In this conversation, Dr. Ruth shares her extensive background in education, particularly focusing on autism and special needs. She discusses her journey from teaching in diverse environments to establishing Blue Sky, a charity aimed at providing early intervention services for children with autism. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in the UK regarding autism services, the cultural differences in perception and support, and the importance of empowering parents in the therapeutic process. In this conversation, Dr. Ruth discusses the challenges and innovations in autism therapy, particularly focusing on the Play-to-Talk approach. She highlights the importance of legal frameworks for disability services, the role of parents in therapy, and the need for accessible services across socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Ruth shares transformative success stories of children who have benefited from their therapy, emphasizing the potential of every child and the importance of not giving up hope.

takeaways

• Dr. Ruth has a diverse background in education and autism.
• Blue Sky started with limited resources but grew rapidly.
• The therapy model focuses on parent involvement and empowerment.
• UK autism services face significant challenges and inconsistencies.
• Cultural perceptions of autism differ greatly between the UK and the US.
• Early intervention can lead to significant progress in children.
• Parents often lack a clear path post-diagnosis in the UK.
• Funding for autism services is limited and competitive.
• The importance of community support for parents is emphasized.
• Dr. Ruth advocates for more accessible early intervention services. Legal frameworks for disability services are often inadequate.
• Play-to-Talk is an innovative approach to autism therapy.
• Parental involvement significantly enhances therapy outcomes.
• Training parents is crucial for effective home practice.
• Accessibility to therapy is a major concern for families.
• Children's progress can be transformative with the right support.
• Understanding sensory processing is key in therapy.
• Cultural differences impact therapy approaches and parent involvement.
• Economic factors can limit access to necessary services.
• Every child has the potential to thrive with the right support.

titles

• Navigating Autism: Insights from Dr. Ruth
• Empowering Parents in Autism Therapy
• The Journey of Blue Sky: A Model for Change
• Cultural Perspectives on Autism Support
• Challenges in UK Autism Services
• Early Intervention: A Path to Progress

Sound Bites

• "It's a really strange road, I know."
• "It's tricky in the UK."
• "I want to have a path."
• "We need to have a path."
• "We don't have a lot of money."
• "It's sad to hear."
• "We play and help children to talk."
• "We want to empower parents."
• "It's a cultural thing."
• "We try and bridge that gap."
• "Don't give up hope."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background of Dr. Ruth

04:54

The Journey to Establishing Blue Sky

11:52

Therapy and Educational Services Overview

17:58

Challenges in the UK Autism Services

23:51

Cultural Differences in Autism Perception

29:52

Empowering Parents in Autism Therapy

31:05

Understanding Legal Frameworks for Disability Services

35:05

Innovative Approaches: Play-to-Talk Therapy

39:47

The Role of Parents in Therapy

48:07

Training Parents for Effective Home Practice

56:11

Accessibility and Economic Considerations in Therapy

57:00

Transformative Success Stories from...

summary

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

takeaways

• Parenting children with special needs is a unique journey.
• The diagnosis process can be long and challenging.
• Genetic disorders can significantly impact development.
• Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing health.
• Therapies should be enjoyable and engaging for children.
• Every child develops at their own pace, regardless of challenges.
• Community support is vital for families with special needs.
• Finding joy in small milestones is essential.
• Gene therapy offers hope for children with rare disorders.
• Parenting requires constant adaptation and learning.

titles

• Navigating Parenthood with Special Needs
• The Journey of a Special Needs Parent

Sound Bites

• "It's been a huge journey for us."
• "We're just gonna live."
• "It's been a lot to process."

