Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind

If you’re a parent navigating special education, the system is changing fast—and whether those changes help or hurt your child depends largely on how informed and prepared you are. In this episode, we break down the most important trends heading into 2026, based on research, national reporting, and what families are experiencing on the ground. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Rising Demand &...

Show Notes: As 2025 comes to a close, this episode of Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind takes a hard look at the policies that continue to marginalize disabled children, adults, and their families. From reduced Medicaid funding and overwhelming waitlists for home- and community-based services, to inaccessible housing and restricted employment opportunities, we explore how these choices play...

In this episode of Special Ed Rising , I talk honestly about what families truly need in order to rise. Before policies, programs, or solutions, we have to acknowledge the lived experience of families navigating special education every day. Families aren’t just managing paperwork—they’re carrying fear, exhaustion, and the pressure to get it right in a system that often asks too much without offeri...

summary In this enlightening conversation, Mark and Jyoti explore the profound themes of self-love, mindfulness, and the healing power of nature. Jyoti, known as the 'Love Whisperer', shares her journey of embracing imperfection and the importance of pausing to reconnect with oneself. They discuss the significance of listening to our bodies, the impact of love letters, and the transformative power...

*Change: Parent checklists can be found in the transcipts not here in notes. Transition out of high school isn’t just a formality — it’s one of the biggest turning points in your child’s life. Whether your child is only a few years away from graduation or still early in middle school, this episode will be a game-changer for your planning. In this episode, I dig into what transition planning actual...

summary In this engaging conversation, Lynn Greenberg discusses her journey, along with her son Jonathan, as co-authors of children's books that focus on neurodiversity, particularly ADHD. She shares insights about her son Jonathan's experiences, the importance of advocacy, and the challenges faced by parents and educators in supporting neurodiverse children. The discussion highlights the need for...

keywords technology, parenting, child development, mental health, iOS Grow, neurodiversity, anxiety, impulsivity, behavior modification, digital stimulation summary In this conversation, Mark and Dr. Adam Pletter discuss the significant impact of technology on parenting and child development. They explore the challenges parents face in managing their children's technology use, the importance of sc...

Federal funding for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is at risk due to the ongoing government shutdown, putting millions of families—especially those raising children with special needs—at serious risk. In this episode, Mark Ingrassia breaks down what happens when SNAP benefits are delayed, the real-world consequences for children’s nutrition, learning, and therapy, and what parent...

Presented by: Music Workshop — Free music curriculum and new PD series on Music for Well-Being, free through December 2025 at musicworkshop.org Episode Summary In this powerful and deeply personal episode, host Mark Ingrassia goes off-script to confront an uncomfortable reality — the misuse of his own family name in the halls of power. When Paul Ingrassia , a Trump nominee for the Office of Specia...

keywords finances, unhappiness, avoidance, contentment, relationships, financial health, mental health, parenting, emotional well-being, happiness summary In this conversation, Lori Atwood speaks to the Exceptional Needs parents as well as all parents. She discusses the profound impact of emotional well-being on financial health. She emphasizes that unhappiness, whether stemming from personal rela...

keywords children's literature, overcoming shyness, teaching, inclusivity, parenting, socialization, kindness, acceptance, education, writing process summary In this conversation, Christine Devane shares her journey from a shy child to a teacher and author, emphasizing the importance of kindness, acceptance, and inclusivity in education. She discusses her book 'Elephant Beach', which addresses the...

In this conversation, Maria Davis-Pierre, a licensed therapist and advocate for autism in the Black community, shares her personal journey navigating the intersections of race and autism. She discusses the challenges faced by Black families in obtaining timely diagnoses and the impact of implicit bias in healthcare. Maria emphasizes the importance of community support, advocacy, and self-care for...

In this conversation, Mark and Kim Zajac discuss the challenges and triumphs in the field of education, particularly focusing on speech-language pathology, inclusion, and the integration of technology in learning. They explore the importance of collaboration among educators, the role of AI in enhancing learning experiences, and the necessity of parental involvement in supporting students. The disc...

