutions for Students’ Mental Health with Maria Barrera

Tue, 28 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

It’s a busy, busy time of year as schools are finishing up! We wanted to get this episode in before the end of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Our guest today helps us understand the need for a more comprehensive and relevant curriculum focused on skill-building and emotional awareness instead of reacting to students’ mental health needs “after the fact.” Doesn’t it make more sense to support “mental wellness” than to simply address “mental illness”? That’s the idea behind Clayful! Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

The need for more targeted interventions and skill-building in schools
The origins of Clayful to address students’ needs during the pandemic
The challenge in supporting students with behavior regulation issues
Labels and language have POWER!
The gist of CA Assembly Bill 2173: to change the language from “emotional disturbance” to “emotional disability”
Clayful’s work in destigmatizing the need for emotional support
Clayful allows students to connect with a coach on a weekly basis to develop a “protective layer.”
The mental health crisis is here! We need to partner together to help as many young people as possible!

Links/Resources:

Connect with Maria Barrera and Clayful: Website and Email

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Live from the BOOST Conference

Tue, 21 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

We recently had the chance to speak at the BOOST Conference about our podcast, the IEP system, and special education in general. The BOOST Conference is an annual event to inspire youth, learning, and change. Many different educational professionals attend the conference in Palm Springs, California, to participate in classes, workshops, and networking events, and to explore the latest in technology and innovation related to education. Join us to hear this live presentation and the Q & A session!

Show Highlights:

An overview of the IEP podcast
What is an IEP? What are IEP meetings?
The importance of collaboration in the entire IEP process
Individualization, not comparison, is most helpful in the IEP process.
The vital need for parents to talk to the teachers before the IEP meeting
95% of the conflict in IEP meetings is due to a communication breakdown.

Links/Resources:

Find out more about the BOOST Conference: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Three Steps to Plan Now for the Future of Your Disabled Child with James Lange

Tue, 14 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Show Highlights:

James’ plan to provide for his daughter for the rest of her life
James’ mission to help parents of children with disabilities optimize their financial assets
Three steps to take right now for your disabled child:
Get your child qualified for government benefits in the SSI or SSDI. (James explains the #1 mistake most parents make in applying for these benefits.)
Get your estate planning done appropriately with the proper trust or conservatorship option. (Don’t rely on “Joe Schmo Attorney” for this!)
Get the Roth IRA conversion strategy done right by a financial professional. (The difference in doing this correctly and incorrectly can amount to a huge difference in available funds for your child.)
Best resources for parents to use in their education and planning:
Get James’ FREE book, Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability. Click here!
Sign up for Expert Advice for Parents of Children with Disabilities: A Virtual Summit, June 18-20, 2024. Click here for more information about this FREE event!

Links/Resources:

Connect with James Lange: Disabled Child Planning, Pay Taxes Later, and LInkedIn

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Approaching Life with an Unstoppable Mindset with Michael Hingson

Tue, 07 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Show Highlights:

Mike’s story: science, sales, the early days of disability law, and a life of advocacy
Michael’s learning process with guide dogs and white canes
Michael’s 9/11 experience at the World Trade Center which led to his book, Thunder Dog
“Disability does not mean a lack of ability.”
We will have Mike back very soon for Part 2 of this conversation, in which we will discuss his involvement in technology development to help many people with disabilities of all kinds. Stay tuned!

Links/Resources:

Connect with Michael Hingson: Website, Unstoppable Mindset podcast, and Thunder Dog book

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Love Is a Classroom with Andrew Goff

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400

It’s a very busy time of year for everyone involved in IEP meetings, for sure! In today’s episode, we are discussing IEP meetings and the roles of compassionate educators who want to look beyond strict compliance to genuinely meet the needs of students with disabilities and special needs. Join us for the conversation!

Andrew Goff taught early childhood special education in five different least restrictive environments for 12 years. He took this unique insight into his doctoral program, from which he graduated in 2017. As he moved into the community college system in Colorado, he is currently the lead instructor at Colorado Northwestern Community College, not far from Steamboat Springs. Based on his life as an educator, he has written the memoir, Love Is a Classroom and is a fierce advocate for “inclusion–early, everywhere, and always.”

Show Highlights:

Andrew’s unique perspective on IEP meetings after teaching across early grade levels and into the college system
The key to effective IEP services is to start early and not wait until the teenage years.
Andrew’s book—and the emotions it stirred up in him
The need for more training for educators in compassion and creativity
The value of teaching assistants in creating a compassionate community in the classroom
A focus on compliance puts special education in a restrictive box.
What Andrew wishes teachers and parents knew before going into IEP meetings

Links/Resources:

Connect with Andrew Goff and his work: Website, Love Is a Classroom book, Love Is a Classroom podcast, podcast on Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

A Holistic View of Language and Cultural Context with Dr. Alexander Tan

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode is Part 2 to our recent solo episode about English language learners. We are focusing on the bigger picture of language as only one part of a child’s entire cultural context affecting performance on all educational and neuropsychological evaluations. Join us to learn more from today’s guest!

Show Highlights:

Dr. Tan’s background and how he came to the work he does today in private practice and at CHOC
Understanding language, cultural context, neurodiversity, and why there are limitations and problems with inappropriate assessment methods
Bilingualism—a multifaceted construct that always requires “digging deeper”
Dr. Tan’s experience with parents’ frustrations at evaluations that don’t show a fair and accurate representation of their child
A neuropsychological evaluation that is culturally and linguistically responsive can help avoid major risks.
ALL aspects of a child’s culture must be considered in evaluations, including language, nonverbal communication, values, economics, etc.

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Alexander Tan: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Power of a “Stay-Put” Motion

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Are you paying attention to the calendar? As we find ourselves in the last few weeks of the school year, this is your friendly reminder to act fast for the annual transition IEP meetings that should be happening. In today’s episode, we are discussing the power of “stay put” as it applies to keeping things the same in IEP accommodations and services while being in disagreement with a proposed change. Join us for a closer look!

Show Highlights:

“Stay put” is not just for due process cases but is one of the most important parental legal rights.
The federal law is consistent but state-to-state nuances depend on consent status.
Understanding how stay-put reverts to the last consented-to IEP
Real-life examples of stay-put scenarios
Our recommendations for a partial consent/partial stay-put
Understanding the word placement as it’s used in IEP language
Potential exceptions to the stay-put rule

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

ENCORE: English Language Learners and IEPs

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Today's show is a replay of a very popular and informative episode that we hope you'll enjoy.

Today’s topic has popped up recently in some of our cases, and it’s an important one to cover because it is under-supported and often overlooked in the IEP world. We are discussing the ELL designation, which stands for “English Language Learner.” Join us to learn when a child should be designated as an ELL, how things should progress from there, and what the school district’s obligations are when that designation is given.

Show Highlights:

A student’s ethnicity can prompt false assumptions that come with an ELL designation (which can mean different things in different cases).
Understanding the differences in an ELL designation, an ESL designation, and a dual immersion program
A student’s language proficiency impacts their ability to learn in different environments–and the IEP should reflect this fact.
A student’s primary language can have unique nuances that are very different from English, which greatly affects testing, evaluations, and assessments.
Considerations about inherent racial bias in assessments–and why they should be done in a student’s native language

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Tackling Brain Health: Amanda and Vickie make a guest appearance on the Neurologics podcast hosted by Karen Odell-Barber

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to a very special episode! Karen Odell-Barber with Neurologics was a recent guest on our show, so we returned the favor by appearing on her podcast, Tackling Brain Health. We are excited to share that episode today. You’ll learn more about our journeys, the origins of our law firm and podcast, and the important work that calls to us on behalf of students and families. Join us!

Show Highlights:

The varied paths that led Amanda and Vickie to be special education attorneys after meeting in law school
Special education law: “The wild, wild west”
Karen’s personal experience in being diagnosed with a profound learning disability
Amanda and Vickie’s approach in helping families, filing for due process, and working with school teams
The reality of trying to get needed accommodations for students–and why Vickie and Amanda are doing things differently
The difference between a special ed attorney and an advocate
Amanda and Vickie’s message to parents about the services and role of a special ed attorney
In identifying and securing accommodations, early intervention is the key!
The problems when teachers don’t understand the law and make assumptions about students
Examples of students who can benefit from the help of a special ed attorney

Links/Resources:

Check out the Tackling Brain Health podcast with Karen Odell-Barber!

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Smooth Transitions for Your Child’s Next School Phase

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

We are in the season of Spring Break and Easter, which means transition IEP meetings should be happening. If you have procrastinated, it’s not too late! If your child is transitioning from preschool to kindergarten, from sixth grade to middle school, from middle school to high school, or even beyond high school into a vocational program, you’ll learn valuable information in today’s episode. Join us!

Show Highlights:

Be proactive in scheduling transition IEPs and annual/triennial meetings.
The importance of assessing your student’s current accommodations for proper implementation and effectiveness
Examples of accommodations
Specifics in accommodations are necessary so the interpretation of the IEP words “as needed” isn’t left up to the teacher
The problems with vaguely worded accommodations
Best practices for meetings that generate specific and solution-oriented IEPs
Any modification or accommodation that works for your student should be written into the IEP.

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Amazing Advances in Brain Optimization Technology with Karen Odell-Barber

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

We are learning more and more all the time about how our brains function and what it means to be neurodiverse. In this episode, we explore cutting-edge technologies in the field of brain optimization, which has huge implications in special education. Join us to learn more!

We are joined by Karen Odell-Barber, the founder and CEO of Neurologics, a technology company that does brain mapping and optimization of the brain producing permanent cognitive repair. This optimization leads to an additional 15 functional IQ points for every person who does optimization, regardless of age, along with a wild improvement in memory. As a traumatic brain injury survivor with a severe learning disability, Karen is passionate about brain health and helping people improve their lives.

Show Highlights:

Neurologic technology was developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and incorporates psychometric testing measures.
The significance of adding functional IQ points through brain optimization
Why brain function is the foundation of everything we do
Karen’s work with addicted people
A child can utilize a higher-functioning brain and still have learning differences.
Karen’s message: “Brain optimization can have a huge impact on learning and life.”
Karen’s examples of how even a 40-point jump in functional IQ points is possible with brain optimization!
How “pruning” occurs in the brain at ages 6-7, 14, and 19-25—and what that means
The hurdle of getting schools to use science and technology in special education

Links/Resources:

Connect with Karen Odell-Barber and Neurologics: Website, YouTube, and Tackling Brain Health podcast

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

English Language Learners and IEPs

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Show Highlights:

A student’s ethnicity can prompt false assumptions that come with an ELL designation (which can mean different things in different cases).
Understanding the differences in an ELL designation, an ESL designation, and a dual immersion program
A student’s language proficiency impacts their ability to learn in different environments–and the IEP should reflect this fact.
A student’s primary language can have unique nuances that are very different from English, which greatly affects testing, evaluations, and assessments.
Considerations about inherent racial bias in assessments–and why they should be done in a student’s native language

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Preparing Your Student for College and Self-Advocacy with Dan Jordan

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400

On our very first episode of 2024, we were joined by Dan Jordan to discuss the transition to college and accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 Plans. Dan joins us for Part 2 to that conversation to educate us on the student’s responsibility. We are taking a close look at the actual steps students need to take as they transition past high school and what we should realistically expect college freshmen to do on their own. Join us to learn more!

Dan Jordan worked for ten years as a therapist on a college campus, providing information about accommodations for students with disabilities, and he now works in a college counseling center. Because his son has numerous learning disabilities, Dan understands the world of special education and learning accommodations both from a parental and professional perspective.

Show Highlights:

Why a student has to decide if they are going to ask for accommodations in college or not (Dan’s advice: Ask for them anyway!)
How accommodations can provide a sense of familiarity in the transition to an unfamiliar environment
How students have to account for how they use unstructured time in college and have support in place
Dan’s advice about choosing a college and considering academic coaching and services
How students have to ask for accommodations and ask the right questions about testing, scheduling, policies, etc.
Why students need practice at an early age in self-advocacy and speaking up for themselves

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dan Jordan: Website (Check out the courses and other resources!), Facebook, and Instagram

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Return of Cursive Writing with Dr. Christina Bretz

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Today’s topic is interesting and timely as California joins 22 other states in requiring public schools to teach cursive writing. This has been a hotly debated issue, and today’s guest has a lot to share about the benefits of cursive writing.

Dr. Christina Bretz is an Occupational Therapist from Lexington, KY, who is passionate about how handwriting skills help students across all academic areas. She is currently the Senior Internal Learning Manager at Learning Without Tears, where she has worked for 25 years.

Show Highlights:

How cursive faded from the curriculum when states adopted Common Core standards
The benefits for students who begin cursive writing instruction in 3rd grade
How Dr. Christina sees students gain confidence with handwriting skills
How cursive writing provides practical help for students with ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia
How cursive writing helps provide multi-sensory learning styles
Why there is pushback about teaching cursive writing
How cursive writing can be integrated into all academic subject areas and implemented with special education students

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Christina Bretz and Learning Without Tears: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

California's Historic $2 Billion Settlement: Addressing COVID Learning Loss

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we delve into the details of a landmark settlement in California, where a $2 billion fund has been allocated to address the learning loss experienced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This historic agreement, known as the Kala J. settlement, aims not only to recoup the losses suffered by students but also to narrow the opportunity gaps that existed even before the pandemic, particularly for Black and Latino communities. Led by the Public Council and other organizations, this settlement is poised to bring about significant changes in the education landscape, focusing on evidence-based programs and new legislation.

However, amidst the optimism, there are concerns about how this settlement will be implemented and whether it will truly benefit all students, including those with disabilities who often face additional challenges. As attorneys who specialize in education law, we examine the implications of this settlement and the potential hurdles that lie ahead. Join us as we explore the intricacies of this groundbreaking agreement and its impact on the future of education in California.

Show Highlights:

Introduction to the historic settlement in California, focusing on learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The settlement, not a special education case, aims to address learning loss across demographics.
Public Council and other organizations led the lawsuit, emphasizing the need to close opportunity gaps for black and brown students
The $2 billion settlement will not directly go to families but will fund evidence-based programs and propose new legislation.
Concerns are raised about public perception, potential lack of consideration for kids having IEPs, and the need for effective implementation of programs
The settlement earmarks existing funds for specific use, requiring legislative action and potential challenges in enforcement and implementation.

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Why Change is the Key to Truly Inclusive Education with Lacey Robinson

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0400

We are excited to celebrate this 300th episode! It’s been a long time coming! What a great time it is to reflect back on the start of this podcast and why we wanted to have this avenue to start—and change—the conversation about education, civil rights, and disability rights. Today’s guest is the epitome of someone who wants to change the way we approach education, taking how things have “always been” and seeing what’s possible for the future. She shares specific examples of inclusive education from a big-picture view of someone who is in the trenches of today’s educational system. Maybe it’s time for our educational system to do a lot of things differently! Join us to learn more!

Lacey Robinson began as an early childhood teacher and later moved into various school administration roles. As the CEO and president of UnboundEd, she sits shoulder-to-shoulder with educators, providing professional development that is engaging and affirming to inspire organizational and institutional change.

Show Highlights:

What Lacey sees in our current educational system as she conducts trainings
How educators have become political pawns–but not priorities
Why it should be “Us vs. the issue” instead of Us (teachers) vs. Them (parents)
How Lacey began her journey into advocacy for students
Lacey’s practical tip for teachers to be more inclusive: Make it a priority to KNOW your students and build a supportive relationship with them.
Why we have lost what it means to teach and learn in the US
How our current educational system needs a revamping and a reset
How dramatic changes happened at Lacey’s middle school one year when she had the special education team write the bell schedule
Lacey’s #1 takeaway: “Whether you are a parent, educator, classroom teacher, or principal, understand that you are part of a community. Together, we can solve the barriers and issues that confront us.”

Links/Resources:

Connect with Lacey Robinson and UnboundEd: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

A Parent's Guide to Educational Advocacy with Vickie Brett, ESQ

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode is a replay of Lynzy Coughlin’s podcast, Motherhood Meets Medicine, where Vickie recently appeared as a recent guest. She provided a lot of helpful information for parents about a 504 plan or when an IEP is in place. You will learn what rights parents have in these cases, along with what a parent can ask and advocate for in their child’s education. Join us!

Show Highlights:

What led Vickie into special education law
Why Vickie and Amanda decided to provide pro bono and low bono rates at their practice
How the Inclusive Education Project came to be to help spread information about the law, the rights of parents, and to normalize the conversation around special education
What the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act) provides as a federal law and how state laws can vary widely
Where parents can begin when an IEP is first put in place
Why it’s frustrating from a parent’s perspective to understand 504s and IEPs
Recommended resources to help parents prepare for IEP meetings and understand the law and their rights: www.wrightslaw.com and www.inclusiveeducationproject.org
A rundown of parents’ rights in requesting frequent updates, identifying accommodations that work best, and requesting additions to the IEP
What issues parents might face that would signal that the help of a special education attorney is needed
Vickie’s advice to parents: “Trust your gut. You are the expert on your child.”

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Connect with Lynzy Coughlin

https://lynzyandco.com/podcast/

Why Collaboration and Communication Make All the Difference

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Here we are, well into January and the second half of the school year. As we often do, we like to remind you not to let deadlines pass concerning transitions, charter school lotteries, special program enrollments, and IEP meetings. Don’t let the time get away from you if your child is ready for one of these changes. In today’s solo episode, we are focusing on some of the difficulties and roadblocks we encounter around the IEP process, specifically how open communication and a spirit of collaboration are always beneficial to the process. Join us!

Show Highlights:

How we, as special education attorneys, function in our roles as middlemen between the family and their school district
How to approach an IEP meeting in which you want to ask for changes to your child’s program and accommodations
Why everyone on the IEP team should have the ultimate shared goal to support the student–no matter what that looks like!
How a collaborative approach benefits the student’s progress in many ways and makes things easier for everyone
Examples of client situations that turned around because ONE person on the IEP team stepped in to cooperate for the student’s success

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

You, Me, and Neurodiversity with Alyssa Lego

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0400

The New Year is always a great time for a fresh start, especially as we get back into the swing of the school year after the holiday break. It’s a time to set intentions and make a plan for the second half of the school year, and we are here to remind you to think about scheduling those transition meetings now before the second semester gets away. Today’s guest gives us a young person’s look at neurodiversity, advocacy, and inclusion. In championing the cause of neurodiversity, she gives us ways to be more inclusive of people living with disabilities. Join us to learn more!

Alyssa Lego is an author, community builder, and junior at Boston College. She is the creator behind You, Me, Neurodiversity, the children’s book series on a mission to change the way we write about and read about autism and neurodiversity. Because Alyssa’s younger brother, Michael, is on the spectrum and non-vocal, she saw a lot of the ableism and discrimination he faced as a young student. She wanted to leverage her talents and interests to advocate for him and others and is carrying that mission into her adult life.

Show Highlights:

How Alyssa began taking action as an advocate as a 14-year-old
How we can shift the perspective about autism and neurodiversity
How the younger generation is leading the way in tolerance, inclusion, and acceptance
The resources available through You Me Neurodiversity: four books about Max, Lily, Henry, and Julie; You Me We Circle Time Kits, and interactive activity and coloring books

Links/Resources:

Connect with Alyssa and You Me Neurodiversity: Facebook, Email, and Books on Amazon

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Common Misconceptions in SPED and the Use of Behavioral Tools with Hayley Montelongo

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0400

There are so many misconceptions about special education that we hear frequently. In today’s show, we address those, along with understanding how behavioral tools are used in the classroom. Join us to learn more!

We are joined by Hayley Montelongo, a Behavior Interventionist for a public school district with a career history in early childhood education. Hayley is a special ed teacher with a focus on behavioral analysis, and she is passionate about her role in helping students, parents, and educators.

Show Highlights:

What drew Hayley to the behavior analysis aspect of special education
How Hayley functions as the middleman between IEP teams and the BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
What the training looks like for a behavior aide
How Hayley works with teachers to implement a behavior plan
What Hayley wants parents to understand about a behavior plan
Hayley’s perspective about common misconceptions around special education regarding token boards, positive reinforcement, and consistency

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Self-Advocacy and Accommodations Beyond High School with Dan Jordan

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Happy New Year! Whether your kiddos are already back to school or they have a few more days of Christmas Break, we all need to get ready for the second half of the school year. If you have a junior, senior, or even a student in junior high, it is never too early to start planning for the transition to college. Today’s guest knows the ins and outs of this transition to college and how accommodations work, specifically for students with IEPs and 504 Plans. Join us to learn more!

Dan Jordan worked for ten years as a therapist on a college campus, providing information about accommodations for students with disabilities. He now works in a college counseling center. Because his son has numerous learning disabilities, Dan understands the world of special education and learning accommodations both from a parental and professional perspective.

Show Highlights:

What parents need to know in preparing for the transition to college, applying for accommodations, etc.
Dan’s advice to parents about preparing their child for self-advocacy and responsibility in college and a career
Why a big part of prepping for the world beyond high school rests on the student’s understanding of themselves and feeling accepted and included
What the statistics show about kids understanding and acknowledging their disability beyond high school

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dan Jordan: Website (Check out the courses and other resources!), Facebook, and Instagram

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

ENCORE: Taking Inclusion and Diversity a Step Further

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0400

During our winter break during the month of December, we are featuring a few of our most popular episodes that you might have missed during the busy school year.

Our series on eligibility continues as we are joined by Melissa Brady Petrillo, who came up with a unique idea for children with special needs. She is a teacher in New Jersey who is passionate about books and inclusion and was inspired to see that children with disabilities and special needs see themselves mirrored in the books they read. Her goal is to help students and families understand that everyone encompasses a unique mindset that must be valued in our world today. Join us for the conversation!

Show Highlights

How Melissa saw the need and took the risk to bring awareness to the inclusion problem
How Melissa came up with evaluative criteria for books that address different learning needs
Why children need to understand diversity in order to relate to others
How books can be used as a starting point for conversations and connections
How more books are being written today that portray what neurodiverse people are going through
How Melissa provides resources for other teachers through the Teachers Pay Teachers website
Why libraries, our communities, and our world need to become more inclusive
What’s next for Melissa

Links/Resources

Connect with Melissa: Instagram, Her book, Sometimes, Resources on Teachers Pay Teachers

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

ENCORE: Deep Dive into Manifestation Determination Meetings

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0400

During our winter break during the month of December, we are featuring a few of our most popular episodes that you might have missed during the busy school year. As a much-needed tangent from our eligibility series, today’s topic is manifestation determination meetings. We have mentioned it in previous episodes in passing, but we will take a closer look in today’s episode. We will discuss what it is, how it relates to eligibility, and what it means for schools and parents. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

What the law says about misbehavior and manifestation determination of a student with an IEP
Why a manifestation determination meeting is essentially another kind of IEP meeting
Why an assessment should be done prior to a manifestation determination meeting to evaluate the student’s history, circumstances, etc.
How behaviors should be evaluated in terms of the child’s disabilities, regardless of their eligibility category
What the law allows school districts to do in determining if a behavior is a manifestation of the student’s disability
How the manifestation determination meeting can lead to a new placement for the child and/or expulsion
What parents should do when in crisis about their IEP student’s behavior

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

ENCORE: Private Schools vs. Non-Public Schools: What Parents Should Know

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0400

During our winter break during the month of December, we are featuring a few of our most popular episodes that you might have missed during the busy school year. We are in a new era regarding the perception of private schools, mostly due to the new perspective we have because of the COVID implications on learning. For most students, distance learning is NOT the best answer for optimum learning. We have seen an increasing trend of many students going to private schools, but questions remain about IEPs, reimbursements, and how it all works. Let’s take a closer look!

