Special Education Advocacy with Ashley Barlow
Ashley Barlow
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Welcome to Ashley Barlow Co. podcast! This business has been in my heart for so many years, and I so excited to share it with you. In these podcasts we’ll discuss all things special education – from eligibility to implementation of the IEP. We’ll talk about basic concepts and dive deeper into specific topics. We’ll talk about self-care for caregivers and professionals that support children on IEPs. We’ll discuss best practices, behavior, therapies, and more!
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
2 days ago
Unleashing the Awesome Surprises of Online Tutoring with the Marvelous Michelle Breitenbach!
Need more time in your week?
Tired of running kids to activities and therapies?
Wanna just enjoy your neighborhood pool or sit by a ball field?
Want new, meaningful, insanely beneficial ways to connect with your child?
Imagine the surprise of Michelle Breitenbach when she hesitantly agreed to tutor all of her students on-line and subsequently got the above results! Imagine Michelle’s surprise when the pandemic happened, and she realized there was a whole landscape of on-line tutors and students needing help with reading that had little choice but to access tutoring on-line.
Michelle Breitenbach joins me today to talk about on-line tutoring, its obvious and even unintended benefits, and how you can even access it from abroad! I can’t wait for you to hear from this certified dyslexia practitioner and to learn all about her work!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/BTM4oP3Sggy
Meet Michelle
I am a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, entrepreneur, and coach. I would love to teach your wiggly, struggling readers or help you become a better teacher for your students. Whether online or in-person, I provide helpful tools and strategies to set up with less tech, connect with your student, maintain multi-sensory methods, and engage with quick games and movement. I train teachers to work online successfully by using materials they already have and incorporating engaging low-tech activities. I can't wait to see you in the Zoom Room and help you or your student today!
Website: https://www.readtorewire.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readtorewire/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readtorewire
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-breitenbach/
Contact: michelle@readtorewire.com
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May 30, 2023
Why The Science of Reading Works
You’ve heard about - and maybe even asked for - a multi-sensory, evidence-based reading program, but what does that really mean? In this webinar we’ll talk about how a multi-sensory approach looks in practice and why it works. We’ll even explore a few common curricula and try to differentiate between them!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/PA5fzhLwpIJ
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May 23, 2023
Killing Two Birds - SOR (Science Of Reading)
Last week we scratched the surface on the Science of Reading. Last week I also dropped all the balls, and I had to cancel a free webinar on the Science of Reading. So, this week’s podcast is basically a deeper dive into SOR – and it’s exactly what I would present at the webinar. We’re killing two birds with the SOR--- a podcast and a webinar in one!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/a8P9LUVyXIO
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May 16, 2023
The Science of Reading: Is It For Me?
Science is a systematic and logical approach to discovering how the natural world works. So, the Science of Reading is the result of a systematic and logical approach to how we learn to READ! Wanna know more? Join me in today’s webinar where we discuss the Science of Reading. We’ll talk about what this research shows, and we’ll break it down so you can choose and advocate for the right programming for your child.
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/O6xeJYsDpHM
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May 9, 2023
Hand-Writing Supports with Dyslexia Guru, Michelle Morgan
Today we welcome Michelle Morgan, SLP and dyslexia guru, to the podcast! Michelle is walking us through a hand-writing program she designed, giving us lots of tips and information on how hand-writing supports the process of learning to read. Michelle was our guest in Season2, Episode 77 and you all loved it! I can’t wait for you to listen to this episode!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/GsPmcgQWsMN
Meet my guest:
Michelle Morgan is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in dyslexia. Her youngest daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2013, which motivated her to learn more about the disorder and help other families who are going through similar experiences. Michelle believes that dyslexia is misunderstood and underidentified, and aims to provide support, education, and advocacy to families.
Website: https://dayswithdyslexia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DayswithDyslexia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DyslexiaSLP/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dayswithdyslexia
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May 2, 2023
Neurodiversity Affirming Practice at Therapy and Beyond with Rosemarie Griffin
Today we welcome Rosemarie Griffin of ABA Speech, and we talk about a super hot topic: how – and why- we can incorporate neurodiversity affirming practices into our therapy, tutoring, and even play sessions with children. We’re talking about how to incorporate sensory strategies, behavior supports, and other practices that affirm a child’s profile, establish a relationship, and help to regulate them so that they’re not only ready to learn but empowered to learn. Rosemarie has all sorts of incredible strategies that will blow your mind and really help you connect with your children and students! I can’t wait for you to listen!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/5iJ1Kvs5aK3
Meet my guest:
Rosemarie Griffin, MA, CCC/SLP BCBA, is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Product Developer and Host of The Autism Outreach Podcast. She divides her time between a public school and her own private practice. She is passionate about helping individuals with autism find their voice and become more independent communicators. This passion has driven her to create her own business, http://www.abaspeech.org, where she provides ASHA approved courses, therapy materials and free resources for parents and professionals alike.
Website: https://abaspeech.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaspeechbyrose/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abaspeech
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXRBJBfK_294R58U5bOyvUQ
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Apr 25, 2023
Potty Training and Behavior with Molly Johnson
I know from my time on non-profit boards that Potty Training is always a popular topic amongst parents. That’s why I couldn’t believe that it had taken me this long to invite Molly Johnson from @theautismconsultant onto the pod! Molly is a special educator with a Masters in Special Education and Administration, who started a consulting business while still teaching. She now owns and operates the Autism Consultant full time and offers two digital courses, a monthly membership, and a ton of additional resources. In today’s episode Molly answers all my questions about potty training and gives lots of general behavior tips, too! I can’t wait for you to listen!
Meet my guest:
Molly Johnson is an autism consultant, working with parents to reduce challenging behaviors and develop new skills. When working with parents, Molly helps families understand the reason for the barrier and how to move beyond that barrier. After years of being an autism teacher, it was clear that parents needed guidance on behaviors and skills at home. Molly now supports parents from all over the world to improve behaviors, skills, and advocacy.
Website: https://www.theautismconsultant.us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063259356587
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautismconsultant/
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Apr 18, 2023
Why Multi-Sensory Reading Programs Work with Hanna Stroud
Of all the educators on IG that I follow, I think I’m the biggest fangirl of Hanna at My Literacy Space. Over the past few years, I’ve so enjoyed what Hanna has put into their space – creative ways to teach literacy, helpful information about the science of reading, and a health smattering of fun! In today’s podcast, I discuss why multi-sensory reading programs work with Hanna. If you’ve found yourself knowing that you child needs multi-sensory reading programs but not knowing a ton of supporting details, this episode is for you!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/BV3jlIzQSOS
Meet My Guest:
Hanna Stroud has been a Literacy Tutor & Consultant in Calgary, Alberta, Canada since 2008. Hanna is passionate about sharing structured literacy tips, multisensory activities, and their favourite picture books to educators and caregivers. Making learning fun and engaging doesn't mean we forget to follow the science of reading for evidence-based skills and strategies.
Website: www.myliteracyspace.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063464196591
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/growingwithliteracy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myliteracyspace/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myliteracyspace
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Apr 11, 2023
Reading Simplified with Marnie Ginsburg
Marnie Ginsberg, Founder of Reading Simplified, is a reading difficulties detective who streamlines the science and art of reading instruction so teachers can rapidly learn effective techniques that help students accelerate to grade level and beyond. She also helps translate the latest understandings from science into practical, easy-to-implement activities. She’s my guest on the podcast today, and we’re talking all things Science of Reading!
* Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/UMr6wh17pg5
Meet My Guest:
Marnie Ginsberg, Founder of Reading Simplified, is a reading difficulties detective who streamlines the science and art of reading instruction so teachers can rapidly learn effective techniques that help students accelerate to grade level and beyond. She also helps translate the latest understandings from science into practical, easy-to-implement activities.
In the late 1990s, Marnie uncovered that her 6th-grade language arts students, on average, were reading 2 years below grade level. And despite her master’s degree and enthusiasm, she had no idea how to remediate their word-reading difficulties.
After eventually finding solutions for her struggling readers, she led the development of the Targeted Reading Intervention at the University of North Carolina. Across 15+ years, multiple research articles have demonstrated that struggling K-2 readers grow significantly in reading with the Targeted Reading Intervention (TRI), which is on the federal What Works Clearinghouse and is endorsed by many organizations such as Evidence for ESSA and RAND Corporation’s Promising Practices Network. Given the repeated, strong results of the TRI across multiple clinical trials, Dr. Ginsberg expanded the resources and adapted the professional learning approach to provide Reading Simplified for a broader audience beginning in 2013.
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readingsimplified/
* FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingSimplified/
* Website: https://readingsimplified.com/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-ginsberg-reading/
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Apr 4, 2023
What's Your IEP Meeting Personality Type?
What's Your IEP Meeting Personality Type? Are you Frazzled Frances, the mom that's always running behind, completely capable of advocating more but overwhelmed with all that life throws at you? Or could you be Courteous Carol, a "yes man" through and through. Perhaps you'll be Hesitant Hannah, who distrusts the sweet Kindergarten teacher and has research to back up everything she says. Of course, you could be Organized Olive, who's got it all together and knows exactly how things are going to go. Give this week’s episode a listen, and then take our QUIZ to see what IEP Meeting Type you are and to get a list of Strengths, Common Pitfalls, and Suggestions for your Type. We’d love to hear what your Personality Type is! Share it on social media, tag us, and tell us what your next action steps are!
Take the Quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/608c2bd07a38c30017963b77
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/S44OrOQkUJ5
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Mar 28, 2023
3 Tips for Preparing for an IEP Meeting
Don’t stress before your annual IEP meeting. I’ve got three simple tips that will help you prepare and feel calm before your meeting! These are all things you’ve heard before - but infused with experience from hundreds of IEP meetings I’ve attended!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/RMNWzDtN2DX
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Mar 21, 2023
Preparing For Your Annual IEP Meeting
It’s IEP Season, and that can only mean one thing. Parents in special education are freaking out!!!! In today’s episode, I talk about why the annual meeting is just like any other meeting, give you tips for preparing for the meeting, and also give you four ideas or strategies that you may employ at this year’s annual meeting in order to get more out of the special education process for your student. It’s a balance of “shake things up” and “same old, same old!” Hot and cold. Sandy beaches and snowy mountains. Yin and yang. You get the point! Give it a listen and see what you think! And holy cow- can you believe we’re on episode 131?!
In today’s episode, I reference Podcast #8: Getting More Services Out Of an IEP, an oldie but goodie episode. Listen now here: https://ashleybarlowco.com/getting-more-services-out-of-an-iep/
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/RMNWzDtN2DX
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Mar 14, 2023
Celebrating the Unexpected and Undergoing Transformation with Jillian Benfield
Chances are you’ve experienced the Unexpected, and if you’ve stuck around here in the make-lemonade place that I’ve created, you have probably embraced the Unexpected as a Gift. Today I welcome author, blogger, and speaker Jillian Benfield, whose relatable book, “The Gift of the Unexpected,” explores how she unpacked her son’s Down syndrome diagnosis during a time of transition in her life. My favorite part is when Jillian and I discuss her explanation of how we undergo hardship rather than overcoming it. I’m telling you – it’s deep, and it’s beautiful! Have a listen today!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/8sxy0FeREto
Meet my guest:
Jillian Benfield is a former journalist and news anchor. She holds a broadcast journalism degree from the University of Georgia. As a freelance writer, her essays about living an unexpected life have appeared on sites such as TODAY, Good Morning America, Yahoo! News, and ABC News. Jillian regularly advocates for t…
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Mar 7, 2023
Forget Me Not: Inclusion in the Classroom with Oliver and Hilda Bernier
In today’s episode we talk with Olivier and Hilda Bernier about their documentary, Forget Me Not, and man alive, are your advocacy bones going to tremble! The documentary features their story regarding their son’s education. As 3-year-old Emilio prepares to start school, his family finds itself embroiled in a challenge all too common for children with disabilities - to secure the right to an inclusive education. Cornered in one of the most segregated education systems, New York City public schools, filmmaker Olivier and his wife Hilda turn the camera on themselves and their child with Down syndrome, as they navigate a byzantine system originally designed to silo children with disabilities. Emilio's parents learn from other families who have fought against the injustices built into the educational system while they continue their own battle for their son's future. Forget Me Not reveals a path to a more inclusive society that starts with welcoming diversity in the classroom. Yo…
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Feb 28, 2023
Busting Burn Out at Schools with Brent Duka
What’s woodworking have to do with education? What’s teaching have to do with mental health? What do woodworking, teacher, mental health, and darn good people have in common? Brent Duka, that’s what! Today’s podcast guest, Brent Duka of @classroomandwoodwork, is a classroom teacher who found a passion for woodworking during the pandemic. Over the course of time, he found that his new hobby was helping him cope with the many stresses of teaching during a pandemic, and he’s turned that hobby into a thriving business. Tune in to hear Brent’s story and how his lessons can shape relationships on your IEP teams, no matter your role.