In this conversation, Sarah Wheeler and Mark discuss the intricate relationship between deaf culture, interpreting, and emotional intelligence. They explore the importance of building trust and understanding in communication, the challenges faced by interpreters, and the evolving dynamics of deaf culture in the context of technology and education. The discussion emphasizes the need for emotional i...

In this conversation, Rachel Greenberg of Life Unlimited: Unleash Your Potential, LLC. shares her journey of working with individuals with disabilities, focusing on social skills and dating coaching. She discusses the importance of building trust with her clients, the challenges they face in social interactions, and the strategies she employs to help them succeed. Rachel emphasizes the significanc...

In this conversation, Giuliana Conti and Mark discuss the complexities of classroom management, the role of music in education, and the challenges teachers face in today's educational climate. They explore how emotional and social factors impact student learning and behavior, emphasizing the need for innovative teaching strategies that prioritize student well-being and engagement. The discussion h...

keywords gun violence, advocacy, Moms Demand Action, gun control, mental health, community engagement, legislation, Second Amendment, education, safety takeaways Gun violence is a pressing issue that affects communities nationwide. Advocacy efforts are crucial in addressing gun violence and promoting responsible gun ownership. Community engagement and education are key to changing perceptions abou...

“Progress isn’t always a straight line, and sometimes it doesn’t look anything like what the school charts say. But that doesn’t mean it’s not real. If you’ve ever been told your child is ‘behind,’ or felt crushed sitting in an IEP meeting while graphs told a story that didn’t match your kid—this episode is for you.” In this episode of Special Ed Rising , we explore why small victories matter, how...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states allowed parents of children with significant disabilities to be paid caregivers under Medicaid—offering dignity, recognition, and financial support for the work they were already doing. But now, as emergency waivers expire, those programs are vanishing. Quietly. Quickly. And families are once again being left behind. In this PURGE 47 Edition, host Mark Ing...

In this compelling and heartfelt episode, Mark explores the deep-rooted issue of ableism and how the labels we place on individuals—particularly those with disabilities—often do more harm than good. With personal stories, powerful analogies, and critical insights, he challenges the idea that difference equals deficiency. You’ll hear about: The cultural conditioning that teaches us to value conform...

In this conversation, Frank Lobb shares his extensive background in law and healthcare, discussing his personal experiences with the healthcare system and the challenges he faced. He emphasizes the importance of understanding insurance contracts and patient rights, advocating for individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions. Frank also addresses the systemic issues within the healthca...

🔊 Episode Summary: On July 4th, 2025, Donald Trump signed what he calls the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA) into law. While it’s being touted as a historic win, the truth beneath the headlines reveals a devastating reality—especially for disabled individuals, caregivers, and working-class families. This episode breaks down what’s actually in the bill, who gets hurt, and who profits. From over $9...

*My apologies to any early listeners of this episode for the editing mishap regarding music playing over the first several minutes of the interview. It's fixed! In this conversation, Mark and Lauren Henry Brehm delve into the complexities of mental illness, particularly how it affects families across generations. Lauren shares her personal experiences with her grandmother's OCD and the impact it h...

In this conversation, Albert discusses his unique journey from aspiring psychologist to talent agent, emphasizing the importance of mental health in the acting industry. He explores the challenges actors face, including self-sabotage and the need for diversity in casting. Albert shares strategies for actors to manage their mindset, the role of AI in the industry, and the significance of parental s...

🎙️ Special Ed Rising: Purge 47 Edition While families are focused on graduations, IEP meetings, and summer prep, a dangerous regulatory rollback is quietly unfolding. The Department of Energy (DOE), under the Trump administration, has issued a direct final rule —a shortcut usually reserved for noncontroversial housekeeping—to eliminate accessibility standards for buildings that receive federal fun...