Avsnitt
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You know what wasn't on my BINGO card for 2025? An Anti-Inclusion Narrative! Yet, we are where we are (or if you shop at Fresh Thyme, I yam what I yam... but I digress), and that's why I'm happy to have the opportunity to share my recent conversation with our friend, Kayla Coburn, with you all! Kayla has so many wonderful resources @inclusionstarts now to help us carve out inclusive opportunities, particularly at school. And what's great about Kayla's approach is that it doesn't rely specifically on laws or protections but on mindset and community. You're going to want to hear what Kayla has to say, because you're going to want to emulate it in your communities. Happy listening!!!!
Meet KaylaHi! I'm Kayla Coburn, former para, special education teacher, education specialist, turned inclusion specialist and mom of 2. California native, relocated to the PNW. Since 2010, when I started in the field, inclusion has been the goal. Inclusion starts with you and I just want to help.
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In this episode of The Collaborative IEP Podcast, I sit down with Megan Pinchback, a highly trained CALT dyslexia therapist and owner of Dyslexia on Demand, to talk all things dyslexia intervention—from the gold standard in tutor and teacher training to the hallmarks of effective reading instruction. We also dive into important dyslexia stats, the benefits of online tutoring, and what really works for struggling readers.
Plus, Megan is speaking at my upcoming conference, so be sure to tune in for a sneak peek!
Meet MeganMegan Pinchback, MBA, LDT, CALT is a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist through the state of Texas. She completed her Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) training from the Scottish Rite Dyslexia Center of Austin in 2011. After a 10 year career as a special education teacher in the Texas public school system, in 2012 she transitioned into private practice as a dyslexia therapist and CALT servicing children out of her office in Dripping Springs, Texas. After 7 years of experience in private practice, she acted on her knowledge of the severe shortage of Certified Academic Language Therapists globally required to service the estimated 20% of the needed population and began Dyslexia On Demand, an exclusively web based, one on one platform connecting students with CALTs nationwide. Her understanding of the shortage of quality dyslexia servicing for children on a national level propels her daily to stretch her knowledge, voice, and reach.
Megan is a Vice President of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA), co-host of the Don’t Call On Me Podcast, and a national speaker on dyslexia. Additionally, she holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Business Administration through Louisiana State University. She is passionate about dyslexia advocacy, legislation at the state and national level, and supporting students and parents through the social-emotional impact of dyslexia and the struggle to receive appropriate servicing.
Additionally, and most importantly, she is a wife and the mother to five wonderful children ranging in ages from 7 to 26 years old. She and her family enjoy spending as much time as they can together and outside in the beautiful Texas hill country an hour outside of Austin, Texas.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Series: Education on the Line: Special Education Policy Watch
The Trump administration has indicated that its plan at the beginning of its administration is to flood citizens with a barrage of information and a tidal wave of change to invoke overwhelm, allowing them to force policy and legislative changes on us before we see them coming. My dispute resolution body and soul tell me that when the going gets information-heavy and high-paced, the effective advocates get reasonable, rational, and thoughtful. So, we’re starting a new series where we stand watch over the Department of Education and its Offices of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Special Education Programs, and Civil Rights. We’ll provide you succinct, brief, easy-to-follow updates; potential impacts of policy and legislative changes; and actionable tasks to ensure the rights of our students are protected.
Major shifts may be coming to the U.S. Department of Education, and they could have profound effects on children with disabilities. In this special episode we try to break down what’s happening in clear, practical, pragmatic terms. From the potential reduction—or even elimination—of the DOE to the impact of shifting offices like the OCR to other agencies, we’ll explore what these changes could mean for special education funding, enforcement, implementation, and policy. We’ll also cover takeaways from Linda McMahon’s Senate confirmation hearings; the status of existing and potential executive orders affecting staffing and regulations; and the real-world consequences for students, families, and educators. Finally, we’ll share practical action steps—both big and small—that parents and advocates can take right now to stay informed and protect educational rights. As always, my goal is to provide a framework that empowers you to navigate these potential changes with clarity and confidence. I also aim to provide a bit of comfort, because despite the significant risk that students with disabilities are facing, there’s still plenty of good in this (admittedly wacky) world. Now more than ever, building strong, positive relationships with teachers, therapists, and administrators is critical; and I’ll walk you through every step of the way. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your voice is heard in protecting the future of special education.
