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Demystifying the IEP process stands at the heart of educational advocacy for students with disabilities. In this comprehensive conversation with Kyla Bishop, staff attorney at Disability Rights Arkansas, we unpack the legal framework, timeline, and practical aspects of Individualized Education Plans that every parent and educator should understand.

Many families first encounter special education through a medical diagnosis or teacher recommendation, but few realize an IEP is actually a legally binding document that obligates schools to provide specially designed instruction at no cost to parents. Kyla walks us through the entire process – from initial referral (which triggers a strict timeline) to the comprehensive evaluation that assesses everything from academic achievement to adaptive functioning. 

The mechanics of IEP meetings reveal important parental rights that often go unexplained: parents can request meetings anytime, bring supporters without district permission, and should receive complete copies of all documentation. For students approaching adulthood, we explore the transition of rights at age 18 and the critical transition services that must begin at 16 to prepare students for life beyond high school – whether their path leads to college, vocational training, employment or independent living.

Perhaps most valuable is Kyla's practical guidance on navigating common challenges within the system. She emphasizes that only two circumstances allow schools to end services: when a student either receives a regular diploma or reaches age 21. Throughout our conversation, her message to parents remains consistent: stay vigilant, document everything in writing, and remember you're not alone in this journey.

Whether you're new to special education advocacy or a seasoned IEP team participant, this episode provides crucial insights to help ensure students receive the educational support they're legally entitled to receive. Connect with Disability Rights Arkansas if you need individual guidance on your specific situation.

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What if I told you there was a time when people with disabilities were routinely hidden away in institutions, segregated from society with no meaningful options for living independently? In this eye-opening episode, DRA staff attorney Derek Henderson takes us on a journey through the evolution of disability rights and services, focusing on the game-changing system known as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

Derek explains how shocking exposés of institutional abuse in the 1970s catalyzed a movement that led to landmark legislation protecting disability rights. Most crucially, he breaks down a Supreme Court decision that established a legal mandate: states must provide services allowing people with disabilities to live in their communities rather than institutions, or risk committing illegal discrimination. As Derek puts it, "It's not just some nice aspiration or goal, it's what is required."

But what do these services actually look like in practice? We explore the various supports available through HCBS, from direct care assistance with daily activities to access to medical care and cutting-edge assistive technologies. Derek walks through the differences between services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities versus those with behavioral health needs, giving listeners a concrete understanding of what support is potentially available.

For anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed navigating the labyrinth of Medicaid services and appeals processes, this episode offers practical guidance. Derek shares self-advocacy strategies, explains how to appeal service denials, and emphasizes the critical importance of meeting appeal deadlines. As he compassionately reminds listeners who may feel lost in the complexity: "You are not alone. We are here to help."

Whether you're a person with a disability, a family member, an advocate, or simply someone interested in understanding disability rights better, this conversation provides crucial knowledge about a system designed to support community living and independence. 

Resources: https://disabilityrightsar.org/home-and-community-based-settings-hcbs-rule/ 

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What if navigating the dating world could be as empowering as it is challenging, especially when visible disabilities come into play? Join us as we sit down with Disability Rights Arkansas team members, co-host Jamie, and our insightful guests Wensday Kramer and Sherice Smith, to explore the evolving landscape of dating with disabilities. We discuss the pros and cons of online and in-person dating, as Wednsday shares her journey of stepping away from dating apps, and Sherice highlights the accessibility and convenience these platforms provide. Together, we uncover the essence of forming genuine connections, looking beyond societal perceptions, and focusing on authenticity and self-acceptance.

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In this episode of Including You, we explore the Arkansas legislative session of 2025 and its implications for the disability community. Join host Amber Quaid as she speaks with Christian Adcock, a voting rights and public policy specialist at Disability Rights Arkansas.

They discuss the ins and outs of the legislative process, the types of legislation on the horizon, and how individuals can get involved to advocate for their rights. From understanding the importance of committee meetings to the power of public testimony, this episode is packed with essential information for anyone looking to make their voice heard.