Show Highlights:

Understanding the terminology: private schools and non-public schools (NPS)
How private schools differ from one another
Reasons a child might need a private school environment to make progress
What the law requires for parents to receive reimbursement for educational services for a student in a private school:
A statement that what the district offers/proposes is not appropriate for your child
The non-public school has to be appropriate in the services offered.
Why the reimbursement hinges on enforcement through due process–and may not be a 100% reimbursement but might be limited to what is deemed “appropriate”
Why the law requires the parent to give notice (i.e. ten-day letter) to the school district about placing the child in private school and seeking reimbursement

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

ENCORE: The Little Things that Get Overlooked in IEPs

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0400

During our winter break during the month of December, we are featuring a few of our most popular episodes that you might have missed during the busy school year. Today’s encore edition covers important information for parents who are gearing up for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Join us as we break down some of those little details that are most often overlooked in IEP meetings.

Show Highlights:

What to consider in state testing accommodations, both typical assessments and modified/alternative assessments
Assessments and accommodations should be discussed at every IEP meeting
Why it might be beneficial at times to opt out of assessments for your child
How physical education testing and district testing take place
Understanding the terms “embedded” and “non-embedded” regarding to accommodations
California has a specific Medi-Cal provision to pay for some related services in the IEP
The “Special Factors” page may differ according to districts and states but has provisions for “low incidence” students
How to understand the assisted technology (AT) component of the IEP

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

How Young Adults are Thriving at Gateway Center with Robert Freiri

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0400

If you have an older student, you might already be thinking about post-high school transitions, so we are excited to dive into the topic of programs for students outside the school setting. Join us to learn more!

Robert Freiri is the Executive Director of Gateway Center in Monterey County, CA. Most of his career has been spent in the nonprofit space, working with YMCA Boys and Girls Clubs, after-school care programs, Habitat for Humanity, residential foster care, and now, Gateway Center.

Show Highlights:

How Gateway Center was started 60 years ago by a coalition of parents of preschoolers–and evolved into an adult program today
How the Without Walls program began at Gateway, in partnership with Pacific Grove Adult School, for young adults who have aged out of the school system
Highlights of the activities, programs, goals, and dedicated staff that work together to provide a safe space and sense of community for the participants
Why there aren’t more programs like this across the country
A success story of Robert’s daughter–and where she is today
What Robert sees as current trends in the nonprofit world
Why many parents are left to “figure things out” on their own and don’t have access to quality programs for their older kids

Links/Resources:

Connect with Robert Freiri: Email, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

ENCORE: Racism and Bias in Our Schools with Nadia Bennett

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Wherever you are listening from, your area of the country is probably in full back-to-school mode. We love to bring you helpful information to ensure that your school year is off to a great start, whatever the situation for you and your kiddos. We want to educate parents and school personnel about how we can work together to make safer and more inclusive spaces for our kids in schools. Our guest today helps us start the conversation around racism and implicit bias in today’s classrooms. Join us to learn more!

Nadia Bennett is a School Turnaround Strategist who works with K-12 schools to develop leaders while fostering a culture of inclusion, and equitable achievement, and creating anti-racist school environments. She is the founder and CEO of When Brown Girls Lead and believes strongly that students and school communities evolve when more educators of color are given the opportunity to lead. Prior to her current work, Nadia was an executive director of schools, high school principal, high school assistant principal, and high school teacher.

Show Highlights:

What became the driving force behind Nadia’s work with When Brown Girls Lead
How Nadia developed the skills to navigate the marginalized spaces in education
Where the starting points are in creating anti-racist school environments
How to look at the vital data points at your school
Why we need intentionality in unlearning and re-creating the systems for educating all children in beneficial ways
What teachers and parents can do to implement change
Why we each must be responsible for seeing the biases we bring to the classroom
How we can learn to value communities and cultures outside of our own and celebrate our commonalities
How parents can take action today to work toward more unbiased schools

Links/Resources:

Connect with Nadia Bennett: Website

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

A Vision for Inclusive Living at The Village with Dr. Michael Held

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0400

We see many clients in the transitional time of life after finishing high school and wondering what comes next. Today’s show focuses on a wonderful program that meets specific needs in multiple ways, alleviating the worries of many parents of neurodiverse young adults. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Michael Held is the Executive Director of The Village, which offers a multitude of programs that serve about 700 youth and adults with developmental differences each month. As a trained clinical psychologist, Dr. Held founded an organization called ETTA in 1993, originally serving the Jewish community. Since then, he has seen the fulfillment of his dream to create a world where individuals with developmental differences live fully enriched, inclusive, and independent lives through the work of The Village. The goal is to provide services that enrich a neurodiverse person’s life, including housing, job support, employment, activities, and a sense of inclusion and community. Dr. Held has led ETTA from a startup to its current position as the largest agency of its type in the Los Angeles community.

Show Highlights:

Why The Village has a targeted focus on providing housing for neurodiverse young adults in the form of neighborhood group homes
How The Village came to be as a way to meet the needs of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
How the plans are progressing for the new building in Los Angeles–hoping to be open and functional in 2025!
How The Village will have 64 apartments, community meeting spaces, and retail spaces that will employ those with disabilities
Why The Village is called a “supported independent apartment model” and is for those who don’t need overnight support in their home
Why The Village will help residents with social development challenges by supporting, facilitating, and teaching them

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Michael Held, ETTA, and The Village: Email and

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Learning Stories: An Assessment Tool for Early Childhood with Julia Koumbassa

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0400

You have heard us often discuss the shortcomings of standardized assessments in accurately determining the best ways to meet a child’s needs in the classroom. Standardized assessments are a tool, but they are not the best tool to use for every student. Today we dive into “learning stories,” observations that tell a story recognizing a child’s everyday efforts as milestones in their growth. Join us to learn more!

We are joined by Julia Koumbassa, the Professional Development Director at Educa, the first and only software platform created specifically for learning stories. She helps oversee a virtual academy of training and professional development for early childhood educators and has vast experience in early childhood education as a teacher and administrator. In her work, she has become obsessed with learning stories and how they give new and beautiful perspectives on a child’s competencies and strengths.

Show Highlights:

Julia’s explanation of what learning stories are and how this tool was first developed in New Zealand
The three-part format of a learning story: what happened, what the interpretation is, and what opportunities and possibilities exist
How learning stories incorporate an assessment tool, observation tool, and planning tool all in one
How learning stories differ greatly from other assessment tools in that they are strengths-based, positive, and empowering
How learning stories incorporate input and responses from the child’s family members
How learning stories become a record of adventures and growth that follows a child from year to year and teacher to teacher
How to learn more about learning stories

Links/Resources:

Learn more about learning stories: Wendy Lee and the Educational Leadership Project and SALSA-Supporting the Advancement of Learning Stories in America

Connect with Julia Koumbassa: Email and Educa website

https://academy.geteduca.com

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

A New Approach to Neurodivergent-Affirming Care with Dr. Taylor Day

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Here we are at the end of October already! If you haven’t met with your IEP teams, we remind you to schedule those meetings and do a check-in, even if it’s not quite time for your yearly meeting. Today’s episode takes a new, more holistic approach to neurodivergence as we focus on neurodivergent-affirming care in the IEP process. Join us to learn more!

We are joined by Dr. Taylor Day (Dr. Tay), a child psychologist with years of expertise in the early diagnosis and intervention of autism. Her home base is in Pittsburgh, but she practices in about 40 states across the US. Autism became part of her world at age 12 when her younger brother was diagnosed. After watching her family navigate the difficult system, she knew at a young age that this would be her field of work. Being a researcher and working with families led her to launch her practice in 2022, Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care. Dr. Tay likes to do things differently and nurture families in every aspect with a specific emphasis on neurodivergent-affirming care. She hosts a podcast, Evolve with Dr. Tay: Real Conversations Designed for Autism Parents.

Show Highlights:

How Dr. Tay defines and explains neurodivergent-affirming care
Why the big push is now to go beyond mere tolerance and acceptance to understand AND normalize neurodivergence
How Dr. Tay approaches IEP meetings with care coordination
Why parents should be acknowledged as the best experts on their child
How IEP teams often get lost in the wrong goals because they fail to look at the big picture of the child’s specific needs

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Taylor Day: Website (Find resources!), Instagram, Podcast, and Email

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org

Thank you for listening!

Download the "Three Ways to Incorporate Neurodivergent Affirming Supports into IEPs" Guide

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

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Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Gender-Affirming Care Means Acceptance with Erin Pollard, LMFT, LPCC

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

As we find ourselves here at the end of October, we are in the thick of the first semester. The holidays will be here before you know it, so this is your friendly reminder to schedule those IEP meetings with your school team if you have been procrastinating. Today’s topic is how schools and teachers can be more supportive in providing appropriate gender-affirming care for students. Join us!

We are joined by Erin Pollard, LMFT, LPCC, an academic administrator at the community college level in CA. She focuses therapy work almost exclusively with trans, non-binary, questioning, and gender-expansive people. Before her five years in her current position, she worked as a teacher and counselor in private practice. Her previous work at a community mental health clinic brought experience working with a population of first-generation, low-income immigrants.

Show Highlights:

What it means to provide “gender-affirming care”
How you can use the PBS World Gender Map to learn more about “third gender cultures” around the world
How school board policies against gender-affirming care can damage a child’s self-esteem, competence, and relationship with their parents
How trans identities are normal and not born out of trauma, abuse, or pedophilia
How just ONE supportive adult can drastically reduce the suicide risk for an LGBTQ+ young person
How our simple words can make a child feel accepted
The trends Erin sees in gender-affirming policies at the state level
What trans kids are asking for in being accepted and affirmed
How to become involved in advocacy efforts in your corner of the world

Links/Resources:

Connect with Erin Pollard: Website and Email

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Eligibility Categories: Low Incidences Visual Impairment

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode finishes out this brief series on the four low incidences eligibility categories. We covered blindness, deafness, hearing impairment, and now, visual impairment. “Visual impairment” is an umbrella term that includes an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child's educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness. Join us for a closer look!

Show Highlights:

Services these students need to access curriculum, including assistive technologies, orientation, mobility, and reading/writing in Braille
Examples of accommodation services that should be provided for these students
How successful school teams have at least one person who can assist teachers in modifying lessons and resources to meet the visually-impaired student’s needs
Why relying more heavily on auditory signals and tools is important for teachers of the visually impaired student
Why input from parents is crucial to the success of the IEP team

Links/Resources:

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Eligibility Categories: Low Incidences Hearing Impairment

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this series about the four low-incidence eligibility categories, we are giving examples of different accommodation services we have advocated for in serving students. Next up in today’s episode is low incidences of hearing impairment. This is defined as “an impairment in hearing, whether permanent or fluctuating, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.” Let’s take a closer look!

Show Highlights:

How this eligibility category differs from the deafness category regarding the services the school district is required to provide
Examples of accommodations that work well for students with hearing impairments
How even the pitch of certain voices and background noise can play roles in adversely affecting educational performance
Why there is a big difference between “repeat” and “rephrase” teaching techniques
Examples of scenarios that can cause a “fluctuating” hearing impairment for a student
Why it’s helpful to get all of a student’s middle or high school teachers together at the IEP meeting to get their input about what is working best with the particular student

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Low Incidences Deafness

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

As we continue with our series on the eligibility categories of the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), we present another brief episode on the second of the four categories that can be summarized within the law as “low incidence disabilities.” Join us for a closer look at low-incidence deafness in today’s episode.

To clarify, the deafness category includes a severe hearing impairment affecting the child in processing linguistic information through hearing (with or without amplification) that adversely affects the child’s educational performance. This category is not to be confused with the less severe hearing impairment category, which we will tackle in next week’s episode.

Show Highlights:

How this category differs from being “hard of hearing” or having an auditory processing disorder
Why IEP services for a deaf child should encompass the entire school experience of both academic AND socialization support
How accommodations and services should begin as early as preschool so the child can become fluent in ASL
Why the partnership between parents and the school district must begin early
How school districts bear the responsibility to have the appropriate experts on the IEP team

Links/Resources:

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Low Incidences Deaf-Blindness

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

We are returning to our series on the eligibility categories with four brief episodes on the categories that can be summarized within the law as “low incidence disabilities.” This section of the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is an umbrella of four sub-categories, so let’s take a closer look at low incidence deaf-blindness in today’s episode.

Show Highlights:

Why the deaf-blindness category is for students with both severe hearing and vision loss who need additional services other than standard IEP services
Why these impairments require highly specialized training, services, and IEP personnel
Why individual education programs are necessary to meet the unique needs of each child
Why there is no excuse and no exceptions for schools not to have access to the personnel to provide these highly specialized services

Links/Resources:

Learn more about Peggy and Tamara’s book and get your copy! www.navigatingspecialeducation.com

Connect with Peggy: Website

Connect with Tamara: Website

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Navigating Special Education with Effective Communication with Peggy S. Bud, MS, and Tamara L. Jacobson, MS, EdD candidate

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

It’s the perfect time to give parents tips and best practices in navigating IEP meetings and working in collaboration with your school team. THE most important aspect of that collaboration is effective communication, and we have not one, but two communication experts joining us for today’s episode. Join us to learn more!

We are joined by Peggy S. Bud and Tamara L. Jacobson, the co-authors of Navigating Special Education: The Power of Building Positive Parent-Educator Partnerships. Together Peggy and Tamara have over 60 years of experience. Their book provides “a foundation for building proactive, positive partnerships that will lead to 21st century best practices for special needs students.

Peggy Bud is a licensed speech-language pathologist, communications expert, author, and former school administrator. After leaving public education, Peggy founded Speaking Skillfully, which works with families, educators, and businesses to help them be effective communicators. In addition to blogging and writing policies/procedures, educational materials, and children’s books, Peggy also serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations.

Tamara Jacobson is an educational consultant, communications expert, speaker, and author. With an extensive background in education, Tamara serves as the executive director of East Coast Educational Consulting, where she helps school districts and families bridge the gap to understand each other and work together for the best interests of each child.

Show Highlights:

How to define “effective communication”--both verbal and nonverbal
Why effective communication happens on the foundation of relationship
Three basic elements of communication: active listening, perspective taking, and shared vision
Why data is important in effective communication in IEP meetings
How parents can foster partnerships of trust and collaboration with the school community
The 5C Model of Effective Communication in Peggy and Tamara’s book: conversations, collaboration, cooperation, compromise, and consensus
Final words to parents from Tamara: “You have a voice, and your voice is important. Take the time to build relationships with your school team and ask for ongoing meetings.”
Final words to parents from Peggy: “Parents have a PhD in their child, and they know him/her best. Have confidence in your communication.”

Links/Resources:

Learn more about Peggy and Tamara’s book and get your copy! www.navigatingspecialeducation.com

Connect with Peggy: Website

Connect with Tamara: Website

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Understanding the Enigma, Part 2: A Look at Autism Below the Surface with Melody Abbene

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

We are excited to follow up Episode 274 (Understanding the Enigma: Autism in Girls) with a Part 2 discussion with Melody Abbene. There are so many nuances of autism that we can understand better through the lens of Melody’s expertise. As most of the US is a few weeks into a new school year, this is the perfect time to have these helpful conversations to bring clarity to confused and frustrated parents. Specifically, today’s focus is on how to get diagnoses and services when there are no problematic behaviors at school. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Melody Abbene is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent people, most of whom are autistic. She does therapeutic work and adult autism assessments and is based at LA Concierge Psychologist in the Los Angeles area.

Show Highlights:

Why we need an understanding of what autism looks like below the surface
How parents can navigate the relationship with the school team in a supportive way about what they notice about their child’s behavior at home
Basic signs of autism: hyper focus, sensory differences, masking/perfectionism, internalized emotions, and peer conflicts
Why it’s a misconception that autistic people lack empathy
Why an early diagnosis is critical to protect self-esteem and identity
How to help a child understand their neurodiversity

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Connect with Melody: Website

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Safe, Creative Spaces in Schools for ALL Kids with Melissa Turnbaugh

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Here in mid-September, we are well into a new school year around the country. This is your friendly reminder to get ahead of any developing issues and schedule those IEP meetings now. Make those contacts with your school personnel in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation for the good of your student.

The focus of this episode is on the design plan that goes into brand-new school campuses and the innovations that can be made to existing school spaces. Today’s guest gives insights into the physical spaces that provide our kids of all abilities with the best indoor and outdoor learning environments. There are simple, economic solutions that any school can use to revamp and improve its campus. Join us!

Melissa Turnbaugh is a partner at PBK, the largest educational architecture firm in the country. In her role as the National Education and Innovation Leader, Melissa looks carefully at where education has been, where it’s going, and how to provide best practices research for school districts around what’s best for students and teachers. Melissa helps us interpret what the law says about the physical learning environments for kids with disabilities and providing safe spaces that are best for productive learning.

Show Highlights:

How Melissa and PBK work with both aging infrastructure in older schools and designing new campuses
What the considerations are in designing outdoor play spaces for everyone, including those with mobility challenges and sensory issues
Why it’s beneficial for kids to have places for them to touch and feel as they build their muscles in being creative and innovative
Economical solutions for budget-strapped schools in maximizing outdoor spaces
How parents can help advocate for creative, inclusive spaces in schools

Links/Resources:

Connect with Melissa and PBK: Website and Email

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Hope and Help for Students with Dyscalculia

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

As we are off and running into the new school year, we are sending out good vibes and best wishes to all parents and educators that 2023-2024 will be the best one yet! We always strive to bring you relevant information about topics that can help the students in your life get the very most out of their educational experience. Today’s show focuses on dyscalculia, a common math struggle for many students. Join us to learn more from today’s expert guest!

Dr. Sandra Elliott began her career as an educator at a time when most students with disabilities were still in institutions, following a system in total opposition to inclusive education. She has had a front-row view of the many changes that have occurred in American education. As a teacher on various levels and a principal, Dr. Elliott has worked with curriculum developers around mathematics. She is currently the Chief Academic Officer at TouchMath, a 48-year-old multisensory math program focusing on special education and all students who struggle with math.

Show Highlights:

A basic definition and explanation of dyscalculia: Dyscalculia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts numerical reasoning, can be seen as early at three years of age, is not an intellectual disability, and is not curable.
Why dyslexia has been more widely recognized and addressed than dyscalculia
How math problem-solving skills are just as critical to student development as reading but are often left behind in the push for literacy
Why screening tools for dyscalculia are more difficult to find and use
How parents can begin to identify dyscalculia as early as 3-4 years old
How screening, intervention, and hard work can turn around any student with math difficulties

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Elliott and TouchMath: Website (Find a free dyscalculia screening tool, blog, resources, and much more!)

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Racism and Bias in Our Schools with Nadia Bennett

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Show Highlights:

What became the driving force behind Nadia’s work with When Brown Girls Lead
How Nadia developed the skills to navigate the marginalized spaces in education
Where the starting points are in creating anti-racist school environments
How to look at the vital data points at your school
Why we need intentionality in unlearning and re-creating the systems for educating all children in beneficial ways
What teachers and parents can do to implement change
Why we each must be responsible for seeing the biases we bring to the classroom
How we can learn to value communities and cultures outside of our own and celebrate our commonalities
How parents can take action today to work toward more unbiased schools

Links/Resources:

Connect with Nadia Bennett: Website

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: 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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Inclusive Education: A Conversation with Dan Vosnos of One Chance Illinois

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

A new school year is always ripe with hope and anticipation that this one will be better than the last. We can all learn from our past mistakes AND successes to enter the 2023-2024 school year on a hopeful note. On today’s show, we talk with a guest who works every day as a fierce advocate to empower parents, grandparents, foster parents, educational right-holders, guardians, and all others who have a child in their care. Join us to learn more!

We are joined by Dan Vosnos, Executive Director of One Chance Illinois. Dan spent over 20 years in educational administration, and he understands the challenges parents face in finding the best education for their children, particularly those with unique learning disabilities. He is the proud father of Frances, his one-year-old daughter, and Ellis, his four-year-old son with Down Syndrome. One Chance Illinois is located in the Chicago suburbs and is focused on empowering parents and guardians to choose high-quality, inclusive educational options that best fit their child.

Show Highlights:

Dan’s perspective on inclusion and where it’s headed in the future
How public AND private schools, summer programs, and extracurricular programs all struggle with inclusion and supports for kids with unique abilities
How the Advocacy Council is growing nationally to advocate for more inclusive education options
Where a parent or guardian can start in finding an advocacy group in their community
What One Chance Illinois is currently advocating in policy change in Illinois to protect the tax credit scholarship for families

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dan and One Chance Illinois: Website, Instagram, and Twitter

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Understanding the Enigma: Autism in Girls - A Conversation with Dr. Melody Abbene

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s topic is one that many people don’t recognize or acknowledge: autism in girls. Autism seems to present differently and to be much more commonly diagnosed in boys, so let’s learn more with today’s guest.

Dr. Melody Abbene is a clinical psychologist with a specialty in working with neurodivergent people, most of whom are autistic. She does therapeutic work and adult autism assessments and is based in Los Angeles.

Show Highlights:

The differences in autism that present internally (more common in girls) and externally (more common in boys)
Why girls with autism seem to blend in better with their peers
Where parents should begin if they suspect their child is neurodivergent
How parents can best communicate with the school team about the internal presentation of their child’s autism
How to tell that a child might have internalized autism
How “masking” is defined and described
Why girls are more likely to be labeled with emotional disturbances and misdiagnosed

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Melody Abbene: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Exciting Steps Toward Inclusive Education in California, with Arielle Starkman

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Things are always changing in the field of education, and sometimes even new legislation and policies are like a whirlwind. Today’s episode takes a look at some exciting steps forward in inclusive education practices in California. Join us for more!

Arielle Starkman is an Inclusive Education Consultant originally from New Jersey, and she now lives in Los Angeles. Her career as a special educator began right out of college when she first moved to California. Comparing her east coast experience to what she saw in California left her amazed that such a progressive state was not doing more in the field of inclusive education. Throughout her career, Arielle has held various roles as a special educator and is excited about the new initiatives that will lead to big changes for families.

Show Highlights:

Why new policies take a LONG time to take effect and be implemented
How the state of California has created The Inclusion Support Office Division–and what this means for students
Why starting kids off on the right foot from the very first day they enter the school system is the best practice for inclusion
How the new program will increase the confidence of educators in inclusion practices and identify students’ learning needs at earlier ages
How the California Administrative Service Credential (SB 354) will focus on inclusion and impact many students
Key takeaways: the push for universal pre-K and multi-tiered systems of support will be the initiatives that make the most impact in inclusive education in the near future

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Connect with Arielle:

Website: www.ariellestarkman.com

Email: ariellecstarkman@gmail.com

Instagram: @ariellestarkman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-starkman

Why Standardized Tests Don’t Always Give a Clear Picture with Dr. Jayme Jones

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

As always, it seems like the summer flew by, and now we find ourselves jumping into another school year already. One question that comes up frequently in IEP meetings is why schools use standardized testing for kids with learning differences. Specifically, why do many school districts hold standardized test scores as the gold standard, when we know that kids with special needs aren’t being adequately evaluated? We are tackling this topic with Dr. Jayme Jones, who returns for a Part 2 conversation.

Dr. Jayme Jones is a pediatric neuropsychologist who has maintained a private practice in CA since 1995. Her background is extensive in the assessment and treatment of preschool and school-aged children with a variety of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, and she provides regular training on many related topics. We are thrilled that Dr. Jayme is joining us for a continuation of our conversation from Episode 261.

Show Highlights:

Why the most important thing is to keep the context in mind with standardized tests
Why it’s challenging when none of the standardized tests are well-suited to kids with learning differences–and so the results are often misused
Why it’s problem that protocols, manuals, and training are different for those who administer and assess tests, and not everyone knows how to integrate all the data
Why parents feel frustrated with unnecessary standardized tests that measure special needs kids against their more typical peers
How standardized tests have their value–ONLY when they are used in conjunction with other tests and measurements
Dr. Jayme’s advice for teachers and school psychologists who want to better themselves in understanding testing protocols
What parents can do in asking questions about standardized tests and communicating with teachers and school personnel

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Jayme Jones: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

IEP Eligibility and the Law Part 2 [Encore Edition]

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

For our July shows, we are featuring a few of our most helpful episodes that you might have missed during the busy school year. Today’s encore edition is the second part of last week’s episode, where we take a closer look at what the law says about IEP eligibility. This part focuses on the “other health impairments” (OHI) category. As a reminder, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), sets forth 13 eligibility categories, and each state is allowed to expand (but not shrink) these categories in their implementation. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

What is covered by the OHI (Other Health Impairments) category of the IDEA
How the IDEA code mentions “educational performance” but not academics
Why a health impairment does not mean a medical diagnosis but can be anything that impacts a child’s health
Why nothing in the code prohibits eligibility for a student with an OHI who is “making progress”
Why we want to give parents information so they can ask about the IDEA code and how it is being interpreted for their child’s eligibility

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

IEP Eligibility and the Law Part 1 [Encore Edition]

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

During our summer break for July, we are featuring a few of our most popular episodes that you might have missed during the busy school year. Today’s encore edition covers a disturbing trend we’ve seen about eligibility for IEPs in which children who need services are being denied for a variety of reasons. The best way to be a prepared parent is to arm yourself with knowledge. We hope this information will be helpful as you plan for the 2023-2024 school year.

