profile

Water Prairie

Water Prairie Weekly Newsletter - 9/16/25

Published 6 months ago • 2 min read

Creating Space for What’s Next!

Hey everyone,

I've been in a state of cleaning in overdrive lately, tackling all the stuff my children have brought home from college that's been in the way for too long. I’m calling this “Creating Space for What’s Next!” It’s a lot like the start of a new school year—so much to sort through, organize, and get in order. This issue is all about that process, from the physical cleanup to getting your mental and organizational space in order for the year ahead.

Podcast Updates:

I’m excited to share Episode #137: The Future of Special Education: How IDEA Changes Will Impact Your Family. In this short news update, I dive into what’s happening with the changes in the Department of Education since our last update in August and how they might impact you and your family.

Webpage: https://waterprairie.com/2025/09/15/special-education-funding/​

video preview​

If you haven't seen it yet, last week’s episode, Episode #136: Mastering To-Do Lists as a Parent is EASIER Than You Think, is a great watch to help you stay on top of your responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.

Webpage: https://waterprairie.com/2025/09/06/productive-parents/​

video preview​

Looking Ahead to Episode 138

My next episode will be a conversation with Luba Patlakh, the founder and director of Kidology, Inc. We'll be talking about all things speech therapy, both at school and through the private sector, so be sure to tune in!

Support Businesses That Hire People with Disabilities

I'm working on compiling a list of businesses around the country that hire employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal is to create a resource on the Water Prairie website so we can all support these amazing companies. I know there are many coffee shops and other service-based businesses that have this mission.

Do you have any suggestions? Please reply to this email with the name and website of any businesses you know that fit the description.

Building Our Referral List

As I grow my IEP coaching client list, I want to have a reliable list of referrals to specialists who can help my clients' families. This is where you come in! I'm creating a list of trusted professionals to share with future clients, and I would love your recommendations.

If you know of, or have suggestions for, specialists who serve families of children with disabilities, please reply to this email with their name and contact information or website. I'm looking for therapists, coaches, and any other suggestions you think would be helpful to other parents.

IEP Tip of the Week: Get Your Documents Organized

As you tackle your own personal Fall organizing, don't forget your child's educational documents. It is so important to create a central filing system for your child’s IEP, evaluations, progress reports, and other school communications. This can be a simple three-ring binder, a dedicated digital folder on your computer, or an online filing system.

Why is this so important? When you can quickly find a document, you can be better prepared for a meeting, more confident when asking questions, and you'll avoid the stress of hunting down a specific report when you need it most.

Find Your Fun

Even when the school year is in full swing and homework battles or IEP meetings are on your mind, remember to find time to connect with your children in fun ways. A simple dance party in the kitchen, a quick game of cards, or just laughing together at a silly video can release tension and strengthen your bond.

Does anyone else enjoy a good "Bubble Wrap Stomp Dance Party?" It's one of my favorites, and my kids thought I was crazy until they joined in on the fun!

Have a great week!

Tonya

PO Box 545, Cary, NC 27512

​
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

Water Prairie

Read more from Water Prairie
A painting of a church with stained glass windows and a group of people of all abilities walking and holding hands across the front yard of the church.

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...

1 day ago • 1 min read
Man standing by a silver station wagon in parking garage

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,...

8 days ago • 1 min read
A family dance with a girl in a wheelchair and a boy with Down syndrome. Everyone is participating and happy.

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...

15 days ago • 1 min read