Tune in to learn how you can impact legislation that affects you and your community!

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[It's the Little Things: A Conversation about Accessibility Annoyances]

In this episode, we dive into the shared yet unique experiences of navigating life with disabilities. While our individual journeys differ in onset and nature, we all agree on one thing: life is never boring. From the amusing to the absurd, we unpack the well-meaning but misguided comments, awkward encounters, and everyday frustrations that come with living in a world that doesn’t always get it. Join us as we share personal stories, reflect on these "little things," and prove that a sense of humor isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

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Welcome to a special episode of 'Including You', where we discuss creating an inclusive holiday experience that goes far beyond the wrapping paper and ribbons. Hear from Mollie Hernandez and Jen Goodwin share how to make sure your holiday activities are inclusive for all.

We cover everything from accommodating food sensitivities with grace to ensuring the physical space is navigable for guests with disabilities. And because no holiday is complete without the shared experience of a classic film, we reveal simple tweaks like audio descriptions and closed captioning that can bring everyone together. With our guests' personal anecdotes and a little tech magic from gadgets like heated blankets and smart home scent systems, we'll guide you through a holiday season where inclusion and innovation make for the perfect celebration.

Guests: 

• Mollie Hernandez, Advocate, DRA
• Jen Goodwin, Attorney, DRA

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Have you ever felt the weight of underrepresentation or wondered how to navigate the workplace with a disability? Join us as we bring the conversation to the forefront with the employment team at Disability Rights Arkansas. Wednesday, Molly, and Jen discuss their personal journeys navigating employment with a disability. They pull back the curtain on the obstacles faced and their battles for representation.

As we delve deeper, we shift the spotlight to self-advocacy and building soft skills, crucial elements for workplace success. Our guests impart wisdom on the importance of accommodations and how to advocate for them. They also share their insights on fostering an inclusive workspace and the resources that can bolster individuals with disabilities to thrive in their careers. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that serves as a roadmap for individuals with disabilities navigating the workplace, filled with recommendations, resources, and the power of persistence.

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Natural disasters can happen anywhere and to anyone – they don’t discriminate. But when the power is out, transportation is limited, or you are isolated from others – it can be detrimental to the disability community. We are here with Logan Perkes, from Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA, to talk about how FEMA can help people with disabilities and how we can prepare in case of said disasters.

Guest: 

• Logan Perkes, Management Analyst | Portfolio Disability Integration Specialist 
  FEMA Region 6 | Texas Integration and Recovery Office

Helpful Links: 

• People with Disabilities | Ready.gov 
• Emergency Preparedness for Arkansans with Functional and Access Needs - Arkansas Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities – Resource with Video and Checklists in English, Spanish, and Marshallese
• Find a CERT | Ready.gov (fema.gov) 
• Emergency Management Coordinators - Arkansas Department of Public Safety – ADEM Area Coordinators
• DRA Emergency Preparedness Toolkit

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In part 2 of our travel series, we start at the beginning – where you stay and things to consider when booking it – whether that is a hotel, Air B&B or VRBO. We are also highlighting some great tips to be sure you can truly be involved in your next beach or ski trip.

Guests

• Jen Goodwin -  Staff Attorney, Disability Rights Arkansas
• Mollie Goodwin - Advocate, Disability Rights Arkansas

Helpful Links

• Visit our Website
• Accessibility at AR State Parks
• Interagency Access Pass
• iCAN
• National Sports Center for the Disabled 
• Achilles International
• AllTrails

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Summer has officially kicked off, and for a lot of people, that means travel. We don’t want that to intimidate anyone. Today our guests will share not just tips but real-world experiences from their travels, good and bad. 

Guests: 

• Mollie Hernandez, Advocate
• Jen Goodwin, Staff Attorney

Helpful Links: 

• US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs
• US Department of Transportation 
• Air Carrier Access Act
• ADA Resources
• DOT 2021 Air Travel Complaint Data
• Travel Tips
• Accessibility at AR State Parks
• Interagency Access Pass

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