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/CL6OVK6gds1
Meet my guest:
Hi, I'm Brent. I am a dad, husband, and a 4th grade teacher here in San Jose, California. I also enjoy woodworking, and I like to combine this craft with teaching to make products for the classroom.
Facebook: https://facebook.com/classroomandwoodwork
Instagram: h…
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Feb 21, 2023
Behavior Supports at School with Dr. Annie McLaughlin
Dr. Annie McLaughlin joins us today to talk about behavior supports at school. We’ll learn what behavior analysts do, how they work in schools, and how the involvement of a behavioral analyst can be an asset in an IEP team. Dr. Annie talks and talk and walks the walk… she works as a special education advocate in Maryland and has so much valuable experience. Even if you’re in the choir, you’ll enjoy hearing her preach!!!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/mi03opFv1Pv
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Meet my guest:
Dr. Annie is a full time educational consultant in Maryland where she helps families navigate the IEP process as well as train school systems on best practices in Special Education and behavior analysis. She began her career as a special education teacher and behavior analyst in clinics and schools before transitioning full time to consulting and advocacy. She has three elementary and middle school aged children and enjoys gardening with them.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/…
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Feb 14, 2023
Building a Collaborative IEP Team - Focusing on the TEAM!
When you think “IEP team,” do you think “teamwork?” The question is also preposterous! But it doesn’t have to be. Congress called it an IEP team and required the participation of certain individuals. Certainly, they wanted us to act as a real, functional team. We know that when IEP teams actually work as teams, they’re far more effective, which means the student sees far better results. In this session, you’ll learn strategies to help your team function as a TEAM – even when it is a little sticky.
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/GL3mbROxdEs
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Join the ABClub here: https://ashleybarlowco.com/abclub-membership
Welcome to ABClub, your Monthly Membership to All Things Ashley Barlow Co. We know it’s hard to keep up with everything, but we also know how hard you try! That’s why Club exists… We’ll drop content right to your Inbox several times a month. You’ll build your library with digital downloads, dive deeper in monthly videos with…
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Feb 7, 2023
An Advocate’s Journey
The #1 question people ask me after consultations is, “How do I become an advocate?” Tons of parents and educators see the important work of advocacy and get curious! How do advocates become advocates? Just like that!!! Today we’ll hear from Lisa Richer, an advocate that has developed a system called RIPE Ideas, about her advocacy journey! I bet you’ll be able to picture yourself in her shoes!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/ENLvwgxpkzL
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Meet my guest:
Lisa Richer is a certified Neurodiversity Consultant who believes we must first seek to understand the learner in order to effectively support them in all learning and development goals. As a parent of 2 neurodivergent boys, more than 20 years combined Leadership, Human Resources, Training, Neurodiversity Consulting experience, and years as an Elite level athlete, Lisa leverages her lived experiences and professional training in her consultancy, Journey 2 Bloom. Through the lens of her RiPE iDEAS…
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Jan 31, 2023
Red Flags at the IEP Table
Do you ever feel lonely as a parent in the disability community? Ever feel like the whole world is against you? Just me? JK- I know we all feel that isolation and stress, and I hope this week’s podcast will be a huge help. This week I’m talking to my friend, Shemica Allen, special education advocate, about Red Flags at the IEP Table. This episode will help you understand that it not “just you” and also give you tips to navigate common issues at the IEP table and beyond! Believe me, we’ve all been there!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/ElU03iDVklv
Meet my guest:
Shemica S. Allen is the owner of Personalized Learning Solutions, LLC, and a former educator with over 15 years of teaching and administration experience working with students with disabilities and their parents/guardians. Shemica received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a specialization in Adapted Physical Activity…
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Jan 24, 2023
Ignite the Fire
You might call it filling your cup. I igniting the fire! Networking with people in my community, attending conferences, getting dumped on. These are all reminders of why we do our advocacy. Keeping the children that we love at the center of our advocacy is really the key, and sometimes we just need a little reminder. In today’s episode, we talk about that fire within us and how to fuel it.
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/AxVpJHnJTl9
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3rd Annual Special Education and Advocacy Conference | January 28, 2023
Are you tired of feeling frustrated at the IEP table?! It’s back! The 2023 Free Virtual Special Education Conference is on January 28, 2023! If you’re on an IEP team, you won’t want to miss this fantastic, free conference!
Register now here: https://ashleybarlowco.com/conference-2023
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Jan 17, 2023
Getting an Evaluation for Your Child
The first episode I recorded with school-psych-turned-advocate, April Rehrig, has been on my Top Ten list since it launched. It makes sense then that I had her back as my first-ever repeat guest! April delivers again in this episode! Join us as we talk about how to get an evaluation for your child. No, we are not just talking about eligibility and that initial request for an evaluation. We are talking about specific language to use, information to provide, the value of the evaluation itself, and subsequent evaluations! April tells it to you straight; her insight is such an asset!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/Z3yUawlH6p9
Meet April:
April discovered her passion as a teen, volunteering in a special education school. Raised in a family of educators, it felt natural to help others. Each role in her career led to April’s expertise in disability advocacy.
First and foremost, April is a teacher. Prior to leading her own class, she was a substitute, private tutor, instruct…
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Jan 10, 2023
Think inclusion with Tim Villegas
Thinking inclusively is not only a mindset for today’s podcast guest; it’s his job. Tim Villegas joins me on today’s episode to talk about inclusive education. Tim founded a company called Think Inclusive, and it’s now the blog for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. Tim and I will chat about what “inclusion” really means, how to get a more inclusive environment, and much, much more!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/pqJAMMNwyn3
Meet the Guest:
Tim Villegas is director of communications at MCIE, a nonprofit that envisions a society where neighborhood schools welcome all learners and create the foundation for inclusive communities. He is the founder of Think Inclusive, MCIE's blog and podcast. Throughout his 16-year career as a special education teacher, Tim advocated for the inclusion of students with significant disabilities in general education classrooms and continues his work with MCIE to empower inclusive systems change in schools and districts…
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Jan 3, 2023
3 Foundational Skills for Every Special Education Advocate
Every special education advocate has uttered the sentence, “I should go to law school;” and every special education attorney has considered a Masters Degree in special education. Why? Because we all acknowledge the 3 foundational skills that all effective advocates – parents, teachers, and other professionals alike – need. In today’s episode I’ll talk about those three skills and give you ideas on where to find them! If you’re ready to start the year by perfecting your advocacy skills, this is the right place to start!
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Dec 27, 2022
Trends In Special Education Advocacy in 2022
This episode is a 2022 Year in Review!!! I’ll walk you through a few trends that I saw in my own office and in the larger special education advocacy community. I’ll also introduce you to my 2023 Free Virtual Conference AND a new product that we’re rolling out in 2023!!!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/EzpZ6Ia9aSY
2023 Conference: https://ashleybarlowco.com/conference-2023
ABClub Membership: https://ashleybarlowco.com/abclub-membership
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Dec 20, 2022
Early Intervention with Eryn Yolac
Today we welcome Erin Yolac, an educational advocate from sunny California! Erin and I explore her advocacy journey through the lens of her own educational experiences. Erin will talk directly to parents, particularly those whose children have been diagnosed with dyslexia and/or ADHD, and will give lots of tips and empathy to them. We’ll talk about the importance of early intervention and how to ensure that students have access to it! Enjoy!!!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/pwY8QrQ4Bga
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Meet My Guest:
Advocate to Educate founder and owner Eryn Schnel Yolac is a wife and proud parent of two great kids. She was also diagnosed with Dyslexia at age six. Her personal experiences and struggles to find proper reading intervention and mental health services as a child are what has inspired her to continue her life's mission: advocating for children just like her. Eryn's professional training began in the classroom as a special education teacher and progressed qui…
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Dec 6, 2022
Ten Tips to Surviving the Holidays with your Neurodiverse Family: Adding Structure to Unstructured Time
Christmas Chaos! It’s so normal and relatable. But wouldn’t you rather relate to people with a peaceful heart and mind?! In today’s episode, I give you TEN (yes, ten) tips for surviving the holidays with your neurodiverse family, but let me tell you… these tips support you are caregivers, as well as your other family members, too! Our first ever BONUS episode is a good one indeed!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/8tN8W4Wgx2E
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Nov 29, 2022
Special Education Advocacy from the Inside Out
Beth Liesenfeld was an OT that provided school-based supports for years. She observed families that got what they wanted and deserved and families that didn’t. She made notes of her observations and started helping families advocate more effectively with her experiences and observations! Join Beth and me for a co-hosted/co-published podcast on Advocacy from the Inside Out. We’ll talk about how parents can best advocate… and so much more!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/0rf71zb85ER
Meet My Guest:
Beth Liesenfeld, MOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and passionate about teaching parents how to advocate through the IEP process. As a new occupational therapist in the schools, she was overwhelmed by the IEP process. After participating in 80 meetings per year, she noticed how some parents learned the system just enough to get the most effective IEP for their child possible from the school (and the followthrough, too!) She started her company, The IEP Lab,…
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Nov 22, 2022
Better Speech? Yes Please!
Better Speech? Yes please! In today’s episode, I talk with Lenora Edwards, a speech and language therapist, about online speech therapy and language development. You’ll learn how language develops in children as they grow from babies into school-aged children and how to facilitate language as a parent and teacher. Lenora provides virtual speech and language therapy at Better Speech, and she tells us how to access their services.
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/VpwQpJG7iZgMeet My Guest:
Lenora Edwards is a ASHA Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist and Chief Knowledge Officer with Better Speech. Since obtaining her CCC’s in 2010, she has worked with individuals of all ages from little ones who are learning to understand and express themselves to adults who want to improve their speaking skills and become a more fluent and effective communicator. Lenora loves to teach and educate others so if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Better Speech…
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Nov 15, 2022
A Picture of Worth 1000 Words: Progress Monitoring Visuals
You keep the data. You report the data. You’re all about the data. But they still don’t listen! Have you ever tried to capitulate your child’s data in a chart or graph? This simple advocacy strategy can be super helpful and might just make a difference in your child’s next IEP meeting. In today’s episode I’ll walk you through an Excel tutorial… wait! I promise it’ll be helpful! And it won’t be terribly painful. Welcome back! Okay, I’ll show you how to use Excel to paint the picture of your child’s progress- or lack thereof- in a way that might finally get to the other IEP team members. One note: I do share my screen, so if you normally listen via audio only, you may choose to use YouTube this week!
Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/U32gafxefxf
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Nov 8, 2022
Common Progress Monitoring Pitfalls
In today’s episode of the podcast, I will review for common pitfalls in progress monitoring. I grabbed these pitfalls from an article, but they are definitely things that I have seen in my practice repeatedly. Of course, you know I will give you strategies and solutions so you can avoid the pitfalls, and address them if errors occur.
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Nov 1, 2022
Data. Not the end of the story.
In today’s episode, we are going to talk about all of the ancillary information that can impact data. This information is super important to understand and to consider when evaluating data. Incoming weeks we will talk about what to do with this information and how it can, impact, advocacy, instruction, and more. Data feels a little like Bruno. We should probably talk about it, but nobody wants to. Let’s make it easy starting this week.
