Summer may be winding down, but the ocean of opportunities for our kids is as vast as ever. We're casting our nets wide this week, exploring how to prepare visually impaired students for the college journey and introducing some new treasures on the Water Prairie website.
Podcast Updates:
This week, we're making a big splash with our latest episode:
EP 132. How The ADA Forced Schools To Change Everything!: Last week, we celebrated the 35th anniversary of the ADA. In this episode, we dive deeper into the powerful impact this landmark law has had specifically on our schools and the special education system. You can learn more here:
Next Episode: Navigating College with Vision Loss!
I'm so excited to welcome back one of my very first guests, Olivia Wilkerson, for our next episode! Olivia is now a college student and will be sharing invaluable tips for visually impaired students heading off to college this fall. She'll also offer advice for younger students, helping them build the skills they need to succeed in college after high school. Olivia, who has Leber's Congenital Amaurosis, has a powerful story, and I can't wait for you to hear what she has to share.
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Explore More on the Water Prairie Website!
I’ve been working on updates to the Water Prairie website, and I'm thrilled to share some new resources with you:
​IEP Coaching Page: I’m so excited to announce the launch of the new IEP Coaching page! This is where you can learn more about how I can support you in navigating the special education system for your child. If you know a parent who could use a guide on their journey, please share this page with them!
​The Water Prairie Blog: Our blog features helpful summaries of many podcast episodes and other valuable information for parents of children with disabilities. It’s a great place to get a quick recap or find new insights.
​New Shopping Page: The shopping page has been updated with direct links to the Water Prairie Etsy shop and my Amazon author page. I’m currently working on adding creative writing journals and story starter sets for teachers and homeschool families to both platforms this fall. As a thank you to our community, you can get 15% off all Etsy purchases through the end of August with the promo code SUMMER25.
Speaking Opportunities:
I'm now booking speaking engagements to share my expertise with local organizations near Raleigh, NC, and virtually with groups everywhere. If you know of a group that would benefit from a special IEP training session or workshop, I’d love to speak with them about one of these topics:
The Art of the Parent Input Statement
How to Improve Communication with Your Child’s School
The 5 Most Common IEP Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Avoid Them!)
Top 10 Questions to Ask at Every IEP Meeting
IEP Coaching: Your Anchor in the Storm
Just as a strong ship needs a captain to navigate through choppy waters, every child’s special education journey needs a knowledgeable guide. The IEP process can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, you can steer a course toward success.
I'm here to help you gain the confidence to advocate effectively for your child.
If you're ready to set a clear course, I invite you to visit our new IEP Coaching page to learn more about my services and schedule a free consultation.
From 1916 Room Service to the 2026 IEP Table 🍽️ 1916 Hotel Silver by Reed & Barton I’m writing to you today from a very cluttered desk! Between final preparations for the Disability & the Church conference next week and a stack of tarnished silver waiting for the "Touch of Tartar" workshop, my hands (and my schedule) are quite full. I have to share a quick "restoration win" with you. I’ve been researching a $5 estate sale find—a piece of hotel silver by Reed & Barton. It was so heavily...
A Sunday "Pause" (and the reality of Financial Burnout) 📉 Happy Sunday! It has been a beautiful, busy family weekend over here—so busy, in fact, that I’m landing in your inbox a couple of days later than usual. But honestly? Sometimes prioritizing family is the best way to combat the exact topic we’re diving into this week: Burnout. While we often talk about the emotional weight of caregiving, there is a specific, heavy exhaustion that often goes unnamed: Financial Burnout. In this week’s...
A breath of Spring (and a tiny "pause") 🌷 This painting was made by my daughter, Emily, when she was in middle school. Watch for her designs on the Water Prairie Etsy Shop! A warm welcome to the new members of our community! I’ve had several of you join us this past week through the IEP Checklist, and I am so glad you’re here. Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis or you’re a seasoned advocate, this is a space built specifically for you. Happy Good Friday! With Easter just two days away,...
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