Show Highlights:

The starting point for eligibility: the assessment
How the trend is for opposing counsels to use special education language and buzzwords to apply delay tactics and “wait and see” approaches
Why an IEP DOES NOT equal special day classes and removal from general education classrooms
Why struggling children are being denied IEPs with the excuse that “they are doing OK without any services”
Why struggling academically is NOT the only basis for IEP services for a child
What the law actually says about eligibility criteria for IEP

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

How To Navigate Assessments and Accommodations [Encore Edition]

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

For many, the intricacies of IEPs can be overwhelming, and often, essential details in the plan may be crucial to a child’s educational success. In today’s show, we are replaying a previous episode where we break down some of those little details most often overlooked in IEPs. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

What to consider in state testing accommodations, both typical assessments and modified/alternative assessments
Why assessments and accommodations should be discussed at every IEP meeting
Why it might be beneficial at times to opt out of assessments for your child
How physical education testing and district testing take place
How to understand the terms “embedded” and “non-embedded” in regard to accommodations
How California has a specific Medi-Cal provision to pay for some related services in the IEP
How the “Special Factors” page may differ according to districts and states but has provisions for “low incidence” students
How to understand the assisted technology (AT) component of the IEP

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Little Things That Get Overlooked in IEPs [Encore Edition]

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

During our summer break for the month of July, we are featuring a few of our most popular episodes that you might have missed during the busy school year. Today’s encore edition covers important information for parents who are gearing up for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Join us as we break down some of those little details that are most often overlooked in IEP meetings.

Show Highlights:

What to consider in state testing accommodations, both typical assessments and modified/alternative assessments
Assessments and accommodations should be discussed at every IEP meeting
Why it might be beneficial at times to opt out of assessments for your child
How physical education testing and district testing take place
Understanding the terms “embedded” and “non-embedded” regarding to accommodations
California has a specific Medi-Cal provision to pay for some related services in the IEP
The “Special Factors” page may differ according to districts and states but has provisions for “low incidence” students
How to understand the assisted technology (AT) component of the IEP

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Part 2: A Visit with Special Education Rights Hero, Attorney Jack Robinson

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode is Part 2 of our conversation with Jack Robinson, a partner and co-founder of the law firm Spies, Powers, and Robinson, in Denver, CO. In last week’s episode, he highlighted his landmark case, Endrew F v. Douglas County School District, and we discussed its impact for students with disabilities across the nation. Our focus today is Jack’s perspective on the state of special education today and how things can differ from one jurisdiction to another.

As we usually do, we are taking a summer break from podcast episodes, but we wrap up on a high note with today’s continuing conversation with Jack. As we put this school year behind us, we look forward to a fun and relaxing summer as we gear up for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. We wish you all a wonderful summer, and please keep up with us on social media and connect with us there until we return with new episodes. Join us now for more with Jack Robinson!

Show Highlights:

Jack’s initial reaction to the Supreme Court ruling in the Endrew F. case
What he was trying to accomplish in taking the case to the Supreme Court
What Jack has seen since the Court’s decision was handed down AND the pandemic occurred regarding actual systemic change in education in the US
Key takeaways from Jack: The value of communication and collaboration when it comes to the best interests of all children

Links/Resources:

Connect with Jack: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us

Part 1: A Visit with Special Education Rights Hero, Attorney Jack Robinson

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

We are so honored to have today’s guest with us for an inside look at a groundbreaking case in the field of special education litigation. Jack Robinson is a partner and co-founder of Spies, Powers, and Robinson, a law firm located in Denver, Colorado. He took one of the biggest cases in special education all the way to the US Supreme Court in 2017. In Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, Jack represented a family that sued their school district, claiming it did not provide their autistic son with an adequate education as required by federal law.

The monumental Supreme Court ruling in the case raised the standard that schools must meet in educating students with disabilities, potentially impacting millions of students across the country.

Show Highlights:

How the background on the Endrew F. case actually began with the Supreme Court ruling on the Thompson School District v. Luke P. case in 2008
Why the Endrew F. case originated because the child was making no progress or advancement on IEP goals or objectives, along with regressing behavior
Why it’s disheartening when the concept of what’s “right for the child” is completely ignored
Where the state of our education system is right now, with no spirit of collaboration with parents and a predominant “Us vs. Them” mentality
The basic timeline of the Endrew F. case
How due process and appeals in special education cases can take years, years, and more years

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Social Workers in Schools: It’s Time to Revamp the System! with Laura Adams

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Summer can be hectic for families, and we hope you have a plan to manage your parental sanity and have time to make great memories with your kids! As always, we will be here with podcast episodes full of helpful information and insights. We have a great conversation today about social workers on school campuses that have access to your child. Join us!

Laura Adams is the mother of four daughters, two of which are adopted from China. She is the founder of FACTS4SafeFamilies, an organization whose mission is to transform the future for adoptive and foster children. FACTS is an acronym standing for “Foster and Adoptive Children Teaching Supports.” Laura built her organization based on her personal family experience in dealing with school social workers and the flawed system.

Show Highlights:

Why foster and adoptive parents need to be “detectives” to figure out what their children need as they grow and heal from past traumas
How Laura went through a disturbing situation with her child’s social work team in which DCFS was involved
Why Laura was determined to prevent her experience from happening to other families in the future—and FACTS4SafeFamilies was begun
What school social workers do and how their roles differ from other social workers
Why school social workers are overseen differently from state to state
Why there is a stigma attached to a child seeing a social worker in school–and why you might not know your child sees a social worker!
Why we must determine as a country what mental health care should look like in a school setting
How FACTS4SafeFamilies is developing new training resources for social workers and teachers
What parents can do to learn more and help improve the current system of social workers in schools

Links/Resources:

Connect with Laura and FACTS for Safe Families: Website and Email

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Understanding Immersion Schools with Maria V. Ventura and Jasmine Allen-Matora

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s topic is a new one for the podcast, and it may be something new for our listeners. We are learning about an immersion school, how it functions, and why this education model works well for many students and families. Join us to learn more!

We are joined by Maria Ventura and Jasmine Allen-Matora. Maria is a special ed teacher in a self-contained classroom of kids from TK- 5th grade. She has two master’s degrees in multicultural education and special education. Jasmine is the Prevention Intervention Support Services Coordinator and the EL designee at a local school here in California.

Show Highlights:

What is an immersion school?
How the 90/10 model works at Jasmine’s school and progresses to a 50/50 model by 5th grade
Why immersion school parents must take a more participatory role in their child’s education
How kids benefit in an immersion school by learning cultural awareness and unique skills that make them more marketable later in life
Why students with IEPs need to have access to these resources to develop skills and talents and find opportunities to reach their full potential
What the statistics show about dual language students’ progress
Why “teaching Spanish” is very different from “teaching IN Spanish”
The wide range of bilingual programs available, including those in Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, German, and more
How parents can find more information about immersion schools in their area

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram - We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Value of Individualized Learning over Standardization with Dr. Rina Bliss

Tue, 30 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Our heads are spinning as we rapidly approach the end of the school year. Fresh off the first couple of post-COVID years, it is important to change things in education and revamp what’s not working well. Today’s guest helps us gain a fresh perspective on our kids as individuals, neurodiversity, and inclusive education. Join us!

Dr. Rina Bliss is a genetics expert, sociologist, and the author of three books. She is also the mom of three kids under 7 years of age. A former teacher in the Oakland Unified School District, she also taught as a long-term substitute in San Francisco during her grad school years both in general ed and special ed classrooms. All of these experiences helped redefine for her what intelligence means with a more inclusive outlook. She currently teaches as an Associate Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University.

Show Highlights:

What “neurodivergent” means
Why each student (and each person) should be treated as the individual they are and valued as the person they are
Why the numbers that indicate academic progress should NOT be the sole factor for elementary students
Why each student should have an individualized plan and not be grouped together and labeled
What Rina sees in the treatment of neurodivergent children
Why standardization in education should be removed in favor of individualization all the way through the school years
How our educational system is set up on standardized education over individualized learning
Why we are ALL neuroplastic in our learning and intelligence

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Bliss: Website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

Get Rethinking Intelligence: A Radical New Understanding of Our Human Potential by Dr. Rina Bliss.

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

A Closer Look at the Emotional Disturbance Eligibility Category

Tue, 23 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

The end is near! We are SO close to summer break, even though schools everywhere are finishing up at different times over the next couple of weeks. It is a busy, busy time for everyone involved in education. We need to continue to push for change, which is one thing we hope to accomplish by going through the eligibility categories. We didn’t want to let May (Mental Health Awareness Month) end without touching on the emotional disturbance category, so that’s the focus of today’s show. The category name itself carries a lot of stigmas as it relates to a lot of children’s mental health experiences that require special education and related services. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

What the law says about the emotional disturbance category
Why a student only needs to qualify with ONE of the listed behaviors to be eligible
Why a quiet kid doesn’t always mean a self-regulated and calm kid
Why qualifying within ANY of the eligibility categories simply “opens the door” for special education services
Why the emotional disturbance eligibility category might find students eligible when there are no other diagnoses and academic challenges
Why a common occurrence in this category is the student’s reluctance to go to school

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Trends in Assessments and Eligibility Evaluations with Dr. Jayme Jones

Tue, 16 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

If you're a parent or caregiver of a child with neurodevelopmental differences, you know how important it is to have a clear understanding of your child's eligibility for educational and treatment plans. With so many questions surrounding eligibility evaluations, it can be overwhelming to navigate the process. As we continue with our series of shows about eligibility, we are here to help with an information-packed conversation!

We are excited to be joined by Dr. Jayme Jones, a pediatric neuropsychologist who has maintained a private practice in CA since 1995. Her background is extensive in the assessment and treatment of preschool and school-aged children with a variety of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, and she provides regular trainings on many related topics. In this episode, she sheds light on some of the trends she's seeing and helps provide clarity on the confusing subject of eligibility and assessments. You’ll hear her take on pandemic deficits, the conflict of interest in many school districts, and what it takes to get the support your child needs.

Show Highlights:

What the biggest challenges are in getting students qualified for assistance
Why the pandemic cannot be blamed for ALL the learning deficits
What the difference is between IEP assessments and school assessments
Why individual scores are more important than aggregate scores
Why there is often a conflict of interest between school personnel in your IEP meeting and school administrators
How some school districts are doing it right
Dr. Jayme’s advice to parents about being supportive AND being their child’s advocate
Why standardized tests are used for non-standard students
Why parents need to let their children fail
Why parents should prioritize a comprehensive evaluation for their child (sooner, rather than later) and hire advocates and attorneys when possible

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Jayme Jones: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The ABCs of Inclusion with Beth Leipholtz

Tue, 09 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

If you are anything like us, you are feeling the chaos of the mad scramble to the end of the school year. We always know that May feels like this, but April seems like a blur that zoomed by, and now we find ourselves trying to get those IEP meetings and transition meetings done. Our guest knows exactly what IEP chaos looks and feels like as the mom of a special needs child. She is on a mission to help other parents and families deal with diagnoses and advocate for inclusion. Join us to learn more!

Beth Leipholtz is the author of The ABCs of Inclusion, a nonfiction book for parents to read with their kids. The book details the journey of Beth’s family and lets other parents know what to expect after diagnosis, and it includes the stories of 26 kids (one for each letter of the alphabet) with disabilities both seen and unseen. It is described as a picture book about disabilities that teaches kids that it’s OK to be different. Her son, Cooper, was born deaf in 2019, so she jumped right into research, learning, and early intervention services. Her small school district in Minnesota began their involvement with Cooper right after his diagnosis at six weeks of age, and Beth cannot imagine where they would be without their amazing support system.

Show Highlights:

How early intervention happened for Beth’s son with phenomenal support
How and why Beth wrote her book, The ABCs of Inclusion
How Beth and another parent (from Instagram) host a podcast for parents of kids with hearing loss
Why it’s important to read inclusive books to kids at early ages

Links/Resources:

Connect with Beth: Website, Book

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Deep Dive into Manifestation Determination Meetings

Tue, 02 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

As a much-needed tangent from our eligibility series, today’s topic is manifestation determination meetings. We have mentioned it in previous episodes in passing, but we will take a closer look in today’s episode. We will discuss what it is, how it relates to eligibility, and what it means for schools and parents. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

What the law says about misbehavior and manifestation determination of a student with an IEP
Why a manifestation determination meeting is essentially another kind of IEP meeting
Why an assessment should be done prior to a manifestation determination meeting to evaluate the student’s history, circumstances, etc.
How behaviors should be evaluated in terms of the child’s disabilities, regardless of their eligibility category
What the law allows school districts to do in determining if a behavior is a manifestation of the student’s disability
How the manifestation determination meeting can lead to a new placement for the child and/or expulsion
What parents should do when in crisis about their IEP student’s behavior

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Chanda Center for Health, Advocacy, and Disability-Competent Healthcare

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

As we fight and advocate daily for equity and inclusivity in education for ALL children, we can’t overlook the needs of those with physical disabilities. What could be more important than making disability-competent healthcare accessible to everyone? Our guest, Chanda Hinton, joins us today to discuss the importance of medical rights and how ONE person can make a difference and effect change. Join us to learn more!

Chanda Hinton is a disability advocate and the founder of the Chanda Center for Health in Denver, CO. Their mission is to deliver, advocate, and educate for integrative therapy and other services to improve health equity and outcomes for individuals with physical disabilities. Though the center works with all disabilities, they specialize in serving those with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spina bifida.

Show Highlights:

Chanda’s spinal cord injury and paralysis from childhood set her up to be the perfect disability rights advocate
How the center provides strong, disability-competent healthcare for the disabled–all under one roof with attention to every one of their special needs
Why the keyword in advocating for disability rights is access
Many people think there is nothing they can do to effect change in the current system—and why that’s WRONG
Get started as an advocate to bring change
Chanda’s advice about using advocacy and cooperation to make a difference

Links/Resources:

Connect with Chanda and the Chanda Center for Health: Website and Email

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Is Your Local School Board Fulfilling its Purpose? with AJ Crabill

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

This is your friendly reminder (again) that the school year is winding down, so make those appointments for IEP meetings and such before the time passes.

In today’s show, we are joined by AJ Crabill to discuss why school boards exist and what their purpose is. He has written a book about school boards and how we can make them better. This is a fundamental topic that affects the education of our children. Join us to learn more!

AJ Crabill works with schools across the country to help deploy student-led restorative practices. He invites schools to rethink how behavior is addressed and taught, and he works with superintendents and school boards at the governance and senior management layer to be intensely focused on improving student outcomes. He also helps schools be more strategic in the deployment of resources to be more student-centric.

Show Highlights:

Why do school systems exist? To improve student outcomes
What is the role of the school board? To represent the vision and values of the community in the context of education
How school boards and administrators spend time, energy, and money on issues that are NOT improving student outcomes
Why diversity matters in representing the vision and values of communities
Where parents can start in getting to know their school board
Why it is powerful to push for change against the status quo
How many states have no training unique to those elected to be school board members—they are in systems that are setting them up to fail!

Links/Resources:

AJ Crabill’s book: Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

A Closer Look at Autism as an Eligibility Category

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

We are in the final stretch of the 2022-2023 school year as most schools have had Spring Break at this point and are on the final push to the end. If there are things you need to cover with your IEP team, our advice is to get it done now! Don’t wait!

In today’s episode, we are returning to our series on IEP eligibility categories; this topic is more extensive and is taking more episodes than we originally thought, but we want to take the time to cover the 13 categories with proper attention and information.

Today’s category is autism, sometimes previously referred to as “autism-like.” Contrary to what most people think, a student does NOT have to have a medical diagnosis of autism to fit into this category. Join us for more!

Show Highlights:

How autism is defined by the IDEA as a legal (not medical) term
What we have seen from school district reports of misinterpreting the language of the qualifications and characteristics
What the mandate says about “verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction”
Why parents need to be curious and ASK QUESTIONS
How autism presents with an array of characteristics and needs a deeper analysis to determine eligibility
What it means that “no single score or product of scores shall be used as the sole criterion for the decision of the IEP team as to the child’s eligibility for special education”
How we can help parents even in other states besides California

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Innovation in Inclusive Education with Jaime Sowers

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Innovation in school districts comes from leadership. We often see school districts, administrators, and teachers who are hesitant to embrace change and innovation. Just because it’s always been done a certain way doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for new ideas and techniques. Today’s guest has served in various capacities in special education, and he’s here to share his experience with us. Join us to learn more!

Jaime Sowers is the Advisory Team Director at BlazerWorks, an organization that helps school districts across the country with their special education staffing needs.

As a 19-year-old, Jaime’s summer job at a camp for children with disabilities changed his life and set him on the special education trajectory. After spending time as a special ed teacher, he moved into leadership roles.

Show Highlights:

How Jaime came into special education and the work he does today
How he saw the problem and decided to “do” something about it
What Jaime has experienced around inclusive education
What we can do to shift from an academic focus to a whole-child focus for more inclusivity
What can be done in teacher education and preparation to take a new look at inclusive education
Why most general education teachers–and even administrators–are not properly equipped to deal with special needs, so they react with fear
What Jaime would want teachers and administrators to know about inclusivity

Links/Resources:

Connect with Jaime and BlazerWorks: Website

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

What the New California Law Says about High School Diploma Options

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

You may have seen our “tease” for this topic on Instagram last week. We are breaking it down today and discussing the new California pathway to high school graduation. It’s a new law that was signed last year, and we began discussing this topic last year (April 21, 2022) in Episode 211, titled Transitions from High School and Beyond, Part 2. You may want to go back and listen to that episode as a preview of today’s conversation. Join us now to learn more!

Show Highlights:

How the new law provides a third option for exiting high school in addition to a diploma or certificate of completion
How this applies in other states, too–not just in CA
What the provisions are in the law (51225.31A) for special needs kids regarding college acceptance
How the new law changes the minimum requirements in various subject areas
How the new law aligns with the state standards of coursework requirements
Examples of how the new law affects kids who are in functional classes
Why IEP teams have to identify candidates for this exception before the end of their 10th-grade year

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

How to Navigate Assessments and Accommodations

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

For many, the intricacies of IEPs can be overwhelming, and often, important details in the plan may be crucial to a child’s educational success. In today’s show, we are breaking down some of those little details that are most often overlooked in IEPs. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

What to consider in state testing accommodations, both typical assessments and modified/alternative assessments
Why assessments and accommodations should be discussed at every IEP meeting
Why it might be beneficial at times to opt out of assessments for your child
How physical education testing and district testing takes place
How to understand the terms “embedded” and “non-embedded” in regard to accommodations
How California has a specific Medi-Cal provision to pay for some related services in the IEP
How the “Special Factors” page may differ according to districts and states but has provisions for “low incidence” students
How to understand the assisted technology (AT) component of the IEP

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

252: Highlights of a LONG Career in Special Education

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Could there ever be a podcast guest with more experience in special education than 60+ years? We don’t think so! We are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Turner for a discussion about her career, the evolution of “special education,” and why we are still missing the mark in meeting the needs of our children. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Ruth McLean Turner has had a long career in education that spanned more than sixty years. Most of those years were in service to students with disabilities as a teacher, administrator, and consultant. Her recent book is titled Special Education Leadership as a Personal Journey.

Show Highlights:

How Dr. Turner began her career in education after graduating from college in 1948
How “special education” was very different in the 1950s–WAY before the IDEA
How Dr. Turner, as a school district administrator, made pioneering innovations in special education in Texas that were unheard of at the time
How our education system has always been focused on labels for students with any type of special needs
Why diversity is the nature of education
Why Dr. Turner thinks the special education system as we know it should be abolished

Links/Resources:

Get Dr. Turner’s book: Special Education Leadership as a Personal Journey

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Taking Inclusion and Diversity a Step Further

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

As Spring Break season approaches, we always like to remind you to schedule any assessments that might be needed before the end of the school year. Don’t let the timeline sneak up on you! Check-in with your school now so you don’t get pushed to the next school year.

Show Highlights

How Melissa saw the need and took the risk to bring awareness to the inclusion problem
How Melissa came up with evaluative criteria for books that address different learning needs
Why children need to understand diversity in order to relate to others
How books can be used as a starting point for conversations and connections
How more books are being written today that portray what neurodiverse people are going through
How Melissa provides resources for other teachers through the Teachers Pay Teachers website
Why libraries, our communities, and our world need to become more inclusive
What’s next for Melissa

Links/Resources

Connect with Melissa: Instagram, Her book, Sometimes, Resources on Teachers Pay Teachers

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Understanding the Most Misunderstood Eligibility Category

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Welcome! Our eligibility series continues in today’s show as we take a look at one of the most misunderstood eligibility categories: Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). Although the federal law (IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) trumps state laws, state laws can go further but not limit the IDEA provisions. In California, most state laws are similar to the IDEA, but this may not be the case in your state. It’s worth checking how your state laws compare with the IDEA provisions. Let’s take a closer look!

Show Highlights:

How a Specific Learning Disability is defined under the IDEA (with the double requirement of having a diagnosis AND that it adversely affects educational process)
Why a qualifying SLD has to be a specific learning deficit in a particular area of learning and not a broad diagnosis, like dyslexia or autism
Why most failures occur in the analysis of the broad language of the IDEA by school districts
How the term “significant discrepancy” can be interpreted in different ways
How the California education code splits the qualifications into A, B, and C sections of the clarifications
How the California code addresses the discrepancy model with specific language that demands more than one source to indicate a learning deficit
Why it’s clear that school districts should be doing more when they analyze the categories of eligibility
Why parents have the right to ask what is meant by the language used by the school district in analyzing their student–and demand that they support their conclusion with data

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Trend Toward School Districts Denying Eligibility and Being Inflexible with Peggy Schaefer

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0400

We are continuing our series of episodes on the subject of eligibility, which will carry over into March. There is SO much to cover! We are joined today by a returning guest, who discusses what she is seeing in the trend of school districts denying IEPs to children who clearly meet eligibility requirements and trying to exit students out when they have needs and disabilities that are impacting their education. Join us for a closer look!

Peggy Schaefer is a board-certified Neurological Music Therapist (NMT), and her work focuses on how the brain processes rhythm and applies it to non-musical interventions. She studied with Dr. Michael Thaut at Colorado State University, which is where this research-based approach originated. The application has been widely used with patients who have Parkinson’s disease and has been proven to be as effective as medication. Peggy’s past work has been with US service members in neurological rehab, stroke patients, Parkinson’s patients, and those with traumatic brain injuries.

Show Highlights:

What Peggy is seeing as a trend in children being denied IEPs, one-to-one aides, and services for alternative communication
How taking away these students’ rights is a civil rights issue
Why it’s frustrating when the school personnel talk about what they don’t understand regarding what an individual student needs in order to learn
How workplaces have become more flexible since COVID—but schools have become more inflexible
How the system wears down teachers AND families
Why punishing and shaming a child doesn’t work for long-term change
How effective communication can make all the difference in the IEP process
Why it’s as simple as listening to what the child says they need

Links/Resources:

Connect with Peggy: www.theimperfectplace.com

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

IEP Eligibility and the Law (Part Two)

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Our February series on IEP eligibility continues in this episode. Today’s focus is on the “other health impairments” category. As an explanation, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) sets forth 13 eligibility categories, and each state is allowed to expand on those categories but not shrink them in their implementation. Join us for a closer look.