Chapters

00:00

Technical Troubles and Initial Greetings

00:28

Introduction to Alex Wosleger and Her Family

02:49

The Journey of Parenthood and Genetic Challenges

08:46

Connor's Diagnosis and Genetic Insights

12:46

Diet, Nutrition, and Managing Health

15:11

Establishing Routines for Well-Being

18:37

Navigating Seizures and Medical Challenges

21:17

Milestones and Communication Progress

23:51

The Journey of Walking and Independence

27:23

Parenting Dynamics and Relationship Growth

29:37

Coping with Emotional Challenges as a Couple

34:33

Finding Gratitude Amidst Challenges

37:54

Embracing New Beginnings with Quinn

39:44

Navigating Emotions and Mourning

42:26

The Journey of Gene Therapy

46:05

Finding Joy in Daily Life

49:36

Innovative Therapies and Their Impact

53:24

Community and Connection in Parenting

56:48

Advice and Reflections on Parenting

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@OutsideTheMilestones

https://www.rarediseaseday.org/friends/the-wwox-foundation/

In this conversation, Carinne Mossa shares her personal journey into the world of special education and parenting a child with complex needs. She discusses the challenges faced by parents, the importance of self-care, and the need for community support. Carinne emphasizes the significance of understanding behavior as communication and the role of advocacy in navigating the education system. She also highlights the necessity of pacing oneself and finding meaning in adversity, while advocating for better training and support for parents and teachers alike.

takeaways

• Carinne transitioned from being a teacher to a parent coach after her child's diagnosis.
• Understanding behavior as communication is crucial in special education.
• Self-care is essential for parents to effectively support their children.
• Building a supportive community can alleviate feelings of isolation for parents.
• Advocacy is key in navigating the special education system.
• Parents should prioritize their mental and physical health.
• Education for parents about their rights and the system is vital.
• Teachers need to be valued and compensated fairly for their work.
• Finding meaning in adversity can help parents cope with challenges.
• Pacing oneself is important to avoid burnout in parenting.

titles

• Navigating the Journey of Special Needs Parenting
• Empowering Parents in Special Education

Sound Bites

• "All behavior is communication."
• "It's a work in progress."
• "You can't pour from an empty cup."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Personal Background

01:36

Journey into Special Education

05:30

Navigating the Emotional Landscape

10:47

The Importance of Support Systems

14:37

Coaching and Self-Care Strategies

18:33

Advocacy and Bridging Gaps in Education

21:00

Navigating the Education System as Advocates

25:27

The Role of COPA in Advocacy

30:36

Empowering Parents Through Coaching

33:23

Systemic Changes Needed in Education

38:52

Self-Care for Parents of Children with Complex Needs

Episode Summary:

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

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Current Challenges in Special Education:

• Workforce Issues:
• Teacher recruitment is at an all-time low, with only 5% of ACT test-takers in 2014 expressing interest in education.
• Retention challenges due to low pay, high stress, and lack of mentorship.
• Funding and Resource Gaps:
• Federal funding for special education remains significantly below the promised 40% target, leaving states and districts struggling to fill the gap.
• Administrative Burdens:
• Complex paperwork and compliance reporting take time away from student engagement and contribute to burnout among teachers and administrators.

1. Potential Impact of Eliminating the Department of Education:

• Loss of federal oversight and accountability for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Significant funding disparities and increased state-level inconsistencies in special education services.
• Greater burden on parents to advocate for their children’s rights and navigate a fragmented system.
• Reduced training and support for educators, exacerbating existing teacher shortages.

1. How These Changes Could Affect Families and Students:

• Increased inequities in access to quality education, especially for low-income and rural areas.
• Potential erosion of civil rights protections for students with disabilities.
• Disruption of established frameworks like IEPs, creating confusion and service delays.

1. Steps Parents Can Take to Advocate and Protect Their Children’s Rights:

• Stay informed about state and local policy changes.
• Work with advocacy groups to lobby for strong state-level protections.
• Leverage resources from organizations like The Arc, Autism Speaks, and Wrightslaw.
• Push for adequate state funding and standardized support systems.

1. Solutions for a Better Future in Special Education:

• Increased funding to meet federal commitments and reduce inequities.
• Mentoring and training programs to attract and retain qualified teachers.
• Technological innovations to streamline IEP management and improve compliance.