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Oct 25, 2022
Using Your Parenting Skills to Advocate
Conflict adverse? This episode is for you! A few weeks ago, I was sitting in an IEP meeting and used a negotiation strategy that I’d just used in parenting Jack. I realized the irony… our children TEACH us skills that help us advocate for THEM! In today’s episode we’re talking about two skills that you’ve probably developed in parenting your children that will immensely enhance your advocacy skills.
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Oct 18, 2022
Facing the Challenge of Advocating for Executive Functioning Supports
A couple weeks ago, I was asked to speak on a Hot Topic in special education advocacy at a conference for people with ADHD. Without hesitating, I suggested that I speak about executive functioning – and not only EF – but really HOW to advocate for better supports for students that struggle with executive functioning. Let me tell you--- this is coming up in soooooo many IEP meetings in my practice. In today’s episode I give you my #1 tip for advocating for students with executive functioning struggles and even run you through some examples.
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Oct 11, 2022
The Most Simple Negotiation Strategy
It seems so simple. Too simple. Unbelievably simple. Like do negotiation experts actually teach this? Do law schools professors actually harp on this? Is it seriously the bane of the mediator’s existence? Friends, in today’s episode I give you THE most simple negotiation strategy. It’s one that you think you know. But wait. You might need to know more about… wait for it… what you want. Yep, in today’s podcast, we’re talking about what you want! Isn’t that what EVERYbody wants to discuss in a negotiation? Hop over and give a listen. I bet it helps you at your next IEP meeting!
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Oct 4, 2022
The Mindset of Advocates
In preparing for my new job, I’ve been cleaning my office building and preparing to rent it out. It’s been a real trip down memory lane. As I’ve thought about all of my favorite attorneys and advocates, a few verbs kept circulating through my mind. In today’s episode we dive into the mindset of attorneys and advocates. How do we work? What makes us tick? How do we achieve success for our clients? This will be a good one if you’ve ever considered working with or BECOMING an advocate yourself!
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Sep 27, 2022
A Code to Behavior
A Book called “The Behavior Code?” Yes please! In today’s episode, I summarize one of my most favorite books, “The Behavior Code,” by Jessica Minahan and Nancy Rappaport, MD. Let me tell you… if you read just the first 26 pages of this book, you’ll be able to talk to your child’s school team so much more effectively! And if you commit to 42 pages, you’ll also be able to suggest a super great behavior support plan for your child! Do I have your attention? This book also addresses specific strategies for students experiencing anxiety, oppositional behaviors, withdrawal, and sexualized behaviors. I give summaries for each chapter so you can decide if it’s right for you! Want more book reviews? DM me! I’m a reader, and I’m happy to deliver this info to you if you’d like it! https://amzn.to/3r9aVud
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Sep 20, 2022
Two Website You Must Know
My dad, our beloved Kurtie, often prays, “God, give me patience, and give it to me NOW!” If you’re a parent in special education, you can relate to this, and you may have whispered, “God, give me resources, and give them to me NOW!” The fact is that there are soooo many resources about special education and advocacy on-line… so many, in fact, that it is hard to determine where the best resources exist. In today’s episode I’m giving you two of my favorite, go to resources for special education advocacy. We’ll be talking about www.wrightslaw.com and www.tiescenter.org, which both provide a wealth of information. I’ll take you on a tour of the websites and tell you how I find my favorite special education resources quickly and when I need them!
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Sep 13, 2022
How to find the policy documents you NEED!
One of the things I use most often in my advocacy is the United States Department of education's policy documents. These documents can help yield learn about a particular topic, turn into what a district might be thinking, and tears out certain elements of special education laws. They can be hard to find, because sometimes they get buried in websites, so in today's episode, I walk you through how to find the documents and what to do with them. Want to make your wait in car line more effective? I've got policy docs for you!
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Sep 6, 2022
An Elevator Speech on Behavior for your IEP Meetings
I see this trend at IEP meetings…. Teams start discussion topics like inclusion or strategies like reading interventions, and they keep getting stuck. The real reason they’re getting stuck is because the child is struggling with BEHAVIOR! If a child isn’t regulated or prepared for learning, the interventions are far less likely to work. So, parents can advocate for better behavior strategies. This is where lots of parents get stuck… “How do I advocate for better behavior strategies,” you may ask. In today’s episode I’m giving you that 15-minute “speech.” Behavior in 15 minutes or less. Now, that’s something I can sink my teeth into!!! For more support, check out prior episodes with Dr. Solandry Forte and Dr. Rachel Schwartz or my Behavior Workshop.
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[Ep. 12] FBA and Behavior Intervention Plans with Dr. Solandy Forte: https://ashleybarlowco.com/functional-behavior-assessments-and-behavior-intervention-plans-with-dr-solandy-forte/
[Ep. 62] A Chat with Rachel…
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Aug 30, 2022
Becoming Empowered During The Special Education Process
I had my first IEP meeting of the school year last week, and when my client told me it was the first one that didn’t make her cry in years, it hit me. Parents feel more confident when I am at their meetings, because I help them understand the law. I take time to educate them about special education process, which is founded in the law, and intern, they gain super important confidence. In today’s episode we dive into this empowering topic.
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Aug 23, 2022
Back to The Pool--- Err, School
Do you struggle to find the right balance this time of year? Avid pool patrons, we try to squeeze out EVERY bit of fun in the sun; but we also all enjoy the routine and structure that comes with the Back to School season. So, today we’re talking about how to find that balance – special education style. I’ve got 5 simple tips to help you find structure AND fun in the couple of weeks… heck, months!!!
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In this episode:
1. Plan ahead so you have more time for fun
2. ENJOY FRIDAYS!
3. Get organized
4. Download your School’s App/ Activity Calendar
5. Take Advantage of the Mornings
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Links mentioned:
https://ashleybarlowco.podia.com/back-to-school-shopping-list
Never miss out on a new episode by joining my mailing list here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f43ff3f99f8080026e08ed7
https://ashleybarlowco.podia.com/getting-started-a-listening-guide-to-the-special-education-advocacy-podcast-with-ashley-barlow
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Aug 16, 2022
Kayla Schadegg, Mrs. Kansas International, Advocate for People with Down Syndrome
Kayla Schadegg uses her platform at Mrs. Kansas International to advocate for people with Down syndrome. Do I have your attention?! Yes, that’s right! I have a real live beauty queen on the podcast today, and we aren’t talking swimsuit fashion! Kayla will share her own birth story experience till drive her passion for teaching doctors and medical professionals about delivering disability diagnoses. She speaks to medical professionals about this topic on a regular basis and provides so many tips that might be helpful in your community. Plus, she’s just super fun to talk to, and her passion is contagious! This is a feel good, informative episode!
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Kayla is a born and raised Kansan, and an avid lover of children, pasta, and fitness. Kayla runs a children’s fitness center for a living, and in her spare time serves as a parent lead for medical advocacy trainings. As the proud mother to a gorgeous little girl with Down syndrome, Kayla knows firsthand the impact of a diagnosis…
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Aug 9, 2022
Five Big Lessons I’ve Learned in 100 Episodes
Happy 100th Episode, ABC friends!!! If we were in a school, we’d likely be dressing as 100-year-olds, complete with walkers and bushy eyebrows! In today’s milestone episode, I’m sharing with you 5 lessons that I’ve learned over the last two years as we’ve shared experiences here at Ashley Barlow Co and on the podcast. I share the story of how ABCo was conceptualized (during a riveting viewing of Frozen 2), take you on the journey of how we developed our two video training courses, and talk to you about five big lessons I’ve learned along this amazing journey! Thank you to being a part of our success and our community. Here’s to hundreds more!!! By the way, I’ve decided that I want a glittery walker, and could somebody please tell me when my eyebrows get bushy?!!!
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Aug 2, 2022
Three Tips for your All About Me Book
The turning of the calendar page to August is a good reminder to start working on that Back to School Communication! Have you updated your All About Me Book? In today’s episode I give three super easy tips to help you advocate as effectively as possible with an All About Me Book! Need a template? Download one HERE!
https://ashleybarlowco.podia.com/all-about-me-books
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Jul 26, 2022
From Teacher to Advocate: The Story of an ABC Student
I can’t wait to share with you Holly’s story. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or already an advocate, you’ll find some way to connect with Holly Johnson, today’s guest, and her sunny outlook! Holly is an elementary school special education teacher, who learned a lot about life during the COVID-19 pandemic, took the ABC Course and is on her way to becoming a special education advocate. Holly and I talk remote learning, pandemic parenting, teacher burn out, and all things advocacy in today’s episode, but we do it with a side of positivity and optimism. Holly’s a “lemonade” kind of advocate, and you’re not going to want to miss her story!
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Jul 12, 2022
A discussion about 34 CFR 300.116
In today’s short, sweet episode we look at 34 CFR 300.116, a regulation that teases out inclusion really nicely and gives us a LOT of help in arguing for inclusion. When I faced my own inclusion “discussion” with Jack’s IEP team, I first read the LAW (what’s in IDEA), but it didn’t help much. The REGULATIONS “tease out,” or explain, the law. This reg contains many factors that the IEP team needs to consider in making placement decisions. I think it’s so helpful that I have this one printed out and in the binder I take to all of my IEP meetings! I hope it helps you! (Oh, and sorrynotsorry about my appearance and voice. Real life happening over here!)
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Jun 28, 2022
Advocating From Your Gut
You know when your intuition just tells you something is right, but you have a hard time advocating? It’s like you know something is right, but you cannot really articulate it, so you say a lot of words but never really get to the point. I have clients come in with this issue often, and there is one strategy I always give them. In today’s podcast we will talk about this problem, as well as the strategy that has worked for so many of my clients and myself. Believe me! As somebody who uses a lot of words, I had to figure this went out using trial and error! Save yourself the time, and just listen to this episode!
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Jun 20, 2022
The Ins and Outs of Tutoring with Kelsey Frobeen
Have you ever wondered if you should get tutoring for your child that is on an IEP or 504 Plan? How do you find a tutor? How do you know if they’re a good fit? What kinds of tutoring models are out there? We’ll answer all of your tutoring question in today’s episode… yes, even that one. My guest, Kelsey Frobeen, and I will even talk about the risk that tutoring will take some responsibility off of the school.
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Kelsey Frobeen is the Program Manager of Learning Aid Ohio. She manages this statewide program which aims to provide in-person, supplemental learning support for students with IEPs or a 504 plan.
Kelsey has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources with previous experience in project management and process improvement. She is a fierce advocate for the disability community and inclusion. She recently graduated from The Ohio State University, Nisonger Center’s LEND program in May and serves as a family mentor at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Origi…
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Jun 14, 2022
All About Visuals with Tara Tuchel of Autism Little Learners
Visual Schedules Made Easy?! Yes please! If anyone has ever told you that your child would benefit from visuals, this episode is for you! Right? This episode is for EVERYone… because we can ALL benefit from visuals (hello, grocery list)! Today I’m talking to the one and only Tara Tuchel of Autism Little Learners, creator of the online course called “Visuals Made Easy” about all things visuals. Tara, a licensed SLP and early childhood teacher to children with autism, will help us understand exactly what we mean by “visuals,” how to use them, and why so many students benefit from them. Tara’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her ideas are so darn easy to implement.
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Tara is a speech/language pathologist who has worked with autistic children for over 20 years. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communicative Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Her minor was in Early Childhood Education. After working exclusively wi…
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Jun 7, 2022
3 Common Issues Arising in Advocacy in the 21-22 School Year
In today’s episode, I discuss 3 topics/ issues that have arisen frequently in my special education law practice and that advocates and attorneys across the country are discussing more this school year. We’ll talk about the issues, as well as solutions and strategies for each one!
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May 31, 2022
The one and only Jack Barlow!!!!!
