Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind

Mark Ingrassia
  • 4.5 (10)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

This former Special Ed classroom teacher is on his own with a microphone, to share some of the magic he's learned in his 36+ years in the field. Stories, strategies, and a true grasp for what life can be like for parents and caregivers of Disabled children are waiting here! Witnessing, first hand, your challenges in the home has invigorated my desire to share what I know and to be a cheerleader for your lives and the lives of your child using mindfulness as a fulcrum to success. You are not alone and your life matters. Join me as we let go and grow together!

  1. 5d ago

    ArtStream; Performing Beyond Expectations: The Transformative Power of Inclusive Theater

    In this episode of Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind, we explore the transformative power of inclusive theater with ArtStream, a nonprofit creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to perform, create, collaborate, and tell their own stories. Joining me are Hayley Cutler, MFA, Artistic Director of ArtStream, and Adrian Forsythe, an ArtStream performer since its founding in 2005 who is entering his 21st season. keywords inclusive theater, disability arts, community building, improvisation, original productions, arts and advocacy, peer support, arts education, accessibility in arts, creative collaboration key topics The history and mission of ArtstreamThe process of devising original theater with actors with disabilitiesThe role of improvisation and collaboration in artistic developmentThe impact of inclusive arts on community and confidenceThe integration of families and support networks in arts programsThe importance of authentic representation and 'nothing about us without us'The growth of actors from beginners to professionalsThe benefits of arts for advocacy and self-expression Sound Bites "Every piece is original, every story is unique""Nothing about us without us""Everyone deserves a chance to perform their art" Chapters 00:00Introduction to Artstream and its mission 01:57The process of creating original inclusive theater 09:50The role of improvisation and collaboration 19:56Impact on actors' confidence and community 30:00Family involvement and community support 39:59The growth of actors and the importance of authentic representation 49:56Future aspirations and performances around the world Website: https://art-stream.org/ Specialedrising.com Ray's Respite Care: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

  2. Sep 14

    Team Child: Advocacy Without the Adversarial Approach

    In this episode, January Addison Lare shares her insights on navigating special education, advocating for children, and building collaborative relationships between families and schools. Her personal experiences and professional expertise offer valuable guidance for parents, educators, and advocates. Keywordsspecial education, advocacy, IEP meetings, parent-school collaboration, disability support, education system, guardianship, Medicaid, family advocacy Key TopicsThe importance of relationship building in IEP meetingsStrategies for parents to advocate effectivelyThe role of advocates in special educationImpact of policy changes on families and servicesGuardianship and long-term planning for individuals with disabilitiesThe need for systemic change in education and advocacy GuestJanuary Addison Lare Educational & Family Advocacy Consultant Founder, Empowered to Thrive LLC 📞 785-513-9735 📧 empoweredtothriveconsulting@gmail.com 🌐 empoweredtothriveconsulting.com 📍 811 S 1st Street, Atwood, KS 67730 Sound Bites“Fake it till you make it.”“Parents want someone to listen.”“Treat it accordingly.” Chapters00:00 — Introduction and guest background 324:55:32 — Personal journey and name origin 6388:49:06 — Experience in special education and advocacy 14972:09:33 — Guardianship and long-term planning for loved ones 28555:30:07 — Impact of policy changes on services and families 352777:43:44 — Entering IEP meetings: Building relationships 380833:17:10 — Preparing for effective meetings and collaboration 453611:04:09 — The role of advocates and communication tips 535277:44:32 — Addressing systemic challenges and future outlook Guest Links🌐 Empowered to Thrive Consulting 📧 empoweredtothriveconsulting@gmail.com 📞 785-513-9735 specialedrising.com Ray's Respite Care: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

  3. Sep 8

    Beyond “How Was School?”: The School Year Feelings Game Show

    Beyond “How Was School?”: The School Year Feelings Game ShowSpecial Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind “How was school today?” “Fine.” Sound familiar? In this episode, Mark Ingrassia turns the Back-to-School Feelings Game Show into a year-round tool for helping kids talk about what’s really happening at school. Using fun rounds like the Weather Report, Feelings Meter, Worry Button, Pause Button, Backpack Question, Superpower Round, and Surprise Round, parents can help their children identify feelings, recognize challenges, ask for help, and think about solutions. Mark also explains how to adapt the game for nonspeaking children and children who communicate using AAC, pictures, signs, gestures, pointing, objects, or other communication methods. The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety. It’s to help children understand that feelings are information and that communication is always welcome. The game is the vehicle. Communication is the goal. For parent coaching, workshops, and resources, visit specialedrising.com. Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind. Ray's Respite Care: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

  4. Sep 1

    Vaccines, Autism & Politics: Where’s the Evidence?

