Happy Thanksgiving! Plus: Part 3 of My Conversation with Evan Wilkerson 🦃

Hey friend,

As you read this, I hope you are taking a moment to breathe deeply, turn off the chaos, and focus on everything you have to be grateful for. From my family to yours, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!🍂

In the midst of the holiday planning, let's remember the incredible gifts our children are—full of determination, unique challenges, and potential. That sense of determination is exactly what I explore in the final part of my conversation with Evan Wilkerson.

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🎧 New Podcast Episode: College Independence & Future Paralympic Plans

Episode #143: Blind College Student & Paralympic Swimmer on Campus Accessibility & Safety

For many parents, thinking about their child going away to college is stressful. For Evan Wilkerson, a blind Paralympic swimmer, it meant facing a brand-new campus, a new team, and a totally different support system.

In this final episode, Evan shares how he moved from relying on others to strategically using accommodations to protect his independence. This interview is designed as a resource for anyone supporting a teenager who is planning for their future. Evan’s experiences can be helpful no matter what type of disability your child may face, and he shared some great examples of why we want to help our children master independence skills while they’re still young.

👉 Listen to or watch Episode #143:

​Episode #143 Webpage​

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🎁 Thanksgiving Weekend Subscriber ETSY Sale! 🛍️

As a small thank you for being a part of the Water Prairie community, I’m offering exclusive discount codes for the Thanksgiving weekend!

Digital Item Super Sale (50% Off!)

I’ve just started working on adding digital products to the shop, but you can purchase those this week at half price!

• Offer: 50% off all Digital Items (e.g., creative writing journals) in my Etsy shop.
• Code: Use GOBBLE50 at checkout.

Sensory Story Set Discount (20% Off!)

Planning to snuggle up this weekend? Our popular sensory story sets make perfect gifts for early learners and those who love tactile reading.

• Offer: 20% off the Goodnight Moon or Five Little Monkeys sensory story sets.
• Code: Use FRIDAY20 at checkout.

Note: Both codes expire on Monday, December 1, 2025. Shop early to secure your items!

​https://waterprairie.etsy.com​

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Ready to Map Out Your Child's Future?

Evan’s story shows that independence is a strategic journey, not a destination. It requires planning which supports you should embrace, and which ones you want to eventually let go of.

If you’re ready to start building that strategic roadmap for your student's high school or college transition, let's talk.

• Schedule your free IEP Prep Session today:https://waterprairie.com/iepcoach​

Wishing you a weekend filled with peace, gratitude, and good food!

Tonya

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