If you can’t beat them, join them! I set an alarm to record early one morning over Memorial Day weekend, but my sweet guy had other plans… Jack woke up, too! He interrupted my first ten attempts at recording, sooooo this week’s guest is the most special of all—- The Jackman!!!! Jack and I talk all things special education - LRE, evaluations, MDRs…. Just Kidding! This is an episode full of complete and udder randomness - a joke, a burp, a fake toot, a list of toys, a little about school, and a lot of trying to get Jack to talk!!!! :) This is real life, friends (no, seriously, it’s 7 a.m., Jack has a mustache of yesterday’s Oreos, and I have only consumed about 1/4 of my first coffee!!) I’m excited to welcome you into our TV room and to introduce you to my wild and crazy guy!
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May 24, 2022
The Difference Between Private and School Evaluations with Dr. Brandi Tanner
You’re not going to want to miss this episode. It’s so full of great information and advocacy tips – not just for people exploring eligibility but also for people considering private evaluations, working with outside clinicians, and for anyone that writes an IEP goal. Yes, yes, that’s YOU!!!! In today’s episode, I talk to psychologist Dr. Brandi Tanner, about evaluations – the difference between what you get at school and what you get in a private clinic, what to do with the results, how often to test, and much, much more!! You guys usually like hearing from the psychologists, and I think you’re going to LOVE this one!
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Brandi Tanner, Ph.D., NCSP
Dr. Brandi Tanner has over twenty years of experience working with children and adolescents with learning and behavioral problems. She is both a licensed psychologist and a certified school psychologist.
Dr. Tanner earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Masters’ Degree in Special Education from West…
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May 17, 2022
Three Things You Should Do Before Summer
Sorry. It’s May. Graduations, Sports, Awards Ceremonies, Gardening, … You know the To Do list of Craziness that the month of May brings! Now I’m adding to the list! Buuuuuuuttttt – Can you think ahead to August and September for just a moment? Remember how it’s nutty, too?! I have just a few ideas – just a few things- that you could do NOW to make the Fall less stressful AND – most importantly – to make the transition to the next school year smoother for your child. Can you muscle through just a couple things (okay, I did say a few) with a forward focus? In today’s episode, I’m giving you three things that you can do NOW at the end of the school year to make next year better for your child that is on an IEP or 504 plan.
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May 10, 2022
Demand Letters 101
One of the negotiation strategies I use most frequently is a Demand Letter. In today’s super quick episode I introduce you to the Demand Letter and talk a little bit about how to write them. Once you master the Demand Letter, your advocacy will undoubtedly skyrocket with results! Today I share with you the little “ditty” I normally give clients when I recommend that they or I write a Demand Letter.
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May 3, 2022
The Autism Helper, Sasha Long
Join me for this week’s podcast, a discussion with Sasha Long, BCBA, MA, the Autism Helper. Sasha works as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a consultant, and a writer. She founded @theautismhelper, where she manages a blog and lots of great content here on social media. Join us as we discuss how parents can collaborate with their IEP teams, support their children behaviorally, and navigate these uncharted post-pandemic waters.
Meet My Guest:
Sasha Long, BCBA, M.A., is the founder and president of The Autism Helper, Inc. She is a board certified behavior analyst and former special education teacher. Sasha works full time as a consultant, writer, and behavior analyst. Sasha manages and writes The Autism Helper Blog, as a way to share easy to use and ready to implement strategies and ideas. Sasha also travels internationally as a speaker and consultant providing individualized training and feedback to parents, educators, therapists and administrators in the world of autism…
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Apr 26, 2022
Five Things Attorneys and Advocates Say In Almost Every Meeting
It started with an idea for a Freebie for you. It turned into a stream of consciousness!!! Today I share a little Behind the Scenes insight into things attorneys and advocates say often – and the reason we say them! Episode #47, “The #1 Reasons I Turn Away Clients” has yielded a lot of conversations with listeners, and when I had this podcast subject enter my head, I figured you may like it also! I am sure we drive our clients crazy with at least one of these five things, but hopefully after listening, you’ll gain just a bit of insight – and heck, you may even want to become an advocate or attorney yourself!!!
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Apr 19, 2022
“We All Relate” with Kelly Jones
Our Birth Stories. The Missed Milestones. The Comparison Game. Finding and Maintaining Child Care. Worries about Siblings. Our Jobs as Lifeguards, Therapists, Doctors, Researchers, Teachers, and General Contractors. Navigating Social Situations. Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes!!! Can you relate to one or EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. of these issues that caretakers experience? In today’s podcast I talk with Kelly Jones, parent in our community and therapist, about the effect of care giving on the mental health of parents in the special needs community. And what special about this podcast is that there’s no toolkit (of course, of course, we do provide some strategies and ideas for healing). Rather, the purpose of this episode is *community* - for you to feel our community, the togetherness, the connection. I promise that you’ll listen to this episode and feel better for at least one reason. You are not alone. We’re all in this together. Please enjoy!
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Apr 12, 2022
One Helpful Strategy to Use This “IEP Season”
Before I outlined today’s podcast episode, I triple checked that I hadn’t done this topic before, because it’s nearly impossible that we’re 85 episodes in, and I haven’t talked about this IEP meeting tip… The Future Planning Statement and/or Parent Interest Statement! When people hire me for a one-time consult, they almost always hear about the FPS/PIS. I recommend it almost universally! Sharing your hopes and dreams, as well as the interests behind your positions for upcoming meeting can be a total game changer, and in today’s episode, I’ll walk you through just what to include. Want more? Download my guide to writing these babies over on my website.
Create A Future Planning Statement: https://ashleybarlowco.com/product-page-create-a-future-planning-statement
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Apr 5, 2022
Lessons I’ve Learned In Life and As an Advocate
I’ve had a lot of perspective-shifting experiences in my life. I was seriously injured as a kid and have chronic pain and PTSD as a result, my son has Down syndrome, my husband has had cancer, and we’ve had enough family drama to write a book (who hasn’t?). Those experiences have taught me so many things, and in today’s podcast I dive a little deeper into three lessons that I’ve learned in navigating life’s twists and turns that also foray nicely into an advocacy or special education law practice. There are so many times during the day that I hear a bit of wisdom and think, “Yes, that applies to SPED advocacy, too,” and today I’m sharing just a few of those nuggets with you!
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Mar 29, 2022
Including Schedule Into Inclusion Arguments
I have been talking to a few friends and lots of clients about inclusion recently. I feel like this is super practical strategy helps everybody so much. I can really be a game changer at the IEP table. In today’s episode I talk about power including the students schedule and your advocacy can make a big difference.
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Mar 22, 2022
Part of the IEP- Ashley Barlow Style
I bet you’ve gone to a billion presentations on the Parts of the IEP, but this episode approaches that from a different aspect. Are you ready? In today’s episode, I do indeed describe the different parts of the IEP, but also how they relate to one another. The important information should help you immensely in your meetings and with your advocacy.
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Mar 14, 2022
Know Your Rights: Parent Involvement
You know when you and your bestie speak the same language? That’s how it is when Traci Brewer and I get together, especially if Parent Involvement is the topic of conversation! Traci, the executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky, joins me on this week’s podcast episode to talk about Parent Involvement - why it’s important and HOW to actually get involved in your child’s school community. You’re guaranteed to pick up at least a couple pointers in this helpful, important episode! Oh, and we may spend a wee bit of time celebrating World Down Syndrome Awareness Month, March!!! 💙 💛 ☘️
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Mar 8, 2022
Using Compassion and Boundaries in Our Advocacy
“If we really want to practice compassion, we have to start by setting boundaries and holding people accountable for their behavior.” -Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection. Surely you’d agree that compassion plays a big role in special education advocacy. We want school teams to be compassionate and equitable to our children, right? Have you ever considered how to evoke compassion, empathy, and equitability? I re-read The Gifts of Imperfection over the weekend, and the quote above stuck out. So, in today’s episode, I explore the intersection of compassion and boundaries, landing on three tips to help you hold your IEP team more accountable and – in turn- evoke more compassion at the IEP table.
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Mar 1, 2022
GOALLLLLS!!!!!
You’ve asked, and here’s our answer: Of course I’ll do an episode on goal writing. In today’s episode I give you my “whole picture” assessment of a well written goal, but I also narrow in for those of you who like the specifics and provide a description of the elements of a well written goal. We’ll also take a bit of time at the beginning and end of the episode to talk about the importance and conceptualization of IEP goals --- what are they, why are the needed, and what exactly do they do? Special education goals get a lot of press, which often creates a lot of anxiety. I hope this episode relieves you of some of that IEP drafting stress.
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Feb 22, 2022
Is extended school year advocacy the bane of your existence?
In today’s episode a talk about one factor that IEP teams should consider which may strengthen your advocacy for extended school year services. We are talking critical life skills. This one is short and sweet but might be just what you need today.
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Feb 15, 2022
Dyslexia Advocacy: It Doesn’t Have to Be This Hard!
It Doesn’t Have to Be This Hard, friends. That’s the name of my friend, Michelle Morgan’s, new e- book about dyslexia advocacy, and it’s also a very true statement. In today’s episode we give you a little preview of Michelle’s book, which walks parents of dyslexic children through evaluations, eligibility, development of the IEP, and progress monitoring. Michelle gives lots and lots of tips about not only what students are entitled to but also how to get services. And guess what… it starts with objective communication. You ready for some real-life applicable stuff? You’re going to love Michelle’s information!
Meet My Guest: Michelle Morgan
It's hard having a child with dyslexia. Most of the time you feel frustrated that the school doesn't understand your child's needs and you worry they are not getting the type of reading intervention necessary to become proficient at reading and writing. Being a parent to a child with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and AD…
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Feb 8, 2022
Ready Set Goals!!!
Ready, Set, Goals!!! Special Education puns. That’s how low I am willing to sink for a podcast title. Sorry, not sorry. In today’s episode I’m giving you the ten-minute ditty on why we have goals in special education. We won’t spend a ton of time talking about how to write goals, elements of a good goal, progress monitoring, or other nitty gritty goal topics. Rather, we’re zooming out to talk about the “intent” of the goal… the reason the goal is a part of the IEP. I think this critical piece of information helps my clients conceptualize the process of goal writing. In weeks to come, I’ll get you the nitty gritty, too, because I know you want that!!! Now, what’s your favorite Special Education Pun?!
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Feb 1, 2022
Everything You Need To Know About Special Education
Big celebrations happening over here at ABCo! The Cincinnati Bengals are going to the Super Bowl, our podcast has been downloaded 25,000 times, AND we’re publishing Podcast #75!!!! To celebrate, I’m bringing you a biggie: Everything You Need to Know about Special Education… Say what? In today’s episode I’m telling you the three concepts you’ll need to master (or at least familiarize yourself with) in order to effectively advocate in special education. Ready? Set. Go!!! This is a good one!
New Freebie: This week we reached 25,000 podcast download! I thought it would be fun to celebrate with a list of some of my favorite episodes! This isn’t so much a Top Ten List – but really represents a gathering of some of my favorite resources!
Getting Started: A Listening Guide to The Special Education Advocacy Podcast with Ashley Barlow: Download here: https://ashleybarlowco.podia.com/getting-started-a-listening-guide-to-the-special-education-advocacy-podcast-with-ashley-barl…
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Jan 25, 2022
One Small Shift that Makes a Huge Difference
I call it “relentless optimism.” It is an attitude that serves me well in IEP meeting after IEP meeting. In today's episode I will share with you how this one simple mindset shift can make a huge difference in your advocacy. This tip has never been as important with teachers completely exhausted and overworked. You must BELIEVE that everyone on the table wants to help. You must BELIEVE that solutions exist and that people want to find them. You must BELIEVE that there’s a better way. You must BELIEVE that you’ll reach an agreement. We’re talking Ted Lasso stuff! Too good to be try? Give a listen, and I’ll convince you it’s not.
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Jan 20, 2022
Community Organizations: A How To….
We talk about community a lot over here at ABCo. In this bonus episode, I chat with Angela Tyszka, advocate and speaker at this year’s SEA Conference. Angela has worked in universities, elementary, middle, and high schools; and she has extensive experience in participating in and organizing parent support organizations. We chat about the importance of this groups, as well as how to get involved and even start them. Plus, you’ll get a preview of Angela’s presentation for the Conference.
