The Collaborative IEP

Last week I presented at COPAA, the Counsel for Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates, which is my favorite conference of the year. The topic of my presentation matches this week's podcast topic. Maybe soon I'll invite my co-presenter, the amazing Melissa Waugh, from Virginia's famous and wonderful firm, The Belkowitz Firm, on to the pod. But for now, i want to share an experience with you, and then I...

I’ve been on a health journey since I broke my back at the age of 15.  I quickly learned that my body responds to natural remedies really, really well.  While I started with massage and movement, the onset of my autoimmune symptoms in my 30s led me to exploring nutrition, acupuncture, meditation, and so many more “alternative” medicine options.  That’s how I found Dr. Nina Marie Rue...

If your brain gets overwhelmed with all of the tasks, and if you soul likes lists, this episode is for you! Diagnosis, Therapies, Advocacy, Inclusion, Caregiving... Oh My! In Kelley Coleman's new book, which shares the name of this episode, she shares insights, including advice from experts, on each of those topics (and several others). Her advice includes background information, stories of others...

Not only do I love where our friend, Katie Larew, lives (#SoCal)... I love EVERYthing Katie Larew shares over at Assistive Technology for Dyslexia! AT is such a wide-ranging topic, and AT supports can positively impact outcomes for SO many students. However, there remain so many myths about and impediments to getting good technological supports at school. Thank heavens for Katie! In today's episod...

Sometimes you meet somehow whose life parallels yours so significantly that its hard to believe. If you've had any discussions regarding inclusion at your school, you're going to want to listen to what Suzanne Lezotte has to say in today's episode. Suzanne feels so passionate about inclusive practices that she wrote a book, "Raising Owen: An Extra-ordinary memoir on motherhood." Suzanne's outlook...

We're keeping with our theme of caregiver supports this week... but today we're also focusing on supporting our children. This week's conversation is one of my favorites of all time. Lauren McKenzie is the real deal. She's a former teacher (yes, she's taught every grade from K-12... I told ya she's the real deal), and now she's a coach that helps parents and schools navigate the messiness of behav...

When I planned our Conference this year, I knew I wanted at least one person that could not only talk about caregiver fatigue and teacher burn out but also to provide us with strategies! And that's how I found Bryan Holyfield! Bryan's own journey as teacher-turned-trainer and his experience in helping parents that are struggling to manage all the things is so inspiring and helpful. Bryan's outlook...

Inclusion Starts Now?  Yes please!  That’s the name of my guest, Kayla Coburn’s, business, and it’s the name of my mantra for Jack’s Kindergarten Year!  I can’t wait for you to meet special educator and consultant, Kayla Coburn, who is so passionate and similarly-minded about inclusive education.  Her ideas and experiences are so valuable, and she’s doing such a wonde...

Ever wanna hear two people that are so passionate about special education that they sometimes lost sleep over it geek out over it?!  Taylor Day’s energy for supporting students with autism is contagious – so contagious, in fact, that she is one of our very few repeat guests on the podcast, AND I’ve invited her to present at our Special Education & Advocacy Conference.  In today’s epi...

Join me as I talk to Conference presenter, Abigail Moehringer of Mrs. Moe’s Modifications.  Abigail and I explore Trauma Informed practices at school, behavior supports, and so much more in this short-but-power-packed episode that you are not going to want to miss.  There were so many times that she was talking that I wanted to interrupt and say, “Yes!!!  Me too!!!!” and I know you’...

In this episode, we're diving deep into the essential things parents and caregivers need to know about 504 plans for their amazing kids.  🌟 Whether you're navigating the process, advocating for your child, or ensuring a smooth transition, we've got you covered!  🤝 Tune in for expert insights, practical tips, and empowering stories.  💪 Let's empower parents to be th...

You know when you have that feeling at an IEP meeting?  The one where you want to stomp your feet and say, “Listen to me!”  Yep, that’s awful, isn’t it?!  In today’s episode I talk about the one characteristic parents that survive that moment have.  How can your attitude, your spirit, your collaboration change the vibe of your IEP meeting?!  That’s what we’re talking about...

