Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast

Inclusive Education Project
  • 4.7 (75)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Disability rights is the next frontier in civil rights. We believe education is the key to building an inclusive society and ensuring that all students are given an equal opportunity. The Inclusive Education Project Podcast, hosted by Special Education and Civil Rights attorneys, Amanda Selogie and Vickie Brett, offers a fresh, smart perspective on what it takes to truly make our educational systems and communities inclusive. Tune in each week as Amanda and Vickie share insight on topics ranging from education reform to advocating for equal rights for all students, and participating in modern activism. This show will also offer user-friendly resources to help you and your family navigate the educational playing field.

  1. 4d ago

    When Your Special Needs Child Grows Up: Planning for “What’s Next?” with Mary McDirmid

    We spent much of the last school year discussing the changes in education and the uncertainty surrounding the federal Department of Education. Beyond the policy debates and headlines are real families trying to navigate very real questions about their children’s futures. For families of children with special needs, those questions can feel especially overwhelming: What happens after high school? How do we plan for adulthood? What financial, legal, and practical decisions need to be made—and when? Today, we’re shifting the conversation from what is happening in education right now to what families need to plan for the years ahead. Mary McDirmid joins us to share both her professional expertise and her personal experience as a mother of a child with special needs. Mary McDirmid is a financial planner and the mother of two daughters, the youngest of whom is ten and has special needs. As her own family encountered the complexities of planning for their daughter’s future, Mary recognized how difficult it can be for families to know where to begin—and how much they need someone who understands both the financial and personal sides of special needs planning. That experience led her to focus her work on helping other families navigate these challenges through All Needs Planning, where she provides specialized planning and support for families at every stage of life. Show Highlights: Understanding how a diagnosis changes everything for a familyAfter simply surviving from birth to age 3, a family focuses on IEPs for the school years; next comes graduation, which is a big question mark. (“Now, what?”)Simply staying home all day is NOT the best choice.The one question that alerts you to the groups that are right for your special needs child in the post-education yearsFinding what benefits are available to pay for servicesThe importance of community and connection for families with the shared experience of a child with a rare diseaseMary’s work with families includes finding/applying for benefits and structuring special needs trusts, accounts, and estate planningHow to think about naming people who can replace you in the future (Think of a five-year plan. You can reset it later.)Simply creating a special needs trust is not enough.NOW is always the best time for planning.Immediate steps for parents to take now: figure out the years your child has left in school, take inventory of the planning you have in place, and determine what is missingMary’s easy trick to save digital documents related to your child and their care (Get them a Gmail account!) Resources: Connect with Mary McDirmid: Website and book, Care, Protect, Grow. Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

  2. Aug 4

    Back to School, Back to Action

    Welcome back, everyone! It’s back-to-school season across the country, and we are cautiously optimistic about this upcoming year. The sky has not fallen, and there is still work for us to do to effect change in the world of education. We are still here in the thick of the fight, ready for another school year. As always, we will continue to feature guests and informative conversations focused on funding, equity, inclusion, and the special needs of all students in classrooms. It’s a new academic year with new challenges and real opportunities for change. Join us! Show Highlights: The state of education under the current administration: The shift is real. Participating in state and local elections is the best way you can make the biggest impact. This is not the moment for a “the sky is falling” attitude!We can “steer this boat” in a different direction!Our goal on the podcast is to help all of us understand the problems and discuss solutions, while keeping it fun and loose. We look forward to many meaningful conversations during this academic school year–and we have a lot to cover! Resources: Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

  3. Jun 23

    Our Best Approach to Education is “Outside-the-Box” Thinking

    We are officially here at the last episode before we take a summer break. We will return with new episodes in August. This last school year was one in which we felt the negative shift in our education system, but all hope is not lost. Our focus today is on how we can best prepare for the upcoming school year. We have a great responsibility! Join us to learn more! Show Highlights: Problems as a result of workforce reductions in the Department of EducationThe process to file discrimination complaints against school districts (Only 1% of the complaints were resolved in 2025!)Problems with the voucher system in providing a “free and appropriate” educationCurrent bills in Congress regarding the voucher systemYour responsibility in the November elections (Do your homework!)The continuing struggle to fund special educationAdvocation for our kids depends on our awareness“Outside-the-box” thinking is vital when it comes to supporting our students. Resources: Contact us on social media or through our website for more information at the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Connect with us on: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

  4. Jun 9

    A Parent’s Guide to Transition IEP Meetings

    Transition IEP meetings are essential when your child transitions from elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, and high school to college/vocational school. If you haven’t had a transition IEP meeting for the end of this school year, you can still get one scheduled as soon as the new school year begins. We are breaking it down in today’s episode. Join us! Show Highlights: What the law provides for parents regarding transition IEP meetingsThe transition IEP meeting is NOT just a box to check.Waiting 30 days into the new school year means 30 days of missed opportunities for the student to be successful.From middle to high school, the student’s diploma track has to be determined.From elementary to middle school, executive functioning skills are put to the test; we need to prep the student.The transition IEP meeting is a chance to “think outside the box” to meet a student’s needs.How can we “front-load” a student for success in each transition?Each transition is a chance for a fresh start for students, parents, teachers, and the IEP team.Streamlining communication with the IEP team Resources: Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