Show Highlights:

What is covered by the OHI (Other Health Impairments) category of the IDEA
How the IDEA code mentions “educational performance” but not academics
Why a health impairment does not mean a medical diagnosis but can be anything that impacts a child’s health
Why nothing in the code prohibits eligibility for a student with an OHI who is “making progress”
Why we want to give parents information to ask about the IDEA code and how it is being interpreted for their child’s eligibility

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

IEP Eligibility and the Law (Part One)

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0400

We made it through the super-long month of January, and we are officially into the second month of 2023. Whew! We have certainly had some crazy IEP meetings already, and we are seeing a disturbing new trend regarding eligibility for IEPs in which children who need services are being denied. Our February series that begins today will address this issue, and we will be going through the eligibility categories in these episodes, along with explaining what the law says about eligibility. We are starting today by sharing what we are currently seeing in our cases. Join us for a closer look!

Show Highlights:

The starting point for eligibility: the assessment
How the trend is for opposing counsels to use special education language and buzzwords to apply delay tactics and “wait and see” approaches
Why an IEP DOES NOT equal special day classes and removal from general education classrooms
Why struggling children are being denied IEPs with the excuse that “they are doing OK without any services”
Why struggling academically is NOT the only basis for IEP services for a child
What the law actually says about eligibility criteria for IEP

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Supporting Children’s Mental Health at School and Home with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Here we are, still in January. It’s the month that seems to go on forever! Students, parents, and teachers are well into the second semester of the school year, and we are getting lots of calls from anxious parents for many reasons. What can you do for your kid who is struggling? Let’s discuss it with today’s guest!

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is on a mission to change the way we view and treat children’s mental health and show parents how to use science-backed solutions that are natural. She is an Integrative Children’s Mental Health Expert, founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, and host of the “It’s Gonna Be OK” podcast. Over her professional career of 30+ years, she has helped thousands of children and families overcome the most challenging behavioral and mental health issues, and she’s been named by Forbes as “The thought leader in children’s mental health.”

Show Highlights:

How Dr. Roseann helps parents with overwhelm when their child struggles with focus, learning, mood, and anxiety problems
Why many kids “hold it together” at school but fall apart at home
How to be a “parent detective” to decipher the language of your child’s behavior
Why data can be a parent’s best friend in understanding a child (But—grades are NOT the benchmark of mental health!)
Why the emotional needs of the child MUST be more important than the IEP or 504 guidelines
How to celebrate the child’s micro successes along the way toward the goal
Why the mother’s mental health helps determine the child’s mental health
Dr. Roseann’s advice for parents about where to begin in helping their child:
Don’t ignore the signs.
Role model mental health for your child.
Take action! (Educate yourself and find an expert to help.)
Why medication should NEVER be the first answer to a problem
How to start in simple ways to help calm your child’s nervous system

Links/Resources

Connect with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge: www.drroseann.com or Facebook

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us admin@iepcalifornia.org

Looking at Learning Disabilities as a Social Justice Issue with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

We are diving deep into today’s conversation around learning differences and special educational needs. Even though we are doing so many things right in this field, there are still many changes that need to be made. Join us to learn more from today’s guest!

Dr. Bibi Pirayesh is an educational therapist in the Los Angeles area. Her work includes one-on-one remediation with families and helping them navigate the school system when a child is diagnosed. She believes in the uniqueness of every child and celebrates those differences. Dr. Bibi also does advocacy work around the belief that learning disabilities are a social justice issue.

Show Highlights:

How children with unique needs are being discriminated against in today’s educational system
Why the problems we need to address aren’t in the brains of our special needs children but in the way our educational system is set up
How ideologies–even those we aren’t aware of–fuel the systems used in US society
How white supremacy is a lens through which we implement ideology
How teacher training should include more critical thinking around consciousness and awareness–and instruction on teaching students to be critical thinkers
What parents should know
Why learning disabilities are a good context in which to learn more about social justice
How disabilities, disability services, and disability rights are perceived today

Links/Resources:

Connect with Dr. Bibi: www.oneofonekids.org

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Real Inclusion with the Little Learners Program with Julie Curless

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Our focus in recent shows has been on solutions for an inclusive educational environment, and today’s show follows that theme. Today’s guest is in the thick of it with her pilot program for graduate students in speech and language.

Julie Curless is a speech-language pathologist who worked for nine years in a school system in Illinois. In working with students and their families, Julie developed a passion for meaningful inclusion, and she has been a presenter, consultant, and instructor to help teachers and paraprofessionals learn more about inclusion. As an instructor at Western Illinois University, she helps facilitate the Little Learners program for graduate students in speech-language pathology.

Show Highlights:

How Julie became involved in training teachers and professionals
How Julie’s pilot program, Little Learners, is working at Western Illinois University
How the objectives are measured in the Little Learners program regarding language, literacy, and socio-emotional skills (with parent input)
How surveys were distributed to parents in a multiple-choice format so they could choose their top objectives, based on their child’s specific needs
How the Little Learners coordinates objectives, goals, baseline data, and progress
How first-year graduate students gain initial experience in the Little Learners program before they branch out to classrooms in the community
How the Little Learners program helps graduate students at a ground-floor level to be the ones to effect change for inclusive education–all because of their “real-world experience”

Links/Resources:

Connect with Julie through Email if you have questions about her work and the Little Learners program at WIU.

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Why Inclusion is a Fight Worth Fighting with Olivier Bernier

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode is a treat as we are joined by a returning guest, Olivier Bernier. He previously appeared in Episode 183 (September 2021) with his wife. They were here to discuss their documentary film, Forget Me Not: Inclusion in the Classroom, which showcased their struggles with NYC’s school system for inclusive education for their son, Emilio. We are checking on the feedback they have received from the project and how their son is doing today. Join us!

Show Highlights:

How Emilio is doing this year in his inclusive kindergarten class
How the feedback has included a lot of thanks from both parents and teachers
Why some people will always disagree with the push for integrated classrooms
Why it’s important to start at very early levels to have inclusion in the general education classroom
How Olivier feels about Emilio’s current school situation and the teachers’ commitment to inclusion
What Olivier wants other parents of neurodivergent kids to know
Why real change happens because of parents like Olivier

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Little Things that Get Overlooked in IEPs

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe it’s 2023 already. We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and are gearing up for the new year. In today’s show, we are breaking down some little details most often overlooked in IEPs. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

What to consider in state testing accommodations, both typical assessments, and modified/alternative assessments
Why assessments and accommodations should be discussed at every IEP meeting
Why it might be beneficial at times to opt out of assessments for your child
How physical education testing and district testing take place
How to understand the terms “embedded” and “non-embedded” regarding accommodations
How California has a specific Medi-Cal provision to pay for some related services in the IEP
How the “Special Factors” page may differ according to districts and states but has provisions for “low incidence” students
How to understand the assisted technology (AT) component in the IEP

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

How to Empower Parents for IEP Meetings with Beth Liesenfeld

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Today's episode is a replay of one of our most requested episodes. Enjoy!

The end of the school year is happening over the next few weeks all around the country. Like us, many parents, teachers, and professionals are involved in IEP meetings galore. We believe that parents need to be empowered to take an active role in the IEP process. Join us to learn more from our expert guest!

Beth Liesenfeld is the host of the Elevate Your Advocacy podcast and the founder of Parent Friendly OT. After learning ASL and interacting with deaf people, Beth worked with children with special needs and became certified as an adaptive horseback riding instructor. She figured out that occupational therapy was her “sweet spot,” and she worked in a clinical setting in early intervention, outpatient therapy, and in-home therapy. After seeing how the OT world functions outside the school system, Beth transitioned into schools. After participating in 80 IEP meetings each year, she learned the jargon and understood the process, now using her knowledge to help other parents learn what they need to know. With this big-picture view in our post-pandemic world, she stays busy with side hustles in investment and real estate fields, along with focusing on Parent Friendly OT.

Show Highlights:

How Parent Friendly OT offers workshops, courses, and summits to help others understand the OT process and help parents map out their parent input plan
Why the parent is THE expert on the child, knowing what works and what doesn’t work with that child
Why the parent should be the accountability partner for the IEP team
How an IEP meeting without the parent’s input feels empty and ineffective
What Beth tells parents about their role in IEP meetings in setting the vision and expectations and focusing the team’s effort
Why parents should communicate in IEP meetings about what language and measures to use to meet their child’s needs
Beth shares a success story from her experience with a middle school student’s parent

Links/Resources:

Thank you for listening!

Connect with Beth and check out her courses and products: www. parentfriendlyot.com

Find Beth’s podcast, Elevate Your Advocacy.

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, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Law Requirements for Your Struggling learner

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Today's episode is a replay of one of our most requested episodes. Enjoy!

We are here at the beginning of another school year, and after the chaos of the past 2-3 school years, none of us knows what to really expect for 2022-2023! One thing we are noticing is that a lot of parents want IEPs for their students. In today’s episode, we go back to basics with a refresher about what you should expect, what the law requires, and how you can be empowered to help your child. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

Why the terminology used in “special education” is important from a legal perspective
What the law provides in regards to a “free and appropriate public education”
Why everything hinges on assessments
Why “student success team meetings” don’t exist in the legal sense and are often a delay tactic used by the school system
How learning problems are manifesting themselves because of the trauma of COVID impeding the child’s access to learning
Why the parent’s initial suspicion of a problem is enough to request assessments from the school system
How there is a wide range of assessments that can be done over several days or weeks
Why it’s beneficial to the parent to get a copy of the assessment a couple of days before the IEP meeting
What the law requires in scheduling IEP meetings at a “mutually convenient time and place” (Virtual meetings are fine!)
Why parents should not be afraid to ask for clarification and explanation in IEP meetings
Why parents DO NOT have to sign the IEP paperwork at the meeting; it’s fine to take it home to look over with your partner and consider the recommendations (You can agree to the entire IEP or only parts of it.)
Why parents have the right to ask for an IEP meeting at any time and not wait for the annual one
Why it helps to provide details to the school about why something isn’t working for your child

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Roles for Members on Your IEP Team

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Today's episode is a replay of one of our most requested episodes. Enjoy!

Did you know there are at least 7 different people who need to be in attendance of an IEP meeting? Today we will discuss your IEP team, who the team members are and what are their roles. In 2004, the IDEA was revised regarding the IEP team members. There are now 7 different types of people that are a part of an IEP team. Tune in and learn how the IEP team is structured, who should be a part of the team and what each of their roles are in the process.

How to Prep for Learing Success!

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Today's episode is a replay of one of our most requested episodes. Enjoy!

We were recently featured on Dr. Karen Wilson’s Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast. Today’s episode is a replay of that conversation where we discuss what parents can do over the summer to help prepare their child for a successful upcoming school year. Whether your child has been in a summer school program or on a mental health break over the summer, there are specific things you can do to ensure that your child’s IEP, 504 Plan, or evaluations are in place for success in learning. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

How pandemic trauma has affected our children in diverse ways
Why children can be eligible for support even if they don’t have an official diagnosis
Why navigating the system can be so tricky for parents
Why an assessment is the fundamental first step when there is any suspicion of a disability or any learning challenge
How at-home learning during the pandemic can give clues to parents about their child’s learning style and possible difficulties
What services are available through an IEP and 504 Plan
How parents need to handle any pushback for assessment through the school system
Advice for parents about preparing for the next school year
Why it’s totally acceptable to give your child a mental break over the summer
How to foster a partnership with the school district about solving your child’s problems in accessing education

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Progress Reports—You SHOULD Be Getting Them Regularly!

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0400

We are in that crazy time when the first half of the school year is almost over. Our focus in today’s show is on what parents should be doing right now to prepare for the next semester. Progress reports are essential to update parents about how their student is doing with the accommodations in place, and you should be receiving these from the school. Let’s take a closer look!

Show Highlights:

Why parents should be getting progress reports on IEP goals since their last meeting
How a progress report lets you know if your child’s accommodations are on track or need adjustments
Why the parents, teachers, and IEP team have to be on the same page about accommodations, terminology, progress reports, etc.
How the IEP can specify different accommodations for different subjects that middle/high school students take
Why parents shouldn’t hesitate to check in and ask for progress reports if the school isn’t providing them

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Dr. Karen Wilson Returns for Q & A

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Hello! We are always thrilled when Dr. Karen Wilson takes the time to visit with us on the podcast. This is a collaboration episode that will also air on her podcast, Diverse Thinking - Different Learning. Together with Dr. Karen, we are addressing some of the most common IEP-related questions in an effort to inform and educate parents. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Karen Wilson is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in pediatric assessments. She evaluates kids from age 4 through early adulthood where a struggle to learn indicates a suspected neurodevelopmental disorder. She figures out whether the problem is executive functioning, attention deficit, or inappropriate instruction. By evaluating various areas, she can pinpoint the reason for the struggle and formulate a plan for success for the child at home and school.

Show Highlights:

Does my child need a diagnosis to get accommodations at school?
What a parent should do to request an assessment/accommodations
What should parents do when they approach the teacher with concerns, but the teacher discourages an assessment?
If I, as a parent, do not agree with the school’s assessment results and believe that something else is going on, what are my options?
How an Individualized Educational Evaluation (IEE) can qualify a child for services in 13 different categories
If my child has a private assessment that shows a learning disability, do I request another IEP meeting with this data, or what is the next step?
How a parent can ask for reimbursement for private evaluations/services and reconsideration for accommodations in school
Why the federal and state education laws only apply to federally-funded schools, but private school students can still access public school services (i.e., Parents who have chosen private education have not “given up” their rights to public school services.)
If the school is recommending support that is not evidence-based, can I push back to ensure that my child gets an evidence-based intervention, and what should that look like?

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns.

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Connect with Dr. Karen

www.westlaneuro.com

The Therapeutic Inclusion Program with Michael Murray and Laura Balogh

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Welcome! We are always excited to have expert guests on the show because we like to learn from them just like our listeners. Our conversation today is with Michael Murray and Laura Balogh, co-authors of The Therapeutic Inclusion Program: Establishment and Maintenance in Public Schools. Join us to learn more!

Michael Murray has worked in therapeutic education for 20 years. He started as a paraprofessional and transitioned to being a teacher and therapist working with kids with significant social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. His experience has been in both non-public and public schools.

Laura Balogh started in the early childhood field of general education. She transitioned to special education and ran a language-based program until she met and teamed up with Mike to start a therapeutic inclusion program in public schools. Even today, she describes herself as a public school special education teacher who works with kids with social and emotional challenges.

Show Highlights:

The purpose behind the unique structure of Michael and Laura’s new book, The Therapeutic Inclusion Program
Why inclusion often brings chaos and confusion to educators
The selling points of a therapeutic inclusion program
How a true therapeutic inclusion program is defined and structured
How Michael and Laura envision their book being used for the most benefit with the therapeutic supervision model
How inclusion should take place in real-life situations
Laura and Michael share a touching success story with a particular student in the therapeutic inclusion program

Links/Resources:

Check out Michael and Laura’s book: The Therapeutic Inclusion Program

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Science Behind Cannabis Therapy for Special Needs with Janna Champagne

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Welcome! Today’s show focuses on the controversial topic of cannabis use, specifically for those with autism. The proven health and behavior benefits are mind-boggling! Join us to learn more and have your eyes opened to a new perspective!

Janna Champagne is a special needs parent of a daughter who is 20. Janna’s journey with her daughter included a lot of misinterpretation by the school system about her daughter’s academic abilities, mainly because she didn’t speak until age 10. Janna began homeschooling about a decade ago, and her daughter graduated high school with a diploma last year. Janna’s professional career took her into the nursing field, as she worked to target the underlying physical imbalances found in autism that are often overlooked by mainstream healthcare. This led to her interest in cannabis therapy, and she became a cannabis patient, grower, and consultant working with thousands of patients. Now, Janna is a retired nurse who teaches medical professionals about cannabinoid science and debunks the stigma around cannabis use. She stays busy as an educator, presenter, and speaker on the topic of cannabis.

Show Highlights:

The science of the medical use of cannabis in promoting homeostasis, or optimal health balance
How Janna turned to cannabis as an alternative to opioids when she was diagnosed with autoimmune lupus–and saw remarkable results
How cannabis helped her daughter during puberty crisis, a common issue for those with autism
Janna’s experience in seeing unbelievable improvement in hospice cancer patients due to cannabis therapy
The big improvements in Janna’s daughter due to cannabis use along with other therapies
What the laws, both at federal and state levels, say about cannabis use
How Janna started her research about cannabis
What the research shows about cannabis use in younger children with autism for symptom management, anxiety, depression, etc.
Why medical professionals don’t know about the benefits of cannabis and don’t understand the science
Where parents can begin in considering cannabis therapy for their child

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Connect with Janna

Website

Other Links

Cannabis for Autism Harm Reduction – fully cited with supporting research: https://integratedholisticcare.wordpress.com/2021/06/29/cannabis-for-autism-harm-reduction/

80% reported improvement in Autism following cannabis therapy: https://satimedusa.com/blogs/research/80-of-children-with-autism-see-improvement-with-cbd

Cannabis Nurse Approved – free nurse guidance: www.cannabisnurseapproved.com

Autism Safe Haven – 501c3 nonprofit founded by yours truly, mission: creating cannabis-inclusive autism care resources: www.autismsafehaven.org

Media Kit Website – contact me, journey summary, current duties/roles, articles, videos/interviews etc: www.jannachampagne.com

The Special Needs Mom Podcast with Kara Ryska [Encore Edition]

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Today's show is a special encore episode of our interview with Kara Ryska. It has been one of our top downloaded episodes and you will understand why when you listen. Enjoy!

We’re so happy to have Kara Ryska with us today! Kara is local to SoCal and has her own podcast that we think you will find very helpful. In this episode, Kara shares how her journey propelled her to become a life coach to specifically help other special needs moms. We’re sure you’ll find encouragement and inspiration as you listen!

Show Highlights:

Kara relates the story behind her becoming a special-needs mom.
Kara went from feeling ill-equipped to being a mom of a child with special needs to actually becoming a life coach for other special-needs moms.
“The Special Needs Mom Podcast” is a combination of Kara sharing life stories, the things that she’s currently learning, and she also interviews other special needs moms.
Kara shares the differences in challenges between what her son experienced as a toddler compared to what he experiences as an eleven-year-old.
Building community with other moms or being a part of groups for specific diagnoses can be amazing support systems.

Links/Resources:

Connect with Kara

Visit her website, listen to her podcast, follow her on Instagram, and download her FREE “A Mom’s Guide to Self-Care”.

Thank you for listening!

Private Schools vs. Non-Public Schools: What Parents Should Know

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400

We are in a new era regarding the perception of private schools, mostly due to the new perspective we have because of the COVID implications on learning. For most students, distance learning is NOT the best answer for optimum learning. We have seen an increasing trend of many students going to private schools, but questions remain about IEPs, reimbursements, and how it all works. Let’s take a closer look!

Show Highlights:

Understanding the terminology: private schools and non-public schools (NPS)
How private schools differ from one another
Reasons a child might need a private school environment to make progress
What the law requires for parents to receive reimbursement for educational services for a student in a private school:
A statement that what the district offers/proposes is not appropriate for your child
The non-public school has to be appropriate in the services offered.
Why the reimbursement hinges on enforcement through due process–and may not be a 100% reimbursement but might be limited to what is deemed “appropriate”
Why the law requires the parent to give notice (i.e. ten-day letter) to the school district about placing the child in private school and seeking reimbursement

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Inclusion Begins in Preschool with Tamara Wanink and Brittany Anselmo

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Welcome! Neurodiversity is always an important topic for us. So many people, kids AND adults, have different ways of doing things, and all those ways should be included and accepted. Today’s show features two guests who are enlightening us on ways to create an environment that celebrates neurodiversity and implements the best inclusion practices. Join us!

Tamara Wanink is a mom and the director of Chico Christian Preschool in northern California. Prior to this position, Tamara was a behavioral therapist, and she now enjoys merging her therapy background with the preschool environment.

Brittany Anselmo is the assistant director at Chico Christian Preschool. Prior to this position, she was an early education teacher with an additional degree in sociology. Her interest lies in the intersection of social services and the ECE field.

Show Highlights:

Highlights of the inclusion practices at Chico Christian Preschool
How teacher training is done by way of knowledge, understanding, and compassion to help each child be more successful
How all the best tools in the world aren’t useful if teachers aren’t trained to implement them and have the proper perspective
What makes an inclusive environment
Practical ways to improve inclusion (Remember that a transition takes time and doesn’t happen overnight!)

Links/Resources:

Find out more: Chico Christian Preschool

As mentioned in this episode, for inclusion training and resources, visit California Inclusion.

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Rethinking Behavioral Disorders with Peggy Schaefer

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s show explores the idea that we have it all wrong when it comes to behavioral disorders. From the intersection of neuroscience and music comes the theory that what we have classified as behavior issues are really movement disorders. The body’s response to music and rhythm holds the key. Join us for a look at this fascinating work!

Peggy Schaefer is a board-certified Neurological Music Therapist (NMT), and her work focuses on how the brain processes rhythm and applies it to non-musical interventions. She studied with Dr. Michael Thaut at Colorado State University, which is where this research-based approach originated. The application has been widely used with patients with Parkinson’s disease and has been proven effective as medication. Peggy’s past work has been with US service members in neurological rehab, stroke patients, Parkinson’s patients, and those with traumatic brain injuries. As she noticed marked similarities in neurodegenerative patients and those with neurodevelopmental issues, she knew that this approach would be helpful for people on the autism spectrum.

Show Highlights:

Why Peggy believes that the “behavioral disorder” label is a way to catch those who can’t be defined otherwise
The shocking study results that 1 in 5 people diagnosed with autism will develop Parkinson’s disease
How most solutions for behavioral issues fall short because they make the assumption that the behavior is a person’s choice–in reality, it’s a movement disorder
How Peggy takes a holistic approach to behavior by asking, “What is the behavior trying to communicate?”
Why Peggy launched her school, The I’mperfect Place, based on a theory of disability rights from the 1980s
Why the presumption of confidence is the least dangerous assumption to make
Why we are failing many students by making behavior modifications that challenge them to not be who they are
How the mind-body connection plays into how students learn
Peggy shares a feel-good story about a student’s progress

Links/Resources:

Connect with Peggy: www.theimperfectplace.com

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.

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Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Spirit League–MUCH More Than Sports with Melissa Cory

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Extracurricular activities, especially sports programs, are excellent learning opportunities for students of all levels. There are many lessons learned and transferable skills that make a huge impact in enriching and enhancing life experiences. In today’s show, we learn more about Spirit League, a unique sports organization for those with special needs. Join us to learn more!

Melissa Cory is an occupational therapist and the mother of four grown children, one of which was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Melissa is a board member for Spirit League, a special needs sports league in Orange County, CA. The league, offering several sports for ages 6-30, aims to foster self-esteem, enhance social skills, and build friendships. Participating families can strengthen relationships, provide support, and develop community. The league began in 2004 because four families saw the need for sports opportunities for kids with developmental disabilities. With various sports offered for a wide age range, the league now includes hundreds of participants and a hefty waitlist.

Show Highlights:

How Spirit League goes WAY beyond teaching sports in providing community and support for families—and getting dads involved with their kids
How the program has brought life-changing improvements in participants’ social skills, confidence, friendships, and overall self-esteem
How the program goes beyond age 18 to provide life-enriching opportunities for young adults through age 30
How scholarships are available to Spirit League through grants and funding
How Melissa has seen the growth of life skills in her son, who has gone from player to team mentor to assistant coach

Links/Resources:

Visit www.spiritleague.org to learn more and get on the mailing list for registration information. You can also sign up to volunteer or donate to Spirit League.

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.

