Access2Education

When you thinking of students with learning differences we don't often take time to consider students who are demeaned to be Gifted. These students tend to fall under an umbrella of Special Education where assume they can be successful no matter where we 'place' them in schools.

Today on the show I talk with Emily Edwards, owner of The Good Birth Co.. Together we talk about what school was like for her. Though one often doesn't see the challenges they must over come, Emily talks openly about what she wishes teachers and peers saw. Her need to learn to lead, to not just be smart but be able to lead a group. She did find support in teachers who challenged her lead big and small things. These experiences shaped who she is today.

In our conversation Emily also opens up about one of children who struggled to begin speaking. Looking at learning challenges from a different side of things. As a mother she was not always ready for the outcome. She has gained strength from her knowledge and supports her child through this time.

To learn more about Emily and her work with pregnancy and beyond check out her web page
The Good Birth Co.

Are you looking for help and support for your child with learning needs? Check out Access to Education for our services to see how we help families navigate through this challenging time. From in-depth work on your child's Individual Education Plan to guiding you through the process Access to Education is here to support you. Check out our SERVICES page to book a call now! 

Schools can be loud. Schools can require you to hear what is happening the classroom and if you have a hearing impairment things can be tough.

Today on the show I talk to Rhonda Tepper, a teacher and member of deaf and hard of hearing community. She has spent much or her teaching career support students with hearing impairment. 

Together we discuss how parents, teachers and other professionals can learners in the classroom.

To learning more about Access to Education and I work with families to provide support please check out my web page:
access2education.com

We all know that what we eat can have an affect on our development and function while trying to learn. On this episode we talk to nutritionist Nishta Saxton about all things food.

From reading labels to talk about about vitamins we talk about it all.

What is your greatest issue with food and your children? It's never easy to ensure we are always to doing the right thing. Have a listen to what Nishta feels is important when it comes to food.

What to contact Nishta? Check our her web page:
https://www.simplyvibrantnutrition.com/

To learn more about Access to Education and how I support families check out my web page at:
access2education.com

Do you know how music therapy can help support neurodivers child? This week on the podcast a conversation with Cheryl-Lee Campbell, a music therapist in East Toronto. She is the owner of East Toronto Music Therapy. Cheryl-Lee works with children with Autism, ADHD, anxiety and other learning challenges. In her work she helps to support her clients work on specific goals.

Take aways from our conversation:
- Music therapy helps work on goals that are not music related
- Music can help engage children in learning and seeking engagement
- Therapy session can work on goals such as strengthening, listening, self-regulation
- Therapists can work with both verbal and non-verbal children

Want to learn more about Cheryl-Lee and her work? Check out her webpage:

East Toronto Music Therapy

Are you looking for help and support for your child with learning needs? Check out Access to Education for our services to see how we help families navigate through this challenging time. From in-depth work on your child's Individual Education Plan to guiding you through the process Access to Education is here to support you. Check out our SERVICES page to book a call now! 

On this episode a conversation with Amina about her families struggle to understand her daughters needs. After adopting in 2010, after waiting through highs and lows, Amina and her husband were finally given a gift. A daughter.

This gift came with challenges unforeseen. Listen to hear how Amina and her family came to understand her daughters ADHD, FASD and Anxiety Disorder. 

This weeks episode is all about children and play! As parents we all know how important play is to our children. From imagination to motor skill development it all has an impact.

But, how is your play space organized? Is it able to cater to your child and their needs?

In this episode I am talking to Connie a teacher and playroom expert. Together we talk about play from engagement to developing play skills. Play isn't just about being in an activity and playing it's about so much more.

Key Concepts:
- Ideas of how to set up a play space
- Play if for all children, no matter their ability
- The ideas of different play items create great ability for growing and learning.

To learning about Connie and what she does check her web page:

Connie Huson Playroom Consultant

Book recommendations:
Simplicity Parenting - Raise Calmer, Happier, and more Secure Kids - By  Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross

Ted Talk:
Sir Ken Robinson - Do Schools Kill Creativity

Does your child struggle to communicate their thoughts or ideas? Not sure how to support your child with a learning difference with understanding social cues?

In today's episode I am talking to Allie, a Speech and Language Pathologist. She works with families to support their understanding of communication skills and better support children in their own skills.

Allie takes us through what a Speech Language Pathologist does and how they work together with other professionals to support the development of language, both oral and non-verbal communication.

The biggest take away from the episode is how Speech Language Pathologists can work with children from birth. Also they don't just help support speaking, they can help support with all things having to do with communication, both verbal and non-verbal.

You can find out more about working with Allie by checking out the following links below:

Express Yourself Speech - Her personal webpage
https://expressyourselfspeech.ca

The Speech and Stuttering Institute
https://www.speechandstuttering.com

The Red Oak Center
https://www.theredoak.ca

Book recommendations made by Allie:
Aiden Goes to Speech - by by Lisa Mortensen

Sammy goes to speech -  by Marissa Siegel

We Thinking Social Stories

Julia Cook Books 

Today's show is a little different from the usual one. Today I have with me, a friend Camilla,  and we have met through a Facebook group cause that's what we do these days.
She has a son who has been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder).
 
She's got a really great story to share with you and I thought it would be a fun change on the show to talk to another parent, to get their perspective, to hear their story. Because as you're listening to this, I want you to know that you are not alone.

You are not in this journey on this road by yourself. There are lots of us who have done this already and are still going through it. And we would like to share our story. I'm super excited for you to hear this story.

If you are looking for support with your student from IEP to resources check out Access to Education for more information on how I can support you. Together we can build your road map to success.

Join me today in conversation with Julia where we discuss attachment parenting it's role in supporting our children. Not only we discuss attachment parenting but we talk about the role of Social Workers in helping navigate the Special Education System.

Julia is the owner and operator of Attuned Families. She is a social worker who works with families to help them strengthen connections and understanding.

Check her webpage
Attuned Families

If you are looking for support with your student from IEP to resources check out Access to Education for more information on how I can support you. Together we can build your road map to success.

Today an extra special epodes all about the possibilities that every person has to live their dream.

My guests today are from Propeller Dance in Ottawa. A dance studio and company that believes in the inclusion of all peoples through the magic of dance. 

Propeller Dance began in 2007 to give a place for those who have disabilities to learn and enjoy dance. The company has both a professional company of dancers who perform new creations and repertoire works. They also profile dance training for children, youth and adults as well as providing education and outreach programs to schools and the wider community.

Today on the show I have with me Shara and one of her company members Jessie Huggett. Jessie has been with the company since the beginning and is both an assistant teacher and dancer with the company. She is a person with Down syndrome and has a work I Am, exploring Down syndrome and inclusion included in the I Can Dance a Better World curriculum. 

You can learn more about Propeller Dance at:

https://propellerdance.com/

Learn more about Access to Education at:

www.access2education.com