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Jan 18, 2022
How Standardized Tests Miss the Mark on Student Performance
I’ve seen this a million times. A student’s evaluation report shows average scores - maybe with a few relative weaknesses- but the student’s performance in school is mediocre or worse. Missing assignments, disciplinary actions, and bad grades demonstrate that the student isn’t meeting his or her apparent potential in school. Confidence wanes as the student becomes frustrated. Why does this happen? April Rehrig, advocate and licensed school psychologist, walks us through the reason this happens. More importantly, April spends lots of time helping us navigate what to do about it! How can we better assess students to make sure we understand how their disability will affect their school performance? What tests should you request, and more!!! you won’t want to miss this super important episode!
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Jan 11, 2022
Tales From the Classroom - And the Parent’s Desk: A Chat With A Teacher AND a Parent
What do you want from me?!!!! That’s what my clients sometimes want to ask of their child’s teachers. Parents struggle with special education communication. What do I say? When do I communicate? Why does the teacher need some information and not need others? And do the school people talk themselves?! In today’s conversation I sit down with my friend, Rebecca Scheerer, a special education teacher who also occupies the role of parents on an IEP team. Becca answers all of our questions and gives us such important insight into a special education classroom. Becca is presenting at our 2nd Annual Virtual Special Education & Advocacy Conference on January 22, 2022, and she’ll also give you a preview of her presentation in this episode!
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Jan 4, 2022
Real Life Parallels to Special Education Advocacy
Stars: They’re just like us. Special Education: It’s just like your every day life. For many reasons, advocating for a child with in special education is intimidating, but in today’s episode, I’m making a real life analogy for you. I started running in April 2020, and over the past few months, I’d had a lot of time to think about how my improvement in running- and the tracking of it- parallels special education, advocacy, and so many of the emotions associated with both. Not a runner? No worries- neither am I!!! But I bet you’ll connect to today’s episode!
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Dec 28, 2021
The Glamorous World of Goal and Evaluation Results Tracking
Now that we got your all organized last week, it's time to dive into your child's profile. Remember that the "I" in "IEP" is "individualized." I see so many IEPs that do not address the specific needs and strengths of the child. What's more - the meat of the IEP is "specially designed instruction." That's right, the IEP has to be specially tailored to meet the unique needs of the child. In this week’s episode we'll focus on empowering you with information about your child specifically and then about programming that may benefit your child--- tracking their goals and their performance on evaluations. It sure isn’t glamorous, but this activity can be super powerful!
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Dec 21, 2021
Let’s Get Organized!!!
The first step to effective advocacy is organization. You have to know a child - both objectively and subjectively- in order to develop a good plan for him or her. Parents are usually experts on subjective information - how they feel about a child's diagnosis and the impact of the diagnosis on learning, how a child is doing in school, generally speaking. However, when parents share those feelings, they are often undervalued by schools. That could be because the IEP must be developed to address objective areas of need. Objective information about the profile can be found in the paperwork, so in today’s episode, I get you organized so you can amp up your advocacy game!!!
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Dec 14, 2021
Efficiency is the Name of the Game
Today’s episode has nothing and everything to do with special education advocacy. I’m sharing a few tips that I have learned the hard way on how to be efficient- how to manage the chaos in your household so you can be more present for advocacy, work, and fun!!! I run two businesses, manage the schedules of two busy boys, volunteer at school and elsewhere, and carve out time for myself. How? Efficiency is the name of the game!
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Nov 30, 2021
6 Things You Need Before You Write IEP Goals
You’ve probably attend a zillion and one seminars about writing IEP goals. Don’t get me wrong… I do think those are helpful. IEP goals are very important, but the goals have to be written with specific purposes. That’s why it’s so important to have very specific information before you even write the goals. In today’s episode, I’ll give you a list of 6 things I think you must have BEFORE you write IEP goals. These are likely things you already have or things you can review in an hour or so, and they’ll provide such better outcomes once the IEP gets implemented.
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Nov 23, 2021
Gratitude
We’re talking gratitude on the podcast today. When I taught, I found the job to be somewhat thankless. I’ll explore why I think gratitude should play a role in every IEP team and how you can take the lead.
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Nov 15, 2021
Sensory Regulation
Sensory Integration is what makes the world go ‘round in the Barlow household. You know that shirt from the 80’s that said, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” At our house the phrase, starts, “If Jack is dysregulated, …!” In today’s episode I’m sharing sensory strategies that work for us and how we use them. I’m also explaining sensory regulation – from the perspective of a parent and a special education attorney (I’m for sure not an OT!) and giving a round up of additional strategies that may be useful in your house or community.
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Nov 9, 2021
The Benefit of Going To School
Go. To. School. If I could give you one tip about how to advocate for your child, it would simply be to go to school. Get involved. Be present. Ask questions. This can all be done by going to school. I give a talk to organizations all over the country on Effective Parents in Special Education. My #1 tip in that presentation is to Be Involved, and that means being at school. In today’s episode, I talk to you about the benefits of being involved and also give you pointers on how to accomplish this!
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Nov 2, 2021
A Chat with Rachel Schwartz on Behavior Support
Respect. Aretha Franklin saying about it for a reason. It’s something we all deserve and something we all crave. But sometimes when we are trying to support a child behaviorally, we forget about respect. I see this so often in schools and even in homes. Rachel Schwartz is a BCBA and has a PhD in special education. She knows her stuff and brings so much information on behavior support in today’s episode. I cannot wait for you to meet her!
Meet Rachel Schwartz:
Rachel Schwartz, PhD, BCBA-D has worked internationally creating and supervising programs for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. Dr. Schwartz received her Master’s degree in Teaching and Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Georgia and her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh. 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 rese…
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Oct 26, 2021
“How do you do your job? How do I get a job doing this?”
“How do you do your job? How do I get a job doing this?” If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked this question, well, as BNL would say, I’d be rich!!! In today’s episode, I walk you though the common paths that people take to start on a journey in special education, some of the personality traits that are important to channel as a special education advocate, and also trainings that are available to enter the field of special education advocacy! Of course, I’ll give you plenty of information about my course, Advocacy, Business, & Concepts in Special Education, which I do think is an excellent course to help you get established and grow as special education advocates. Registration closes this weekend, so pop up to the link in bio for info on my course today!
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Oct 19, 2021
What Does a Special Education Advocate Do?
Last week I interviewed two special education advocates on Instagram live, and you learned a lot about their day-to-day lives. In today’s episode, I summarize it for you. I describe exactly what an advocate does. This may help you make the decision of whether to hire an advocate to support your family or even to decide if you want to be an advocate yourself!
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Oct 12, 2021
“When do I know if I should bring an advocate to a meeting?”
This is one of the questions I’m asked most often when I speak to disability organizations, so I’m giving you my answer in today’s episode. I think it’s always helpful to bring an advocate to a meeting, but I’ll help you decide if you need an advocate – or could benefit from one- in today’s episode.
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Oct 5, 2021
Chatting with Military Mom, Advocate, Special Educator, Carla Wyrsch
Some people are just extraordinary at their jobs! I can’t wait for you to meet Military Mom, Special Education Advocate, and Teacher Carla Wyrsch. She’s a true student of teaching methodologies and advocacy, and when she sees a problem, she faces it head on. In today’s episode, Carla talks about an issue she has researched so much, one that affects thousands of Americans- access to special education services for our military families. We’ll talk eligibility, services, lifestyle, and more; and along the way, Carla shares so many resources! This may be the episode with the longest show notes, because she references so many wonderful organizations!
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Sep 28, 2021
Checking in on COVID learning
Holy cow! The floodgates have opened! I think I got a new referral every day last week, and SO MANY of the cases had to do with COVID-19 learning. I was astonished at some of the things people were telling me about how their children’s IEPs were serviced during last school year. It’s no surprise that children are now falling behind academically, functionally, behaviorally, and socially. In today’s episode I key you in to what the USDOE has said about IEPs during the pandemic – because I think a reminder is in order!
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Sep 21, 2021
Transitioning to Adulthood with Renowned Advocates, Rachel and Jawanda Mast
If there was a foreign language in special education, it would be Transition to Adulthood. When IEPs start to consider a child’s transition to adulthood, things over get willy nilly. I think it’s mainly because parents – while often quite innocent about special education already – are REALLY intimidated by All Things Transition. That’s why I invited advocacy rockstars, Jawanda and Rachel Mast back on the podcast to talk about Transition to Adulthood. Rachel is an adult that has Down syndrome that has been to college, worked several jobs, and has a vibrant social life! I can’t wait for you to learn from these amazing role models!!!
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Sep 14, 2021
Losing the Loneliness as a Parent in the Disability Community: Lessons of a Life Coach Who’s Been Where You Are
Tina B., life coach and parent in our big, beautiful disability community, delivers life lessons through storytelling. Today we wrap up our 3-part series with Tina with an episode on Losing the Loneliness. Even though you feel like you may never be alone, you also have undoubtedly experienced loneliness as a parent of a child with a disability. Do the other parents know how it feels when yours is the child that can’t read? Do they really understand that we can’t make the happy hour, because we have OT? We don’t *want* to go to OT, but we know the many benefits of OT, the routine, etc. Would they even want to listen to us? Tina has been such a gift to the podcast, and today’s lesson, the fine one in my anniversary gift to you, is a good one! Enjoy, friends! Thanks for your support over the last year! Here’s to another wonderful year here at ABCo.
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Sep 7, 2021
Controlling the Chaos: Lessons of a Life Coach Who’s Been Where You Are
“When we believe that we are in control, it adds to the chaos.” Oh man, friends! You’re in for a big treat in this podcast episode, Part 2 of our 3-Part Series of Lessons of a Life Coach with Tina B. Tina and I dig deep into the chaos, how hard it is but also accepting it and even learning to be happy in the chaos. To achieve this Tina takes us through a journal prompt to help us tease out what we can control, what we can influence, and what is out of our control, thereby helping us to organize the chaos. I learned so much in today’s episode and can’t wait for you to be as empowered as I was after talking to @tinab_disabilityinclusioned. Drop us a like and hop over to listen now!
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Aug 31, 2021
Refined By Fire: Lessons of a Life Coach Who’s Been Where You Are
My 1 Year Anniversary gift to you is a podcast series with Tina Beauvais, a life coach that has been “refined through the fire,” a parent like you who took the lessons she learned as the mom to a beautiful young lady with muscular dystrophy to help athletes and parents navigate life’s struggles. When you think “Coach,” you probably think about Craig T. Nelson…. or the coach of your favorite team or maybe even of a coach that made an impact on you. Did you know that the word “coach” is derived from the kind of “coach” that took people from one place to another, like a buggy? If you think about it, that’s what a coach really does – she takes people from where they are to where they want to go. In this episode, the first of a 3-episode series, Tina tells us the story of her daughter, Noelle’s, birth and the story of how she became a Coach, and in doing so, she delivers so much wisdom that we can all apply to our everyday lives!
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Aug 24, 2021
Get Trained By the Best – Advocacy Training with Rachel and Jawanda Mast
Advocate. A person who publicly supports a cause of policy. No matter the path we took to get here, we all ended at the same point: Advocate. Some of us arrived kicking and screaming. Others knew we’d be advocates from Day One. Some of us don our advocacy hats begrudgingly still while others decorate them with sequins. But we’re all advocates. And today we’re going to meet two of the best. I can’t wait for you to meet mother- daughter advocacy superstars, Rachel and Jawanda Mast. In today’s episode we talk all things Advocacy and Self-Advocacy. Whether you’re just starting your advocacy engine or you’re far down your advocacy path, I know you’ll pick up a few pointers in today’s episode!
Meet My Guests:
Jawanda and Rachel Mast
Mother and daughter team Jawanda and Rachel Mast are passionate about the meaningful inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities in all aspects of the community and have prese…
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Aug 17, 2021
How to Help Your Child Have A Smooth Transition Back To School
Sure, you know to buy the number two pencils and notebooks that will come home almost completely unused. You bleach the mold out of the lunchbox and make sure their toes aren’t sticking through last year‘s shoes. But do you do anything different for your children that are on IEP‘s at the beginning of the school year? Before I tell you that you should, know that I will help you! I’m not talking about spending hours and hours. But in today’s podcast I will explain a few things that you might consider doing in order to help your child have a smooth transition back to school. We’re talking communication and other strategies in today’s episode , And at the end of the week, I will even publish some templates for you! It’s a big week here at Ashley Barlow Co.. I’m happy you were here.
