Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent

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Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent episodes

October 22, 2024108: Advocacy for Section 504 Plans
In this episode, Wendy Taylor breaks down Section 504 and shares essential advocacy strategies to help parents and educators secure the right accommodations for students with disabilities. From understanding 504 plans to out-of-the-box accommodations and dispute resolution tips, Wendy equips listeners with practical tools to navigate the special education system effectively.

Episode Highlights:
What is Section 504?: A federal law that ensures students with disabilities have equal access to education through tailored accommodations.
Creative Accommodations: Beyond extended time, consider options like flexible scheduling, chunking assignments, and alternative assessments.
Advocacy Tips: Be specific, present data, build positive relationships, and know your rights to effectively advocate for your student.
About Wendy Taylor:
Wendy Taylor is an Educational Therapist and IEP Coach with over 19 years of experience. She leads Learning Essentials, specializing in special education services like reading intervention and executive function support.

Connect with Wendy Taylor:
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Website: Learning Essentials
Review the Podcast: Apple Podcasts
Listen: The Special Ed Strategist
Resources:
Wrightslaw – Special education law and advocacy.
OCR – Section 504 resources.
NDRN – Disability rights support.
Thanks for listening! Like, subscribe, and share for more special education insights.
16 min
October 15, 2024107: Navigating Parenthood and Special Needs Advocacy with Susanna Peace Lovell
Episode Overview
In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, host Wendy Taylor sits down with Susanna Peace Lavelle, an author, speaker, life coach, and advocate dedicated to supporting the disability community. Susanna shares her personal journey as a mother to a daughter with multiple diagnoses, including autism, and how this experience has shaped her life's work. The conversation covers the highs and lows of navigating the world of special needs parenting, strategies for advocacy, and practical advice for parents seeking support in their child’s educational journey.

About the Guest: Susanna Peace Lavelle
Susanna Peace Lavelle is an accomplished author, professional life coach, and advocate for families navigating the challenges of special needs. She founded her mission on helping parents unlock their potential while supporting their children. Susanna’s book, Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism, offers insights into her experiences and the lessons learned through raising her daughter, Arizona.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode
We Are Brave Together: A supportive community for moms of children with special needs. Website
Regional Centers for Developmental Disabilities: Services and support available for families dealing with special needs. Visit your local regional center for more information.
Parent Support Organizations: Seek out local advocacy groups that can help guide you through the IEP process.
Connect with Susanna Peace Lavelle
For more information about Susanna Peace Lavelle, her work, or to reach out directly:
Website: https://www.susannapeacelovell.com/
Book: Amazon Link
Contact Wendy Taylor
Stay connected with Wendy Taylor and explore more resources on special education:
Instagram: Learning Essentials Instagram
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor LinkedIn
Facebook: Learning Essentials Facebook
Website: Learning Essentials Website
Review Podcast: Apple Podcasts
Listen to Podcast: The Special Ed Strategist Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or sharing it with someone who might benefit from the insights shared by Susanna and Wendy. Don't forget to subscribe to The Special Ed Strategist Podcast for more episodes that empower and inform families navigating special education.
54 min
October 08, 2024106: IEP Strategy: Navigating Section 504 Plans – Strategies for Success
In this solo episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor dives deep into Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the critical role it plays in supporting students with disabilities. Whether you're a parent navigating a 504 Plan for the first time or an educator looking to collaborate more effectively, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Wendy walks you through:
What a 504 Plan is and how it differs from an IEP.
How accommodations like extended test time, preferential seating, and assistive technology support students in general education.
The importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and school staff to ensure successful student support.
Innovative tools and strategies that can enhance the learning experience, from sensory breaks to interactive educational platforms.
Tips for parents to uncover hidden supports and ask the right questions for their child’s individual needs.
Continuous monitoring of the 504 Plan to ensure that it remains relevant as your child grows and evolves.
Key Takeaways:
Advocacy is essential—parents and educators need to work hand in hand to ensure the student’s success.
Uncover hidden supports like sensory breaks and interactive tools that can make learning more accessible and engaging.
Regularly review and adapt the 504 Plan to meet the evolving needs of the student.
If you’re a parent or educator, this episode provides valuable advice to help you create a support system that truly benefits your child or student.

Connect with Wendy Taylor & Learning Essentials:
Instagram: Learning Essentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: Learning Essentials
Don’t Forget to Review & Subscribe:
Review the podcast: Apple Podcasts
Subscribe: The Special Ed Strategist
Join the Conversation! Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Drop a comment, share this episode with others, and keep advocating for the support that all students deserve. Keep strategizing, learning, and empowering!
10 min
October 01, 2024105: Bullying and IEPs with Dr. Christine Waanders, Psychologist
Guest: Dr. Christine Waanders, a psychologist specializing in bullying prevention, IEP advocacy, and mental health support for children, especially those with neurodivergent needs.