ResourcesThe IEP Guru AcademyThe Collaborative IEP Membership
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You're definitely not alone if you love a disabled person and have struggled to find a church community. You're also not alone is finding community ANYwhere is hard! If that's you, you're going to love this interview with my friend, Kim Botto. Kim's book, Boundless Hope for Every Child, is so insightful and helpful. I mean, how could you not love the tagline... Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely. Kim's one of those people who not only "gets it" but can also put her wisdom into actionable tasks. She's a delight, and so's this episode!
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We're working our way, section by section, through IDEA, our federal law. After today's quick podcast, you will be able to say you have been taught Subchapter I/ Part A inside and out!!! Today we'll work through several sections, some admittedly kind of perfunctory, but I try to tell you why they matter to YOU! And then we'll learn about some of my favorite tools ever, Dear Colleague Letters, Policy Documents, and other Guidance!!!
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In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most important but often overlooked sections of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): the definitions. We’ll explore why these definitions are more than just legal jargon—they’re the foundation of your advocacy efforts. You’ll learn how understanding key terms like “FAPE,” “least restrictive environment,” and “assistive technology” can empower you to navigate IEP meetings with confidence, ensure your child gets the services they’re entitled to, and prevent misinterpretation by schools. Whether you’re a parent, advocate, or educator, this episode will give you the tools to leverage IDEA’s definitions to support children with disabilities effectively.
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In this brand-new series, we're diving deep into the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to break it down in simple, actionable terms. We are literally going section by section through the law, and I'll try my best to make it easy to understanding, stopping to provide advocacy ideas along the way.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, or advocate, you'll gain clarity on the law and practical tools to use it effectively in IEP advocacy. And if you're in the Membership, stay tuned!!! In preparing for the first two episodes, I have a list of three bonuses for you already!!!! :)
In this first episode, we’ll unpack Section 1400, which lays the foundation of IDEA by detailing Congress's findings and the purposes of the law. I’ll translate the legal jargon into plain English, connect it to real-world advocacy scenarios, and share strategies to help you leverage this section in your advocacy efforts.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the complexity of special education laws, this series is for you. Join me as we explore IDEA one section at a time—with plenty of insights and tools to help you along the way!
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In today's episode I'm giving you to down low on Interroception, the sense of feeling your feelings and accessing skills and tools to ameliorate them when they're uncomfortable. This is part of a series where I give you little snippets of helpful information in short bursts- similar to how I do it in the IEP Guru Academy products! Over half of my IEP meetings deal with Interroception, at least in small part, so this topic is a can't miss, super duper helpful one! Enjoy!
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This week on the podcast, I’m getting real with you. I’ll share my honest reflections on the IEP Guru Academy launch, why it didn’t go as planned, and what I’ve learned about the challenges of advocacy in special education.
Spoiler alert- it was a bummer. But here’s the thing—I’m not staying in disappointment. Instead, I’m using it to inspire a fresh start for all of us in 2025. Let’s talk about why advocacy feels hard, why it’s so worth it, and how we can tackle it together with hope and intention.
Tune in for honesty, encouragement, and a challenge to make this year count—for you, your child, and the entire disability community!
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Want to learn about interoception in 20 minutes or less? I’m breaking it down for you in this episode – literally faster than it takes me to paint my nails! 💅 Interoception is the ability to sense what's going on inside our bodies – think hunger, thirst, or even when we need to use the bathroom. It’s a critical skill, especially for kids with sensory processing challenges, and understanding it can make a huge difference when advocating for supports at the IEP table. This episode packs a lot of info into a short amount of time, just like our IEP Guru Academy videos. In these videos, we dive into these topics in even more detail, offering quick, actionable lessons to help you navigate IEP meetings with confidence!
