Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind

🎧 Show Notes – Special Ed Rising; Purge 47 Edition Host: Mark Ingrassia Welcome to Special Ed Rising: Purge 47 Edition , where we take off the gloves and shine a light on the policies, politics, and people shaping the future of disability rights. In today’s episode, Mark exposes the high-stakes crisis quietly unfolding in Congress — the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in the U.S. Hous...

Title: One Feed. Two Voices. The Next Chapter of Special Ed Rising In this special announcement episode, Mark Ingrassia shares exciting news: SER: No Parent Left Behind! and Purge 47 are officially joining forces under one powerful banner— Special Ed Rising . Here's what to expect moving forward: ✅ Weekly episodes of Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind – offering real-world support, heartfel...

In this heartfelt and honest episode of SER: No Parent Left Behind , I reflects on his early days as a special education teacher—and how my “green” beginnings hold powerful lessons for parents raising children with exceptional needs. Drawing from personal experience and decades of coaching, I introduce the core principles of mindful parenting: presence, compassion, and intentionality. You’ll hear...

In this engaging conversation, Kijuan Amey shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Durham, North Carolina, to becoming a highly motivated individual with a diverse range of interests and experiences. He discusses his passion for fitness, sports, and music, as well as his time in the military, particularly in the Air Force as a KC-135 Stratotanker operator. Kijuan emphasizes the importa...

In this conversation, Sarah Ingledue shares her profound journey as a nurse and caregiver for her sister, Rachel, who has Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Sarah discusses her early passion for nursing, her unique relationship with Rachel, and the challenges and joys of caring for someone with special needs. The conversation delves into the importance of love and support in their lives, the daily respon...

🎙️ Show Notes On May 16, 2025, a groundbreaking documentary titled "Deaf President Now!" will be released, chronicling the historic 1988 student-led protest at Gallaudet University—the world’s only liberal arts university for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. But this episode is more than a retelling. It’s a personal reflection on what that moment meant then, how it shaped Deaf education, and the...

In this heartfelt and urgent episode, I reflect on a long-standing goal I've held since the launch of this podcast: to speak with a gun violence prevention advocate about the devastating impact of mass shootings, particularly in schools. As a classroom teacher, this issue is deeply personal. The statistics are staggering—but behind them are real people, real families, and far too many children los...

In this conversation, Kristie Raymond discusses her revolutionary approach to modeling and casting, focusing on inclusivity and representation for individuals with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of building a talent pool of adaptive talent to ensure authentic representation in media. Kristie shares her journey in founding Humankind Casting, her experiences in the industry, and the imp...

In this conversation, Erica shares her journey as a late diagnosed autistic ADHD female and the insights gained from parenting her neurodivergent child. She discusses the emotional challenges faced due to societal norms and the importance of self-acceptance. The dialogue emphasizes the value of different perspectives, the significance of asking for help, and the need to challenge societal expectat...

🎙️ Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind Episode Summary: In this episode, we address the dangerous and deeply offensive comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his April 16, 2025 press conference, where he claimed autism is “preventable” and described individuals on the spectrum as incapable of working, dating, writing poetry, or living independent lives. We confront these statements wit...

summary In this conversation, Gaile Valcho discusses the evolution of the Holly Springs Autism Acceptance Day, highlighting the importance of community engagement, police involvement, and the establishment of a nonprofit organization to support families with autistic children. She shares insights on training first responders, the significance of family dynamics, and the challenges of parenting a t...

Show Notes In this conversation, Mark interviews David Tillman, a dedicated father of a son with Fragile X syndrome. David shares his journey as a parent, the challenges and joys of raising Miles, and the importance of community support. They discuss the impact of Fragile X syndrome on Miles' life, the significance of music and arts in education, and the need for advocacy in the disability communi...

Podcast Show Notes: Impact of Policy Changes on Special Needs Families Episode Overview: Welcome to today’s episode where we explore the impact of policy changes on families of individuals with disabilities. With potential cuts to Medicaid and the Department of Education, many families worry about losing access to essential services. In this episode, I break down what these changes could mean and...

This episode also appears on the Purge 47 podcast which is in its infancy with few followers. I feel this information is important and so I'm adding it to this podcast. Check out Purge 47 for continuing episodes related to disability politics. Podcast Show Notes: Understanding Medicaid & The Fight to Protect It Introduction Welcome to the show! Today, I'm diving into Medicaid—what it is, how i...

Episode Summary: Today, I'm flipping the script on ADHD. Instead of focusing solely on the challenges, I'm highlighting the strengths—the creativity, innovation, and unique ways of thinking that make kids with ADHD exceptional. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone with ADHD yourself, this episode will offer a fresh perspective on how to harness ADHD as a superpower. I'll explore the scien...

Podcast Show Notes Episode Sub Title: Siblings as Caregivers, Protectors, and Advocates Episode Summary: In this episode, I take a deep dive into the unique experiences of siblings of individuals with disabilities. Through my personal journey—growing up with a paraplegic uncle and later witnessing my mother’s struggles with OCD and anxiety—I explore how these experiences shape identity, relationsh...

"Helping People Understand the World Through Games." -Josh Boykin In this conversation, Mark and Josh Boykin explore the intersection of gaming and accessibility, discussing how games can serve as tools for storytelling, empathy, and connection, particularly for children with special needs. They delve into the evolution of gaming narratives, the importance of inclusivity, and the role of parents i...

In this conversation, Dr. Ruth shares her extensive background in education, particularly focusing on autism and special needs. She discusses her journey from teaching in diverse environments to establishing Blue Sky, a charity aimed at providing early intervention services for children with autism. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in the UK regarding autism services, the cultural...

summary In this conversation, Alex Wosleger shares her journey as a parent of two children with a rare genetic disorder, discussing the challenges, triumphs, and the importance of community support. She reflects on the diagnosis journey, the impact of diet and therapy, and the dynamics of parenting in the face of adversity. Alex emphasizes the beauty of her children's progress and the lessons they...

In this conversation, Carinne Mossa shares her personal journey into the world of special education and parenting a child with complex needs. She discusses the challenges faced by parents, the importance of self-care, and the need for community support. Carinne emphasizes the significance of understanding behavior as communication and the role of advocacy in navigating the education system. She al...

Episode Summary: In this episode, I tackle the critical issues facing special education today and the potential ramifications of the Trump administration's proposed Project 2025, which includes plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This episode is essential listening for parents, educators, and advocates who want to stay informed about the policies shaping the future of education fo...

In this conversation, Lori Cooney discusses Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework aimed at creating flexible learning environments that accommodate all students. She shares her personal journey in education, the importance of inclusive teaching practices, and how technology can enhance learning experiences. The discussion also covers the realistic implementation of UDL in classrooms, th...

In this conversation, Joan Accolla shares her journey from interior design to discovering the healing power of humor. She discusses how her background in design led her to explore holistic health and the integration of laughter as a therapeutic tool. The conversation delves into the science behind laughter, its effects on the brain, and how intentional laughter can transform one's mindset and emot...

Jenifer Breaux is a Luxury Travel Agent and mother of two special needs children. Six years ago she opened a franchise of Dream Vacations called JB Travel Pros. Included in her work is her focus on helping families of special needs children make wonderful memories through travel.  She is the author of Travel IS Possible - How to Travel with Children with Special Needs In this conversation, Ma...

This episode is influenced by my recent conversations with guests on my show;  particularly my chat with Taylor Winnett.  We spoke about bridging the gap of communication between non-disabled people as they interact with disabled people.  How does the conversation begin for someone who is unfamiliar with or has never met a disabled person and therefore may stumble when engaging for...