One of my most favorite and successful strategies has very little to do with negotiation strategy. Rather, it is founded in a desire to make meetings as efficient as possible... but it has a huge positive impact. In today's episode I share my tried and true strategy of requesting a draft of an IEP prior to the meeting and then submitting written questions, comments, and ideas back to the school team prior to the meeting. This strategy was meant to simply be efficient, but it has had a huge impact of IEP meetings for me. I hope you find it helpful, too ..read more

I talk to about one professional a week about an Inclusion case. Attorneys, advocates, outpatient therapists, social workers, pediatricians, and so many other professionals have questions about Inclusion. I'm not only honored that these colleagues call me, but I'm also always excited to geek out about Inclusion and to provide my insight. The only group of folks that I consistently disappoint is the attorneys. Why? Because my approach to inclusion cases is really hands-on. It's practical. It's communicative. It's sometimes even messy. In today's episode, I'll give you some of the practical tips ..read more

Oh, the emails I got! I posted about IEEs in my stories a few weeks ago, and I got so many messages from professionals asking about them. I took those questions as a sign that we needed to spend a second more on IEEs here on the pod. So, let's take a step backwards and hammer in on a few basics on Individual Education Evaluations. Fact One: They're free. Fact Two: They're intended to level the playing field for parents in special education. Now that I have you attention, tune in to the whole episode for more!!!! Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/Mnj8VduBVK7 ..read more

Last week I attended the COPAA Conference, and a session on IEEs, presented by esteemed VA SPED attorney, Melissa Waugh, I had an epiphany about cognitive testing. Many of my clients that have kids with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities shy away from cognitive/ IQ testing. In this episode, we'll ponder (yet another) reason why this may not be a great idea. I promise to invite Melissa to be on the pod, too, because man alive, she's a wealth of information ..read more

Last week I presented at COPAA, the Counsel for Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates, which is my favorite conference of the year. The topic of my presentation matches this week's podcast topic. Maybe soon I'll invite my co-presenter, the amazing Melissa Waugh, from Virginia's famous and wonderful firm, The Belkowitz Firm, on to the pod. But for now, i want to share an experience with you, and then I want to dive into the shallow end of SDI with you. It has been my recently experience that district's arent's providing SDI, and worse, don't know it. What can you do about it? Transcript: https://sh ..read more

If your brain gets overwhelmed with all of the tasks, and if you soul likes lists, this episode is for you! Diagnosis, Therapies, Advocacy, Inclusion, Caregiving... Oh My! In Kelley Coleman's new book, which shares the name of this episode, she shares insights, including advice from experts, on each of those topics (and several others). Her advice includes background information, stories of others, what worked for her own family, lists, templates, and so many other tools! This is a book you'll want on your bookshelf... and Kelley's a friend you're going to want and need for the next several ye ..read more

Not only do I love where our friend, Katie Larew, lives (#SoCal)... I love EVERYthing Katie Larew shares over at Assistive Technology for Dyslexia! AT is such a wide-ranging topic, and AT supports can positively impact outcomes for SO many students. However, there remain so many myths about and impediments to getting good technological supports at school. Thank heavens for Katie! In today's episode we talk all things AT, and we also fangirl about the sun and surf!!!! Join us in this fun, light-hearted episode! And also I promise to have Katie back when I'm not essentially mid-root-canal! Trans ..read more

Sometimes you meet somehow whose life parallels yours so significantly that its hard to believe. If you've had any discussions regarding inclusion at your school, you're going to want to listen to what Suzanne Lezotte has to say in today's episode. Suzanne feels so passionate about inclusive practices that she wrote a book, "Raising Owen: An Extra-ordinary memoir on motherhood." Suzanne's outlook on inclusion, life, and motherhood is important and so relatable. Hope you love this week's episode!!! Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/kbEsgkh2M3G Born and raised in Michigan in a family o ..read more

We're keeping with our theme of caregiver supports this week... but today we're also focusing on supporting our children. This week's conversation is one of my favorites of all time. Lauren McKenzie is the real deal. She's a former teacher (yes, she's taught every grade from K-12... I told ya she's the real deal), and now she's a coach that helps parents and schools navigate the messiness of behavior and regulation! Lauren's approach is straightforward, respectful, humble, and effective, and I can't wait for you to learn about it! If life ever has you like ?, this episode's for you! Yes, I kno ..read more

When I planned our Conference this year, I knew I wanted at least one person that could not only talk about caregiver fatigue and teacher burn out but also to provide us with strategies! And that's how I found Bryan Holyfield! Bryan's own journey as teacher-turned-trainer and his experience in helping parents that are struggling to manage all the things is so inspiring and helpful. Bryan's outlook on life is so inspiring. He believes in doing the work, celebrating the success, and listening to yourself. I can't wait to share today's episode with you! Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view ..read more