Key Quotes from the Episode:

• “Without a large governing body, there will be no regulation on who gets what.” – Amanda Levin Mazin
• “The Department of Education and the experts within it play a crucial role in enforcing civil rights for students with disabilities across the country.” – Jessica Levin

Resources Mentioned:

• The Arc
• Wrightslaw
• Autism Speaks
• U.S. Department of Education’s Personnel Preparation Initiative

Call to Action:

As policies continue to evolve, staying informed and actively advocating for your child's rights is more important than ever. Share this episode with other parents, educators, and...

In this conversation, Lori Cooney discusses Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework aimed at creating flexible learning environments that accommodate all students. She shares her personal journey in education, the importance of inclusive teaching practices, and how technology can enhance learning experiences. The discussion also covers the realistic implementation of UDL in classrooms, the impact of physical space on learning, and the positive effects of UDL on student engagement and behavior. Cooney emphasizes the need for ongoing training for teachers and the potential of future technologies to support diverse learners. In this conversation, Mark and Lori Cooney delve into the integration of AI in education, the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and the importance of parent advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms. They discuss the challenges teachers face, the potential of AI to ease workloads, and the necessity of training and resources for educators. Lori emphasizes the role of parents in supporting UDL and the need for innovative teaching methods to engage all students effectively.

takeaways

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for inclusive education.
• Lori Cooney's journey highlights the importance of understanding diverse learning needs.
• Technology plays a crucial role in implementing UDL effectively.
• Teachers can provide multiple means of engagement and assessment for students.
• Physical classroom design impacts student learning and inclusivity.
• Peer mentoring can enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
• UDL can help reduce behavioral issues in the classroom.
• There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of UDL in improving student outcomes.
• Future technologies, including AI, are being developed to support UDL.
• Ongoing professional development is essential for teachers to implement UDL. Many educators are unaware of the age restrictions for AI tools like ChatGPT.
• UDL encourages creative and authentic student outputs, reducing plagiarism.
• Parents often lack knowledge about UDL but can influence its adoption in schools.
• Training sessions can help educators understand the needs of students with disabilities.
• Effective communication between parents and teachers is crucial for student success.
• AI can assist teachers in creating assessments and rubrics efficiently.
• Inclusive education should be a standard practice in all classrooms.
• Teachers can start implementing UDL principles by making small changes.
• AI tools can help bridge language gaps for multilingual learners.
• Engaging students in creative projects can lead to better learning outcomes.

titles

• Unlocking Learning: The Power of UDL
• Creating Inclusive Classrooms with UDL
• Lori Cooney on Universal Design for Learning
• Transforming Education through UDL
• The Future of Learning: UDL and Technology

Sound Bites

• "Give them an alternate method."
• "Teachers are really schooled in this."
• "It makes it much more enticing for them."
• "UDL is part of inclusive design."
• "Their behavior is so much better."
• "There's just so many that I can name."
• "AI can provide automated feedback methods."
• "Parents play a huge role in advocacy."
• "Don't be afraid to try new tools."
• "Students can create better work than AI."
• "Engagement is key to student success."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Universal Design for Learning

03:59

Lori Cooney's Journey in Education

07:56

Understanding UDL: A Framework for All Learners

11:59

Realistic Implementation of UDL in Classrooms

15:58

Physical Space and...

In this conversation, Joan Accolla shares her journey from interior design to discovering the healing power of humor. She discusses how her background in design led her to explore holistic health and the integration of laughter as a therapeutic tool. The conversation delves into the science behind laughter, its effects on the brain, and how intentional laughter can transform one's mindset and emotional well-being. Joan emphasizes the importance of humor in various aspects of life, including leadership and personal health, and introduces the concept of laughter yoga as a practice for enhancing well-being.

