Voices of Empowered Parents Podcast

Reevaluations are not just a formality—they help ensure your child’s supports continue to match their needs.

In this episode, Dr. Julie M. Lane explains when reevaluations occur under IDEA, why they matter, and how parents can request updated assessments when concerns arise.

Children grow, change, and develop over time. Their educational plans should evolve with them.

Updated data can help create more meaningful supports, services, and goals.

Learn more at empoweringparentsnetwork.org and join the EPN Collective community for resources and support.

#SpecialEducation #Reevaluation #IDEA #IEP #ParentAdvocacy #EducationalRights #JulieMLane #EmpoweringParentsNetwork #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocacy #StudentSupport #InclusiveEducation #VoicesOfEmpoweredParents #ParentEmpowerment #EducationMatters

In this episode of Voices of Empowered Parents, Julie M. Lane welcomes Damaris Sanchez Rivera, a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist, nonprofit program director, and host of SLPs en Acción. Together, they explore how our understanding of autism and neurodiversity has evolved, what families should know about communication beyond spoken language, and how parents can support their child's strengths while fostering connection and self-advocacy. This conversation offers practical insights, encouragement, and hope for families navigating autism, early intervention, and the journey of raising a neurodivergent child.

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Receiving services is important—but understanding whether those services are working is essential.

In this episode, Dr. Julie M. Lane explains why progress monitoring matters in special education and how measurable data helps families make informed decisions.

Vague updates are not enough. Parents have the right to understand how progress is being measured, how often data is collected, and whether interventions are effective.

Services alone do not guarantee outcomes. Progress does.

Learn more at empoweringparentsnetwork.org and join the EPN Collective community.

#SpecialEducation #ProgressMonitoring #IEPGoals #IDEA #ParentAdvocacy #EducationalSupport #JulieMLane #EmpoweringParentsNetwork #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocacy #InclusiveEducation #VoicesOfEmpoweredParents #StudentProgress #EducationMatters #ParentEmpowerment

In this episode of Voices of Empowered Parents, Julie M. Lane welcomes Tiara Brown, autism mom, healthcare professional, and founder of a Faith & Autism platform dedicated to encouraging families navigating special needs journeys. Tiara shares her experiences raising her eight-year-old son with autism, intellectual disability, and childhood apraxia of speech while balancing work, caregiving, advocacy, and her own well-being. Together, they discuss resilience, faith, AAC communication, celebrating small victories, and finding hope through life's challenges. This heartfelt conversation reminds parents that they are not alone and that strength, purpose, and joy can be found even in difficult seasons.

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Consent is powerful - and you have the right to say no.

In this episode, Dr. Julie M. Lane discusses informed consent in special education and why parents should never feel pressured to make immediate decisions.

Under IDEA, your consent is required for important parts of the special education process, including evaluations and placement. You have the right to ask questions, review documents, and take the time you need before signing.

Your signature is not just paperwork. It is a safeguard.

Learn more at empoweringparentsnetwork.org and join the EPN Collective community for additional support and resources.

#SpecialEducation #ParentRights #IDEA #InformedConsent #ParentAdvocacy #IEP #JulieMLane #EmpoweringParentsNetwork #EducationalRights #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocacy #ParentSupport #VoicesOfEmpoweredParents #InclusiveEducation #EducationMatters

In this episode of Voices of Empowered Parents, Julie M. Lane welcomes Adonai Mack, Chief Executive Officer of Child Action, for a conversation about the critical role child care plays in supporting children, families, and communities. Together, they discuss the challenges many parents face in finding affordable, high-quality child care, the resources available to help families navigate their options, and how early learning opportunities can positively impact children's development and long-term success. Adonai also shares how advocacy, community partnerships, and investments in the child care workforce can help create a stronger future for families while addressing barriers that contribute to generational poverty.

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Special education is not a place—it is services and supports.

In this episode, Dr. Julie M. Lane explains why conversations about placement should begin with identifying the supports a child needs to succeed. Under IDEA, students are entitled to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.

When supports are clearly defined, placement decisions become more informed and more individualized.

Your child does not need to fit the system. The system is designed to support your child.

Learn more at empoweringparentsnetwork.org and join the EPN Collective community.

#SpecialEducation #LeastRestrictiveEnvironment #IEP #IDEA #ParentAdvocacy #InclusiveEducation #JulieMLane #EmpoweringParentsNetwork #EducationalSupport #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocacy #StudentSuccess #VoicesOfEmpoweredParents #ParentEmpowerment #EducationMatters

In this episode of Voices of Empowered Parents, Julie M. Lane welcomes mental health counselor Shanjida Hoq for a thoughtful conversation about caregiving, grief, emotional resilience, and the mental well-being of parents raising children with disabilities and special needs. Together, they discuss family dynamics, sibling relationships, learned helplessness, grounding practices, and the importance of helping parents feel seen and supported in their journey.

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Disagreement during the IEP process does not mean you are being difficult—it means you are engaged.

In this episode, Dr. Julie M. Lane discusses procedural safeguards under IDEA and the protections available to parents when concerns arise. From prior written notice to mediation and due process, families have rights that matter.

You do not have to make rushed decisions. You can pause, review, ask questions, and seek support before signing.

Advocacy is not conflict. Advocacy is clarity.

Learn more at empoweringparentsnetwork.org and join the EPN Collective community for resources and support.

#SpecialEducation #IDEA #ParentAdvocacy #ProceduralSafeguards #IEP #EducationalRights #JulieMLane #EmpoweringParentsNetwork #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocacy #ParentSupport #InclusiveEducation #VoicesOfEmpoweredParents #EducationLaw #ParentEmpowerment

In this episode of Voices of Empowered Parents, Julie M. Lane welcomes Brian Bosma, Executive Director of Family Respite Care of Nevada. Together, they discuss the growing need for disability resources in Nevada, the importance of respite care for caregivers, and how community-centered support can strengthen families and provide children with a true sense of belonging.

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