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Aug 10, 2021
Getting Funny with Rob Snow and Nick Doyle
I hope you’re ready to laugh! Today’s guests, Rob Snow and Nick Doyle are masters at improvisation, and they had me laughing before we even hit record. Rob started a non-profit called StandUp for Downs and performs improv across the country to raise money for local Down Syndrome affiliates. A few years ago, he developed the Improvaneer Method, a program that teachers individuals with developmental disabilities improvisation skills. The program has yielded so many gains for its students- eye contact, patience, voice projection, problem solving, adaption to change, listening, focus, quick thinking, creative thinking, character development- to name a few! Rob and Nick describe the program more in this episode, and yes, they made me play some improv games!!!
Meet My Guests:
Rob Snow - CEO and Creator
Rob is a native Ohioan, but moved to Chicago and began his comedy and improvisation journey in the late 90s while training at the famed Second City Theatre, as well as…
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Aug 3, 2021
Advocacy from the Teacher’s Perspective
Did you ever wonder if teachers feel compelled to advocate for their students? Ever wonder what kind of advocacy and teamwork they desire from and with parents? In today’s episode I talk with Ms. Lucy from @thealternativewaytoprek about how she runs her self-contained preschool classroom, advocacy, how she uses AAC in her classroom, and so much more! Lucy and I could go on and on about advocating for children on IEPs… oh wait, we did! Join me for this entertaining, spirited, informative conversation! You may want another cup of coffee first… Lucy and I are both pretty high energy! 😊
Get to know my guest: Hello! My name is Lucy and I am a preschool self-contained teacher! I have my Bachelors and Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I am originally from Buffalo, NY (GO BILLS!) but relocated to South Carolina in 2014 to persue my teaching career. I have been teaching in SC for seven years. I serve students with a wide rang…
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Jul 27, 2021
My favorite advocacy strategy
Want to know my favorite advocacy strategy? It’s something you can do on the first day of school with very little effort, and it will give you SO much insight! The tip: Go To School. No, I don’t mean that you need to go back to school! I mean, you need to march your little feet to your child’s school. Get involved. It will teach you so much about your child’s environment- the teacher, the classroom, the peers, the discipline style and behavior supports- all of it! When you volunteer at school, you not only learn a lot about the school environment, but you also get to teach the school about yourself and your family. You work on that teamwork that we all crave in the IEP setting! So, download the podcast and give a listen! Let me know what you think!!! And THEN – get to school!!!!!
Links Mentioned:
The Special Education and Advocacy Lab: https://specialedadvocacylab.ashleybarlowco.com/
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Jul 20, 2021
The #1 Reason I Turn Away Cases as a Special Education Attorney
In the legal field, lines are often blurred. Attorneys are kind of famous for saying, “Well, maybe.” And, “It depends!” But there’s one kind of case that I always turn away. It’s not so much the case itself… it’s the mindset of the parents when they walk through my doors. Tune in to this week’s podcast to learn about the #1 Reason that I Turn Away Cases as a SPED attorney!
Links Mentioned:
The Special Education & Advocacy Lab: https://specialedadvocacylab.ashleybarlowco.com/
Become an Affiliate: https://ashley-barlow-co.mykajabi.com/affiliate_users/sign_up
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Jul 13, 2021
Learn About Evaluations From School-Psych-Turned-Advocate, Erin Mahaffey
If you have a child in special education, you have undoubtedly Received an educational evaluation. If you have received an educational evaluation, you have undoubtedly been confused, frustrated, and maybe even downright mad. If you have been confused, frustrated, or mad During an IEP meeting, you know how quickly a meeting can go sideways. And if you have been in a sideways meeting, you probably know the impact that can have on a child. If you have followed this Give a Mouse a Cookie example, you will want to listen to this weeks podcast!
We are talking evaluations in this week’s episode, and we are going straight to the horse‘s mouth! That’s right, in this episode a talk to Erin Mahaffey, licensed school psychologist and special education advocate. If you get your child’s evaluation and promptly stick it in a file or delete the email, I promise that Erin will not only convince you to read it but also help you understand what to do with it! We also talk about other ways…
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Jul 6, 2021
Let’s Talk About Behavior
We are getting into the nitty-gritty with behavior in this weeks episode. I keep a list of common behavior strategies that school can employ while they are waiting on the results of an FDA or an IEE for a functional behavioral assessment. I explain a few of those helpful strategies and how I advocate for them in today’s episode!
Don’t forget to get on the waitlist for The Special Education & Advocacy Lab here: https://specialedadvocacylab.ashleybarlowco.com/
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Jun 29, 2021
Advocacy 101 with Jena Wells
“Advocate” is a title all of us bear, but it may be one that brings hesitancy, overwhelm, and intimidation. Most parents and caregivers in the disability community did not set out to become advocates. Rather, our families and their special circumstances lead us to a need to advocate. So, here we are – with this new title as “advocate” and zero training. Today’s podcast guest is Jena Wells, mom to four little boys, one of whom has Down syndrome. The birth of Jena’s son, Ashton, lead her to explore more formal training in advocacy, and before she knew it, she was working in the non-profit world helping families, self-advocates, and organizations that benefits individuals with disabilities. There’s so much we can all learn from Jena’s advocacy journey.
Learn more here: Global Down Syndrome Foundation | Research, Care, Education, Advocacy
Meet my guest: Jena Wells, Disability Family Services Professional
Jena Wells is a dynamic mentor and subje…
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Jun 22, 2021
Adding Objective Arguments To Your Advocacy
The first step to effective advocacy is organization. You have to know a child - both objectively and subjectively- in order to develop a good plan for him or her. Parents are usually experts on subjective information - how they feel about a child's diagnosis and the impact of the diagnosis on learning, how a child is doing in school, generally speaking. However, when parents share those feelings, they are often undervalued by schools. That could be because the IEP must be developed to address objective areas of need. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about adding objectivity to your advocacy to be better understood.
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Jun 15, 2021
Helpful Inclusion Strategies
Parents often consult with me for ideas on how their child’s school can be more inclusive. I’ve come up with a list of ideas by thinking on the spot, having great discussions with other parents and IEP teams, and doing lots and lots of reading. In today’s episode I talk about three strategies I recommend for schools that want to be more inclusive. I’ll give you the strategy AND tools parents/guardians can use to advocate for more inclusivity in their child’s school environment.
We’ll talk about using a child’s interests to motivate him or her. This strategy makes learning more fun and also mixes things up for the teachers, a win-win! My son’s speech therapist recently tapped into his admittedly odd obsession with moles by cutting out pictures of moles and using them in scenes to work on prepositions (“put the mole on top of the roof!”)
I also suggest that teachers work to allow the child to communicate effectively in the classroom. Sometim…
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Jun 8, 2021
Equity, Education, and More with Heather Avis from the Lucky Few
I’m using my Oprah voice. Please welcome HEATHER AVIS! That’s right, Heather Avis of the Lucky Few joins me in this week’s episode. Heather is an author, blogger, narrative shifter, and shouter of worth.
In the episode, Heather talks about how The Lucky Few community began, the importance of having such a big community, and the impact that the community is making. She has shared a lot online about her children’s educational experiences during the COVI-19 pandemic, and we break that apart, both with a discussion about what happened last year, and then – more importantly- about what needs to happen next year. Heather also shares a lot about her children’s inclusion / educational placement journeys. And we learn about Heather’s first children’s book, “Different,” which is available for pre-order now! You’re going to want “Different” in your bag when you go to talk about your child’s disability to his or her class.
There’s so much to learn from…
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Jun 1, 2021
What To Do When Meetings Go Sideways
Nobody expects IEP meetings to go sideways; yet, discussions over get rhetorical and unproductive. In today’s episode I am sharing three super practical, easy steps that will help you get discussions back on the right track.
I take a lot of continuing education classes on negotiation strategy, and I read about the topic a lot. Therefore, I know formal negotiation strategy in and out. Of course, I use those strategies in my day to day practice, but sometimes practical, every day strategies are just as successful – if not more! I’ll talk to you about the benefits of taking a break and what to do during the break. I’ll also walk you through a few examples of how I reframe my position in a discussion. And I’ll give you a few examples of questions that I ask specifically to reframe a discussion and get it back on the right track.
I also tease a new training that I will be announcing in the Summer of 2021. You’re not going to want to miss this one!
Li…
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May 25, 2021
Using USDOE Guidance in an Inclusion Argument: Letter to Autin
The United States Department of Education gives us several gifts every year. The come by way of Dear Colleague Letters and Guidance Documents. In this episode, I’m going over a Dear Colleague Letter written back in 2011 that is super helpful in inclusion/ LRE discussions with IEP teams. The letter, “Dear Autin,” gives us two really helpful quotes about educational placement and least restrictive environment.
First, Letter to Autin (written 3/7/11) indicates that “[a]s the regulations make clear, placement decisions must be made on an individual basis. Placements that are determined based solely on the category of a child's disability are not consistent with the regulations.“ We can use this in special education to combat a district’s position that “all children with autism/ intellectual disability/ etc. are educated in a self-contained classroom/ a certain school/ a “unit.” You’ve heard this sentence, and I know what you’ve felt… “That ca…
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May 18, 2021
It’s a Happy Hour with Ray Nelson
Ray Nelson Advocacy and IEP Coaching Bio
I approach advocacy and IEP coaching a little differently. Part of that is my background, which is in sales and finance. I come from a work culture designed to solve problems rather than minimize them. That means I focus more on the child and less on the conflict, which increases my success rate with schools and IEP teams. By keeping focus on the child, many times I am able to sidestep personality clashes and create a solid plan for my clients. Making education better and more accessible is my goal for every client, every meeting, and every IEP team. As a volunteer advocate for many years, I started my business in 2016 to help more children. My many years of experience, both paid and volunteer, have given me a wide exposure to different situations and creative solutions.
Links
Facebook: facebook.com/NelsonAdvocacy
Instagram: @SealYourFAPE
Twitter: @raynelson
Website: NelsonAdvocacy.com
Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094DR473W
Ray Nelso…
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May 10, 2021
Three Things I Bring to an MDR
A Manifestation Determination Review is a nice safeguard in special education. IDEA and state laws require IEP teams to meet when a child with a known or suspected disability faces a cumulative of ten days of suspension in a school year. That meeting is the MDR. There are three things I always try to bring to an MDR, and I walk you through them in today’s podcast episode. When I get a client with an MDR, I always start with the evaluation report from diagnosis- the one that describes the child’s profile exhaustively and also provides the analysis of how the disability affects the child. This report is so, so helpful. As an aside, if you haven’t given this/ these to your child’s school team, do it now regardless of whether you’re preparing for an MDR. You also ask current and past providers for raw data from evaluations (those Vanderbilt forms can have so much information sometimes), therapy notes, etc. The next thing I request is a current report from a treati…
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May 4, 2021
Wrapping Up the School Year with Success
We met on the podcast back in September to talk about how to start off the school year with success. Why does it feel like that was five years ago?!! Anyway, today I’m talking School Year Wrap Up over on the podcast. I’ll walk you through a few easy steps you have take to ensure that you’re ready for Summer Fun and a smooth transition back into the 2021-2022 school year come August/ September.
We’ll talk about collecting data from school and at home, updating your IEP binders, making plans for summer work and play, scheduling and preparing for Extended School Year services and Compensatory services, teacher gifts, and MORE!!!
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Apr 27, 2021
Identifying Executive Function Disorders In Your Child
If your child is disorganized, has a hard time regulating emotions, doesn’t self-start, and can’t ride the wave of life’s ups and downs, you may want to consider an evaluation for Executive Functioning Disorder. In today’s podcast episode we’re talking about some executive functions and signs/ symptoms that you can identify in your own child. EF is often overlooked or glossed over as being secondary to some other diagnosis like ADHD or autism, but once identified, an IEP team can develop accommodations, write goals, agree on specially designed instruction to teach the child how to access the accommodations, and to address to dysfunction itself.
