Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind

In this episode, I"m speaking with Dr. Marnie Ginsberg, founder of Reading Simplified. After discovering that many of her own students were years behind in reading, Dr. Ginsberg set out to find a better way. Today, through Reading Simplified, she helps teachers use the Science of Reading to dramatically accelerate literacy growth while making reading instruction simpler and more effective. We expl...

In this episode, Sarah Ingladoo shares her inspiring journey of caring for her sister with complex medical needs, her efforts to establish a respite care home, and the challenges faced in securing funding and support. Discover how her unique perspective as a nurse and sibling drives her mission to improve respite services for families like hers. keywords Respite Care, Medical Complex Needs, Family...

summary In this episode, James J Logan shares his remarkable journey through cancer, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and how his passion for Ironman triathlons fueled his fight for life. Discover how mindset, faith, and community support can turn adversity into a source of strength and purpose. keywords cancer survival, Ironman triathlon, mental resilience, health journey, motivation,...

When parenting feels stuck—when the same conflicts, behaviors, and frustrations keep repeating—it can feel like nothing is working. But what if that moment isn’t failure… but an inflection point? In this episode, we break down the powerful mindset shift that can transform not only your child’s behavior, but your entire relationship dynamic. This conversation is especially important for parents of...

In this episode, we explore the critical issues facing disability support systems, including recent policy changes under the Trump administration, the impact of privatization and austerity on services for autistic and disabled individuals, and the broader implications of ableism and eugenics in current political discourse. Guest journalist, and parent, David Perry shares his personal journey, insi...

📝 Show Notes In this episode, Mark explores a powerful but often overlooked strategy in parenting and education: humor . Drawing from personal experience in the classroom, he shares how humor helped him connect with a highly anxious, routine-driven student—and why that moment still stands out today. But this isn’t about being funny for the sake of it. This episode reframes humor as something much...

This episode features an employment lawyer discussing disability rights, workplace discrimination, reasonable accommodations, and legal protections for parents and individuals with disabilities. Gain insights into navigating legal challenges and advocating for rights in the workplace. keywords: disability rights, workplace discrimination, reasonable accommodations, FMLA, ADA, employment law, disab...

In this engaging interview, Lisa Richer shares her inspiring journey as a neurodiversity consultant, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, self-acceptance, and proactive communication in supporting children with neurodivergent needs. Discover practical strategies for parents and educators to build effective partnerships and advocate for their children's success. keywords neurodiversity, par...

In this episode of Special Ed Rising: PURGE 47 Edition , Mark Ingrassia breaks down proposed federal changes to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that could significantly impact disabled adults—especially those living with their families. These aren’t minor adjustments. The administration is considering rule changes that could reduce or eliminate benefits for up to 400,000 individuals, shifting t...

This interview explores the challenges and strategies in special education, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual needs, emotional regulation, and advocacy for teachers and parents. Bev Johns shares her extensive experience working with children with behavioral and emotional challenges, offering practical insights for educators and caregivers. keywords special education, emotional...

🧠 Episode Overview This week’s episode takes a deeper look at what advocacy really means when families are navigating both disability and systemic bias. While a scheduled guest appearance was postponed, the conversation opened the door to something that demands attention now—how race, language, and systemic inequities shape special education experiences for families. Through real-world examples a...

primary goal Inspiration and resilience building summary Ty Gipson shares his extraordinary journey through health challenges, including multiple organ transplants and living with type 1 diabetes. His story highlights the power of mindset, small positive steps, and the 'no options' philosophy to overcome adversity and inspire others. keywords resilience, mindset, health challenges, organ transplan...

In this powerful and personal episode, Mark speaks directly to dads—through the lens of his own relationship with his father—to explore how the way we show up for our children shapes their identity, their confidence, and ultimately their life path. Reflecting on the complexities of growing up with a father whose moods and expectations left a lasting impact, Mark shares an honest message: your chil...

Raja Marhaba shares her inspiring journey as a mother of two twice-exceptional children, navigating the complex special education system, advocating for her kids, and founding The Jonathan Foundation to support families with learning disabilities. Her story highlights the challenges, legal battles, and the importance of parental advocacy in securing appropriate education and services. Keywords spe...

🧠 Episode Overview This brief but powerful episode takes a direct look at recent public comments about learning disabilities—and why they matter far beyond politics. Mark speaks from decades of experience in special education to challenge harmful narratives and reframe what dyslexia really means for individuals, families, and society. At its core, this episode is about one thing: the message we s...

What happens when an educator refuses to treat students like data points? In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Mark speaks with educator, researcher, and author Dr. Joey Weisler about trauma, resilience, and what it really means to show up for students. Joey shares his deeply personal journey—from witnessing the aftermath of the Parkland school tragedy to navigating a difficult first year of t...

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, Mark sits down with Dr. Joey Weisler to explore the deeply personal experiences that shaped his path as an educator. Before Joey ever had his own classroom, he found himself at the center of a community tragedy. While substitute teaching at a middle school next to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the Parkland school shooting , he and his...

This episode features Frances Shefter, a seasoned special education attorney, discussing the intricacies of special ed law, advocacy, and how parents can effectively navigate the system to secure the best outcomes for their children. Topics include legal rights, the evaluation process, predetermination, and when to seek legal help. keywords special education law, IEP, advocacy, legal rights, educa...

In this episode, Mark Ingrassia—special educator, advocate, and parent coach—dives into one of the most overlooked but powerful tools available to families: simple, consistent routines. Schedules. Morning charts. Time blocks. They may sound basic—even boring—but research and decades of classroom and family experience show they are foundational to lowering stress, reducing conflict, and building in...

🎙️ Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind In this episode, Mark sits down with Julie M. Green , author of Motherness, a memoir exploring generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance. A 2024 finalist for the CBC Nonfiction Prize, Julie’s writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Globe and Mail, HuffPost, Parents, Chatelaine, CBC, and Today’s Parent, among others. Julie shares he...

🎙️ Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind Episode: Stronger Starts at Home: When Parents Grow, Kids Grow 🎧 Episode Summary Parents are constantly asked to measure how their children are doing—academically, behaviorally, socially. But how often are they invited to pause and reflect on themselves? In this episode, host and educator Mark Ingrassia shifts the focus inward. Drawing from years of exp...

keywords parenting, child development, neuroscience, self-awareness, communication, stress management, parent engagement, education, emotional regulation, family dynamics summary In this conversation, Lisa A Riegel discusses the challenges parents face in supporting their children, the importance of understanding the biology of stress and perception, and effective communication strategies. She emp...

In this episode of Special Ed Rising: PURGE 47 Edition , host Mark Ingrassia steps away from disability policy to confront a reality that affects every American: the rapid erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarian governance in the United States—most visibly playing out right now in Minnesota. Mark examines the aggressive federal immigration enforcement surge led by DHS, ICE, and B...

The release of the first autistic Barbie sparked hope, joy, and meaningful conversation. Representation matters—especially for children who rarely see themselves reflected in the world around them. For some families, this doll is a moment of validation. But representation is not the same as support. In this episode, we look beyond the celebration to ask harder questions: Can a single doll represen...

In this episode of Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind , we dive into what parents need to know about special education heading into 2026. From federal proposals like the Empowering Families in Special Education Act to state-level updates in New Jersey and Connecticut, staying informed has never been more important. We also explore an unexpected lesson from Marcel the Shell with Shoes On —a t...