    In this episode of Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind, Mark Ingrassia examines recent claims from President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggesting a connection between vaccines and autism. Mark asks a simple question: Where’s the evidence? The episode looks at decades of research involving hundreds of thousands of children, including large studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews examining the MMR vaccine, thimerosal, and vaccination more broadly. The research has consistently found no evidence that vaccines cause autism. Mark also discusses why rising autism diagnoses do not automatically establish a cause, the retraction of the original 1998 vaccine-autism study, and the importance of distinguishing legitimate scientific questions from conclusions made before the evidence is available. Most importantly, this conversation is about families. Parents need accurate information, qualified professionals, meaningful services, and support—not fear, confusion, or unnecessary guilt. We should continue researching autism. We should ask difficult questions. But we also have to be willing to follow the evidence. IN THIS EPISODETrump and RFK Jr.'s claims about vaccines and autismWhat decades of research actually showThe MMR vaccine and autismThimerosal and vaccine safetyWhy autism prevalence alone doesn't establish causationThe impact of misinformation on familiesWhat policymakers should be focusing on instead Don't follow the person. Follow the evidence. RESOURCES & SOURCESHviid et al. (2019), Annals of Internal Medicine — Nationwide study of MMR vaccination and autism involving more than 650,000 children. MMR Vaccination and Autism: Nationwide Cohort StudyMadsen et al. (2002), New England Journal of Medicine — Population-based study examining MMR vaccination and autism in more than 500,000 children. Population-Based Study of MMR Vaccination and AutismTaylor, Swerdfeger & Eslick (2014), Vaccine — Meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies examining vaccines and autism. Vaccines Are Not Associated With Autism: Meta-AnalysisDeStefano & Shimabukuro (2019), Annual Review of Virology — Review of the evidence surrounding the MMR vaccine and autism. The MMR Vaccine and AutismPrice et al. (2010), Pediatrics — Study examining prenatal and infant exposure to thimerosal and autism risk. Prenatal and Infant Exposure to Thimerosal and AutismWorld Health Organization (2025) — Global expert review reaffirming that available evidence does not show a causal relationship between vaccines and autism. WHO: Vaccines and Autism Evidence ReviewAutism Science Foundation — Evidence-based information and research on vaccines and autism. Autism Science Foundation: Autism and VaccinesDisability Scoop (August 12, 2026) — Michelle Diament, “Doctors, Advocates Call Out Trump For Claims About Autism.” Disability Scoop: Doctors, Advocates Call Out Trump For Claims About Autism Visit specialedrising.com for more resources and information. Question everything. Demand evidence. Listen to autistic people. No Parent Left Behind.

  5. Aug 24

    Travel Without Limits: Accessible Travel with Matthew Alexander

    In this episode, Matthew Alexander shares his inspiring journey of founding a travel agency dedicated to supporting families with children who have special needs, including autism. He discusses the importance of accessible travel, how to plan inclusive vacations, and the transformative benefits of travel for individuals with disabilities. keywordsaccessible travel, autism, special needs, family vacations, travel planning, inclusive travel, disability accommodations, travel tips, autism travel, travel with special needs key topics The origin of Matthew Alexander's travel agency supporting families with special needsThe importance of understanding autism from a first-hand perspectiveHow travel can positively impact individuals with disabilitiesKey questions families should ask for accessible accommodationsThe role of partnerships and relationships in providing accessible travel optionsInnovative solutions for accessible travel including hotels, airlines, and cruisesThe significance of planning and communication in accessible travelResources and programs that support travelers with hidden disabilities Sound Bites "Travel can be transformative for people with disabilities.""Understanding autism from a first-hand perspective helps create better travel experiences.""Accessible travel is about more than just wheelchairs; it includes medications, sensory needs, and emotional support." Website https:Professional Accessible Travel Hub https://specialedrising.com/ Ray's Respite Care: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

  6. Aug 20

    Special Ed and Exceptional Needs Resources for Parents and Caregivers

    In this episode I’ll be presenting some resource links and information to support you in parenting your child with exceptional needs.

