In the latest episode of the Stop Being Invisible Podcast, Dr. Ingrid Amorini-Klimek and I do a deep dive in the world of accommodations and explore questions like: how do accommodations relate to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? What are some…

As we shop for gifts for our friends, family, and loved ones during the holidays (and throughout the year), it is important to consider both what we are purchasing as well as the company we are purchasing the gifts from. I have shared this harrowing statistic before, but 85% of…

As I continue to consult with parents and educators, the underlining theme that is continually expressed is either “parent non-participation” or “educator non-participation” in IEP meetings. This is not a new problem! Parents might feel intimidated because of a number of uncomfortable conditions that may exist at IEP meetings. To…

“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” — Alexander Den Heijer There have been many times during my educational career that I have used this saying to explain to educators that, in order for some students to be successful with their…

In the United States, special education is governed by four major federal statuses: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), along with numerous state laws. Education is not mentioned in…

Do you understand the difference between IEP and 504 plans? In conversations with parents, there seems to be a lot of confusion between these two types of plans and how each can support their special needs child in school. …

For many parents and educators of autistic children, life since March 2020 has been stressful, to say the least. Lilian Burns shares a heart-wrenching perspective of what the past few months have been like for her and her preschool-aged son, Tripp, who is on the autism spectrum. “I still feel…

As more schools are returning to in-person instruction this fall, I see many educators concerned about their students’ transition back to a physical classroom. If that sounds like you (or someone you know), here are three easy, tech-focused tips to help you and your students. Please forward this email to…

I wanted to share a few quotes that inspire me in lieu of the usual weekly article. As I am sure you have either experienced or witnessed firsthand, society often rejects or turns their back on those who might seem “different.” Like Dr. Ingrid Amorini-Klimek wrote in her article a…