Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast

156. Teaching Character and Boundaries to Our Kids

Discover how home-based visual schedules, first-then boards, and token charts can minimize behavioral meltdowns and lower parental anxiety during summer break.

Discover the power of natural inclusion. Tonya Wollum shares a heartwarming reflection on community, belonging, and seeing children with disabilities seamlessly included in a small town community event.

Meltdowns aren't a discipline problem—they're a nervous system response. If family members don't understand your child's autism diagnosis, don't cut them off yet. Learn how to bridge the gap gracefully in our latest episode.

Ensure your child’s IEP is ready for the move to middle or high school. IEP Coach Tonya Wollum shares a 5-step checklist to secure services and smooth transitions before the school year ends.

Are you feeling the weight of the "Disability Squeeze"? Learn how to identify financial burnout and the first steps toward stability for special needs families.

In this episode, Tonya breaks down a case study of a twice-exceptional (2e) student—someone who is academically gifted but struggling with the biological hurdles of ADHD.

"Summer School" and "ESY" are not the same thing—and using the wrong word could cost your child their services.

Discover how faith and disability intersect as John Fela shares his journey of raising a non-verbal autistic son and finding a church community that truly welcomes all.

Join Tonya Wollum and guest John Fela for a raw, honest look at special needs parenting for a child with non-verbal autism. We discuss the challenges of an autism diagnosis, navigating medical crises like Chiari malformation, and managing the strain of divorce in the special needs community.

Does your child spend their day in the general education classroom, but you suspect they aren't truly included? In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, we are unpacking the dangerous myth that "proximity is a program." Just because a student is physically in the room doesn't mean they belong. Join me as we break down the difference between mainstreaming and true inclusion, explore the transfo...

Learn the "Draft IEP" secret to stop predetermination. Get Tonya Wollum’s expert scripts for requesting IEP drafts and auditing goals to lead your child's next meeting with confidence.

In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, Tonya returns after a two-month hiatus due to illness and discusses season five with a new audio-only format. The episode includes personal updates, such as coping with the flu and helping a son move to a new college. Tonya also shares insights on upcoming changes related to digital accessibility laws and teases a new comprehensive digital training tool...

Blind college student and Paralympic swimmer Evan Wilkerson shares what college is really like for a visually impaired student. Evan talks openly about how he navigates campus safely, what accommodations he uses, and his future Paralympic plans.

Guide Dog Training at The Seeing Eye: Paralympic medalist Evan Wilkerson introduces his partner, Titus, and shares the critical safety rules pet owners must know.

Paralympic Swimming Bronze Medalist Evan Wilkerson details his dramatic 2025 win in Singapore, battling E. coli, burnout, and learning the vital lesson of rest.

Learn what to expect at your first IEP meeting as a parent. Get practical tips, understand team roles, and download our free 15-question checklist today.

How to get an IEP evaluation? IEP Coach Tonya Wollum breaks down the special education eligibility process, your rights under the IDEA law, and the critical step to request services in writing. Download the free letter template!

Learn the crucial signs of speech and language delays from an expert and discover actionable steps for parents. This episode covers early intervention, IEPs, and the power of a parent's intuition.

Stay informed on the latest special education news. Host Tonya Wollum discusses a proposed IDEA funding overhaul, new data on state compliance, and a huge Supreme Court win for students with disabilities. Learn what this means for your child's IEP.

Learn how to find peace and stay productive in the midst of a chaotic parenting life. Jen Anderson, creator of the ACCOMPLIST app, shares tips on shifting your mindset and embracing a flexible to-do list.

Learn 5 simple school communication secrets that will help you build a powerful partnership with your child's teacher and IEP team, turning a stressful relationship into a collaborative one.

Learn how to prepare your neurodiverse child for adulthood with actionable steps on teaching daily living skills and building independence. Authors Kristin Lombardi & Christine Drew share expert advice.

Think you know what it takes to succeed in college? You'll be amazed by the tech, grit, and self-advocacy that a blind student uses to thrive in a sighted world.

The ADA is more than just ramps and elevators. It's a civil rights law that reshaped the educational landscape for millions of children. Find out how this law gives your child the right to learn.