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Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Different Types of IEPs

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400

The new school year is off and running for 2022-2023. We have had many discussions about IEPs and initial assessments in previous episodes, and now we take a closer look at the different types of IEPs, along with our best tips for parents to know. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

The addendum (or amendment) IEP: to make changes to the IEP goals, usually at the parent’s request
The annual IEP: when it happens, what it covers, and what you need to know
How the parent can exercise the right to extend the timeline for the annual IEP
Why the date for meeting IEP goals or even the goals themselves might need to be changed to reflect a year’s worth of progress
What to look for in tri-annual IEP meetings
Why you should not skip assessments for seniors because of the implications for their accommodations in college or their entry into the workforce
The transition IEP: how it covers a student who is moving to a new school/program and is held within 30 days of the move

Links/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.

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

A Closer Look at the New IEP Learning Center

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s show is an information session about our new IEP Learning Center. Feel free to share our presentation with anyone who might be interested in this new resource. With all of our endeavors, the goal is to increase access to the needed resources for quality education and learning for every student, especially those with disabilities. The IEP Learning Center becomes another outlet to assist in those goals. This episode takes a look at the Arrowsmith Program, what it looks like, and what will be offered at the IEP Learning Center. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

Why we believe the Arrowsmith Program helps to provide the “missing piece” in educational resources
A look at who the IEP Learning Center can help
How neuroplasticity comes into play in all aspects of learning and behavior
Why creating new connections in the brain helps students with learning and function to a greater degree than mere repetitive work
Why the IEP Learning Center will focus on the Symbol Relations Program, which identifies, intervenes, and strengthens cognitive weaknesses
How this computer-based, teacher-directed program works to strengthen brain function and neural pathways
Research-based results from the Symbol Relations Program
Meet the team of the IEP Learning Center
How the program is offered in three learning sessions, beginning this fall, and is offered to students anywhere in the country
Q & A from the live Zoom session about the IEP Learning Center

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

What the Law Requires for Your Struggling Learner

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Show Highlights:

Why the terminology used in “special education” is important from a legal perspective
What the law provides in regards to a “free and appropriate public education”
Why everything hinges on assessments
Why “student success team meetings” don’t exist in the legal sense and are often a delay tactic used by the school system
How learning problems are manifesting themselves because of the trauma of COVID impeding the child’s access to learning
Why the parent’s initial suspicion of a problem is enough to request assessments from the school system
How there is a wide range of assessments that can be done over several days or weeks
Why it’s beneficial to the parent to get a copy of the assessment a couple of days before the IEP meeting
What the law requires in scheduling IEP meetings at a “mutually convenient time and place” (Virtual meetings are fine!)
Why parents should not be afraid to ask for clarification and explanation in IEP meetings
Why parents DO NOT have to sign the IEP paperwork at the meeting; it’s fine to take it home to look over with your partner and consider the recommendations (You can agree to the entire IEP or only parts of it.)
Why parents have the right to ask for an IEP meeting at any time and not wait for the annual one
Why it helps to provide details to the school about why something isn’t working for your child

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Inclusion and the Learner-Centered Classroom with Tanya Sheckley

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Most students across the country are back in school already, and some will begin within the next week or two. It’s a busy time! Our best reminders for parents are to check in with teachers about your child’s progress and request an IEP meeting for your child. We have been excited about what’s happening with teacher-centered classrooms changing to inclusive and learner-centered classrooms, so that’s our topic up for discussion today. Join us to learn more!

We welcome Tanya Sheckley to the show today! She is the founder of Up Academy, a progressive elementary (and soon-to-be middle school) in the San Francisco Bay area that is inclusive of students with physical disabilities. Tanya’s motivation for Up Academy came in the form of her oldest daughter, who has cerebral palsy and needed the right educational fit where she could excel academically and get the physical care she needed. Up Academy classrooms focus on a community framework where universal accommodations allow each student to learn life skills and academic skills to be successful, no matter their disability or learning style.

Show Highlights:

How teachers can solve simple “othering” issues and craft their environment to be more indicative of the real world
Why educators need to be adaptable and open to change in policies and procedures
Why accommodations are really small, simple changes that can be made to meet students’ needs and include everyone
What Tanya wants parents and educators to know about creating an inclusive classroom
How inclusion for all learners begins with a relationship with students and the simple questions about what they want and need

Links/Resources:

Connect with Tanya: Up Academy, Rebel Educator, LinkedIn, and Facebook

Check out Tanya’s podcast: Rebel Educator

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Inclusivity: Let’s Do It Better This Year! with Larkin O’Leary

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Happy Back-to-School Season! Whether you have already stepped boldly into the new school year or are frantically preparing for those upcoming first few days, all of us in the education world are hoping that 2022-2023 will be the best one yet! An important topic for any new school year is inclusivity; we should be asking ourselves how we can look for more inclusivity and make students’ lives better. Join us to learn more from today’s guest!

Larkin O’Leary is president of Common Ground Society, an organization whose mission is to educate and empower people to be more compassionate, accepting, and inclusive of people with disabilities. She’s a Google-certified teacher who knew teaching was her destiny since 4th grade, and she firmly embraced this destiny by marrying into a family full of teachers. A general education teacher since 2005, Larkin’s passion is teaching and making connections with students, which she knows far outweighs the importance of academics. When her eight-year-old son, James, was born with Down Syndrome, hearing loss, and other medical issues, she knew that her teaching passion would intersect with advocacy work for inclusive education.

Show Highlights:

How Common Ground Society was born because people want to learn more about inclusivity
Why we need a perspective shift toward those with disabilities and special needs and learn to focus on what they CAN do
Why we need differentiation even within special ed classrooms to accommodate different levels of learners–not a “one-size-fits-all” approach
How our educational system is built on foundations that were created centuries ago—and those things aren’t working anymore; we need a reset!
What school districts should be doing to train teachers for inclusivity
How we can teach kids about inclusivity and acceptance
Larkin’s advice to parents and educators

Links/Resources:

Connect with Larkin and Common Ground Society: Website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Email Larkin: hello@commongroundsociety.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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

The Inclusive Education Project Learning Center

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Hi everyone! We are excited to officially announce here on the podcast the opening of the IEP Learning Center, a virtual learning center for students across the country and the world. We are partnering with Barbara Arrowsmith and using the Arrowsmith Program, which can bring remarkable improvement to many students in the classroom and in their daily functional skills. In today’s solo episode, we are discussing why we chose to start this project and where we hope to take it in the future. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

The need for intervention for students outside the school system
How neuroplasticity factors into learning
How understanding neuroplasticity and the Arrowsmith program can eliminate the need for accommodations that are hard to get for some students
Who can be served by the IEP Learning Center, and how the Arrowsmith program can help students who “fall between the cracks” of other educational services
How this program can reset the brain in a predetermined format and eventually decrease the other services that a student may need
The IEP Learning Center is now accepting students on the waitlist for sessions beginning this fall! Sign up before October 1 for a $500 discount!

Links/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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Summer Prep for Learning Success

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Show Highlights:

How pandemic trauma has affected our children in diverse ways
Why children can be eligible for support even if they don’t have an official diagnosis
Why navigating the system can be so tricky for parents
Why an assessment is the fundamental first step when there is any suspicion of a disability or any learning challenge
How at-home learning during the pandemic can give clues to parents about their child’s learning style and possible difficulties
What services are available through an IEP and 504 Plan
How parents need to handle any pushback for assessment through the school system
Advice for parents about preparing for the next school year
Why it’s totally acceptable to give your child a mental break over the summer
How to foster a partnership with the school district about solving your child’s problems in accessing education

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: admin@iepcalifornia.org

Barbara Arrowsmith Young: Overcoming Learning Disabilities [Encore Episode]

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Barbara Arrowsmith Young joins Amanda and Vickie on today’s podcast. Brain plasticity, how brains learn and how they develop, and how we can be better at providing learning environments and programs for not only kids who are differently-abled, but all kids, are the highlights they’ll be covering. Don’t miss this fascinating, cutting-edge insight!

Barbara Arrowsmith Young is the Founder of Arrowsmith School and the Arrowsmith Program. She is the author of the international bestseller, The Woman Who Changed Her Brain: How I Left My Learning Disability Behind and Other Stories of Cognitive Transformation. She has dedicated her life to helping individuals overcome learning difficulties, first starting with herself, many years ago, and now working with educators and children all around the world to transform their lives through cognitive programs.

Show Highlights:

Someone gave Barbara the book, The Man with a Shattered World: The History of a Brain Wound, by Aleksandr R. Luria, and this was life-changing for her. The book tells the story of a Russian soldier from WWII who had a localized head wound, as the result of an injury. This soldier had kept a journal for a number of years. Luria was a brilliant Russian neuropsychologist, and studied his case prior to writing the book. Barbara was stunned to discover that the soldier was describing his problems exactly as Barbara had been describing hers, in her own journal.
“Learning disability” is a term used in North America. In the southern hemisphere, the term used is “learning difficulty.”
Barbara explains that when she was young, she used her photographic memory to compensate for her learning difficulty. She also relates that she was “five hours behind” everybody else in understanding things.
Barbara shares some fascinating discoveries regarding researchers at a number of universities around the world who are looking at the brains of the students that are going through the Arrowsmith Program.
The 3rd Edition of Barbara’s book will be published in the middle of December, and there will be a new chapter concerning this research.
The Arrowsmith Program is in 100 schools in 10 countries, and their mission is to train teachers all over the world in this methodology.
The earlier this program is started for all students, the less stigma there will be, and everybody benefits.

Links/Resources:

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.

Summer Goodbye

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400

We are taking a break over the summer, so this is “goodbye–see you later” for a few weeks. We will return for the 2022-2023 school year, hoping for a smoother and better-executed plan for our students. We hope that we’ve brought some helpful information and inspiration to get you through these challenging times in education. Join us today for a few key takeaways and reminders.

*We will be replaying some of our favorite episodes over the next few weeks until we are ready to start off the next school year with a bang! In the meantime, connect with us on our social media pages!

Show Highlights:

Remember to continue to push for virtual IEP meetings if those better fit into your schedule; we’ve proven that those can work during these past two years!

Recognize that there are amazing teachers and administrators who are not the norm; they push the envelope and fight through the red tape for their students. Let them know that they are appreciated and supported!

Remember, if your child was recommended to do ESY, but they need a break, you have the right to say NO.

We hope you can reflect on the good that has happened this year, as we are trying to do. Enjoy your summer!

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Supporting Speech, Language and Learning through Technology with Barbara Fernandes

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the official start of summer and to our exciting conversation with author, innovator, researcher, educator and teacher, and entrepreneur, Barbara Fernandes, as we discuss her involvement in technology.

Barbara Fernandes, an award-winning Brazilian-American Speech-Language Pathologist, immigrated to the United States as an adult with very limited English skills. She went on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in her field, founding two businesses and revolutionizing her field with nearly seventy successful product launches to date. She has released 70 apps in the iOS app store.

Show Highlights:

Barbara shares what initially drew her into technology and how she decided to continue working in her field.
Barbara knew what types of technology was needed in the speech-language field, so building the apps related to speech-language was a natural fit.
Barbara tells about her development of Smarty Symbols, which has been adopted as the symbol of choice in many other technology technologies developed in the field. https://www.smartyearsapps.com/barbara-fernandes-2/
Vickie, Amanda, and Barbara discuss the importance of photos matching what kids are familiar with; ie. not using obsolete phone pictures but using present-day phone pictures
When ipads were introduced into education, many people thought technology would be too expensive and that students would destroy the devices. Barbara shares how expensive apps were in the beginning.
There has been such a progression with the availability of technology within and outside of the classroom and it is much more widely accepted now. The use of technology has been a gradual progression.
Barbara says there are many outdoor/community places where kids do not have access to their devices. (museums, pools, beaches, waiting rooms, etc.)
Communication boards installed in various places help kids when they do not have their devices. This is something for which Barbara advocates within her area in Texas.
Technology can go beyond the classroom and Barbara shares about attending a meeting at city hall, where she convinced the city to purchase a communication board.

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources

Connect with Barbara:

Instagram

Smart Years Apps website

Connect with the IEP Podcast:

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A Perspective Shift about Accommodations with Maggie Staub

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400

We made it! This long and awful school year is finally over. It was its own unique beast unlike any other with so many challenges. COVID has disrupted two full school years now, so we have high hopes for a more normal upcoming school year. With that in mind, accommodations are a big part of the IEP for any student, and this conversation takes a closer look. Join us to learn more from today’s guest!

Maggie Staub has been an educator and learning specialist for over ten years. Most of her career has been spent in NYC, working in public, private, and international schools with students from Pre-K through 10th grade. Most recently, Maggie has worked for an educational technology company to make learning evaluations and support services more accessible. Her excitement comes from reaching more students, breaking down barriers, and educating families about what can help their child learn best.

Show Highlights:

How “accommodations” are defined as giving students different tools and modalities to help them learn
Why the biggest challenges are in educating teachers and parents about accommodations
Why being very clear about accommodations shows the individualization for each student
What Maggie would say to teachers who are skeptical about accommodations
A look at the future real-world implications of accommodations
Why teachers need to identify the overall goal of what they want from the student in that moment
Maggie shares a success story of working with an ADHD student and helping to level the parents’ anxiety about accommodations with a perspective shift

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Dr. Michelle Nario-Redmond on Ableism: The Causes and Consequences of Disability Prejudice

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s guest takes us on a fascinating and educational journey into ableism, the study of disabilities and prejudices of disabilities.

Dr. Michelle Nario-Redmond, a social psychologist at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio, joins Amanda and Vickie to discuss changing people’s perceptions about disability.

Michelle is the author of Ableism: The Causes and Consequences of Disability Prejudice, and the mom of a 23-year old daughter with spina bifida, who was raised to be a proud, disabled woman.

Show Highlights:

Michelle provides an overview of the origins of ableism, and of which literature can be found in political science, psychoanalysis, psychology, and disability studies.
There are several distinct sources of prejudice that impact individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, such as:
an evolutionary/biological basis for fear: humans have a need to feel safe and secure, and might have avoided those who signaled poor health, even in those instances where there was no contamination factor.
the fear of becoming disabled, since most disability is acquired through spinal cord injury or old age.
how the media portrays individuals.
Ableism is the study of prejudice and discrimination against people who are considered to have a disability.
The ABC’s of ableism:
A - attitudes
B - behaviors
C - cognitions
Michelle addresses the preferred language to use when referring to the disabled. Are they “living with a disability” or do they “have” a disability? Just ask the person their preference! Everyone will have a reason why they prefer one term over the other.
“Experiencing” a mental health “condition” is a kinder way than saying “mental illness” because the latter term pathologizes those who have depression, schizophrenia, etc.
There’s a new hashtag out from people working in this field doing disability studies and activism, reminding others that disability isn’t a bad word: #saytheword.
Although born of existing legislation, when we continue to use the words “special needs” we occlude the notion that these are human needs and civil rights.
Michelle, Amanda, and Vickie discuss essential and non-essential qualifiers in the context of a conversation, and the “R” word.
Peer-pressure holds a lot of power.
One way to speak up when someone is being micro-aggressive is to ask, “What did you mean by that?”
Michelle shares a personal story and the resulting lesson she learned when she made a faux pas during an encounter with a young woman with Down’s Syndrome at a theme park.
Michelle discusses her next steps, which include policy issues.

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Get the Book Here! Read Excerpts Here!

Ableism: The Causes and Consequences of Disability Prejudice, by Dr. Michelle Nario-Redmond

Mentioned Hashtags:

#saytheword
#cripthevote

Gun Control

Tue, 31 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400

There is nothing lighthearted about this episode as we come to you with heavy hearts today. Here we are on the heels of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and every parent and teacher has strong emotions about what happened. This fresh tragedy brings to mind the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012, and some of us “elder millennials” even remember the shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. Whatever your thoughts are about gun control, this is much more than a political issue; it’s about advocacy for children and their safety.

Show Highlights:

Why we feel that our platform to advocate for children’s best interests makes it our duty to make change
Why our children’s physical safety is priority #1 in everything we do
What needs to be done next: we have to take action through legislation and who we elect
Why the big issue is that our government has made it easier to get a gun than to do almost everything else
The bottom line: We need to limit the guns that are available—through legislation.
What to do right now: “Go hug your kiddos.”

Play and Leisure with Rose Griffin

Tue, 24 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400

In the world of education, we focus so much attention on academic progress and the details of those IEP meetings. One aspect of education that is often overlooked is the role that play and leisure can have in reaching students, improving their communication skills and self-confidence, and learning to engage with others while having fun. Join us to learn more from today’s guest!

Rose Griffin has unique expertise in teaching play and leisure skills that can be enjoyed over a lifetime. She has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 20 years and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for 10 years, making her one of less than 500 people in the world with this dual certification. Five years ago, she started her own business, ABA Speech, and has created products, courses, and a podcast, Autism Outreach. Through these efforts, Rose serves people all over the world. Rose’s next career move is to step away from her work in public schools, which will give her more opportunities to help students and families through her private practice.

Show Highlights:

Why Rose pursued dual certification to help more autistic kids
Why collaboration from speech/language pathologists, teachers, and parents is essential
How Rose incorporates play and leisure into her work in her private practice and with students in school
How play and leisure are defined
Why play and leisure skills are lifetime skills that begin with shared games and fun activities with family and friends
How teachers can support more play and leisure into school days
Why play can take many forms
Rose shares a success story about a student playing “Simon Says”

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Connect with Rose and check out her courses, products, blogs, trainings, and podcast: www.abaspeech.org

Find Rose’s podcast, Autism Outreach.

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Empowering Parents for IEP Meetings with Beth Liesenfeld

Tue, 17 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Show Highlights:

How Parent Friendly OT offers workshops, courses, and summits to help others understand the OT process and help parents map out their parent input plan
Why the parent is THE expert on the child, knowing what works and what doesn’t work with that child
Why the parent should be the accountability partner for the IEP team
How an IEP meeting without the parent’s input feels empty and ineffective
What Beth tells parents about their role in IEP meetings in setting the vision and expectations and focusing the team’s effort
Why parents should communicate in IEP meetings about what language and measures to use to meet their child’s needs
Beth shares a success story from her experience with a middle school student’s parent

Links/Resources:

Thank you for listening!

Connect with Beth and check out her courses and products: www. parentfriendlyot.com

Find Beth’s podcast, Elevate Your Advocacy.

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Pandemic Consequences and Where We Need More Change with ToniAnn Loftus

Tue, 03 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400

The pandemic brought many changes to the world of education, including how children with specific needs can access the services available to them. We still have SO far to go, and many changes need to happen to help parents and their children get the help they deserve. Join us to learn more!

ToniAnn Loftus is a speech-language pathologist in private practice in Manhattan. After working at the Rebecca School in midtown Manhattan for ten years, she had her son during the pandemic. Knowing that her niche is teaching kids based on their passions and individual differences, she pivoted and opened her private practice, Seaport Speech and Feeding. Her practice is a licensed professional speech, language, and feeding therapy provider for children and young adults in NYC.

Show Highlights:

How ToniAnn had to pivot, along with many others, as a result of the pandemic
ToniAnn explains the new legislation in NY about parents’ choices about services for their kids
How DIR Floortime and ABA are different–and why ToniAnn embraces the Floortime approach
How small things, like a comfortable sitting position, can affect everything about a child’s engagement in a classroom
Why we need to change and evolve as the world around us does–but we are still fighting an uphill battle
How ToniAnn’s experience at the Rebecca School (a non-approved private school) positioned her to be an expert courtroom witness in many cases
How ludicrous it is for someone in a courtroom to make decisions regarding a child’s education when they have never met
Why parents need to know that they can file for services for their children who need them—and the immense financial burden for those who don’t file
How the system is massively overloaded in NYC with people going on a 6-8 month waitlist for speech therapy assessments
How ToniAnn feels about the new guidelines from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Links/Resources:

Thank you for listening!

Connect with ToniAnn:

Instagram or at Seaport Speech and Feeding

Email ToniAnn: toniann@seaportspeechandfeeding.com

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

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IEP website

Behavior Data and “Hidden Curriculum” with Christine Reeve

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Challenging behavior is a constant problem for teachers and parents in both general education and special education classrooms. Our guest today provides insight into the best ways to collect and use behavior data to formulate workable solutions. Join us to learn more!

Christine Reeve is the creator of Autism Classroom Resources, an online community for special educators. Coming from a long line of teachers in her family, Christine is also the sister of someone who would clearly have qualified for Autism services. With a background in psychology, Christine is a board-certified behavior analyst with a doctorate in clinical psychology. She spent most of her career working in special education in various positions and has worked alongside special educators in over 1000 classrooms across the country. She does virtual training and a podcast about special education classrooms and supporting students in general and special education who have disabilities and disorders. Her online membership site for special educators provides support, resources, and professional development for special education classrooms and teachers.

Show Highlights:

The difficulty with multiple perspectives and interests in IEP meetings
What Christine wishes every IEP team would know and understand about behavior
The need for good data and clearly defined terminology in IEP meetings
How to best collect behavior data and use it properly toward solutions
How behavior disabilities are often misinterpreted, especially in general education students
The impact of the “hidden curriculum” for students with ASD

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Connect with Christine and find a FREE resource library for teachers and parents: www.autismclassroomresources.com

Connect with Christine on Facebook.

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

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Twitter

IEP website

Transitions from High School and Beyond, Part 2

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Today’s show is a follow-up to Episode 210 about transitions between learning levels and milestones. In this conversation, we take a close look specifically at the Transition Plan from high school forward. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

Why transition plans MUST be part of the student’s IEP by age 16 and can include college, employment, and additional life skills
Why the options for exiting high school can be either a diploma or a certificate of completion, depending on the student’s needs
Why the transition plan should include student goals with baselines and the goals and services that will help them achieve those goals
Why the transition plan should come from a true and realistic estimate of the student’s wants, needs, and desires
Why the transition plan should come out of a deep, realistic conversation that includes the child’s input and doesn’t set them up with unrealistic expectations about life after high school
How to dive deeper to discover other jobs and professions that the student hasn’t thought of yet
Why the transition plan may cover vocational training, post-secondary education, jobs and employment, and independent living
How to tie self-advocacy into the transition plan’s attainable goals
Why other activities should be woven into the transition plan as opportunities to practice vocational and life skills, such as booking appointments, using public transportation, banking, etc.
Why parents need to consider the transfer of educational rights, limited conservatorships, and power of attorney for a child who isn’t ready to handle things on their own

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Transitions

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Here we are in April already! Spring Breaks have happened and are happening at this time all around the country. As we move forward in the countdown to the last few weeks of the school year, we want to use this episode to talk about transition IEP meetings that should be happening as a student moves from one setting to another, like from preschool to kindergarten, from elementary to middle school, and from middle school to high school. We are breaking it down with information and tips you need to know in dealing with your IEP team. Join us!

Show Highlights:

Why the preschool to kindergarten transition is important as a child progresses from pre-academic goals to a new environment with learning goals
The difference between regular IEP meetings and transition IEP meetings in identifying accommodations, goals, and services
Common transition levels as a student moves through the educational system
Typical IEP topics covered in the transition from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school
Why parents should write a letter to new teachers with a copy of the IEP, and how students moving into high school can write their own letter to practice self-advocacy
How to make decisions about elective choices, especially for 5th graders and 8th graders in transition years
How transition IEP meetings can prevent problems as the new school year gets started next year–so ask for a transition IEP meeting now!

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.

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Resources:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

The Importance of Social Emotional Learning with Jess Grace

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0400

As we are in the final push of the school year, it’s a good time to check in with others and their mental wellness after the pandemic trauma of the last two years. Students, parents, and teachers have all felt the mental and emotional drain, and the toll on learning has been enormous. Social skills and emotions have EVERYTHING to do with how a student learns, and today’s guest is a proven expert. Ironically, the day of recording for this episode is Social Emotional Learning Day, so our topic today is very timely. Join us to learn more!

Jess Grace, aka “Miss Jess,” is a Social Emotional learning consultant and the founder of Social and Kind. She has worked with kids ages 2-25 for over 20 years in many different environments, working with kids with autism and developmental delays. Her work in schools as a speech language pathology assistant showed her the need in helping kids learn social skills and communication. After moving back to southern California, she decided to focus her work on social groups, helping kids of all ages stock their toolbox with skills to defeat their worries and find their superpowers. Her practice includes facilitating social groups after school and on weekends, supporting kids in schools, and training teachers to best support their students. She is also a yoga and mindfulness teacher, which serves her well in the work she does with students.

