The ED Rights Unplugged’s Podcast

2d ago

Ed Rights Unplugged - Ep 10 | Military Moves & Special Education

Military families often face unique challenges when a child with an IEP or 504 Plan changes schools due to relocation. Frequent moves can disrupt services, delay documentation, and create uncertainty about whether existing supports will continue. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we explain how families can protect educational continuity during military transitions. This episode explores the special education challenges that commonly arise when moving between school districts. We discuss how schools implement comparable services, why documentation matters, and what parents should understand about their rights under federal special education laws. The conversation also covers practical advocacy strategies that help families prepare before a move. We explain how to organize records, communicate effectively with new schools, and build productive relationships with educators and support teams. We also discuss the emotional impact these transitions can have on both parents and students. Whether you are preparing for a PCS move, enrolling in a new school district, or helping a military-connected student navigate special education services, this episode provides a clear framework for maintaining support and reducing disruptions during transitions. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

21 min

May 22

Ed Rights Unplugged - Ep 9 | Hazing, Education, and Student Defense

Most fraternity and sorority culture is evolving, but dangerous traditions still persist. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, Dr. Michael Ayalon, CEO of Greek University, explains how risky behavior develops gradually inside student organizations—and why early warning signs often go unnoticed until a serious incident occurs. The conversation breaks down how campus culture shifts over time through the normalization of excessive drinking, hazing, and unsafe group dynamics. Dr. Ayalon explains the indicators that suggest a chapter may be moving into high-risk territory, including behavioral changes, concerning social media activity, and low pledge-to-initiation ratios. He also discusses the role of prevention programs, staff training, and accountability systems in reducing risk before tragedy happens. This episode also explores emergency response expectations, documentation practices, and the importance of transparency when incidents occur. The discussion covers legal protections such as the Stop Campus Hazing Act and explains how student leaders, families, and universities can create safer environments through proactive intervention and responsible decision-making. Whether you are a student leader, parent, educator, or campus administrator, this episode provides practical guidance for recognizing risk early and protecting student safety in college organizations. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

36 min

May 8 · Video

Ed Rights Unplugged - Ep 8 | Advocating for Students With Medical Needs

Many families and educators overlook how medical needs affect a student’s ability to access education. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, chronic pain, mobility limitations, and medication side effects often go unrecognized in school settings—even when they significantly impact learning, attendance, and participation. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we explain how medical diagnoses connect directly to educational support and why that connection matters. Francesca Korbas, Melanie Roy, and Krystal Ashe discuss how schools frequently separate medical concerns from educational needs, and how advocates can reframe that conversation. The episode breaks down how to identify educational impact, gather meaningful documentation, and connect medical evidence to supports through IEPs, 504 Plans, and individualized accommodations. The conversation also explores common barriers families face, including assumptions that students are “doing too well” to qualify for help. The episode highlights practical strategies for documenting invisible symptoms, addressing attendance concerns, managing trauma related to medical experiences, and building stronger communication with school teams. This episode is designed for parents, educators, and advocates supporting students with chronic illnesses, fluctuating health conditions, or invisible disabilities. It provides practical guidance for turning medical understanding into meaningful educational access. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

32 min

Apr 24 · Video

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 7 | Title IX & Sexual Misconduct: What Happens After the Email

Most students and families are completely unprepared for the moment a Title IX or sexual misconduct notice arrives. The process can feel overwhelming, confusing, and high-stakes—but understanding how it works can make all the difference. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we break down what actually happens after that first email and how to respond with clarity and control. This episode walks listeners through the structure of Title IX cases, including the roles of complainants, respondents, investigators, and hearing panels. It explains the critical differences between Title IX and broader campus misconduct policies—and why those distinctions directly impact student rights and outcomes. The conversation also explores what a real investigation looks like, from initial notice to evidence review and hearings. It highlights the importance of early decisions, the role of supportive measures like no-contact orders and housing adjustments, and how missteps can affect both immediate and long-term consequences. The episode also covers how to prepare for hearings, what to expect during questioning, and why having experienced guidance matters. It outlines practical first steps families should take, including preserving evidence and understanding available support options. Whether you are facing a Title IX matter now or want to be prepared, this episode provides a clear, practical framework for navigating one of the most complex processes in higher education. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