Summary:
In this episode, Dr. Christine Waanders, psychologist from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), joins Wendy Taylor to discuss the pressing issue of bullying among neurodivergent students. They explore how families and educators can support students facing social challenges and how to develop effective strategies through IEPs and social-emotional learning. Christine provides valuable tips on identifying bullying behaviors, advocating for a safe school environment, and fostering resilience in children. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of a strong parent-school collaboration and offers advice on how families can find emotional support for themselves. Dr. Waanders is part of the Aggression and Bullying Prevention pillar of CHOP’s Center for Violence Prevention (CVP). Access CVP’s free, evidence-based “All About Bullying” handouts for parents and caregivers at https://violence.chop.edu.

Key Topics Discussed:
Prevalence of bullying in neurodivergent vs. neurotypical students
How to detect signs of bullying or distress in children
Strategies for parents to ask the right questions and check in with their kids
Empowering students with coping skills and IEP goals to handle bullying
Crafting a “safety plan” for children within the IEP
Collaboration between parents, schools, and mental health professionals
Role of social-emotional learning programs in schools
Important Resources:
Second Step: Social-emotional learning program used in schools to address conflict resolution and social skills
StopBullying.gov: Federal resources for bullying prevention and response strategies
PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center: Provides resources for parents and educators to advocate against bullying
Guest Links:
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Center for Violence Prevention
Connect with Wendy Taylor:
Instagram: Learning Essentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: Learning Essentials
Review the Podcast:
Apple Podcasts
Podcast Link
45 min
September 24, 2024104: IEP Strategy: How to Request a 504 Plan for Your Child
Welcome back to The Special Ed Strategist! In today’s episode, host Wendy Taylor breaks down everything you need to know about requesting a 504 plan for your child. Whether you’re unfamiliar with 504 plans or confused about the steps involved, Wendy offers clear guidance to help you advocate for your child and ensure they receive the support they deserve.

Episode Highlights:
What exactly is a 504 plan?
The difference between a 504 plan and an IEP
Step-by-step guide to formally requesting a 504 plan
Documentation you need to provide
How to follow up and ensure your child’s plan is implemented
Tips for working with the school team and involving your child in the process
Extra Tips:
Always document communication and meetings
Involve your child in the conversation to empower them
Keep checking in to make sure the 504 plan is being followed and working effectively
Connect with Wendy:
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com
Love the podcast? Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or listen on your favorite platform.

Keep advocating for your child’s success!

Additional Resources
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy
Understood Expert Parent Training Program
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR)
U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights - Section 504 FAQ
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) - Section 504 Information
Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) - Section 504 Guidance
11 min
September 17, 2024103: Understanding Anxiety & Neurodiversity with Dr. Salya Namazi
Key Takeaways:
The brain’s role in anxiety and why neurodivergent kids experience it more intensely.
Understanding avoidance behavior and how to address it.
The importance of early intervention to prevent long-term issues like depression.
Why Listen:
This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and professionals seeking to support children with anxiety, ADHD, or autism. Dr. Namazi offers expert advice in an easy-to-understand, actionable way.

Resources:
PDA North America
SPACE Treatment
Connect with Wendy:
Instagram: @learningessentials
Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com
Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Subscribe
Tune in to learn actionable strategies to better support neurodivergent kids with anxiety!
51 min
September 10, 2024102: IEP Strategy: The Power of Section 504 In Education
Welcome to Season 4 of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast! In this episode, Wendy Taylor, your host and Special Ed Strategist, dives deep into an important but often under-discussed topic: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This solo episode breaks down everything you need to know about how 504 Plans differ from IEPs, how they work, and how you can effectively advocate for your child's rights in the public school system.

Key Takeaways:
What is Section 504?
Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that ensures students with disabilities receive accommodations in the general education environment, removing barriers to learning. It’s designed to prevent discrimination and allow students to have equal access to education.
504 vs. IEP: What’s the Difference?
While an IEP provides specialized instruction, a 504 Plan focuses solely on accommodations to support students in the general education classroom without modifying the curriculum.
Eligibility for a 504 Plan
Learn about the thorough evaluation process schools use to determine eligibility, which involves gathering input from multiple sources to assess if a student's disability impacts their ability to succeed in the classroom.
How to Request a 504 Plan
Wendy emphasizes the importance of starting the process with a formal written request and staying actively involved as a parent to ensure the accommodations are implemented properly.
Your Rights Under Section 504
Parents have legal rights, including participating in meetings, accessing educational records, and appealing decisions if necessary.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Jane McGuire – Expert on Section 504 and accommodations.
Dr. Michael Harris – Specialist in educational law and student rights, offering guidance on navigating the complexities of 504 plans.
Stay Connected:
Follow Wendy and Learning Essentials on social media to stay up-to-date with tips, strategies, and new episodes!
Instagram: @LearningEssentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: Learning Essentials EDU
Listen & Subscribe:
Catch new episodes of The Special Ed Strategist wherever you listen to podcasts!
Podcast Link
Apple Podcasts: Review the podcast

Stay informed, stay engaged, and keep advocating for your child's educational needs. Until next time!
11 min
May 07, 2024101: Navigating The World Of Mental Health Services With Alex Williams, MSW
Alex Williams of The Anxiety Institute walks us through ALL of the essentials when it comes to navigating the complex world of mental health services. You won’t want to miss this conversation and all the wonderful and informative ways that Alex shares her expertise and knowledge with us! Discover more about mental health services in this episode.