ResourcesThe IEP Guru Academy
The Collaborative IEP Membership
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Behavior. It’s the buzzword at so many IEP meetings, yet it’s often misunderstood, overcomplicated or downright ignored. Today, I’m breaking it down in just 12 minutes—or less! You’ll get my behavior 'ditty'—a quick, memorable way to think about and address behavior effectively. Why? Because this perspective is a game-changer in IEP meetings and school discussions, and I want you to see just how much you can learn in a short time. It’s a sneak peek at the kind of value-packed strategies I share in the IEP Guru Academy videos!
ResourcesThe IEP Guru Academy
The Collaborative IEP Membership
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How does IQ testing affect your child’s eligibility for special education services, their disability category under IDEA, and their placement in the least restrictive environment (LRE)? In this episode, we break it all down.
We’ll explore the purpose of IQ testing, its limitations, and how it fits into the broader picture of determining your child’s unique needs. You’ll learn how disability categories influence placement decisions and why IQ scores should never be the sole factor in deciding your child’s educational path.
Join us for practical tips on navigating IEP discussions, challenging the misuse of IQ scores, and advocating for inclusive opportunities that focus on your child’s strengths. If you’ve ever wondered how these pieces fit together, this episode is for you!
ResourcesThe IEP Guru Academy
The Collaborative IEP Membership
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Conflict is often seen as something to avoid, but what if it’s the key to progress? In this episode, we explore how productive conflict can strengthen relationships, spark creativity, and lead to better outcomes—both in everyday life and at the IEP table.
We'll share real-life examples of how disagreements, when handled constructively, have driven innovation, resolved long-standing issues, and built stronger teams. Then, we’ll dive into how embracing healthy debate can transform IEP meetings. You’ll learn practical strategies to navigate conflict with confidence, turn differing perspectives into actionable solutions, and keep your focus on what matters most: the child’s needs.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or advocate, this episode will inspire you to view conflict as a tool for collaboration and growth.
ResourcesThe IEP Guru Academy
The Collaborative IEP Membership
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Are you ready to tackle IEP meetings with confidence and ease? 💪 In this week’s episode, I’m introducing something that’s going to change the game for parents and teachers: the IEP Guru Academy Videos!
What you’ll learn in this episode:
✨ How these short, focused videos meet YOUR needs.
✨ The practical strategies, workbooks, and tools they offer.
✨ Why they’re perfect for busy parents and educators who want quick, effective solutions.
💡 Imagine walking into your next IEP meeting feeling prepared, calm, and ready to advocate for your child. These videos make it possible—and I’m breaking it all down for you in today’s episode!
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We’re rebranding! After much thought and heart, I'm thrilled to introduce The Collaborative IEP—a brand that better reflects our mission to empower and support families and educators in navigating the IEP process together. 💪💙And that’s not all! To kick off this new chapter, I’m launching the IEP Guru Academy videos—short, affordable, and jam-packed with practical strategies designed to make your IEP advocacy journey easier. Each video is a powerful tool, helping you feel more prepared and confident without taking too much time out of your busy day. Catch all the details in this week's podcast episode, where I share why I made these changes, what you can expect from The Collaborative IEP, and a sneak peek into the new IEP Guru Academy videos.Tune in now and join me in this exciting next step!
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We wrap up our 200th episode celebration today with one of your favorite repeat guests, Dr. Rachel Schwartz, and man did we ever have fun! Dr. Rachel and I set out with a loose idea of discussion topics, but what you really get in this episode is a discussion between someone who supports IEP teams in supporting students' behavior and an advocate who sees the trends when things go south. Dr. Rachel provides so many insights and strategies for common behavioral issues at schools - both how to support the student and how to advocate within IEP teams. We talk reinforcers, skill deficits, replacement behaviors, sensory process, belonging, and even shame!!!! That one blew my mind and made me want to re-read every Brene Brown book with my clients in mind! I know you'll love this episode!
Rachel Schwartz, Ph.D., BCBA-D, has worked internationally creating and supervising programs for individuals with disabilities. Her work as a consultant and trainer includes teaching behavior analytic strategies and exploring issues related to sexual education and quality of life. Dr. Schwartz has published original research on these topics in special education journals as well as presented at national, state, and local conferences. Through her work as a trainer and consultant with the Watson Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr. Schwartz taps into more than 15 years of experience working in special education to empower students, families, and professionals.
