The Special Education Advocacy Blog

The “HOW” Perspective:  Corporate Agenda Versus Child Centered; Consider UDL! There are two different Latin roots of the English word "education”: “Educare," which means to train or to mold, and "educere", meaning to lead out [from within].  Though the two...

BLM, Protests, and the Impact of School: “Just Thinking …” Like many others, I have watched on the nightly news the unfolding of social unrest and divisive confrontations for months.  I have been on the side-lines and always ready to state an opinion while...

There’s no doubt that we are all facing challenges beyond what we signed up for as the repercussions of the Covid experience continues beyond the tenth month.  The impact causes us all to rethink “normal” and recalibrate our lives.  Some experience this...

Now that the election is behind us, we can slowly move on to other pursuits and interests. One of which is addressing a common question many of us experience this time of the year: "What will I get my ____ for the holidays?" For those who engage in gift giving during...

With the annual October / Fall Conference period upon us, I am frequently asked by parents, "How can I make the most out of these conference sessions?" Especially within the context of COVID. By co-creating the format with your child's teacher, you will be...

When our State Superintendent of Public Instruction tells us that it's not within agency control (OSPI) to create necessary change for your child, "It's incumbent upon family and local districts", one needs to take this to heart. In fact, it appears that districts are...

Parenting a student with special needs is not always a walk in the park. Advocating for your child's IEP needs (or 504 Plan) may also present challenges on this path. So when we add the Covid experience to the process, advocacy often takes on a whole new level of...