Main Discussion Points:
Treatment Levels:
It is important to know what treatment levels are when it comes to mental health services
Some treatment levels are more restrictive than others and some require hospitalization
Resources:
Use the school system to help you test or seek private testing and diagnosis
Work with the school system to develop a plan that makes sense for you student
Outpatient vs. Inpatient:
There are various options for outpatient mental health therapy that range in implications
Outpatient is the least restrictive with IOP and PHP altering your student’s day or school placement
Support Should Fit The Student
Support teams should coordinate efforts to create plans and strategies unique to your student
What approach works for one student might not have the same results for your student
Start by seeking a list of outpatient providers in your area and in your network

Where to find Alex:

Website: https://anxietyinstitute.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-williams-msw-82b70197/

Where to find Wendy:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com
55 min
April 30, 2024100: Free and Appropriate Education Under IDEA with Ashley Barlow, Special Education Lawyer
Ashley Barlow, a special education attorney based in Kentucky, joins Wendy Taylor on the podcast. Ashley brings a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing from her experience as a teacher, attorney, parent of a child with Down syndrome, and someone with a physical disability.

Main Discussion Points:
Free and Appropriate Education Under IDEA:
Explanation of parents' rights and protections under IDEA, including the right to request an IEE at public expense.
Importance of the IEE in ensuring that students with disabilities receive necessary support and services for effective education.
District's obligation to pay for the IEE unless the request is proven unreasonable.
IEE Process:
Overview of the IEE process, allowing parents to obtain an independent evaluation if they disagree with the school district's assessment.
Role of the IEE in providing parents with additional information and perspectives for making educational decisions for their child.
Effective Reading Interventions for Dyslexia:
Characteristics of effective reading interventions for students with dyslexia: systemic, explicit, multisensory, and research-based.
Discussion on the Orton-Gillingham approach, a structured and cumulative program designed to develop phonemic awareness, phonics skills, decoding strategies, and reading fluency in students with dyslexia.
Individualizing Inclusive Education:
Federal mandate for children with disabilities to be educated to the greatest extent possible with non-disabled peers.
Importance of tailoring inclusive education to meet the specific needs of each student.
Misconceptions About Inclusion:
Addressing misconceptions, such as the idea that inclusion means always keeping a student in a general education setting without considering individual requirements.
Importance of assessing each student's needs and providing appropriate levels of support and intervention.
Implementing Inclusive Education:
Emphasis on accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction to ensure that students with disabilities can access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
Where to find Ashley:

Website: https://ashleybarlowco.com/#/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybarlowco/

Where to find Wendy:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com
1 hr
April 23, 202499: Navigating Special Education: The Power of Systems and Collaboration
In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, we delve into the invaluable role of organizational systems and collaborative partnerships in navigating the complexities of the special education system. Author and advocate Kelley Coleman joins us to share her insights and strategies for parents seeking to streamline their journey and advocate effectively for their child's needs.

Key Takeaways:
Setting Up Organizational Systems: Kelley emphasizes the importance of creating systems and structures to manage the special education journey. Reminders on calendars for tasks like scheduling appointments and sending emails can help parents stay on top of crucial deadlines.
Creating a Child Profile: Developing a one-page document detailing the child's strengths, preferences, and goals can facilitate better communication with teachers and service providers. This snapshot ensures everyone is aligned regarding the child's needs and progress.
Crafting a Vision Statement: A vision statement outlines the child's long-term goals and aspirations, guiding the development of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. It aligns the child's educational plan with their future vision and facilitates discussions with educators.
Building Communication and Collaboration: Regular communication with the school team, even outside of formal meetings, is essential. Establishing preferred methods of communication and creating a one-page profile for the child can enhance understanding and support.

Conclusion:
By implementing these strategies, parents can navigate the special education system more effectively, reduce overwhelm, and advocate successfully for their child's needs. Building strong partnerships with the school team can lead to a more supportive and inclusive educational environment, prioritizing the child's growth and success.

Join us in our next episode as we continue to explore valuable insights and strategies for navigating the world of special education.

Kelley Coleman:

Book: Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child

Website: https://www.kelleycoleman.com/

Wendy:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE

Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com
1 hr