Show Highlights:

Why emotions are tied into every part of a student’s education
The basis for the social emotional curriculum that Jess implements: kindness, bravery, resilience, and inclusion
How social emotional learning is an umbrella that covers feelings, acceptance, tolerance, empathy, and compassion
How building tolerance and inclusion in kids at an early age helps them develop empathy
How Jess works to challenge teachers and parents to look at kids’ behavior and challenges through a different lens
How Jess works with students in practical ways to help them build self-esteem and confidence through positive affirmations, breathwork, tools, etc.
Why kids-and their teachers-need to learn resilience and flexibility

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Connect with Jess: www.socialandkind.com and Instagram

Nate's Triumph, with Nate Trainor

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Inclusion advocate and author, Nate Trainor, joins us on the podcast today to discuss his personal fight for inclusion. Nate shares his personal journal of exclusion along with what his personal mission is today.

Not only are we joined by Nate on today’s episode, but we are excited to also speak to Nate’s mother, Jean Trainor, and his 6th-grade teacher and family friend, Shelby. Nate is an advocate for the acceptance of people with disabilities.

Nate is nonverbal due to having a rare disorder called Joubert Syndrome. He uses supported typing to communicate and believes everyone should have the right to communicate.

Show Highlights:

Nate shares why it was so important for him to write his book, Nate’s Triumph.
Nate shares how easy inclusion can be with the proper support.
Nate shares some of his favorite memories.
Struggles plague Nate like everyone else. He shares some of his greatest.
People judge Nate for having a disability.
Keep working toward your goals is an important message from Nate.
Nate asks educators to presume competence in their students.
Nate shares his hope for the future.
Jean talks about Nate’s disability and how she assisted him with writing his book.
Shelby says anyone who questions inclusion should read Nate’s book.
Shelby says she determined methods to include Nate in everything when she was his teacher.

Learn more about Nate Trainor:

Nate’s Triumph, by Nate Trainor

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Homeschooling with a Public School Mindset

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0400

We are so excited to welcome Dr. Angela Jean Louis to the podcast today. Dr. Angela is a political scientist, educational advocate and has designed educational frameworks for academic success. Dr. Angela left academia to start her business, Leadership Concepts Institute, LLC, a personal growth and professional development company. She works with businesses, educational institutions, and individuals.

In today’s episode, we will be discussing homeschooling with a public school mindset. Dr. Angela shares her passion for education, diversity, and conclusion. She shares how her background, experience, and passion drives her to help a diverse community of parents, educators, and students.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Angela shares how her systems have been personally tested and used by her
Dr. Angela shares how she researched what made students successful
School and family frameworks need to match for kids to become successful
Dr. Angela speaks about why she wrote the curriculum, Leaning Into Dyslexia
Vickie, Amanda and Dr. Angela discuss the importance of students having both emotional and academic success
Having a dyslexic son helped Dr. Angela craft a curriculum that helps other dyslexic students succeed

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Connect with Dr. Angela:

DrAngelaLifeCoach.com

K12.com (program Dr. Angela recommends)

ThriveTribe on Facebook

Helping Families in the IEP Process with Wendy Taylor [IEP 206]

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Here we are, moving right along in 2022! We just attended our virtual annual national conference, which is always very helpful for us. It’s always great to learn what is going on in our field with other attorneys across the country and hear about the current hot topics in special education. Today’s show gives a great perspective on supporting students and families through the IEP process.

Wendy Taylor is the executive director of Learning Essentials. She is an Educational Therapist, qualified Orton-Gillingham practitioner, trained Educational Diagnostician, and skilled IEP coach. She started The Special Ed Strategist podcast, which was formerly called the IEP Essentials podcast. Wendy is the mom of three boys who loves supporting kids with all kinds of special needs and learning differences with the goal of finding out how to support students and their families in school and life. With a son who is a brain cancer survivor, Wendy has learned how to approach special needs as a parent, in addition to her professional background and training. This experience in seeing “both sides” of special education has helped fuel her passion for supporting families with resources and being their trusted advocate.

Show Highlights:

Why it really does take “a village” to give proper support to a student with special learning needs
Why the IEP process needs to take a long-term, bigger picture view for student success in later life
The importance of specific strategies for classroom success beyond the clinical terminology
What parents should look for in assessments for individualized instruction for their child regarding their weaknesses and vulnerabilities
The importance of clear communication between all parents and educators involved in the IEP meeting
What can be done to help parents further and prevent their frustration and irritation in the IEP process
How parents can be better included in the IEP process by understanding their rights, what they can ask for, and what they can expect
Wendy shares a success story about her work with a 10th-grade student and direct reading intervention

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Connect with Wendy: www.learningessentialsedu.com

Find Learning Essentials on Facebook and Instagram.

Find The Special Ed Strategist podcast.

Encore Episode of the "Forget me Not" Documentary [205]

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0400

As the school year continues in full swing with in-person learning, inclusion has never been a more important topic. Today’s conversation takes a deep dive into inclusion through the eyes of a new documentary film. Join us!

Hilda and Olivier are filmmakers and parents of their son, Emilio. Through their documentary, Forget Me Not, they share the personal impact of NYC’s segregated education system as they fight for Emilio’s right to be educated alongside his peers. The film gives a rare look at what inclusive education can look like and how it can lead to a more inclusive society where every child can reach their full potential. The film lives up to its powerful title as it shines the spotlight on the kids who are often forgotten and underrepresented in their education.

Show Highlights:

How Hilda’s background in special education became more meaningful when their son was born with Down Syndrome, an event that changed the course of their family in every way
How Olivier knew nothing about special education or Down Syndrome until Emilio’s birth
How they set out to make a film about inclusive education as they experienced segregation in the education of their son
Why many people aren’t aware of what goes on in our educational system for students with disabilities
How breaking up segregated classrooms while students are young helps them understand the differences in how people learn
How the documentary makes people aware of the benefits of inclusion and spurs them to take action to help change the system
Why Hilda and Olivier hope the film encourages parents to raise their voices about what their children can do--even with disabilities
How some parents don’t have the knowledge base or resources to advocate for their child’s education
How lasting change will happen when people want to make a difference

Learn more about Hilda, Olivier, and their documentary film:

https://www.forgetmenotdocumentary.com

Find the film’s Facebook page: Forget Me Not Documentary

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Think Inclusive with Tim Villegas [204]

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 05:23:00 -0400

We are focusing today on one of our favorite topics: inclusion. Our guest shares how he is working with districts across the country to bring more inclusion, along with the most common misconception most educators have about inclusivity. Join us to learn more!

Tim Villegas is the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE), the founder of Think Inclusive, and the host of the Think Inclusive podcast.

Show Highlights:

How MCIE began 30 years ago and continues as a non-profit today, working with students, families, and education departments around the country
Why restructuring and reimagining is the key to inclusion–not hiring more staff
How inclusivity CAN meet the special needs of students
Why it’s a false assumption that students can’t make progress on goals and objectives in a general education classroom
What Tim has noticed about a renewed focus on educational equity
Why districts are using grant money to hire organizations like MCIE for help with inclusive practices
Why the MCIE approach is a multi-year program that doesn’t bring change overnight but takes a long-term view of change (Tim shares an example of how it works to bring more inclusion.)
How Tim’s podcast, Think Inclusive, began as a Twitter feed and has been going strong for ten years!

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Suzanne Aldrich on Speech and Language [IEP 203]

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We are always interested in how speech and language pathologists are providing their services and collaborating with school districts. Join us for a conversation with today’s guest about her experience working with students.

Suzanne Aldrich has been a speech therapist for over a decade. After starting her career working with adults, she moved into the public school system to work with young students. She travels to work with and evaluate children in preschools and elementary schools.

Show Highlights:

How Suzanne’s work with adults helped her develop a new perspective on working with children
What Suzanne is seeing in school-based evaluations and in her meetings with parents
Common questions parents have when their preschooler sees a speech and language pathologist
How speech and language goals and academic goals require collaboration among teachers and therapists
Why working with a student one-on-one may not always be preferable over a group setting
How a language processing deficit can handicap a student across multiple areas
How Suzanne’s private practice work has her traveling to homes and preschools to do informal evaluations and collaborate with school personnel
Suzanne’s advice for parents in evaluating their preschooler regarding sentences, vocabulary, and other basic abilities
Why some parents are hesitant to take advantage of services because of the stigma of special education
Suzanne shares a success story about a child with apraxia who has made great strides

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Connect with Suzanne: www.playingspeech.com and Instagram.

Special Education Law with Lisa Hernandez [IEP 202]

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0400

It’s always interesting to see how things in special education law can be similar from state to state–and yet so different in many ways. Join us for an inside look with today’s guest.

Lisa Hernandez is a special education attorney in New Jersey. She is a mom of three who came to this field because one of her children has disabilities. With a background in disability discrimination and employment discrimination, Lisa has been advocating for her child and for her friends’ children for over a decade. She handles special education litigation in NJ, a state which does not have a good reputation for inclusive education.

Show Highlights:

Why many parents shy away from inclusive education programs
Lisa shares a 2007 case that highlights NJ’s poor reputation in special education
How the attitude in court cases has become the drive to win litigation rather than to prevent it in the first place
Why parents don’t know how to navigate the “legal arena” without the agency that the law intended
How special education hearings compare and contrast in NJ and CA
Why more school districts are filing for due process sooner than before
How Lisa’s blog, ThinkSpEd, provides families with information and a deeper understanding about special education
Why parents don’t know what they can ask for regarding their kids’ needs and evaluations
Lisa shares a big win that happened with her own son after being told to “manage her expectations”

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Connect with Lisa: www.thinksped.com and Facebook.

Nicole Eilers: Critical Disability Studies and Real Inclusion [IEP 201]

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 08:00:08 -0400

Today’s show covers the topic of critical disability studies as they relate to creating inclusive early childhood environments. We will take a hard look at what inclusion really means and why it’s not happening in many classrooms. Join us for a closer look!

Nicole Eilers lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children. She studied child development and family studies and went on to work as a special education teacher in a PreK classroom. Her next position was as a special ed teacher at a hospital school for students with long-term hospitalizations and those who were homebound with an identified disability. Her role was to support the students as they transitioned back into classrooms, which she did while working on her master’s degree in early intervention and family studies. Reading more about disability studies in education coupled with the work she was doing made her question how we are approaching inclusion and special ed. Nicole is now pursuing her Ph. D. full-time at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Show Highlights:

Highlights of critical disability studies focusing on three areas: external factors, how we perceive “normal,” and the lived experiences of the students
What it means to have an inclusive classroom
How teachers can allow students to better understand each other and have meaningful connections, especially those with disabilities
How our attitudes are inadvertently teaching kids not to talk about disabilities
Why teachers need to dedicate time in the classroom for conversations about inclusions, so students can give input and collaborate
What it means to look through the lens of inclusivity concerning educational goals
We want your questions about inclusivity in the real world for a future show!

Connect with Nicole:

On Instagram

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

How Sensory Integration Affects Behavior and Reactions with Jessie Ginsburg [IEP 200]

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Today’s conversation gives an interesting perspective on speech therapy. Join us to learn why sensory integration is a crucial component for autistic students with learning challenges.

Jessie Ginsburg is a sensory integration-trained speech and language pathologist. From southern California, Jessie ended up working in Washington, DC, where she connected with Jake Greenspan, the co-founder of Floortime Therapy; this encounter set the course for Jessie’s work. When she returned to southern California, she opened her own practice and now trains other therapists in how to better support their autistic students.

Show Highlights:

Jessie explains the basics of sensory integration and how it affects our behaviors and reactions
Why therapists and teachers need to have more training in sensory integration to help kids learn to regulate themselves
How kids are classified in IEP meetings as lazy, defiant, etc. when no one understands what they are trying to communicate
Why working with kids on regulation and engagement helps solve a lot of speech and language problems in natural ways
How the system is overlooking integral, foundational pieces, like why kids feel loved, safe, and connected when they establish relationships with those around them
How Jessie’s sensory certificate programs are training therapists all over the world
Why we need to teach kids the WHY of regulation strategies so they can incorporate them and learn to initiate them on their own
How self-advocacy comes when kids learn sensory strategies for themselves
Why sensory strategies shouldn’t be labeled as a “break” but should be built into learning
How acceptance, understanding, and normalization come when kids learn early that everyone is different in how they learn and cope
How social media is helping promote a newfound acceptance of disabilities and limitations

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Connect with Jessie: www.pediatrictherapyplayhouse.com, Facebook, and Instagram.

Exciting News on the Inclusive Apps Front with Zafer Elcik [IEP 199]

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0400

With more school closures and changes in quarantine guidelines, there is not much consistency across school districts right now. This timely episode covers more ways to have access to technology and appropriate apps for students of all ages with special needs. Join us to learn more!

Zafer Elcik is the co-founder of Otsimo, a platform that provides inclusive apps for students across the world for early and intensive education, communication, and speech.

Show Highlights:

Zafer’s story of growing up (in Turkey) with a younger brother with autism
How Zafer realized how technology could enhance his brother’s education, skills development, communication, and speech
How Otsimo uses video modeling and peer mimicking to help with speech development
How the apps are being widely used by teachers, parents, and school districts to help students learn
Why Zafer’s apps are unique in the field:
- No ads to lure kids into making purchases
- Positive reinforcement used in the games
- Customizable, personalized games structured to the child’s needs
- Less animation that conventional apps
How Otsimo’s licensing guidelines allow affordable special education to every household and classroom that need it

Connect with Zafer:

By email, or visit the website to download the app.

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Challenging the Established Structure for ALL Kids with Kurt Schneider and Suzanne Sands [IEP 198]

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Today’s show focuses on different ways to deliver educational services and a school district doing it the right way. The key is changing mindset from the established educational culture that has made people believe that “separate is better.” Join us to learn more!

Kurt Schneider has served as superintendent of the TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 for more than six years. Suzanne Sands is the president of TrueNorth’s Leadership Council, and she’s been in this school board-like role for six years. TrueNorth finds ways to deliver services to all students in new and different ways based on what the research says: that there are better outcomes when kids are together in schools. Kurt and Suzanne will share why their approach is working and how the transformational work of TrueNorth has impacted the broader educational community.

Show Highlights:

How educational cooperatives work to be leaders with resources and support for all students of all diverse backgrounds as they partner with school districts
How the cooperative is challenging the established structure for all kids
The big vision at TrueNorth: to be committed to the possibilities of EVERY learner EVERY day
The value and meaning of the name change to “TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804”
The value in the language used around “inclusive education”
Hands-on approaches that have brought successful outcomes in inclusion, transitions, and early interventions
Why much of the work is in shifting mindsets that all kids are “gen ed kids”
How Kurt and Suzanne have seen that students and families well-connected to teachers and classrooms have fared better during the pandemic, and those who were more isolated before the pandemic have only struggled more
Tips for other districts who want to take a similar approach as TrueNorth: work from the ground level to educate everyone (parents, teachers, students, and board members) about the best practices around inclusion
The importance of collaboration, communication, and specific support for teachers to build a culture of unity, participation, and sharing
Success stories from Kurt and Suzanne

Find TrueNorth on their website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Taking a Closer Look at the Staffing Shortage [IEP 197]

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to 2022 and a brand-new episode of the Inclusive Education Project podcast!

As we enter the spring semester (and year THREE of the pandemic!), we’re hearing a lot more noise about the teacher and support staff shortage, so we’ll be exploring that, as well as sharing strategies on how to make it all as painless as possible.

Show Highlights:

Reasons for the staffing shortage
But children are resilient…right?
The potential issues with long-term subs
Why parents and kids should be prepped for staffing changes
What has made this last school year more difficult
When regression happens
Tips for getting the most benefit from aides
Hindsight and looking-forward thoughts

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Self-Care in the Classroom with Kayland Lamar [IEP 196]

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0400

NOTE: Hi, everyone! We've stepped away from the podcast for a short break, but we'll be back soon with great new content. Meantime, please enjoy listening to some of our most popular episodes from the archive!

Our guest today describes herself as a “veteran educator, survivor of burnout, and a self-care advocate.”

Kayland Lamar coaches educators on self-care practices and boundary-setting in the classroom. If a healthy work-life balance and proactive personal wellness habits seem out of reach for you, then you will definitely want to listen to the tips that Kayland has to share with us, for the classroom and beyond.

Kayland Lamar is a high school science teacher who loves her job, loves her students, and teaches at the same high school from which she graduated.

Show Highlights:

Kayland relates her personal story of burnout that she experienced during her first official teaching job.
How setting boundaries can help us find the proper work-life balance.
Kayland describes the relationship she has with her students.
Being vulnerable with her students lets them know that she has a life outside of the classroom, too.
Developing routines with her students helps to set them at ease and know what to expect each day.
“Family Fun Friday” - the students have to earn it, but here’s an idea that Kayland occasionally implements in the classroom.
How Kayland helped her students weather the COVID storm.

Connect with Kayland!

Visit her website, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter!

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

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Disability Awareness and Inclusion with Diana Pastora Carson [IEP 195]

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Today’s guest is Diana Pastora Carson, a self-described sibling advocate and a big fan of her brother, Joaquin, who spent 15 years of his life in an institution. Joaquin’s family fought for three years to bring him home, and he fully supports and endorses the way Diana shares their family story.

Diana has been an elementary educator for over 30 years in both general and special education. A lecturer for a Disability and Society course through San Diego State University, Diana also teaches other disability and inclusion courses through SDSU and a local community college. She’s a public speaker, inclusion visionary, and community activist who has also done a TEDtalk. With two terms on the board of Disability Rights California, she currently serves on the board of directors for Disability Voices United. Last year, she helped produce a series for Ability magazine in which she interviewed 50 experts and activists in the field of disability. Diana is the author of Beyond Awareness: Bringing Disability Into Diversity Work in K-12 Schools & Communities and the children’s book, Ed Roberts: CHAMPION of Disability Rights.

In addition to starting her own podcast soon, Diana’s upcoming endeavors include launching an online course about disability awareness through a social justice lens.

Join us for a closer look at disability awareness and how inclusion in the classroom can benefit every student.

Show Highlights:

How inclusivity in education has changed--and what it means today
A specific example of how Diana used a Marc Anthony song to help a non-speaking student engage with his classmates and the curriculum in her classroom
Why a general education setting is best for most children with disabilities, even if their work output is very different
How life quality is impacted by the early years of social and emotional opportunities
Diana’s advice about the best way for teachers, administrators, and parents to establish more inclusion in schools
What it takes to change people’s hearts and minds about inclusion and disability awareness
Steps to bring disability awareness and justice

Connect with Diana!

Visit her website

Download Diana’s FREE ebook: The Five Keys to Going Beyond Awareness

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Empowering Parents: A Conversation with The Childhood Collective [IEP 194]

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0400

We’re excited to bring you this great conversation with Mallory, Katie, and Lori from The Childhood Collective.

Mallory, Katie, and Lori all have experience working with neurodiverse kids: kids with ADHD, learning and language differences, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders.

Once families receive a diagnosis, they often feel underprepared to know how to parent their kids. This is where The Childhood Collective comes in, helping parents on their journey after diagnosis by providing resources and follow-up.

Stay tuned for some wonderful insights!

Show Highlights:

The Childhood Collective educates parents about how to help their kids at home through online courses.
Learning about their child’s diagnoses and how their brains work helps parents to understand why certain behaviors are happening.
Mallory, Katie, and Lori share their individual experiences working with neurodiverse children.
Connection with your child is so much more important than feeling the constant need to correct.
Anxiety can present in many different ways in our children.
Tips and tricks for parents with neurodiverse kids.
Strive to have the kind of relationship with your child where they feel safe coming to you with their struggles and challenges, without fear of punishment or criticism.
Behavioral modeling can be an important, positive influence on any child, including the neurodiverse.

Connect with The Childhood Collective:

For support, resources, their blog, online classes, and more! You are welcome to send them an Email.

You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Kindness As a Learning Platform with Caroline Hines

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0400

We’re so thrilled to have Caroline Hines as our guest today. Caroline is a Social-Emotional School Counselor at a public charter school here in California, and she shares with us the advantages that having a dedicated counselor onsite provides, how kindness is taught through each grade level, plus she offers tips on how you can foster more kindness right in your own home. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!

Show Highlights:

Caroline explains her role as a Social-Emotional School Counselor.
Having a dedicated Social Emotional Counselor at a school site gives the school an advantage as far as being able to build social-emotional learning.
Kindness is the platform used to establish the school’s culture.
Caroline shares the philosophy of her “Kind Kids Club”.
Caroline breaks down the kindness-learning focus of each grade level.
How COVID has affected the transition from distance learning, to hybrid, to in-person learning.
What a kindness challenge looks like.
Tips for parents to help get kindness in their home.

Thank you for listening!

Connect with Caroline:

Follow Caroline on Instagram

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

The Need for Collaborative Problem-Solving with Dr. Ross Greene

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0400

NOTE: Hi, everyone! We've stepped away from the podcast for a short break, but we'll be back soon with great new content. Meantime, please enjoy listening to some of our most popular episodes from the archive!

When kids experience challenges meeting certain expectations, that can result in their frustration, which can often lead to concerning behaviors if they’re not equipped with the necessary skills to adapt. Our guest today trains parents, educators, and clinicians in an evidence-based treatment called the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model.

Be sure to tune in to this intriguing and insightful conversation and learn about all the benefits that CPS has to offer!

Ross W. Greene, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who lives in Freeport, Maine. He is the New York Times bestselling author of the influential books The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost and Found, and Raising Human Beings. He is the founding director of the non-profit, Lives in the Balance, which provides a vast array of free resources on the CPS model that is described in his books.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Greene’s non-profit advocates on behalf of kids with concerning behaviors and their caregivers by helping people solve problems with kids, rather than giving them detentions, suspensions, and expulsions.
Concerning behaviors are simply the way that a kid is communicating to us that they’re having difficulty meeting certain expectations.
If we only modify concerning behaviors, then the kid is still having problems meeting those expectations. However, if we solve those problems with kids, and help them better meet expectations, then the concerning behaviors subside.
Dr. Greene details the CPS model.
According to Dr. Greene, “crisis prevention” is a misnomer. It’s actually “crisis management”, and he explains more.
The Kids We Lose is an exposé that hopes to raise awareness of how horrible it is for kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, not only because they’re struggling, but for what we do to them in the name of helping.
Dr. Greene shares what he's working on next.

Thank you for listening!

Connect with Dr. Greene!

His website

Lives in the Balance

CPS Connection

The Kids We Lose (Documentary)

True Crisis Prevention

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

All About Pediatric Assessments with Dr. Karen Wilson [IEP 191]

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0400

We always feel that we are “on the same page” when our guest is a passionate advocate for students. Today’s guest explains the work she does with pediatric assessments to help the parents and teachers of struggling learners. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Karen Wilson is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in pediatric assessments. She evaluates kids from age 4 through early adulthood where a struggle to learn indicates a suspected neurodevelopmental disorder. She figures out whether the problem is an executive functioning issue, attention deficit, or inappropriate instruction. By evaluating various areas, she can pinpoint the reason for the struggle and formulate a plan for success for the child at home and at school.

Show Highlights:

How parents are referred to a neuropsychologist, and why Karen can offer meaningful help
Why parents and teachers might rationalize the decision to put off a professional assessment, which delays lifechanging interventions for the student
How students can enjoy the learning process more when they don’t have to work as hard to learn and succeed
What Karen notices about how red flags show up at different times for students, based on their individual strengths and weaknesses
The need for universal screenings for kindergarten students
Why it might seem like there are more struggling learners now than in the past
How a teacher’s referral is usually for the child to see a pediatrician when they suspect a problem
Why parent and teacher observations and rating forms are a crucial part of the professional assessment and diagnosis

Connect with Dr. Karen:

www.westlaneuro.com

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

How School Counselors Can Be Advocates with Caroline Hines [IEP 190]

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0400

We continue to see compounded challenges in this school year. Today’s show focuses on the vital role school counselors can play in advocating for students and supporting student success, even in the uncertainty of a pandemic. Join us to learn more!