Joan discusses the concept of intentional laughter and its healing properties, stemming from the movement of Laugh Yoga initiated by Madan Kataria. She explains how laughter can be provoked intentionally and how it triggers positive hormones in the brain. Joan also shares her work with Healing Headbands, a project that combines humor and art to support children with cancer and disabilities. The discussion highlights the importance of laughter in various communities, including those with special needs, and emphasizes the transformative power of humor in healing and emotional well-being. Joan discusses the mission and growth of Healing Headbands, emphasizing the importance of laughter and humor in healing. She shares insights on how laughter yoga serves as a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and highlights the role of humor in alleviating stress and promoting wellness. Joan also outlines her plans for expanding outreach, engaging with communities, and the future adventures of Healing Headbands as they aim to bring joy to children in hospitals.

takeaways

• Joanie's journey began with a desire to help others.
• Humor can be a powerful healing tool.
• Laughter activates the entire brain.
• Intentional laughter can shift negative thought patterns.
• Holistic health integrates mind, body, and spirit.
• Laughter yoga promotes well-being through intentional laughter.
• CEOs with a sense of humor are more respected.
• The Humor Academy teaches the science of laughter.
• Laughter can derail negative thinking.
• Humor is essential for emotional health.
• Intentional laughter can provoke genuine reactions.
• Laughter yoga was founded to explore laughter as a healer.
• The brain responds similarly to real and fake laughter.
• Laughter releases dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.
• Healing Headbands combines art and humor for children with cancer.
• Workshops help children express themselves through laughter and art.
• Laughter provides a sense of normalcy for families with disabilities.
• The impact of laughter is immediate and profound.
• Humor can shift perspectives and reduce stress.
• Cortisol, the stress hormone, can be countered with laughter. Laughter yoga is still in its infancy and needs more awareness.
• Stress is a leading cause of illness, and laughter can be a remedy.
• Humor is a universal language that connects people across cultures.
• Watching others laugh can still provide healing benefits.
• Prominent figures use humor as a healing modality.
• Healing Headbands is expanding its outreach to more communities.
• Art therapy plays a significant role in healing processes.
• The organization is working on building a marketing team to spread awareness.
• Future plans include taking Healing Headbands on the road to various hospitals.
• Community engagement is crucial for the success of Healing Headbands.

https://www.healingheadbands.com/

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

In this conversation, Mark and Jenifer Breaux discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting children with special needs, particularly in the context of education and travel. Jenifer shares her experiences as a military parent and how it shaped her approach to travel, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, routine, and creating memorable experiences for families. They explore practical tips for traveling with children who have sensory needs, the significance of social stories, and the value of establishing a vacation routine to reduce anxiety and enhance enjoyment for both parents and children.

takeaways

• Advocacy is crucial for parents navigating school systems.
• Good teachers can make a significant difference in a child's education.
• Celebrating small victories is important for children with special needs.
• Traveling can provide valuable experiences for families.
• Establishing a routine helps children feel secure while traveling.
• Social stories can prepare children for new experiences.
• Creating a comfortable travel environment is essential for sensory needs.
• Parents should not hesitate to seek help and resources.
• Traveling with special needs children requires planning and flexibility.
• Every family deserves to create lasting memories through travel.

Chapters00:00

Introduction and Daily Life of a Busy Parent

01:23

Navigating School Systems and Advocacy

04:19

The Importance of Good Teachers

06:57

Travel as a Means of Creating Memories

09:41

Understanding Sensory Needs in Children

12:33

The Journey into Travel and Military Influence

17:57

Transitioning from Military to Travel Advocacy

20:42

Overcoming Challenges in Special Needs Travel

23:26

Practical Travel Tips for Families

24:13

Embracing Family Travel

30:08

Creating Comfort for Kids

35:44

Planning Memorable Experiences

39:23

Navigating Air Travel with Kids

45:01

Establishing Routines on Vacation

50:56

Resources for Traveling Families

https://www.iamjeniferbreaux.com/

Instagram:

This episode is influenced by my recent conversations with guests on my show; particularly my chat with Taylor Winnett. We spoke about bridging the gap of communication between non-disabled people as they interact with disabled people. How does the conversation begin for someone who is unfamiliar with or has never met a disabled person and therefore may stumble when engaging for lack of appropriate, acceptable and respectful language? How can we get better at inclusive language to move the needle towards greater equality and recognition in all areas of life for all people no matter our differences?