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.
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.
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...
🐾 Meet Titus: Evan’s New Guide Dog Companion Hey friend, Titus After Evan Wilkerson took that much-needed break last summer, he met his new partner: Titus, a guide dog who changed his life. (If you missed last week's episode, you can catch up on Evan's story HERE.) This week, we dive into the incredible story of their match, their training, and the new level of independence Titus provides. The Day Independence Arrived As Evan and I continued our conversation, he shared some amazing details...
"Take a Break." The one thing a Paralympian wished he could tell his sick self. Hey friend, Photo courtesy of Gene and Traci Wilkerson. This week’s interview hit me hard, and I think it will for you too, especially if you or your child ever feel like the only way out of a problem is to work harder. I recently sat down with Evan Wilkerson, a blind college freshman who swims for the Men's USA Paralympic team and just won a World Championship Bronze medal. His story is one of incredible success,...