Caroline Hines is an elementary school counselor in Sacramento, CA. Unlike many school counselors, Caroline is a social-emotional counselor who supports students and families, making sure her school is a kind and caring place where students feel safe, included, accepted, and cared for. Her last appearance on the podcast was about how schools and parents can promote kindness, and today’s conversation focuses on the unique challenges in our current school year.

Show Highlights:

How school counselors wear many hats that differ greatly from school to school
What Caroline notices about this school year and its challenges
How our brains are wired to handle short bursts of stress rather than long, sustained periods of stress
How COVID adds extra stress because of the uncertainty of each day, along with the capacity to handle everyday challenges
The reality of the learning gap for students who haven’t had a normal school year for more than two years
The difficulty for teachers in challenging above-grade-level learners while supporting students who are behind
The need to revamp homework purposes and policies to account for students who are already behind
How parents and teachers feel scared, helpless, and uncertain about what comes next
Why our “new normal,” whenever it comes, needs to address the socioemotional needs of students better
How MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) is helping in Caroline’s school with a whole-child focus

Thank you for listening!

Connect with Caroline:

On Instagram or via email: chines@natomascharter.org

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Special Education Law in North Carolina: A Fight for More Inclusion with Stacey Gahagan [IEP 189]

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Today’s conversation is with a guest recommended to us, and we are excited to hear her perspective. We are highlighting the immense challenges within the legal system for attorneys, parents, and students, especially how situations can vary from one state to another. Join us to learn more!

Stacey Gahagan practices statewide in North Carolina. Her firm, with five attorneys, is the largest in NC that focuses on special education law. Stacey was in education for 19 years before she went to law school. From teacher to administrator, Stacey has “worn every hat at the IEP table,” except that of a speech therapist. After becoming an attorney, she realized her desire for fairness and her passion for education was leading her into this area. After leaving a salaried job, she started her own firm and has been able to make a difference in the area of inclusion in NC.

Show Highlights:

How Stacey’s unique background, experience, and expertise allow her to assist parents
Why families are up against a wall in their fight for more inclusion in NC
How Stacey sees the impact for each individual child
How due process cases are handled in NC vs. CA
How the playing field is not fair in NC, where the burden of proof is on the parent and the decision of the school district is “presumed to be correct”
How Stacey’s current case in litigation began in 2014
How answers and procedures differ from one district to another
Why 85-95% of the cases settle out of court in both CA and NC unless special circumstances are present
Why few students are put in non-public schools in NC, as compared to CA
The challenges when a judge’s track record shows them never favoring the parent
The challenges for small law firms because of non-attorney advocates in NC’s two-tier system

Thank you for listening!

Connect with Stacey:

www.ncgplaw.com

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Compensatory Education: Where Are We Now? With Crystal Sanford [IEP 188]

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Today’s show is a replay of the Thriving Special Families podcast hosted by Crystal Sanford. We appeared as guests on Crystal’s live podcast on September 22; the episode is titled “Compensatory Education: Where Are We Now?” You can view the video podcast on YouTube or find the link on Crystal’s website. She is a consultant with Sandford Autism Consulting and is passionate about working with families and community members. It was nice to talk to someone who understands the nuances of compensatory education. We dove deep into the topic, along with tips and tricks for getting compensatory education in this time of COVID. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

How Vickie and Amanda were led to become special education attorneys
How compensatory education is defined as “a way to put a student in the place they would have been if not deprived of special education-related services”
How the comp ed law is an equitable remedy for the harm that has occurred; it can be educational services for the student OR reimbursement to the parents for private educational services
How comp ed is a little different now in the time of COVID
How parents get access to comp ed with the options of an IEP meeting, alternative dispute resolution, mediation, etc.
Why it does not matter if one or all students regressed because every student with an IEP has rights and protections; many districts received additional funding to provide services during COVID--so the excuses are not valid!
Tips for parents: the first step is an IEP meeting after in-person learning has gone on for at least 30 days; ask the IEP team how they are addressing the learning regression; ask for work samples, test results, and assessments; and consider asking for a private, independent assessment
How a parent knows when it is time to see an attorney (There is a two-year statute of limitations.)
Options for parents if the school is found negligible (Ex: reading interventions)
The need that comp ed services be individualized and customized
Highlights of Amanda and Vickie’s Inclusive Education Project: a non-profit organization providing legal services and a weekly podcast

Connect with Crystal

To access autism and IEP resources: www.sdautismhelp.com/resources

Find the Thriving Special Families podcast: Thriving Special Families - YouTube

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Managing Holiday Stress with Lynn Jimenez [IEP 187]

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0400

We have said it before: this school year is like no other. Now we are all dealing with the uncertainty of an upcoming holiday season that may be very stressful for parents, teachers, and students. There are simple practices and tools we can use with people of all ages to manage and reduce stress. Join us to learn more!

Lynn Jimenez is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Connect-Flow-Grow Coaching & Therapy. Her past experiences include school mental health, foster care, and substance abuse prevention. She has taught prevention through restorative practices in general education and has taught teachers how to integrate social and emotional learning and conversations into their teaching style in their classrooms. As a mom of three boys, Lynn has practiced these skills at home, which has transformed their family experience as the boys have learned to interact better with each other.

Show Highlights:

Why the strategies used in special education should be used by all general education teachers
How Lynn originally taught families how to talk to kids about stress and dove into the physiology of the stress response system
What Lynn wants people to understand about stress as we move into the holiday season
How daily self-care practices can help manage stress--and can be modeled for kids
How this year is different for students who spent most or all of the previous school year learning virtually---and how holiday gatherings (hopefully) will be happening but might be overwhelming
A personal example from Lynn’s family that brought open communication and clarity through a stressful experience with her youngest son; as a result, they have more intimacy and stronger relationships today
Why it’s important for parents and teachers to admit when they “lose it” and need a break
Why basic emotional regulation skills need to be taught in schools beginning at the kindergarten level
Other helpful stress management tips: meditate, be in nature, and teach kids to name three things they see, hear, touch, and smell (this teaches mindfulness)
Why being in nature can translate into family activities to reduce stress and things that teachers can do at school to help stressed students
How Lynn teaches adults to scale their emotions from 1-10 by having them determine the size and intensity of their emotion( this is a coping regulation activity); kids can scale with small, medium, and large, which allows them to see their progress quickly
How Connect-Flow-Grow brings together all Lynn’s endeavors to teach people about stress and becoming aware of their feelings so they can have more control; find out more about her programs and classes for managing and reducing stress on her website

Thank you for listening!

Connect with Lynn:

www.connectflowgrow.com

Find Connect-Flow-Grow on Instagram

Links/Resources:

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Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Changing the Narrative Around Disability with Jessica Keogh [IEP 186]

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0400

It’s safe to say that everyone in education is being stretched to their limits. Earlier optimism back in the summer has given way to a sense of drudgery that we find ourselves back in the same COVID-impacted situations as in the previous school year. We are excited to have today’s guest, a teacher and advocate, to share her perspective. Join us to learn more!

Jessica Keogh has an undiagnosed neuromuscular disorder from birth that limits her physical abilities and keeps her in a wheelchair. Despite her disability, she’s been a special education teacher for the past ten years. She also runs the nonprofit Faith Above My Ability, which educates people and advocates for people with disabilities. The main goals of the organization are to change the narrative around disability, advocate for policy changes, and develop curricula that are truly inclusive.

Show Highlights:

An overview of this school year from Jessica’s viewpoint in light of the lack of paraprofessionals
How administrations are dealing with the challenges by mass hiring efforts and being open to teachers’ suggestions
How Jessica’s district implemented cyber programs but remains committed to in-person learning
Jessica’s advocacy work for people with disabilities, especially the new law in Pennsylvania around income limits for disabled people (The law goes into effect in December 2021.)
Jessica’s advice for those who want to advocate:
Start with your story.
Build your community and talk to others.
Talk to local legislators and introduce yourself to them.
Don’t be afraid to start small with local politics.
How Jessica plans to celebrate in December when the new bill becomes a law
How Jessica has shared her story with her students and colleagues

Connect with Jessica:

www.faithabovemyability.org

Find Faith Above My Ability on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

A Holistic Look at Inclusion with Diane Ryndak [IEP 185]

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0400

We are all dealing with the regression that some of our students have experienced through these COVID-affected times. We went from having a hope of real innovation of inclusive education to a focus on mere survival. Today’s guest shares insights into the evidence-based need for inclusion, practical steps to bring inclusion, and the barriers that still remain in school systems. Join us to learn more!

Diane Ryndak is a professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the Department of Specialized Education Services in relation to students with significant disabilities. She works in teacher training for undergraduates and doctoral students, and she works closely with school districts to bring systemic reform for improved student outcomes.

Show Highlights:

How Diane was led at an early age into advocating for marginalized students
How Diane works in teacher training and affecting state policies regarding inclusive educational services for students with disabilities
Why most school districts as a whole are resistant to inclusive education
How segregated education has been established as the acceptable way to do things because of the support and attention that special needs students receive
What the research shows about the level of engagement and instruction that students in inclusive classrooms receive from teachers AND peers
How problems with inclusion occur when kids with IEPs transition from early childhood to kindergarten (95% of them will NEVER get back in general education classes once they are segregated!)
Why the focus should be on preventing kids with disabilities from going into self-contained classrooms in the first place
The big challenge for parents: Without universal preschool, their options are limited when early intervention identifies their child with special needs
Why the focus has to be on specific strategies to address the barriers that are keeping a student from the general education classroom
Two ways to address the need:
Provide coaching and mentoring support for current teachers through professional development.
Evaluate teacher education programs to prepare new teachers to co-plan, co-implement, and co-evaluate in the generalized education classroom.

Connect with Diane:

Email: dlryndak@uncg.edu

Find inclusive education resources for parents, teachers, and administrators: www.tiescenter.org

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Learning to Live with Gratitude and Intention with Nicole Thomson [IEP 184]

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0400

We are all in the middle of the adventure that has become this school year. The only certainty seems to be that uncertainty continues, and we have to make adjustments along the way. Gratitude is a mindset that has become more relevant than ever, and teaching gratitude practices can help set our students up for success in the classroom right now and in their lives for the future. Join us for a closer look at learning to live with gratitude and intention!

Nicole Thomson is a wife, mom, teacher, author, and entrepreneur in Ontario, Canada. She co-authored the Love Math Journal and wrote the children’s book, The Little Things: Finding Gratitude in Life’s Simple Moments. As a new business owner of The Fulfilled Classroom, Nicole uses her talents to help teachers live better lives. Her focus is on living with gratitude, setting intentions, and finding fulfillment in and out of the classroom.

Show Highlights:

Get to know Nicole, a lifelong teacher from the kindergarten to college level
What is gratitude, and why is it important for our students?
Why gratitude has to be practiced before it becomes second nature
How gratitude benefits kids from a young age
Examples of gratitude practices for the classroom: read-aloud books, sharing verbally, bulletin boards to highlight gratitude, challenges for students to notice the little things each day, etc.
How to use things you hear and things you see as triggers for moments of gratitude
Nicole’s messages to teachers, parents, and administrators about how gratitude benefits our students:
Gratitude brings more optimism, patience, happiness, and empathy.
Gratitude helps with healthy sleep patterns and immune system, decision-making, self-esteem, and resilience.

Connect with Nicole:

The Fulfilled Classroom Website, and on Facebook and Instagram

Books by Nicole Thomson:

Love Math Journal

The Little Things: Finding Gratitude in Life’s Simple Moments

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Forget Me Not Documentary with Hilda and Olivier Bernier [IEP 183]

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Show Highlights:

How Hilda’s background in special education became more meaningful when their son was born with Down Syndrome, an event that changed the course of their family in every way
How Olivier knew nothing about special education or Down Syndrome until Emilio’s birth
How they set out to make a film about inclusive education as they experienced segregation in the education of their son
Why many people aren’t aware of what goes on in our educational system for students with disabilities
How breaking up segregated classrooms while students are young helps them understand the differences in how people learn
How the documentary makes people aware of the benefits of inclusion and spurs them to take action to help change the system
Why Hilda and Olivier hope the film encourages parents to raise their voices about what their children can do--even with disabilities
How some parents don’t have the knowledge base or resources to advocate for their child’s education
How lasting change will happen when people want to make a difference

Learn more about Hilda, Olivier, and their documentary film:

https://www.forgetmenotdocumentary.com

Find the film’s Facebook page: Forget Me Not Documentary

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Tips for Easing the Transition to In-Person Learning with Chris Banks [IEP 182]

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400

We’re in it now: another school year taking us into the great unknown. Parents, students, and educators are all living with a “wait and see” approach as we live in a state of constant adaptability in yet another pandemic school year. Join us to hear practical tips and advice from today’s guest!

Chris Banks is CEO and president of the Autism Society of America. He came to the society in 2020 from a comprehensive background in human services and healthcare, and he is a proven transformational leader committed to diversity and cultural growth. We are discussing what his organization does, along with the wealth of resources provided for parents, educators, and students.

Show Highlights:

Chris’ background and how his role merges his prior skills, talents, and interests
Chris’ message about how businesses can help change the corporate culture and shift their perspective by hiring autistic employees
Why a focus on diversity and inclusion in education serves the best interests of the children AND the best interests of the community as a whole
How “big picture” thinking goes beyond awareness to acceptance, inclusion, and belonging
How the Autism Society of America’s COVID-19 Toolkit is being distributed and used around the world
Silver linings of the pandemic regarding many important issues in education
Why many autistic students have thrived academically but regressed socially during the pandemic
Why parents have to manage their own anxiety first in transitioning kids back to schoo
Chris’ tips for easing the transition to in-person learning for autistic students:
Ask for a video tour of the school to add a level of comfort for kids.
Connect kids to the school’s support staff.
Establish bedtime and waking routines.
Take kids on social outings with masks.
Create a countdown calendar and schedule.
How the resources provided on The Autism Society of America’s website are relevant and timely and available through affiliates across the US

Connect with the Autism Society of America:

Autism Society

On Facebook: Autism Society of America

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Learning and Growing as a Parent with Danielle Bettmann [IEP 181]

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400

We know the transition into motherhood is not always easy. Today’s guest works to ease the transition and help prevent burnout for moms as she brings sanity, solutions, and overall mental health into the chaotic world of motherhood. Join us to learn more!

Danielle Bettmann is an early childhood development expert, parenting coach, teacher, and mom of two girls. She helps families with strong-willed tiny humans find patience, peace, and partnership. Her mission is to come alongside parents to provide mindsets and strategies that make you feel proud of how you parent. She hosts the podcast Failing Motherhood and provides many resources for parents through her website.

Show Highlights:

Why Danielle was inspired to focus her work on helping moms and families
How she identified the early childhood years as “ground zero” for families
Why she started Wholeheartedly, her one-on-one coaching business for parents of young children
Why parents come to Danielle for help when they feel inadequate in the parenting arena, need more tools, and want to do better
How parents want to present a united front with their partner and function with more patience and cooperation in the home
How parents are challenged in trying to mesh their parenting styles and varied upbringings as they parent their own children
Practical tips for parents:
Have a time set aside for curious conversations about how things are going, what has worked, what hasn’t worked, etc.
Do research for free resources or consider reaching out to an expert for help.
How the logistics of “getting help” works with appointments and time commitments
Why learning and growing as a parent is like strengthening a muscle
Danielle’s resources, classes, and podcast for parents

Connect with Danielle:

Danielle’s Parenting Wholeheartedly coaching website

Podcast: Failing Motherhood

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Disability Awareness and Inclusion with Diana Pastora Carson [IEP 180]

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400

In addition to starting her own podcast soon, Diana’s upcoming endeavors include launching an online course about disability awareness through a social justice lens.

Join us for a closer look at disability awareness and how inclusion in the classroom can benefit every student.

Show Highlights:

How inclusivity in education has changed--and what it means today
A specific example of how Diana used a Marc Anthony song to help a non-speaking student engage with his classmates and the curriculum in her classroom
Why a general education setting is best for most children with disabilities, even if their work output is very different
How life quality is impacted by the early years of social and emotional opportunities
Diana’s advice about the best way for teachers, administrators, and parents to establish more inclusion in schools
What it takes to change people’s hearts and minds about inclusion and disability awareness
Steps to bring disability awareness and justice

Connect with Diana!

Visit her website

Download Diana’s FREE ebook: The Five Keys to Going Beyond Awareness

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Back to School with COVID-19, Part 3 [IEP 179]

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode is the final part of our series to kick off the new school year. Parents, students, and educators were assuming that things would be back to normal by the beginning of the 2021 school year, but we are still in a state of uncertainty. Since COVID-19 has impacted schools in many ways during the past two school years, we have seen many adjustments to learning. CA Assembly Bill 130 addresses the independent study (IS) options, not to be confused with virtual learning. We’ll dive into the bill’s provisions and what it means for school districts and your students. Join us!

Show Highlights:

Independent study options have existed in many variations at different schools; IS varies from virtual learning in that students are required to do a lot of work on their own without teacher instruction.
IS is a common element for students with IEPs and students in special situations that require them to leave school early, arrive late, or do coursework away from school.
What’s new about IS in AB 130? School districts in CA are now required to offer IS as an option to students.
Why the change? The state recognized that some students aren’t comfortable with full-time in-person learning.
What is independent study? Independent study is not the same as virtual learning as it requires a lot of reading and work with much less teacher instruction.
The fact is that IS is not a great option for students with IEPs who may not be comfortable with 100% in-person schooling right now.
Main components of AB 130:
A high standard of strict curriculum instruction minutes
Student-to-teacher ratios equivalent to in-person learning
Access to Wifi for all IS students
Concrete plans to monitor and record student participation
The problem is that not all districts are complying with the provisions of AB 130; some are only requiring a one-hour weekly check-in with a teacher.
There is an exception to AB 130 that allows IS to be waived for this school year if low enrollment/participation creates an unreasonable fiscal burden for the district.
Like most education bills, AB 130 pleases some advocates, but for others, it doesn’t go far enough.
Listeners outside of CA should check out what’s happening with education legislation in your state for this school year.

Links/Resources:

Thank you for listening! We welcome your questions regarding the new school year, guidelines, and protocols, so send them in!

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Back to School with COVID-19, Part 2 [IEP 178]

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode is part two of our three-part series to kick off the new school year. Parents, students, and educators were assuming that things would be back to normal by the beginning of the 2021 school year, but we are still in a state of uncertainty. California legislators have implemented specific steps to help students, even reaching into last school year.

We are taking a closer look at Assembly Bill 104, which was passed in CA in July. We’ll dive into the provisions of the bill and what it means for your students. Join us!

Show Highlights:

AB 104 was passed in July and included a very quick deadline of August 15 for parents; two major components make up the bill:
The pass/no pass option allows 2020-2021 students to apply for a letter grade to be changed to “pass/no pass.”
The retention option allows parents to request retention in a consultation if a K-11th grade student had a D, F, or no pass grade in at least half of their course work.
Another part of the bill allows for a 5th year for course recovery for students not on track to graduate after four years of high school.
IF YOU MISSED THE AUGUST 15 DEADLINE, IEP meetings can be scheduled to implement these measures for your student.
California colleges and universities are encouraged to accept pass/no pass grades for incoming students.

Links/Resources:

Thank you for listening! We welcome your questions regarding the new school year, guidelines, and protocols, so send them in!

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Back to School with COVID-19, Part 1 [IEP 177]

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode is the first in a three-part series covering guidelines for going back to school for in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. It’s hard to believe that we are here on the cusp of beginning another school year, and as with the last two school years, COVID-19 has changed everything for students, educators, and parents.

Join us for this three-part guide to everything you need to know and the momentum you need to kick off a new school year. We are discussing COVID-19 guidelines, safety protocols, and the recent teacher vaccine mandate in California.

Show Highlights:

The Safe Schools for All Hub through the www.cde.ca.gov website is THE place to go for updates and guidelines from the CA Department of Public Health.
The main components of the guidelines for schools include: recommended vaccines for everyone over age 12 and a mask mandate for all to allow less social distancing within school activities
Mask mandates (with medical exemptions) are identified as part of the best practices for schools, and districts have been busy developing their testing protocols.
After a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, the requirements for returning to school are as follows:
A negative COVID-19 test
24 hours fever-free (without using fever-reducing medications)
Improvement of all symptoms

**With any positive COVID-19 test, the guideline is for the person to isolate at home for ten days, even if they have no symptoms

Assembly Bill 86, approved in March, requires schools to report COVID-19 cases to their local public health department.
If a vaccinated person comes into close contact (per CDC definition) with a positive COVID-19 case, they only have to quarantine if they show symptoms.
These safety protocols have to be documented to account for various scenarios and posted on schools’ websites before the school year begins.
The recommendation remains that schools limit non-essential visitors, volunteers, and activities for those not fully vaccinated.
Why it is still important to conduct meetings virtually when possible so as to limit exposure for those under vaccination age
Hand-washing hygiene and rigorous cleaning recommendations are still in place, as well as maximum social distancing when possible for school activities.
As of August 11, CA Governor Newsome stated that teachers in CA be fully vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing.
CA has 6.1 million students and 550,000 teachers (about 90% of teachers are vaccinated so far)

Links/Resources:

Thank you for listening! We welcome your questions regarding the new school year, guidelines, and protocols, so send them in!

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

So, We Made It Another Year! [IEP 176]

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0400

It’s the end of the school year, and this will be our last episode before we break for the summer.

What a year it’s been! Stick with us as we take a look back on this unusual year and its different hybrid models, issues to look out for and to make your teams aware of, and what the 2021-2022 school year may hold.

We appreciate your support and remember, summer break would be a great time to listen to any of our past episodes that you may have missed!

Show Highlights:

When kids returned to school back in August/September, it was still all distance learning.
There was a lot of repetition of content from the previous school year in this past school year
If you have a health care plan within your IEP, you may need to get updated doctor's orders.
Communicate with your team!
How schools will be addressing regression.
Thoughts on enrichment programs.
Although it’s been a hard year for everyone, our focus should be on the child that is right in front of us.
The trap of lowered expectations.
September 2021 will be the jumping-off point.
Although it will take some time to get our kiddos caught up academically, we can’t forget to address their mental health and social skills.
Consider giving your kids a break this summer.
Be mindful of the trauma a child has experienced from this pandemic.
During our summer break, you can still visit our website or catch us on social media. We’ll be back soon with new content for you!

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Ending Youth Homelessness with Carlia Oldfather [IEP 175]

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Carlia Oldfather, Director of Operations from Stand Up for Kids in Orange County, is our guest today! Stand Up for Kids is a national, non-profit organization that serves youth between the ages of 12-24 that are experiencing homelessness. There are twenty chapters throughout the nation.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at this wonderful organization that is about FAR more than just getting kids off the street. You’ll be glad you did!

Show Highlights:

In Orange County alone, there are an estimated 31,000 homeless and at-risk youth.
Carlia provides additional statistics from the school districts regarding homeless youth.
A holistic approach is used when addressing the multiple needs of this at-risk population.
Stand Up for Kids is big on partnering with members of the community.
Carlia offers different ways for people to get involved in the programs.
How COVID impacted their programs.
90% of their high school seniors graduate and go on to college or full-time employment.
Stand Up for Kids has four pillars of service: street outreach, outreach centers, mentoring, and apartment support.
Carlia shares a heart-warming success story.
If you know someone in need of services in Orange County, please call (714) 356-5437.

To Find Out More or to Learn How You Can Help:

StandUp For Kids - Orange County

Links/Resources:

Thank you for listening!

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Meal-Time Management with Marie Fiebach [IEP 174]

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0400

If you dread hearing, “What’s for dinner tonight?”, then you’re going to LOVE today’s guest.

If, like most of us, you live a busy life, have picky eaters or food allergies in your family, or just need a dash of inspiration and a serving of encouragement for answering that burning question, keep listening!

