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.
When the world says "panic," faith says "anchor" ⚓ Hi Friend, Last week, John Fela and I talked about the "trenches"—the medical crises and the marital strain that can make you feel like you’re drowning. But today, we’re talking about what happens when you finally find your footing. When your child receives a diagnosis or life takes a sudden, terrifying turn, the world tells you to panic. But as John shared with me in the conclusion of our interview, there is a spiritual posture that says...
When the "expected" life changes: A raw conversation Hi Friend, I’m coming to you today with a conversation that I think you’re going to need to sit with for a while. In this week’s episode (#147), I sat down with Disability Advocate and author John Fela. I didn’t want to spend our time talking about the perfect IEP or the best therapy techniques—I wanted to talk about the things we often hide: the terrifying moment of a sudden medical crisis, the reality of marital strain, and the deep,...
Are they just "invited to the party"? 💃 Hi friend, I talk to so many parents who feel relieved when they see their child placed in a "regular" classroom. It feels like a win, right? It feels like we’ve finally achieved inclusion. But lately, I’ve been asking myself—and the parents I coach—a harder question: Is your child actually included, or are they just sitting in the room? There is a massive difference between proximity and belonging. Too often, I see children sitting in the back of the...
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