In today’s episode we’ll talk about the following eight executive functions: emotional control, inhibition, working memory, initiation, planning, shift, organization, and self-assessment. I’ll walk you through what each of these looks like, providing real life examples of each.
Links Mentioned:
IEP Season…
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Apr 20, 2021
The Parallels Between SPED Advocacy and Real Life
Special education advocacy, while often stressful and complicated, is really akin to so many experiences in other areas of life. Somehow, though, because IEP team members, including parents, often feel overwhelmed by the content, and – frankly- because we’re all there to advocate for a child that has a disability, emotions run high at meetings, and the adults often feel overwhelmed. We did a long project over the weekend, and at some point, I was lying in a pile of dirt and thought, “This project is an analogy for the special education process.” Tune in to today’s episode for some musings on the parallels between SPED advocacy and real life. There’s even a pep talk at the end!
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Apr 13, 2021
Strategies You can Use at the IEP Table and Beyond During COVID 19
Now that we’re seeing light at the end of the COVID tunnel, I thought you may be ready for an updated podcast episode on special education during the pandemic. Today’s episode brings strategies you can use to effect change in your child’s special education – both now and for next school year – in light of all of the oddities the pandemic has brought on.
I’ll share six strategies you can use to make some changes in your child’s IEP or to argue for compensatory education for him or her. For each strategy I’ll share a couple of examples and ideas so you can apply them to your family’s situation!
You’re not going to want to miss this one!
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Mar 29, 2021
Adding Empathy to Discussions at the IEP Table
“How can a heart understand the pain of another heart and still do nothing?” -Harshada Pathare.
I’m constantly asked by parents, “Why can’t they just do what the law says?” My response is often, “Well, they should do what the law says, but if they do it because they’re told, it won’t be done well. The real magic happens when they follow the law, because they care.” Today’s episode is about empathy, which creates the buy-in from IEP team members that parents want and students deserve.
We’ll talk about empathy in the context of behavior, school refusal, and inclusion cases specifically. I’ll also share a few of my experiences, both as a parent and as an educator, that will help you understand why it’s important to be vulnerable and to share your child’s experiences to enhance the awareness and real understanding of the adults in charge of executing your child’s IEP.
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Mar 23, 2021
Making Sense of Evaluation Reports
Evaluation reports can drive parents in special education absolutely crazy! I was talking to a friend last week, and she said that she was tempted to not even read the evaluation report! I totally empathize with parents that expressed the sentiment; however, the evaluation should be a building block for so many things in special education. In today’s episode I try to walk you through a few steps to make sense of evaluation reports. I hope it is helpful!
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Mar 16, 2021
Allllll Things Dyslexia, Part THREE
The Grand Finale--- Join me today for PART THREE of our big dyslexia podcast. Daphne Corder, our big dyslexia guru, finishes up this three-part series with the big question. How Do We Know If They’re Doing It Right? Daphne takes us through common dyslexia interventions and how they should be implemented. You’re not going to want to miss this episode!
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Mar 9, 2021
Allllll Things Dyslexia, Part TWO
Soooo many of you reached out with compliments on last week’s podcast with Daphne Corder. Good news… she’s back! In Part Two of our podcast, Daphne and I discuss conditions that often occur simultaneously with dyslexia. Daphne walks us through each condition, providing definitions, examples, and then the most helpful thing- what to do! Daphne’s insight on helping children with ADHD, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia is pure gold. And at the end of the episode, she gives us an analogy for the importance of reading that will knock your socks off! You’ll want to use this analogy in your next IEP meeting!
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Mar 2, 2021
Allllll Things Dyslexia
Daphne Corder prepared an incredible, thorough presentation for my January Conference on Dyslexia called How Do You Know If They’re Doing the Right Thing? It was over an hour and so, so intensive. The only problem: we couldn’t get the audio to play! We tried a few things after the conference to no avail, so we chose the next best thing… a podcast! This baby may be a three-parter. Daphne and I recorded for 90 minutes, and there’s still MORE! I would have condensed it, but this is the most streamlined yet thorough Dyslexia presentation I’ve ever seen! It was too good to shorten. No matter if you suspect your child has dyslexia, your child has dyslexia but isn’t on an IEP, or your child is already on an IEP, this series will knock your socks off!
In this episode- Part 1- Daphne walks you through the importance of your advocacy with really mind-blowing statistics, some risk factors that you may notice about your child that may trigger you to get a dyslexia…
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Feb 23, 2021
A Deep Dive into Behavioral Support with Dr. David Kuhn
I learned a lot about myself when Jack was a baby. One of the most obvious things I learned is that I’m a “why” person. I want to know the reason for stuff. I want to know the “why.” We worked on coming to midline, deliberately reaching away from midline, and crossing midline. Sure, I would have done it, because the therapists said to, but I really needed to know why. Why are we working on this skill? What does this do to help Jack? What’s going on in his brain or body that makes this so hard for him? Why?
This is why I immediately “clicked” with Dr. David Kuhn when introduced to him. In our first conversation, David and I talked about Functional Behavior Assessments and ABC (antecedent-behavior-consequence) data. He wasn’t two sentences into the discussion when he geeked out about the need to tweak consequences in order to zero in on the function of any particular behavior. David was speaking my language. If we don’t test our hypot…
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Feb 16, 2021
Adding and All About Me Book to Your Advocacy at the IEP Table
You’ve probably heard me talk about All About Me Books, and you may be wondering what goes in this kind of document. In today’s podcast episode, I walk you through All About Me Books (let’s just call them AAMBs) – why to draft them, what kind of information to include, how to format them, and how to use them in your advocacy.
I like to start an AAMB with a good description of the child and the way the child’s diagnoses affect the child. Then, I recommend that parents organize the additional pages by category. Maybe that looks like a page each for OT, PT, Speech, academics, etc. Maybe it looks like a page each for Reading, Reading Fluency, Math Computation, and Math Fluency. However it looks will be unique to the child, but communicating it in an organized, objective manner will be such an asset to the rest of the IEP team. I always end an AAMB with an expression of gratitude, an offer to help in any way, and a willingness to address any questions or concer…
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Feb 9, 2021
Three Common Mistakes Made in IEP Meetings
You’re getting the inside scoop on today’s podcast! Tales from the trenches. I sat down and thought about three common mistakes that people make in IEP meetings and am serving them up – with recommendations for doing better – for you today!
The mistakes: Agreeing to decisions without the knowledge to back it up, not knowing the people on the team, and not reading “the stuff.” I’m going to walk you through each mistake with examples and then provide you with strategies for doing better. Then, we’ll tap into last week’s podcast with one additional collaboration tip – to avoid being adversarial, accusative, or combative during a meeting.
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Feb 2, 2021
The Fear of Conflict
In today's episode we talk about the thing everybody fears: conflict. We don't only talk about it, but I actually encourage conflict. Keep reading. It gets better. You see, I always say that conflict yields effective change. I believe in constructive discord , allowing everyone to be heard, accountability for all team members, and interest-based negotiation. Sound better than conflict? Yes! Conflict does not have to include adversaries going toe to toe, fists banging on tables, and red faces. I want to walk you through one of my favorite books, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni, applying each of his five points to the IEP team. I bet you leave a little more empowered and ready to dive in with deeper, more meaningful conversations with the other people on your IEP team!
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Jan 26, 2021
A Success Story with Chrissy Bailey, Lab student
Meet Chrissy Baily, mom extraordinaire and graceful advocate for her adorable children, Juni and Johnnie. Chrissy had talked with representatives at her local Down syndrome organization and her state’s disability rights staff but was still putting out fires advocating for her two children. Then, her Down syndrome organization gave her a scholarship to my Special Education & Advocacy Lab.
In just a little over 8 hours of content and the passion that lives in her soul, Chrissy empowered herself to become a more effective and efficient advocate for her children. In fact, she was so inspired by the Lab that Chrissy is now working as a surrogate for other children in her kids’ school district that need advocates at the IEP table!
During our chat, Chrissy said, “I was Googling, and I didn’t know the parts of the IEP, and then when COVID hit, it was like a whole new set of problems… that sparked me… ‘I need to know this stuff.’ I had attended [a few semin…
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Jan 19, 2021
My Story
My divorce clients sometimes say, “I’m sorry, Ashley, but you don’t understand,” often while pushing back on some optimistic or uber-reasonable advice I’ve given. My patent response is, “You’re right. I’m not divorced, so I don’t understand your experience, but I’ve had a lot of experiences that have given me perspective. I have four broken vertebrae in my back and live in chronic pain, I have a child with a disability that affects nearly all of his life activities, and my husband has had cancer. I understand hardship, stress, and pain. Reasonableness, objectivity, optimism – those are choices.” In today’s podcast, I share some of my story – including the story about the accident that gave me four compression fractures in my back and Jack’s birth story- and I deliver some of the best lessons I’ve learned as a result.
I was fifteen when my waverunner exploded, leaving me with four compressed vertebrae and a life of chronic pain. I co…
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Jan 12, 2021
Beginning A Journey In Parent Advocacy with Diana Abril
Join me on today’s podcast episode as I chat with my good friend, Diana Abril, special education attorney and parent. Diana and I not only talk about the importance of parent advocacy but also about steps that she’s taken to get started on her journey as a parent. She offers lots of tips on where to get started in a parent advocacy journey, what skills to develop (and where to find training for them), and how she tackles the inevitable mommy guilt that often accompanies parent advocacy. Diana’s not only a brilliant attorney – she’s an endearing friend, and that vibe comes across in today’s episode. Diana’s speaking at the Special Education & Advocacy Conference in a little over a week. If you haven’t registered, hop over to do while you’re listening!
Meet My Guest:
I am an executive with 16 years of legal and business experience having worked in the Corporate and M&A department of an AMLAW 200 law firm and as General Counsel of two medium sized compa…
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Jan 5, 2021
We’re Talking Inclusion and Least Restrictive Environment with Courtney Hansen
Do you ever wonder how the experts do it? What if a poli-sci major that worked as a journalist and knew how to get the bottom of things got a Masters degree in education and then had a child with Down syndrome? How would SHE advocate for inclusion? Friends, meet Courtney Hansen, Rockstar Inclusion Advocate!
Courtney joins me in this week’s episode to talk all things Inclusion. Her story as a mother to twins, one of whom has Down syndrome, is where we start, because the fact that her boys are twins is the fuel behind her advocacy fire. Courtney’s unique spin on inclusion sure left me inspired and contemplative.
In this discussion Courtney addresses lots of FAQs about inclusion like: Why does inclusion work? How can school staff and parents collaborate to build the best inclusive plan for a child? And what strategies do you use to help families get more inclusive placements for students on IEPs?
Courtney talks a lot about relationships and the importance of…
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Dec 29, 2020
Three Tips for Preparing for Second Semester --- During a Pandemic
We met on the podcast at the beginning of the semester – what was that eight years ago?- to discuss Preparing for the First Semester. It felt like a more important semester but not the beast that it actually became! It seemed natural therefore to give you some suggestions for this important second semester. This week’s podcast is called “Three Tips for Preparing for Second Semester --- During a Pandemic.”
We’ll first talk about looking at data from multiple sources – like school, outside therapists, and home. If that data doesn’t exist or seems incomplete, I provide strategies for creating something objective to communicate to the rest of the team.
Then, we’ll talk about how to communicate that information. We’ll start by brainstorming addiitioanl things that could be going better – like more inclusive opportunities, additional social opportunities, access to in-person learning, different accommodations or modifications, better use of Supple…
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Dec 22, 2020
3 Communication Tips That Teachers Can Use in the New Year
Communication is the name of my game! IEP teams are just that – teams. In order to work as a team through each year, and in some cases year after year, communication must flow from school to home and from home to school.