  5. May 26

    The Reading Brain: Understanding Structured Literacy with Tara Giddings

    Crazy time is here! Schools across the country have a LOT happening in these final days of the school year. For parents, there is a sense of relief, along with the panic of realizing that summer is about to begin and that they need to plan what their kids will do. Having a structured literacy plan is key, but it doesn’t have to be complex. Don’t be confused by the plethora of reading programs that are advertised as a “must-have” resource. Today’s guest helps us understand what’s most important for parents to know as they help their children hone their reading skills. Join us! Tara Giddings is from LearnUp Centers, a non-profit with the mission to reach and teach struggling readers in every community to read with confidence. Her passion for helping kids learn to love reading is the heart of her work. She has a master’s degree in educational therapy. She loves raising awareness about the right ways to teach kids to read, including helping parents understand the best resources and supports to cultivate good readers. Show Highlights: The evolution of reading programs over the past few decadesUnderstanding” structured literacy”Keep an open mind about how reading is taught today vs. many years ago; we need to understand the science of how the brain decodes and learns.Three categories of students who are learning to readAddressing gaps in students’ reading skills in higher grades: What is the best approach?Five pillars of literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehensionDetermining when a child needs interventions to improve reading skillsDyslexia and other reading struggles are not indicators of lower intelligence.Recognizing the elements of a good structured literacy lessonTara’s best tip for parents for the upcoming summer to boost their child’s reading skills Resources: Connect with Tara Giddings and LearnUp Centers: Website Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

  6. May 12

    369: The Power of Real Inclusion with Andrew Goff, Ed.D.

    Welcome to the final weeks of the school year. Across the country, school districts are winding down to summer break from now through mid-June. It is a busy time for everyone involved in education. Today’s episode explores the power of inclusion, particularly when policies don’t always align with what best serves our students. We are thrilled to welcome Andrew Goff back to the show for his unique perspective on this topic. Join us! Andrew Goff taught early childhood special education in five different least restrictive environments over 12 years. He is currently the lead instructor at Colorado Northwestern Community College. Based on his life as an educator, he wrote the memoir, Love is a Classroom, and is a fierce advocate for “inclusion—early, everywhere, and always.” His latest book, Shattered and Becoming: A Teacher’s Journey Between Policy and Purpose, was published in March, 2026. Show Highlights: Mixed messages and confusion for teachersAndrew’s motivation to write his second book, Shattered and BecomingAndrew’s message to teachers: “You are not alone. The system is set up to confuse you.”Recognizing the power dynamics in the educational system“What is my range of acceptable behavior?”It starts with trust. (Parents need to be able to trust their children’s educators.)Words to teachers who understand inclusion and need to advocate for studentsThe importance of documentationBeing curious is always the best approach. Concrete data can make all the difference in securing services for a student.Andrew’s message to administratorsCreating community begins with shared values. Resources: Connect with Dr. Andrew Goff: Website, YouTube, and TikTok Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns via Facebook, Instagram, X, the IEP Website, or Email.

  7. Apr 28

    IEP Meetings & Beyond: Advocate for Services, Placement & Success

    What is an IEP? What does it mean for your child? How do IEPs and IEP meetings differ across school districts? What is my recourse if the teacher who relates best to my child is moved to another school? We’re answering these questions and more in today’s solo episode with Vickie and Amanda! Show Highlights: The IEP outlines services, accommodations, and placements, but does not guarantee specific personnel to implement them.A general rule for any concerns about your child’s IEP: Always ask!Getting creative and specific in the IEP, regardless of the teacherAdvice to parents when “that one great teacher” goes elsewhereDebate over different types of interventions (The law says they must be “appropriate.”)Clearing up confusion over expert opinions and evidence-based programsThe most valuable teacher on your team is the one who is willing to try an intervention without becoming combative, defensive, and egotistical.What to do right now for next year Resources: Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns via Facebook, Instagram, X, the IEP Website, or Email.

  8. Apr 14

    Don’t Wait: The Critical Window for TK & Kindergarten IEPs (And Why Early Intervention Matters)

    As the school year winds down, this is a critical window for families and educators. If there’s anything you’ve been meaning to put in motion before summer, now is the time to act. Planning ahead is essential, and school districts often operate on fixed timelines, leaving limited flexibility for scheduling assessments and services. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the challenges many families face in kindergarten and transitional kindergarten classrooms when it comes to getting students evaluated and connected with the support they need. Tune in as we break it down and share what you should know. Show Highlights: The reality of expectations for TK students measured against kindergarten standardsWatch out for the “typical peer” trap.What we are seeing from schoolsAn example to support this question: “Which group of typical peers is my child being compared to?”Does the level of support prove that the child needs services?Understanding the functional component of education (lining up, transitioning to other classrooms, grasping routines and procedures, etc.)The purpose of an IEP is to provide consistent implementation from year to year.It’s not appropriate to rely on the “COVID baby” designation to excuse a student’s struggles.Early intervention is everything! Resources: Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns via Facebook, Instagram, X, the IEP Website, or Email.

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About

Disability rights is the next frontier in civil rights. We believe education is the key to building an inclusive society and ensuring that all students are given an equal opportunity. The Inclusive Education Project Podcast, hosted by Special Education and Civil Rights attorneys, Amanda Selogie and Vickie Brett, offers a fresh, smart perspective on what it takes to truly make our educational systems and communities inclusive. Tune in each week as Amanda and Vickie share insight on topics ranging from education reform to advocating for equal rights for all students, and participating in modern activism. This show will also offer user-friendly resources to help you and your family navigate the educational playing field.

Information

  • Creator
    Inclusive Education Project
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    213
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2017-2018. Inclusive Education Project. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast

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