Links:
The Watson InstituteLinkedIn- The Watson InstituteWhen Behavior Impedes Learning- ADDitudeA Parent's Guide to Problem-Solving Problem Behaviors (ADDitude)
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When Pepper Stettler's daughter, Louisa, was first entering school, she was IQ tested. Pepper didn't think much of it... until the results came in. What happened next prompted Pepper to go on a years-long journey of research and discovery. Pepper assimilated the results of that into a book called A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test, and boy is it ever good! In the book, Pepper explores not only the history of IQ testing but also the methodology of testing, the impact on people with disabilities, the impact on the special education system, and so much more. Pepper and I set out to answer some common interview questions, and even though I never read one questions during our interview, we answered all of them in an organic, excited conversation! That's my favorite kind of interview! If you've ever wondered about IQ testing, how it impacts eligibility, or how it affects special education, this is a must listen! Pepper's book can be found on Amazon or other booksellers!
Pepper Stetler is the author of A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test. She writes extensively on issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, The Progressive, the Ploughshares blog and Gulf Coast. Pepper is a professor of Art History at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she lives with her husband and daughter Louisa.
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As we wrap up this 200th celebration In this inspiring episode, I sit down with my friend Mandi Jamison, whose daughter, Clara, has defied expectations. Clara, who has Down syndrome, was a varsity cheerleader and is now pursuing her dreams as a model. Mandi shares her journey as a dedicated advocate, working tirelessly to secure Clara's inclusion in extracurricular activities, academics, and cheerleading. Together, we discuss the challenges, triumphs, and the powerful impact of advocacy in creating opportunities for children with disabilities. You won't want to miss this uplifting story of perseverance and breaking barriers!
Mandi JamisonA dedicated stay-at-home mom of three—ages 21, 19, and 4—and proud cat owner to Poptart, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Xavier University. Married to my high school sweetheart, I love learning about photography, and stalking Google flights for travel deals.
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Does your child experience demand avoidance? This episode is all about Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy, and our guest is one of your favorites, not to mention MINE! Dr. Taylor Day is my go to on demand avoidance and drive or autonomy, and in this episode we dive a little deeper into PDA and what it means to support students that experience it. Taylor talks us through this concept of "non-negotiables," "shoulds," and "yets," one of the best pieces of behavior advice I have ever heard as a mom! I got so jazzed during this episode that I couldn't help but insert some advocacy advice. I find PDA so hard to navigate with school teams. and this conversation opened so many doors for me! Hope it helps you!
Meet My GuestDr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist specializing in neurodivergent affirming care for autistic children and their families, including very early diagnosis and early intervention. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the CEO and founder of Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care. Her practice integrates The Whole Family Approach, a process she created utilizing evidence-informed principles after seeing a gap in autism care. Her passion for child psychology and her focus on autism is in many ways tied to her own personal experience growing up with a brother who was diagnosed at 23 months of age.
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Free Support Guide for your PDA Child
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As we continue to celebrate our 200th episode, we welcome school-psych-turned-advocate, April Rehrig to the pod this week! April's been on the pod twice before, and you all have loved her. I think that's because she's a) so incredibly knowledgeable and b) really good at explaining hard stuff. Because April's a school psych, she's really good at special education eligibility and reading reports. That's why we had her talk about what to ask your school people about special education evaluations and how to do so. Join us for this crazy helpful episode... and join me in wishing April a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY today, too!!!!
Meet the GuestApril Rehrig is the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, LLC. She spent over 20 years as a teacher and school psychologist before starting Rise. April is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Board Certified Special Education Advocate. She’s a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and Master IEP Coach©️. Rise offers Parent IEP Coaching , Teachers Pay Teachers Toolkits & Templates, Group Training, and DIY IEP Workshops. Follow April on Instagram @riseedadvocacy, YouTube at Rise Educational Advocacy, and book a Parent Consultation.
- Visa fler