I know first-hand how difficult it is for teachers to put together all of the pieces to really understand a child. I also know how amazing it is when a teacher shows extra interest in getting to know my child. In today’s episode I marry those two concepts to describe three communication tips that teachers can use to elicit more communication with parents and to better understand their students right from the start of the semester.
If you’re making New Year’s Resolutions, better communication may be a good place to start! This short listen will get you started in the right direction.
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Dec 15, 2020
Caring for the Caregiver: Mind, Body, and Spirit
The second I met Kara Ryska, I knew I wanted to share her wisdom with you. Kara is a Life Coach that specializes in helping mothers that are raising children with special needs. The mother of a child with a brain tumor and secondary diagnosis, Kara knows first hand what it is like to manage all of the doctors’ appointments, therapies, school meetings, special instructions for child care, and the like. Her own experiences led her to her career as a Life Coach , and talking to her is like drinking a warm cup of hot chocolate!
In today's episode Kara and I talk about why it is so important for parents of children with disabilities to care for themselves . Kara describes it from the standpoint of the mind, the body, and the spirit. I promise you that you will not want to miss this episode, particularly as we conquer two of the most stressful weeks of the school year and the beginning of a new semester.
Want more of Kara and I? Check out the episode of Special Needs Mom Podcast…
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Dec 8, 2020
Using Evaluation Data to Plan Specially Designed Instruction
You’ve probably heard me say, “Data drives instruction.” Here’s a new one for you. “Evaluation data plans specially designed instruction.” It doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily, and it means the same thing. It’s just far more specific and really, really important. There are way too many IEPs out there that aren’t specially designed to a child’s unique needs – that don’t take a child’s profile into account – that don’t consider a child’s specific strengths and weaknesses. That’s a problem. The heart of the IEP is the specially designed instruction. It’s supposed to be uniquely tailored to meet the needs of the child, but far too often, a school district will say, “We use [this program] for dyslexia” or “Our students in the self-contained room use [this program] for math” or “Our visually impaired students get O&M twice a week.” That. Is. Not. SDI. We’re supposed to take information from evaluations and progre…
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Dec 1, 2020
Managing the Overwhelm with 3 Strategies
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about the mechanics of an IEP and advocacy strategies, but we haven’t spent much time talking about parents’ and other team member’s emotions. The ability of each team member to be present and available for discussions and to actively participate is of extreme import. Parents can’t be fully present when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Whether parents are facing new diagnoses or are overwhelmed by managing the day-to-day stresses of raising a child with a disability, the same strategies work. In this week’s podcast I suggest three strategies to manage the overwhelm so that parents can effectively participate in school meetings and advocacy.
The three steps have worked for me in my personal life, and they’ve also worked for lots of clients in my special education advocacy practice. They’re simple, easy to implement, and effective! Do you do something else to manage the overwhelm? Reach out to tell me what works f…
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Nov 24, 2020
Four Communication Tools to Facilitate Better Collaboration in IEP Teams
Communicate communicate, communicate! If you’ve been around here long enough, you know how much I preach communication on IEP teams! I really think communication is the key to collaboration. In today’s episode we go through four communication strategies that I have my clients and students use to improve IEP team collaboration.
We talk about emails that I recommend families send every Sunday night to describe a child’s experiences and interests, as well as any concerns that the family might have. I also discuss another email that I recommend sending at the beginning of the school year to catch the school team up on the child’s summer experiences, any changes to his or her profile, and anything else of interest. Then, I talk about small monthly gifts – like apples or chocolate - that many of my clients and student send to their school team to just say, “Hey, I see you. I’m happy we’re on the same team!” Finally, I will explain how an All About Me…
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Nov 17, 2020
The Wright Way with THE Special Education Guru, Pete Wright
Chances are you’ve read a Wrightslaw book or attended a Wrightslaw training! I’m thrilled to host Pete Wright, THE special education guru, on today’s podcast! Pete tried a special education case, Florence County School District Four vs. Shannon Carter, before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993 and has been famous in special education circles since! His books and trainings bring practical information to parents in language they can understand. Pete and I do a roundtable of sorts in today’s episode. We talk about his concept of a Letter to a Stranger, something I use at least weekly in my own special education law practice. Pete stresses effective communication throughout the school year and goes into details ith tips and strategies you can implement now! Having built a successful business that empowers parents to advocate for their children, Pete explains why advocacy is so important from his perspective, and it’s powerful. Then, we do a rapid fire round, talking about quick tips…
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Nov 10, 2020
Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans with Dr. Solandy Forte
Behavior is always a hot topic in special education. If a school struggles to support a child’s behavior, the child often struggles comprehensively. One solution is a comprehensive functional behavior assessment, which is an evaluation of the child’s trigger behaviors. Once an FBA is done, the team can develop a BIP.
Dr. Solandy Forte of Milestones Behavioral Services walks us through the components to a well-written, comprehensive FBA in today’s episode. Solandy is my friend. We met at the COPAA Convention through her husband, Jeff, who is a special education attorney in Connecticut. I’d met Jeff at Wrightslaw’s ISEA a few years prior. I met Solandy at a happy hour and knew I wanted to sit by her at dinner, as her passion and wisdom are contagious! I could listen to her talk behavior all day!
Dr. Forte’s explanation of the FBA is practical and thorough. I have read so many FBAs that tell me very little about the child. She explains the components of…
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Nov 3, 2020
Inclusion: Teacher Certificates and Disability Category
“Your child has to have a teacher with a certificate that allows her to teach children with more significant needs.” Or, “you child has ___ disability category, so you’re child belongs in ___ room.” Ever hear that? If you have, you need to hear this: Disability category and diagnosis do not drive placement. Disability category and diagnosis do not induce teacher certificate.
There, I said it. Now, can I back it up?
In today’s episode I debunk these two common misperceptions using guidance documents from the United States Department of Education and little primer on a part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. I know, it sounds boring, but I promise, I break the law down for you in a way that will make you say, “Ah hah!!!”
Every year I have oodles of parents that call me looking for a more inclusive IEP. Nearly every one of them says something like, “My child has autism, so he’s in a self-contained room,” or “He qualifies…
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Oct 27, 2020
Functional Movement with Amy Martin, PT
In today’s episode I welcome our favorite physical therapist, Amy Martin! Amy was my son’s PT from the time he was about 3 months old until he was 9 when we took PT off of his IEP. Amy has always provided me and our IEP team with wisdom on the importance of functional movement. Amy describes functional movement in terms of strength, positioning, balance, flexibility and provides lots of examples of how functional movement impacts a child’s access to school.
Amy and I discuss how IEP teams can add motor breaks and activities into the Supplementary Aids and Services, and then she describes how PTs can train the rest of the team in implementing those breaks, giving us lots and lots of examples. Then, she provides insight into the many benefits of movement breaks throughout the day and describes how such breaks can help to organize a child’s systems and regulate him or her.
Of course, I can’t talk about movement without talking about behavior, and Amy has provided a lot of insi…
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Oct 20, 2020
Preparing for an IEP Meeting With Effective Communication
The IEP team is supposed to collaborate to develop an effective, meaningful plan with annual goals, specially designed instruction, and uniquely designed special education and related services. That’s a big charge, and all too often, IEP team meetings are rote, bland, and driven by the school team with little parent participation encouraged or allowed. In this episode I’ll walk you through the following six steps I take to prepare for every IEP meeting I attend. Take a listen, and let me know what you think!
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Oct 13, 2020
Getting More Services Out Of An IEP
Do you feel like your child’s IEP lacks services that would benefit your child? Have you asked for additional services when you get to that time in the IEP meeting, only to be denied? I’ll let you in on a secret--- the timing of your request may be the problem. All too often parents ask for services at the wrong time during an IEP meeting. Let me explain.
The IEP document should be reviewed in order. If the Present Levels don’t establish a need for goals--- if the Goals don’t establish a need for specially designed instruction --- if the SDI doesn’t mandate more services --- you guessed it--- the child doesn’t get additional services.
In today’s episode I’ll walk you through this approach in more detail and provide a few common examples. We’ll also briefly discuss the opposite strategy, which involves considering less services in order to increase time in the general education environment, a really nuanced argument. Finally, we’ll discuss som…
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Sep 29, 2020
Least Restrictive Environment/ Inclusion
I’m no stranger to an inclusion argument, and while they’re always tricky and emotional, they’re among my favorite kind of cases. The law is so simple, but the discussions around Least Restrictive Environment can get so convoluted. In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through what the law mandates, a few factors to consider in an LRE case, and ton of strategies I use in my law practice when addressing an LRE case.
The IEP mandates that “to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities . . . are [to be] educated with children who are not disabled; and special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment [should] occur only when the nature or severity of the disability of a child is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.” Utilizing the continuum of placements and the availability of supplementary aids…
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Sep 22, 2020
Introduction to Special Education Evaluations
Evaluations are a fact of life in special education. They are the gateway to the IEP. School districts are required to identify, locate, and evaluate children that are suspected as having a disability. That requirement is often called the “Child Find” requirement. As a result of Child Find, once a district or a parent identifies a child as possibly qualifying for special education services, the district must conduct an evaluation. The evaluation will result in an eligibility determination. That is, once the child is evaluated, the IEP team will consider whether the child qualifies for special education services; and then, of course, if the child qualifies, then, the child receives the desired IEP. In this episode, we’ll walk through the evaluation process, how to read the report, and then what to do with them once you have them.
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Sep 15, 2020
Common Topics in Special Education During COVID-19
In this episode I address the most commonly asked questions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past six months I’ve helped my own clients and have spoken with parents and staff at many disability organizations about decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Things have twisted and turned, but we always land on the same themes. I have compiled a list of the questions that I’ve been asked most, and I’ve answered them.
We’ll talk about how to address regression, what compensatory education is, when to schedule a meeting and what kind of meeting to schedule, how to prepare for an IEP or informal meeting, how to advocate for more adult support (like an aide, teacher’s assistant, instructional assistant), how to decide on the right learning platform for your child (even if you’re divorced), and how to know if it’s time to make a change.
This episode if super content-rich, so I recommend that you grab your favorite pen and a pad of paper!
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Sep 11, 2020
Starting the School Year on the Right Foot
Sara Platenberg has a Masters Degree in Education with a focus in Gifted and Talented and Twice Exceptional Populations. She served the public school system in Virginia as a Gifted and Talented Specialist where she focused on Twice Exceptionality and meeting the needs of 2E students while utilizing researched based inclusion strategies. Her years as an educator and experience implementing strategies to meet the needs of students with learning differences, helped support Sara as she began navigating the public school special education system on a personal level.
Her 12 plus years of experience include: Gifted and Talented Educator in Fairfax County; Private tutor in written expression/language and SAT prep, and Educational Advocate. Sara is a member of the Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates, the National Association for Gifted Children, and is a listed provider in the Wrightslaw Yellow Pages for Kids.
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Sep 7, 2020
The 6Ws of the IEP Team Meeting
IEP Meetings can be intimidating. This episode takes the stress out by bringing basic, easily laid out information on what the meetings are, who attends them, why they occur, when they occur, where they are, and how they are scheduled. Sometimes the meeting is the most intimidating part of advocating for a child with a special education plan. My husband , Brandon, joins me in this episode as we reflect back on our journey as parents in special education thus far. He provides information as a parent that’s been at the table.
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Sep 7, 2020
5 Basic Advocacy Tips
Episode 02 delivers five basic advocacy skills that are aimed to help parents but will be applicable to anyone supporting a child in special education. They’re skills I’ve used in advocating for my own child and in coaching clients as their special education attorney. They’re tried, true, and easy to implement. If you remember one tip, it is to Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! Keeping lines of communication open between home, school, and other professionals is so important.
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Aug 31, 2020
Welcome to Special Education Advocacy with Ashley Barlow
In today’s episode, you’ll get to know me a little more. You’ll understand how I see things as a parent, a teacher, and a self-advocate. You’ll understand my “why” and be the first to know about the roadmap for the first course series at Ashley Barlow Co.
I’m so glad you found us! Grab a glass of lemonade, get cozy, and settle in to listen!
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