39 min

Apr 13 · Video

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 6 | Don’t Let Summer Slip: Getting Ahead of the Summer Slump

Visit: https://www.kaltmanlaw.com/special-education-services/summer-iep-service Summer can be a time to relax—but for students with IEPs, it can also be a period of significant skill loss if the right supports are not in place. In this special episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we break down what regression really means, why it happens, and how families can take proactive steps to protect their child’s progress during school breaks. This episode walks listeners through the concepts of regression and recoupment, explaining how gaps in instruction can lead to lost academic, social, and executive functioning skills—and why delayed recovery can have long-term consequences. It highlights why summer is a critical period for students who rely on consistent support to maintain progress. The episode also covers five practical strategies families can implement right away, including planning for Extended School Year (ESY) services, building simple daily learning routines, leveraging community-based programs, maintaining communication with educators, and tracking progress over time. It emphasizes the importance of early planning and informed advocacy to ensure supports are in place before regression occurs. Whether your child is already receiving special education services or you are preparing for the upcoming school year, this episode provides a clear, actionable framework to help prevent regression and support continued growth. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

28 min

Apr 10 · Video

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 5 | College Discipline Decoded: What to Do in the First 72 Hours

Most college students and their parents are caught off guard by urgent emails alleging academic integrity or conduct violations. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we break down how college discipline processes actually work and what families should do immediately to respond strategically, not reactively. This episode walks listeners through the key differences between academic integrity and non-academic misconduct, including how colleges evaluate behaviors such as AI-assisted work, social media activity, and off-campus incidents. It explains how universities interpret these situations, often with broader definitions than families expect. The conversation also focuses on the critical first 72 hours after receiving a notice. It outlines what students and parents should do right away, common mistakes to avoid, and how early decisions can significantly impact outcomes. It clarifies how hearings, evidence review, and institutional processes function, along with what students are—and are not—entitled to during proceedings. The episode also covers the long-term implications of disciplinary cases, including transcript notations, future academic opportunities, professional licensing, and immigration considerations. It emphasizes the importance of staying calm, informed, and proactive during high-pressure situations. Whether your student is currently facing allegations or you want to be prepared before an issue arises, this episode provides a clear, practical framework for navigating college discipline with confidence. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

33 min

Apr 9 · Video

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 4 | Building Access, Not Barriers — The Advocacy Circle Story

Special education law can be overwhelming for families and advocates, leaving many unsure where to start or how to access reliable support. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we break down a new, technology-driven approach to advocacy designed to make guidance more accessible, affordable, and actionable. This episode walks listeners through the limitations of traditional advocacy models and explains why many families struggle to get timely, expert support. It introduces a new AI-powered platform built to democratize access to special education knowledge, helping parents, educators, and advocates navigate complex systems with greater confidence. The conversation also explores how technology can personalize advocacy. By securely analyzing individualized student information, the platform delivers tailored guidance while maintaining a strong focus on accuracy, trust, and real-world applicability. It highlights how this approach supports not only families, but also professionals looking to expand their impact and efficiency. The episode also covers the role of community in advocacy, including peer support, live events, and ongoing updates that keep users informed and connected. It addresses a central challenge in education: how to create a shared foundation of understanding between families and schools to reduce conflict and improve outcomes. Whether you are new to special education or looking to strengthen your advocacy strategy, this episode provides a practical framework for accessing support in a more scalable and equitable way. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

33 min

Apr 8 · Video

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 3 | Navigating K–12 School Discipline: What Every Parent Should Know