  7. Aug 10

    🌟 Rethinking Early Childhood Education with Dr. Suzanne Adinolfi

    Your entire school’s curriculum in the cloud, with training built in! In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Adinolfi discusses innovative approaches in early childhood education, emphasizing the role of AI in supporting teachers and fostering inclusive, stress-free learning environments. Discover how digital curricula and AI tools like LB are transforming classrooms and empowering educators. Mark and Dr. Suzanne Adinolfi delve into the transformative role of AI in early childhood education. As the Director of Research and Content Development at Learning Beyond Paper, Dr. Adinolfi brings a wealth of experience to the discussion, exploring how innovative tools can alleviate pressures on teachers and enhance learning environments for children. key topics AI in early childhood educationDigital curriculum developmentTeacher support and professional developmentInclusive and adaptive learning strategiesParent-school communication and engagementClassroom management and behavior supportSpecial education and inclusive practicesFuture trends in educational technology Sound Bites "AI keeps track of lesson objectives and standards""When teachers are confident, children learn more""AI can help teachers think outside the box" Websites Learning Beyond Paper and Learning Beyond the Bell. Special Ed Risng: specialedrising.com Rqy's Respite Care Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

  8. Aug 3

    🐾 Christine Devane: Raising Kinder Kids Through Stories

    In this heartfelt interview, Christine Devane shares her journey as an author dedicated to teaching children empathy, kindness, and responsibility through her engaging books about pets and social issues. She discusses her creative process, the impact of her work on children and families, and her inspiring efforts to support rescue animals like Tippy. keywords: children's books, empathy, pet rescue, social-emotional learning, animal welfare, author interview, children's education, kindness, responsibility, pet adoption key topics The importance of teaching empathy and kindness to childrenHow pet rescue stories can educate and inspireThe process of writing children's books about social issuesThe impact of storytelling on children's social-emotional developmentSupporting rescue animals through literature and community engagement guest nameChristine Devane key frameworks Empathy Education in Children's LiteraturePet Rescue and Adoption AwarenessSocial-Emotional Learning through Stories titles How Children's Books Can Foster Empathy and ResponsibilityThe Journey of a Children's Author Supporting Pet Rescue Sound Bites "I'm good. How are you?""Tippy is waiting for surgery.""Maybe one day you will too." Chapters 00:00Introduction and Christine’s Background 02:12Meet Tippy: The Rescue Dog with a Story 05:00Tippy’s Surgery and New Beginnings 07:02Inspiration Behind the Pet-Themed Books 10:05Teaching Empathy and Responsibility to Kids 15:01Using Stuffed Animals to Educate Children 19:48Addressing Children’s Fear of Animals 24:58Connecting Through Stories and Personal Experiences 30:05The Challenges and Rewards of Writing for Children 35:05The Role of Schools and Parents in Social-Emotional Learning 39:57Supporting Rescue Animals and Community Involvement 45:01Future Projects and Final Thoughts ResourcesChristine Devane's WebsiteAmazon - Christine Devane's BooksBarnes & Noble - Christine Devane's Books Guest linksWebsiteInstagram specialedrising.com Ray's Respite Care: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

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This former Special Ed classroom teacher is on his own with a microphone, to share some of the magic he's learned in his 36+ years in the field. Stories, strategies, and a true grasp for what life can be like for parents and caregivers of Disabled children are waiting here! Witnessing, first hand, your challenges in the home has invigorated my desire to share what I know and to be a cheerleader for your lives and the lives of your child using mindfulness as a fulcrum to success. You are not alone and your life matters. Join me as we let go and grow together!

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