Coming to you live (actually recorded) from my kitchen!!!  And my desk.  And my bathroom.  With an episode on getting it all done!  In today’s episode, which is the second in our Parent Series, I’m giving you one quick tip on how I pay attention to my own needs with a particular strategy.  It has to do with my calendar, and you’re going to want to try it, too!  Maybe...

Today we welcome our outstanding tutor and Coach, Marissa Rothermel, to the podcast. Riss excels at providing behavior coaching to parents, and in this episode, she and I dive into what coaching looks like, behavior, support, parenting, ideas, and so, so much more! Riss has an energy that is contagious and uplifting, perfect for a busy holiday week! Show Notes: In this episode, host Ashley Barlow...

You know those moms that are so wise that you wish you could just sit at the counters and watch them, parent? Wisdom abounds with the first guest in our Parent Series, Ellen Snow! Have a listen as my friend Ellen, explains an epiphany she had in parenting her son, Henry, who has Down syndrome. This one lesson - and so many more that she shares in this episode- will relieve so much stress!!!!! Plus...

If you don’t know Mary Van Geffen, you’re going to want to!  This was the kind of conversation that I thought about for a week after!    Mary Van Geffen is the international parenting coach for moms of Spicy Ones. She helps people who are highly competent in life but overwhelmed by motherhood to lean into the spiritual discipline of staying calm and cultivating warmth and tenderness...

We understand that this stage of your child's life can be especially challenging, and we're here to provide valuable insights and practical tips. 👂 Listen in to discover: 🌟 Effective coping strategies tailored for your child's unique needs. 🌟 How to promote open communication and emotional awareness. 🌟 Building resilience in the face of adversity. 🌟 Practical advice for helping your child man...

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role principals play in special education, showcasing how their leadership supercharges our IEP (Individualized Education Program) teams. 🌈✨  You know I always say that we have to go to the decision-makers… often times that’s the principal. Discover how these leaders empower our educators, parents, and students to create more inclusive, effective,...

Join us in our latest podcast episode as we unravel the fascinating realm of neuropsychology and how it can be a lifeline for parents navigating IEPs and special education. 🔬 In this episode, you'll learn: What exactly neuropsychologists do and how they assess brain-behavior connections. How they can be your allies in understanding and supporting your child's unique needs in an IEP. Key distincti...

The middle of the semester can only mean one thing. Parents are exhausted. Midterms and carpools and snack bags! Oh, my! I have been working on reducing my stress load recently, and one thing I have been trying to do is to find joy in the little things. And today's episode I talk about a few things that are filling my cup recently. I have experienced significant positive changes as a result of thi...

We’ve talked about evaluations and eligibility a fair amount here, but we’ve never talked about the Bell Curve (I don’t think!).  Since it’s so, so important to understanding your child’s evaluation data, I’m giving you a Bell Curve 101 in today’s episode!     🧠 Have you ever wondered how standardized testing and bell curve distributions affect special education evaluatio...

Join us in this week's episode as we unpack game-changing strategies to keep your special education journey on track, stress-free, and empowering. From setting up a dedicated space to mastering communication logs, we've got you covered! In this episode, you'll discover:  ✅ Proven filing and digital record-keeping techniques. ✅ Tips for maintaining a communication log that works....

What is your WATNA and your BATNA? In today's episode well talk about a negotiation strategy, that is so simple that it is often overlooked. However, I have seen it benefit so many negotiations in incredible ways. This episode will help you navigate annual meetings, mediation, due process, and so many other decisions in your life. Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/H3wmmHKpoYH

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the world of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and explore the vital role that accommodations and modifications play in helping students thrive. 💡 Whether you're a parent navigating the IEP process, an educator looking for innovative strategies, or simply curious about the world of special education, this episode is packed with valuable insig...

I believe that song lyrics can really help us through so many of life’s experiences, and this is, of course, true of our experiences in advocating for our children in special education.  I was raised on Jimmy Buffett music and married a fellow Parrothead, so Buffett is a constant in the Barlow household.  In today’s episode, I pay tribute to Jimmy by connecting some of his powerful lyric...