5 reasons every special needs parent MUST make a resolution to get involved in lobbying and advocacy
You can think of this as your Tuesday to do list. Hey, it is the middle of all the winter holidays….and we want to relax, right? But, wow, 2017 is going to be so much work for us. We had to band together and we have to get motivated and put special needs advocacy on […]
{ABCs of IEPs} D is for Discipline and the IEP
“Hi there Mrs. Andrews….this is Secretary so-and-so at ABC elementary school. Yes, Andrew is having a bad day again and we need you to come get him.” Sound familiar? Guess what? That kid wasn’t just having a bad day….that child was suspended. Ah… the end of the school year. Usually means a time of less […]
8 things every Philly special needs family needs to know
I was at a conference a few years ago, and sat with a woman who, in the course of our conversation, told me that her region has 1 vision teacher to serve 4 counties. I was floored! Our IU has almost a dozen TVIs I think! I didn’t realize how much I was taking for […]
have the best summer ever with this free printable bucket list (you add some of your own activities)
I’m trying not to get totally crazy with summer planning. But, today was an absolutely GORGEOUS day here, just simply perfect weather…and several times I had to remind my son that it was a screen-free day and to get him off the Minecraft! put down the fidget spinner and go outside! (this is an older […]
understanding ESY for parents: FAQ, criteria, program options and more
I’m telling you, I have had it UP TO HERE with misinformation about ESY and the IEP. (And I’m pointing to a spot really high above my head!) I don’t know what is going on, if some schools are getting worse about ESY, or if we just have more IEP beginner parents in the group […]
Special Education
{ABCs of IEPs} D is for Discipline and the IEP
“Hi there Mrs. Andrews….this is Secretary so-and-so at ABC elementary school. Yes, Andrew is having a bad day again and we need you to come get him.” Sound familiar? Guess what? That kid wasn’t just having a bad day….that child was suspended. Ah… the end of the school year. Usually means a time of less […]
understanding ESY for parents: FAQ, criteria, program options and more
I’m telling you, I have had it UP TO HERE with misinformation about ESY and the IEP. (And I’m pointing to a spot really high above my head!) I don’t know what is going on, if some schools are getting worse about ESY, or if we just have more IEP beginner parents in the group […]
impasse
“I don’t get it…I did everything you said, the school still said no.” I get this one often. Despite your best efforts and taking recommendations from other parents or advocates, you’re still being told no. It’s going to happen, sooner or later you will be at an impasse in the IEP process. Here’s the thing–the […]
Special Ed and Disability resources
10+ resources and ideas for teaching inference
“Mommy, is that Lady Gaga?” When my youngest was a toddler, he LOVED Lady Gaga. I have no idea why or where it came from, but he did. He would ask me to put videos of her on my computer. So, when we were watching the Super Bowl one year, the year that Madonna did […]
the case against fidgets
Almost 20 years ago, I was walking around Longwood Gardens at the holidays. If you’ve ever been there during Christmas time, you know that they basically herd you through a prescribed course and it is quite crowded. As we were walking, I kept hearing this little, “clink, clink, clink” but couldn’t figure out what it […]
5 signs your child needs help with Executive Functioning Skills {and what you can do about it!}
Remember when we were in elementary school, and there was always that “one kid” who was just constantly messy? His papers were always getting lost, desk was a mess, backpack was a mess…the whole bit. Now, as an adult, I feel terrible for not understanding that those kids really struggled with Executive Functioning issues…and no […]
Fun & Recreation
have the best summer ever with this free printable bucket list (you add some of your own activities)
I’m trying not to get totally crazy with summer planning. But, today was an absolutely GORGEOUS day here, just simply perfect weather…and several times I had to remind my son that it was a screen-free day and to get him off the Minecraft! put down the fidget spinner and go outside! (this is an older […]
25 things to watch when you want to laugh! {TV, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime video}
“Mom, how come you never laugh?” Ouch. How is that for a wake-up call? My 8-year-old actually said that to me. And he was right. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I laughed. Between the seizures and politics and worrying about Kevin and everything else, it has been forever and a day since I […]
Harlem Globetrotters~discount code + chance to win tickets!
This will be our 3rd or 4th year going to see the Harlem Globetrotters….and once again, WE CAN’T WAIT. I think I enjoy it just as much as my boys. If you have seen them, they are just as good as they ever were. When they play that familiar tune…and they come out on to […]
14 simple crafts for Valentine’s Day~sensory, fine motor
I’m not one of those Moms who does all kinds of crafts with her kids. But honestly, in the winter months it is nice to have a few ideas on hand. My kids do fine with free play, not being on screens, going outside even when it’s cold and generally are good at staying busy […]