Ashley's back! On this episode, Mara and Ashley discuss some tips and advice for making sure you, and your child with and IEP, are prepared to head back to school. They talk about "one sheets", the current state of "full inclusion", and why it's important to communicate with the transportation department.

For templates and examples of the things they discussed, visit https://www.myheartisaiken.com/resourcelinks

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On this episode, Mara talks with her friend Tracy about the grief that comes with motherhood, whether it's mourning for the mother you thought you'd be, the grief that comes from realizing your own mother, or parents, have let you down, and how to find your way through the darkness of postpartum depression.

If you, or someone you know, is dealing with postpartum depression speak to your health care provider, or a loved one to get the care you need. There is no shame in seeking help for you and your family.

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On this episode, Mara concludes her chat with Ashley, her friend born with Usher Syndrome, as they discuss the challenges faced by a disabled person in the dating world, how a workplace can be a better ally to disabled employees, and the value in speaking your truth.

USEFUL LINKS:

Usher Syndrome: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/usher-syndrome

Training Seeing Eye Dogs: https://www.seeingeye.org/puppies-dogs/seeing-eye-dogs/training.html

How Cochlear Implants Work: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cochlear-implants/about/pac-20385021

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On this episode, Mara talks to her sister's best friend, Ashley, about discovering that she had Usher Syndrome as a young adult. If you've ever wondered what it was like to have cochlear implants, use a seeing-eye dog, or how a person communicates when they cannot hear or see then you definitely want listen to this one.

USEFUL LINKS:

Usher Syndrome: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/usher-syndrome

Training Seeing Eye Dogs: https://www.seeingeye.org/puppies-dogs/seeing-eye-dogs/training.html

How Cochlear Implants Work: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cochlear-implants/about/pac-20385021

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On this episode, Mara invites her sister Amanda back to talk about all things IEPs.* The "What", the "Why", and the try not to cry. If you're just getting started on the IEP journey, or if you've already started down this road but still have questions, then you're going to want to grab paper and pen and get ready to take notes.

Helpful Links:

IEP Binder Checklist: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/download-iep-binder-checklist

Annotated IEP: https://www.pattan.net/assets/PaTTAN/2b/2bc7d2b3-1bb2-42a4-a372-c81fe4cba007.pdf

IEP Tip Sheet: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1701848546/romaisdcom/x5mjyjmj02gornlvnngr/IEP-overview-parent.pdf

PA Procedural Safeguards: https://odr-pa.org/parent-resources/procedural-safeguards-notice/

PaTTAN: https://www.pattan.net/Publications/Education-ABCs

PA Back to School Guide: https://www.elc-pa.org/2023-back-to-school-guide-for-pa-students-and-families/

*All information in this podcast is based on Pennsylvania IEP procedures. If you live in another state please review your states regulations.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.