Few calls worry parents more than hearing that their child may face school discipline. Terms like suspension, expulsion, or alternative placement can feel overwhelming, especially when families are asked to make quick decisions without fully understanding the consequences. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we break down how K–12 school discipline actually works and what parents should know before responding. This episode walks listeners through the key differences between short-term suspensions, long-term suspensions, and expulsions. It explains how disciplinary decisions are typically made, why even a short suspension can have lasting implications for a student’s record, and how patterns of misconduct can develop in the eyes of school administrators. The conversation also explores the importance of understanding a school’s code of conduct and questioning assumptions around so-called “zero tolerance” policies. It covers the procedural rights students and parents often have during disciplinary actions, including notice requirements, opportunities to respond, and access to schoolwork during suspensions. The episode also addresses what happens after a disciplinary decision is made. From reentry meetings and documentation strategies to the risks of being pressured into alternative placements, the discussion highlights how informed, proactive communication can protect a student’s educational path. Whether your child is facing a suspension, expulsion, or disciplinary investigation, this episode provides a practical framework for navigating school discipline with clarity and confidence. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

41 min

Apr 6 · Video

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 2｜Getting Ahead of Problem Behaviors

In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we explore proactive strategies for addressing student behavior before it escalates into larger disciplinary concerns. Host Francesca Korbas joins special education advocates Melanie Roy and Sarah Lhotak for a practical, grounded conversation about what actually works in schools—and why reactive approaches often fail students. The discussion begins with recurring behavior cycles in educational settings. When schools fail to collect meaningful data or communicate effectively with families, patterns go unnoticed and small concerns grow into larger issues. Melanie and Sarah explain how early identification and consistent documentation can prevent long-term consequences. A central theme of this episode is the principle that behavior is communication. Rather than viewing behavior as defiance or noncompliance, the conversation reframes it as a signal of unmet needs. Through real-world examples, the episode illustrates how identifying the function of a behavior—whether related to transitions, sensory overwhelm, or access needs—can transform a student’s support plan. The episode also examines: The risks of reactive and punitive discipline Why labeling students can undermine their growth Early warning signs families and educators should monitor The importance of coordinated communication among staff How parents can document patterns and advocate effectively This conversation reinforces a simple but powerful message: proactive, collaborative strategies lead to better outcomes for students. When families and schools work together—and when behavior is understood rather than punished—students are far more likely to thrive academically and socially. If you are a parent, educator, or advocate navigating student behavior concerns, this episode provides clear, practical insight grounded in experience. 🎧 Subscribe to Ed Rights Unplugged, presented by K Altman Law, for straightforward conversations about education rights, discipline, and advocacy.

44 min

Feb 3 · Video

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 1 | Student Defense 101: K–12 & College Discipline

In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged (formally known as Legally Blind Justice), we provide a clear, practical overview of school discipline in both K–12 and higher education, highlighting the critical differences between these two frameworks. We examine the most common types of disciplinary cases, including behavioral allegations, academic integrity matters, and Title IX–related issues, and explain who makes the decisions, from principals and administrators to conduct offices and hearing panels. Listeners will learn the foundational principles of due process, what schools must provide, how disciplinary timelines work, and why delays or inaction can significantly harm a student’s position. We also address a key question families often underestimate: when a matter is truly “minor,” and when it can create a lasting disciplinary record that follows a student for years. This episode is designed to help families and students understand the players, the process, and the stakes so they can recognize when early, informed action is essential to protecting educational rights and long-term opportunities.

29 min

The ED Rights Unplugged’s Podcast

Episodes

Ed Rights Unplugged - Ep 10 | Military Moves & Special Education

Ed Rights Unplugged - Ep 9 | Hazing, Education, and Student Defense

Ed Rights Unplugged - Ep 8 | Advocating for Students With Medical Needs

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 7 | Title IX & Sexual Misconduct: What Happens After the Email

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 6 | Don’t Let Summer Slip: Getting Ahead of the Summer Slump

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 5 | College Discipline Decoded: What to Do in the First 72 Hours

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 4 | Building Access, Not Barriers — The Advocacy Circle Story

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 3 | Navigating K–12 School Discipline: What Every Parent Should Know

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 2｜Getting Ahead of Problem Behaviors

Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 1 | Student Defense 101: K–12 & College Discipline

About

Information