Author: Brittany Long

Planning for a disability-friendly summer with the kiddos isn’t the easiest thing on our to-do lists. Sometimes, it can feel like the world isn’t equipped to accommodate what our families need, especially on vacation. For instance, somewhere like a theme park. Bright lights, loud noises, long lines, people everywhere — if only there was a …

With the school year winding down, both parents and IEP teams have their hands full with things to do before summer break begins. Are you feeling stressed about getting that IEP wrapped up and signed before the final school bell rings? Or maybe your child is moving to a new school in the fall and …

Supporting kids through challenging behaviors Behavioral challenges are tough on any parent, and it can feel like a lot to handle some days. Understanding why children with disabilities have challenging behaviors is the key to providing intervention. Hint: all behaviors occur for a reason; it’s up to us to figure out what that underlying reason …

Many of us as parents understand the desire for a miraculous fix to the challenges we face regarding our children’s education. We also understand there is no one miracle cure to what ails our educational system. The hope is that AI will revolutionize learning for our kids and create new ways of accessing learning that …

Summer is right around the corner, so now is the perfect time to start requesting extra support from your Regional Center to help make sure your kiddo’s needs are met. Every Regional Center does things a bit differently, but here are some common services to talk to your service coordinator about. Remember: it could take …

Neurological disorders, which affect the way the brain or nervous system functions, present with a unique set of symptoms and challenges that impact areas such as speech, mobility, vision, and behavior. It’s natural for parents’ anxiety to rise when faced with navigating and supporting your child through diagnosis, treatment options, and ensuring they’re not only …

Understanding your rights as a parent is vital to the IEP process. This includes your right to disagree. In an ideal world, parents and the school would be on the same page about a child’s assessments, educational placement, related services, accommodations, supports, and goals. While this is certainly possible, sometimes, no matter how great a …

Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with us! April is Autism Acceptance Month! Kim Sinclair, parent and executive director of the Autism Society of Los Angeles, says, “Acceptance is the mindset that provides inclusion. You can be aware of autism, but whether you take the next step and accept it, and include those individuals in the education …

What are IEP goals made of? Sugar, spice, and…everything nice? If only it was that easy, right? In reality, the goal-setting process of an IEP — while essential in prioritizing the skills our kids need to access the general education curriculum — can feel pretty complicated. As parents, our input is essential when it comes …

“Special education isn’t a place.” We can’t say this enough. Special education was never supposed to be a place. Or a classroom. Or a reason to discriminate. It consists of services and supports that allow children with disabilities to learn alongside their peers in a way that works for them. Inclusion is about learning and …