Marie Fiebach is the founder of “Feed Your Family Tonight”. She is an author, podcaster, coach, and, in her own words, a “Weeknight Dinner Expert”. Marie has plenty of tips and strategies to share with us today!

Show Highlights:

Marie explains what motivated her to start “Feed Your Family Tonight”.
Having dinner together each night as a family builds connection and stability with your children.
The pandemic gave those working from home an opportunity to look at dinner differently.
Marie addresses balancing different dietary needs within a family.
Marie teaches others how to plan their meals around the kind of day that they’re having.
“What do I need to do today, in order to be successful later in the week?”
Planning WHEN you cook is almost more important than planning WHAT you cook.
The importance of having (and how to plan for) backup meals.
Marie reflects on the emotional burden of feeding your family.
Marie shares her philosophy on base ingredients.
Feeding your family is enough. It doesn’t have to be perfect all the time.

Connect with Marie:

Feed Your Family Tonight’s Website and Instagram

Get Marie’s FREE Weekly Meal Plan Sheet

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Kindness As a Learning Platform with Caroline Hines [IEP 173]

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Show Highlights:

Caroline explains her role as a Social-Emotional School Counselor.
Having a dedicated Social Emotional Counselor at a school site gives the school an advantage as far as being able to build social-emotional learning.
Kindness is the platform used to establish the school’s culture.
Caroline shares the philosophy of her “Kind Kids Club”.
Caroline breaks down the kindness-learning focus of each grade level.
How COVID has affected the transition from distance learning, to hybrid, to in-person learning.
What a kindness challenge looks like.
Tips for parents to help get kindness in their home.

Connect with Caroline:

Follow Caroline on Instagram

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Self-Care in the Classroom with Kayland Lamar [IEP 172]

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Our guest today describes herself as a “veteran educator, survivor of burnout, and a self-care advocate.”

Kayland Lamar is a high school science teacher who loves her job, loves her students, and teaches at the same high school from which she graduated.

Show Highlights:

Kayland relates her personal story of burnout that she experienced during her first official teaching job.
How setting boundaries can help us find the proper work-life balance.
Kayland describes the relationship she has with her students.
Being vulnerable with her students lets them know that she has a life outside of the classroom, too.
Developing routines with her students helps to set them at ease and know what to expect each day.
“Family Fun Friday” - the students have to earn it, but here’s an idea that Kayland occasionally implements in the classroom.
How Kayland helped her students weather the COVID storm.

Connect with Kayland!

Visit her website, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter!

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Solving Problems Collaboratively with Dr. Ross Greene [IEP 171]

Tue, 25 May 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Be sure to tune in to this intriguing and insightful conversation and learn about all the benefits that CPS has to offer!

Show Highlights:

Dr. Greene’s non-profit advocates on behalf of kids with concerning behaviors and their caregivers by helping people solve problems with kids, rather than giving them detentions, suspensions, and expulsions.
Concerning behaviors are simply the way that a kid is communicating to us that they’re having difficulty meeting certain expectations.
If we only modify concerning behaviors, then the kid is still having problems meeting those expectations. However, if we solve those problems with kids, and help them better meet expectations, then the concerning behaviors subside.
Dr. Greene details the CPS model.
According to Dr. Greene, “crisis prevention” is a misnomer. It’s actually “crisis management”, and he explains more.
The Kids We Lose is an exposé that hopes to raise awareness of how horrible it is for kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, not only because they’re struggling, but for what we do to them in the name of helping.
Dr. Greene shares what he's working on next.

Connect with Dr. Greene!

His website

Lives in the Balance

CPS Connection

The Kids We Lose (Documentary)

True Crisis Prevention

Links/Resources:

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.

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Helping Others Help Themselves with Melanie Oates [IEP 170]

Tue, 18 May 2021 07:00:00 -0400

We’re thrilled to bring you another great interview today! Melanie Oates is a motivational speaker, philanthropist, and advocate for special needs families, including her own.

Stay tuned to hear more about her amazing nonprofit, Here For A Reason, Inc., and the work she does as an advocate, the intensive research she did on behalf of her children, and the plethora of knowledge and resources she is now able to share with families who are looking to be their own best advocate for not only their children but for themselves, as well.

Show Highlights:

Melanie provides an overview of how her nonprofit came to be.
Financial hardships for a child’s medical equipment and care happen to families even when they have seemingly great insurance coverage.
Melanie addresses how she had to strategize to get her daughter the nursing care she needed.
If you’d like to apply for assistance, or if you would like to make a donation, please go to Here For A Reason.
Motivational speaking is Melanie’s way of encouraging others to find the successes in their own stories and to find ways that change what appear to be negatives into positives.
Melanie wants to set a positive example for other African American families who may culturally have trouble sharing information about their child’s special needs.
Melanie shares how her nonprofit has impacted others.

Connect with Melanie!

Nonprofit Website: Here For A Reason

Nonprofit Instagram

Personal Website: Melanie Oates

Links/Resources:

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.

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Special Pandemic School Year in Review [IEP 169]

Tue, 11 May 2021 07:00:00 -0400

It’s been a little more than a year since the start of this pandemic, so we thought we’d take a look back at California-specific senate bills to revisit how we saw them played out. We’ll also be discussing how you can be preparing for the summer and the upcoming school year. We hope you join us!

Show Highlights:

California Senate Bills: an overview of the highs and lows.
It’s important to note that state senate bills do not trump federal law’s IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
Taking a look at IEPs.
How the courts see violations.
The problems with aide support.
Thoughts on individual educational evaluations during this time.
Dealing with compensatory education.
As the parent, you are the holder of the data and the most important component of the IEP team.
Encouraging tips for feeling empowered to speak up during this upcoming school year.

Thank you for listening!

Links/Resources:

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Creating a Sustainable, Parenting Framework with Dr. Whitney Casares [IEP 168]

Tue, 04 May 2021 07:00:00 -0400

We’re so thrilled to have Dr. Whitney Casares (“Dr. Whitney”), creator of the popular “The Modern Mommy Doc” website with us for today’s interview! Join us as we dive into the topics around new parenthood and self-care, and discuss her newest book, The Working Mom Blueprint, which will be released May 11, 2021.

Whitney Casares, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P. is a pediatrician and a mom to two young girls in Portland, Oregon. After completing her undergraduate degree in journalism, she completed her medical school training at the University of Vermont and her pediatrics residency training at Stanford University. She also holds a Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health from the University of California, Berkeley.

She cares for children and adolescents as a full-time, board-certified pediatrician in Portland, Oregon. She knows from experience what it’s like to welcome a new baby into the world and what it’s like to make sure those babies thrive in their first days, weeks, and months.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Whitney reveals how her struggles as a new mom lead to her writing a blog, which in turn became her first published book.
Having a village of mom-friends and dad-friends around you provides a much-needed network of support.
Creating a sustainable framework for herself, where she could be tuned in to her own needs, turned out to work for other moms, too.
Learn to say ‘no’ to things that do not serve you.
Learn to say ‘yes’ to the things that will give you the reserves that you need.
Dr. Whitney offers strategies to streamline your life so that you can have more time and energy for the things that you care about.
Self-care: there's a whole new movement around it.
Dr. Whitney provides her personal definition of "self-care" and suggests ways to work it into your schedule.

Thank you for listening!

Connect with Dr. Whitney:

Check out The Modern Mommy Doc’s website. podcast, Facebook page, and Instagram!

Book Mentioned:

How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids by Jancee Dunn

Links/Resources:

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Being the Biggest Champions of Our Littles with Renee Pena Lopez [IEP 167]

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0400

We can’t wait to share our wonderful conversation with you today! Our guest is Renee Pena Lopez, an Early Childhood Learning Specialist, a Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT), and the host of “The Magic of Littles” podcast!

Join us as we talk about advocacy, early intervention, the importance of play, and making sure each child receives what they need.

Show Highlights:

Renee shares her introduction into (and passion for) early childhood education.
The importance of early intervention.
Renee discusses her daughter’s challenges and abilities.
How teachers and parents are getting more educated about what a child needs, and how there’s less stigmatizing now.
How to avoid the fallout of carry-overs from one teacher to another, or from one school to the next.
Renee relates a story dear to her heart, that is related to why she chose her profession.
Play: there are many types of play and they all have a purpose.
Tips and strategies to engage with your little.

Connect with Renee!

Visit her website, check out her Facebook, follow her on Instagram, and listen to her podcast!

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Autism Acceptance Month with Nicole Ballingoff [IEP 166]

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0400

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re honored to speak with Nicole Ballingoff. Nicole is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the Regional Director at Kyo, formerly known as Gateway Learning Group. Kyo has undergone recent rebranding and other exciting changes and continues to grow across the nation.

Kyo’s focus is autism therapy and achieving results that matter to each child’s future.

Today, Nicole discusses ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), consistency, and the value of collaboration. She also shares some tips on easing a child through the “at-home” to “in-person” transition!

We hope you join us for this intriguing conversation!

Show Highlights:

Nicole describes the different ABA therapy options offered by Kyo.
ABA is the science of using the principles of reinforcement to teach skills.
Nicole shares common misconceptions around ABA therapy.
Collaboration with all teams in a child’s life is essential in achieving the best possible outcomes for that child.
Kyo’s services are provided in the school, the home, and the community.
Now that more things are opening up again, Kyo will resume their outdoor activities at parks.
Nicole discusses the benefits they discovered during Tele-Health sessions.
Nicole offers strategies for easing a child through the “at-home” to “in-person” transition!

Connect with Nicole!

Learn more about Kyo

Nicole’s LinkedIn

Links/Resources:

Thank you for listening!

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The Special Needs Mom Podcast with Kara Ryska [IEP 165]

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Show Highlights:

Kara relates the story behind her becoming a special-needs mom.
Kara went from feeling ill-equipped to being a mom of a child with special needs to actually becoming a life coach for other special-needs moms.
“The Special Needs Mom Podcast” is a combination of Kara sharing life stories, the things that she’s currently learning, and she also interviews other special needs moms.
Kara shares the differences in challenges between what her son experienced as a toddler compared to what he experiences as an eleven-year-old.
Building community with other moms or being a part of groups for specific diagnoses can be amazing support systems.

Connect with Kara!

Visit her website, listen to her podcast, follow her on Instagram, and download her FREE “A Mom’s Guide to Self-Care”.

Links/Resources:

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.

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How the IDEAL Program is Empowering Student Voices [IEP 164]

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0400

If you’ve never heard of the Inclusive Digital Expression and Literacy (IDEAL) program out of Georgia State University, you’re in for a treat!

IDEAL is an inclusive, post-secondary education program with a unique focus on creative and digital media.

We are so excited to bring you this conversation with Cara Davis, who serves as the Academic Access Coordinator for the IDEAL Program, and other members of the IDEAL team (Deriq Graves, Banji Bamidele, and Teymbi Toliver Tannis) for an insightful and inspiring look inside this empowering program.

Show Highlights:

IDEAL is a 2-year program where students specialize in their area of interest in the creative and digital media fields.
IDEAL students audit Georgia State University courses in their areas.
Internship is integrated into the program because the goal, upon completion of the program, is to become gainfully employed.
Cara discusses their apprenticeship model.
Team members share their individual perspectives on peer mentorship and support, social coaching, and what it’s like to be a student in the program.
Cara provides an overview of the process for starting up a program.
Teymbi discusses how the IDEAL program has grown over the four years she’s been involved.
Team members relate some of their favorite stories and experiences.

Thank you for listening!

For More Information:

IDEAL - Center for Leadership in Disability

Faces of IDEAL

Email: ideal@gsu.edu

Links/Resources:

Thank you for listening!

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Finding Your Way Back to Happiness with Robin Williams Evans [IEP 163]

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Among many other roles and accomplishments, our guest today, Robin Williams Evans, is a wife, a mother to a child with severe disabilities, an ordained minister, a coach to families with special-needs children, and author of the Washington Post best-seller, Living a Happy Life with a Special-Needs Child: A Parent’s Perspective.

As Robin explains, for the first two years after the birth of her son, Wyatt, she was in an emotionally dark place because she wasn’t prepared for the journey of being a parent to a special-needs child.

Listen in to this inspiring conversation around the importance of self-care, and finding and keeping happiness and your peace of mind.

Show Highlights:

Robin shares the circumstances surrounding the birth of her son, Wyatt.
Both Robin and her husband went through the process of grief differently and on different time-tables.
There is no shame in seeking professional help when mourning the loss of your child’s abilities. As Robin attests, there is happiness to be found in the struggle, and she feels that she and her husband evolved into better people for it.
Posttraumatic Growth by Richard G. Tedeschi, Jane Shakespeare-Finch, Kanako Taku, and Lawrence G. Calhoun, is a book in which this relatively new field of science (by the same name) details how positive change can come after traumatic experiences.
We are all faced with the decision of trying to make things better or to allow life to crush us at every turn. It’s a choice, every single time. Robin encourages us to choose to be happy.
For special needs families, and especially for those with medically-complex children, it’s key to having a flexible mindset.
Women are often socialized to believe that we can do it all by ourselves and we tend to be uncomfortable asking for help. It is not a weakness to ask for help!
Robin’s passion is to help other families find and maintain happiness by teaching them how to choose the way they organize their lives.

Connect with Robin!

Visit Robin’s website, follow her on Instagram, like her on Facebook, or email her at robin@robinwilliamsevans.com.

Links/Resources:

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.

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What the Past Can Teach Us with Rachel Lissy [IEP 162]

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0400

We’re excited to get to speak with Rachel Lissy, an educational consultant for the podcast series, “Nice White Parents”!

Listen in to hear the inside scoop on how the podcast came about, the role she played in it, and what her own research and experience reveal about the intersection of integration and the discipline gap.

Show Highlights:

Rachel details her background and how she became interested and involved in integration.
The “discipline gap” is disproportionate racialized discipline, which are ways in which students of color are suspended and expelled at higher rates.
Rachel works for Ramapo for Children, an organization that started in 1922.
Rachel shares how she hopes to see education in schools going forward.
Integration and inclusion is hard work for everyone, as Rachel explains.
How we learn from the past gives us hope that we will have the tools to build a more integrated and inclusive future.
Every school has a story to tell!

Connect with Rachel!

Rachel’s email: rlissy@ramapoforchildren.org

Rachel’s personal website: Rachel Lissy, PhD

Links/Resources:

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.

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Disabilities Awareness Month with Lee Lombardo [IEP 161]

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0400

We’re so pleased to talk today with Lee Lombardo from the YMCA of Orange County. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1996 and has been in the fields of social services and mental health since the mid-80s. Lee has always had a heart to serve vulnerable populations in the community.

The programs that Lee currently oversees are two that focus on those with developmental disabilities. One program is for adults and the other one that is our focus today is for children ages 3-17.

Join us for this incredible glimpse inside their children’s program and be sure to stay tuned for information on an upcoming event organized by the YMCA of Orange County, in honor of Disabilities Awareness Month!

Show Highlights:

Lee describes some of the varied programs offered by the YMCA.
One program that she oversees is for children with developmental or intellectual disabilities, whose parents work and need a place to be after school.
This particular program provides one-to-one aides for children with special needs in their after-school programs throughout Orange County.
Each child who comes into the program gets an assessment and individualized goals.
The aide works with the child on the goals, and also works with the site staff and other children towards “their” child’s inclusion in all the program’s activities.
Lee’s provides an overview of the program training for staff, but it all starts with the principle that all kids are different.
In honor of Disabilities Awareness Month, the YMCA of Orange County will be presenting Caring for a Child with Special Needs - A Panel Discussion on Thursday, March 18, 2021, from 6 PM – 7:30 PM PDT. This is a panel of experts (including our very own Vickie Brett!!) discussing everything from early detection, resources for your child, and advocacy support with school intervention. Following will be an attendee Q&A. Click HERE to register for this FREE online event!

For More Information:

YMCA of Orange County - Community Services

Lee’s Phone #: (714) 508-7643

Lee’s email

Caring for a Child with Special Needs - A Panel Discussion

Thursday, March 18, 2021

6PM – 7:30PM PDT

Click HERE to register for this FREE online event!

Help Me Grow - Developmental Screening and Monitoring - In English and en Español

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

So What's A Routine Life, Anyway? With Andrew Edwards [IEP 160]

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0400

We are so very pleased to share this enlightening conversation we had with Andrew Edwards, the author of three books, including the memoir, I've Got a Stat For You: My Life With Autism.

Listen in as Andrew opens up with us about his life with autism, what inspires him, what he does to maintain his positive outlook, and the legacies of determination and strength that his beloved mother left behind.

Show Highlights:

Andrew describes his experiences and ensuing opportunities leading up to writing his first book.
Andrew shares a compelling story about his mother, Hazel Davies, and her gift of persuasion.
What a person is able to accomplish is often clouded by pessimism and negativity.
Andrew explains some of the lesser-known traits associated with autism, such as eating disorders.
Andrew addresses discrimination and how last summer’s events enabled much-needed conversations.
How exercise training helped him manage his autism was the inspiration for Andrew’s latest book, A Vision of Exercise: Tales of Inspiring People and Organisations
Mentorship tips from Andrew.

Connect with Andrew!

Visit his website

Check out his Steel, Bat and Ball: A Pictorial History of Brymbo Football and Cricket Club 1882-2015

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Striving Towards Multiracial Democracy with Andrew Lefkowits [IEP 159]

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0400

We’re excited to share this enlightening conversation with you today. It will give you a whole new meaning of the term “good schools” and it will give you a reason to consider the benefits of an integrated school.

Our guest, Andrew Lefkowits, is part of the leadership team at Integrated Schools and is the host of the Integrated Schools Podcast. Integrated Schools is a grass-roots organization started back in 2015 with the focus on parents with the racial or economic privilege to engage in the education system in a different way than they have in the past, in the hope that all kids are learning together and strides toward true, multiracial democracy are being made.

Show Highlights:

Andrew explains why he has trouble with the traditionally-understood meaning of “good schools”.
Integrated Schools started out as a blog by Courtney Everts Mykytyn, and Andrew shares how their lives intersected.
Desegregation and integration: defining the differences.
Children have to be a central part of the difficult conversations.
We are not providing the same education to all our children.
Create a supportive environment for people to do their self-work so that they can learn to engage in a more helpful way.

Connect with Integrated Schools!

Visit their website, like them on Facebook, follow them on Instagram, and listen to their podcast!

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Building Blind and Low-Vision Community with Will Butler [IEP 158]

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Our guest today is Will Butler, Vice-President of Community of the Be My Eyes app. If you haven’t heard of this app yet, we think that you’re going to be blown away when you learn how a small act of kindness can have such a big impact in the lives of blind and low-vision people.

Listen in to learn more about this app, the people behind it, who it reaches, and how it stretches across a global community with a bold, yet simple, mission in mind. We hope you come away with the same sense of “wow” as we did!

Show Highlights:

Will shares the compelling beginnings of the Be My Eyes app., which launched in January 2015.
Overnight, more than 10,000 people signed up to volunteer. Today, there are 4.5 million volunteers supporting about 300,000 blind and low-vision people in 185 languages.
Most calls only average 2-3 minutes.
Will explains the simple process of signing up to volunteer and what an actual call is like from a volunteer’s perspective.
Will describes users of the app, which extends far beyond what we think of as blind and low-vision people.
Most of the people with disabilities in this world do not identify as disabled, so when it comes to inclusion, accessibility, and making progress, that can be a big hurdle.
“Be My Eyes for Work” is the latest software feature.
Connection times over the last six years has been one of the biggest challenges. That time is now down to an average of 30 seconds for every language. In the English language, connection time is down to around seven seconds!
If you work at a company that wants to support the blind community in a greater way, partner with Be My Eyes, the biggest blind community in the world. These partnerships keep the app free and unlimited for the 4.5 million volunteers!

Connect with Will!

Visit Be My Eyes - To download apps, check out their social media pages, read their blog, read community stories, and more!

Partner with Be My Eyes to help your customers, employees, and stakeholders who require visual assistance.

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Getting Your Voice Heard with Leah Moore [IEP 157]

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Our guest for this episode is Leah Moore, a high school English teacher and a 2009 recipient of the prestigious, “Teacher of the Year” award, which is presented to ten New York City Teachers annually.

She also teaches adaptive theater to mostly non-verbal students, which gave her an opportunity to learn a whole new way to approach a curriculum that she knows and loves. Leah is passionate about storytelling and getting your voice heard, whether that voice is in a traditional, general education classroom, a non-traditional theater. or a non-traditional, special-education theater class.

We can’t wait to share this interview with you!

Show Highlights:

Leah reveals how her daughter’s diagnosis of Cri Du Chat has shaped her own understanding of what education, access, and inclusion looks like for her.
Leah also has twin sons, one of which has special needs.
Advocacy and connecting to other parents have become very important to Leah.
#explodethenarrative - Leah shares her thoughts on this hashtag and what inspired her to start writing her memoir.
The secrets to a joyful and successful adaptive theater classroom.
A very important lesson that Leah has learned in her adaptive theater classroom that is great outside the classroom, as well, is to just let things take the time they take.
Parents need to give themselves permission to make a mess of things and to leave the shame and the guilt behind.
How being in a classroom with special needs kids has changed Leah’s perspective as a parent of special needs children.

Connect with Leah!

Visit Leah’s website, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram!

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

The Money, Career, and Motherhood Podcast with Janice Scholl [IEP 156]

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Today we’re joined by fellow podcaster, Janice Scholl of “Money, Career, and Motherhood Podcast”. You’re in for a treat (and some reflective moments!) as our conversation centers not only around the intersection of money, career, and motherhood but the wild cards that appear in our lives, at times!

We hope you join us!

Show Highlights:

Janice shares her background and her experience when her family lived overseas.
Living in foreign countries gave Janice a new perspective on what really mattered to her, much as the Covid-19 pandemic has.
Going from a full professional identity to a full motherhood identity is not easy. It’s better to blend the two.
Janice relates the challenges she and her husband had with their first daughter and the realization that they had to advocate for her.
Taking career breaks can lead to entrepreneurship!
The ‘a-ha’ moment when Janice realized she wanted to help other mothers navigate the blending of money, career, and motherhood.
Even if your husband takes care of the family finances, you should still be financially involved in decisions.
There is a value to our time, especially for moms who have stayed at home for any time.
The way you talk about money can help reinforce the family values that you’re trying to teach your kids.
Janice’s advice to women who are thinking about taking career breaks.

Connect with Janice!

Visit her Website, like her on Facebook, follow her on Instagram, and listen to her Podcast!

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Relationship is Key with Lauren and Chantel from Stowell Learning Center [IEP 155]

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Ever since we talked to Jill Stowell, Founder and Executive Director of Stowell Learning Center, some time ago about Getting to the Root of Learning and Attention Challenges [IEP 090] and hearing about how evidence-based science and clinically researched programs encourage the brain to develop new, and more effective neurological pathways, we have been looking forward to learning even more about what their programs have to offer.

That’s why we’re so excited to be speaking with Lauren and Chantel from Stowell Learning Center today. They’re going to catch us up on where we left off with Jill, and we can’t wait to share this intriguing conversation with you!

For some great parent resources or to schedule a free consultation, visit Stowell Learning Center. They have four locations in Southern California: Chino, Irvine, Pasadena, and Thousand Oaks.

Show Highlights:

Starting off with a functional assessment reveals not only academic skills but the underlying thinking and processing skills, as well.
Programs are customized based on needs.
Stowell Learning Center works one-on-one with students and adults with learning and attention challenges.
Most of the programs at Stowell Learning Center focus on Core Learning Skills and Processing Skills. Cognitive training these underlying skills so that the academics, the behavior, and the functioning agree.
Onsite learning is currently available at the Stowell Learning Center. They also offer hybrid and completely remote sessions, as well.
Relationship is key and it’s the piece that our kids are missing with online schools.
Lauren plays a demo that illustrates to listeners what it’s like to be a 6th-grade student (with learning, attention, or auditory processing difficulties) on a Zoom session.

Links/Resources:

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.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: