The Affirming Village Podcast

Dr. Destiny Huff & Lisa Baskin Wright
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Two neurodivergent mamas — one Black, one White — with lived experience raising neurodivergent kids. One is still navigating IEPs and school calls; the other has walked the path into adulthood. Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, a mental health therapist and advocate, and Lisa Baskin Wright, an educator and advocate, help families approach the IEP table with clarity, compassion, and power. They also train professionals on affirming practices for neurodivergent learners. This is The Affirming Village — where stories, strategy, and community meet.

  1. Before We Close This School Year Out…

    May 15

    Before We Close This School Year Out…

    "Something smells different this year." Before heading into the summer break, Dr. Destiny Huff and Lisa Wright sit down for a raw reflection on why this school year felt fundamentally different for parents, advocates, and neurodivergent learners. In this episode, they pull back the curtain on the "whiplash" of navigating school districts that seem to be throwing out the rulebook. From the political nature of disability rights to the rise of "team extremism" and legal ambushes in IEP meetings, Destiny and Lisa discuss how they’ve had to change the way they show up to protect their own capacity and regulation. Key moments in this episode: The Systemic Shift: Why the energy in schools felt "off" this year and the rise of administrative gatekeeping. Disability is Political: Understanding how political climates and administration changes directly impact 504 protections and funding. Protecting the Advocate: Personal reflections on managing high-stress workloads and why "spacing out" meetings is a survival necessity. Ballast in the Storm: Finding stability when the needle stops moving and the importance of documenting systemic failures. Connect with The Village: #TheAffirmingVillage #Neuroaffirming #SpecialEducation #IEPCoach #DisabilityAdvocacy #Neurodiversity #BeforeWeCloseThisSchoolYearOut

    1h 1m
  2. Something Shifted This Year

    May 8

    Something Shifted This Year

    "Sir, slow your roll." This week, Destiny and Lisa are getting honest about the "vibes" of the 2025-2026 school year. It hasn't been easy, and it certainly hasn't been quiet. We’re exploring the shift from collaborative innovation to rigid, black-and-white thinking at the IEP table. We break down why "independence" is often just a code word for compliance, the dangers of relying on AI to write your advocacy emails, and how to handle the re-entry struggle after school breaks. Whether you’re a parent feeling the "whiplash" or an advocate managing your capacity, this conversation is for you. Key Topics: The political climate’s impact on the classroom. Moving beyond black-and-white thinking in IEP goals. Why autonomy and agency matter more than just "checking boxes." Setting boundaries to stay regulated during high-conflict meetings. Listen now and join the village.

    1h 3m
  3. When School Isn’t Safe: The Conversations We’re Not Having

    Apr 24

    When School Isn’t Safe: The Conversations We’re Not Having

    I knew there was nonsense going on, but I didn't realize it was this level of nonsense." In this raw and necessary episode, Dr. Destiny Huff and Lisa Wright pull back the curtain on the topics often whispered about but rarely confronted: seclusion, restraint, and the systemic lack of felt safety in our schools. We’re moving past the "compliance" narrative to discuss the long-term impact of trauma on neurodivergent learners and their families. In this episode, we cover: •The "Nonsense" Reality: A firsthand account of uncovering major discrepancies in an IEP and why the paperwork often fails our students. The Justification Trap: How schools use "safety" to justify harmful practices when the real issue is often the environment or adult dysregulation. Felt Safety vs. Physical Presence: Why being in a classroom doesn't mean a child is safe if their nervous system is in a state of threat. The Power of Validation: Why a simple "I get it" can be more effective than any Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). The "I Don't Know" Trap: Why admitting a lack of understanding is the first step toward stopping the gaslighting of parents and students. Follow & Subscribe: If this episode resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review. Your support helps us amplify these critical conversations and advocate for a safer, more affirming educational system. #Neuroaffirming #SpecialEducation #SchoolSafety #IEPAdvocacy #TraumaInformed #AffirmingVillage #StudentSafety

    1h 3m
  4. Accommodations Are Access, So Why Are They Treated Like Rewards?

    Apr 17

    Accommodations Are Access, So Why Are They Treated Like Rewards?

    In this episode, Dr. Destiny Huff and Lisa Wright tackle a major hurdle at the IEP table: the "gatekeeping" of student supports. Are accommodations something a learner has to earn through good behavior, or are they a fundamental right to access their education? We’re breaking down the "Support Spectrum," the confusion between accommodations and modifications, and why the human element of joy and authenticity often matters more than the paperwork. In this episode, we cover: Access vs. Rewards: Why accommodations should never be used as incentives.The Support Spectrum: Navigating the gray area where adjustments meet modifications.IEP Red Flags: What to do when the paperwork doesn't match the reality of the learner's needs.Felt Safety & Joy: Why regulation and validation are the most powerful tools in a teacher's toolkit.The "I Don't Know" Trap: How admitting a lack of understanding can prevent gaslighting and improve IEP fidelity. Follow & Subscribe: If you found value in today’s episode, please follow the show and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more families and educators dedicated to centering dignity and access for every learner. #Neuroaffirming #SpecialEducation #IEP #Advocacy #InclusiveEducation #StudentAccess #AffirmingVillage

    48 min
  5. Operating With Fidelity — What Does That Actually Mean?

    Mar 20

    Operating With Fidelity — What Does That Actually Mean?

    "We’re implementing this with fidelity." It’s a phrase that echoes through IEP meetings and evaluation reports, but in the world of special education, what does it actually look like? In this episode, Dr. Destiny Huff and Lisa Wright break down why this buzzword can sometimes be used to prioritize "the program" over "the learner." We’re getting real about the human side of advocacy—the frustration, the mistakes, and the power of sitting in the discomfort when a ball is dropped. Whether you're a parent navigating the system or an educator striving for true inclusion, this episode is about moving past "procedural compliance" and toward meaningful access for every student. In this episode, we explore: The Definition of Fidelity: Why it should be about the IEP, not just a pre-packaged curriculum.Procedural vs. Substantive: Why meeting a timeline isn’t the same as meeting a child's needs.The "Weaponization" of Jargon: How to spot when "fidelity" is being used to stall or pressure families.The Power of "What does that look like?": Using specificity to ensure actual implementation.Radical Honesty: Why acknowledging our human mistakes is the first step toward better advocacy. “It’s okay for us to sit in the discomfort of my frustration. And it’s okay for you, case manager, to sit in the discomfort of having dropped the ball. We’re human. We’re learning.” Listen now to dive deep into the heart of the Affirming Village. #TheAffirmingVillage #IEP #SpecialEducation #Advocacy #Neurodiversity #InclusiveEducation #FAPE #ParentAdvocacy

    47 min
  6. When Collaboration Breaks Down Because of One Voice

    Mar 13

    When Collaboration Breaks Down Because of One Voice

    In this episode of the Affirming Village Podcast, Dr. Destiny and Lisa Wright take a deeper look at the fragility of the IEP table. Following our conversation on ego, we are exploring what happens when the collective wisdom of a team is silenced by a single individual—and why that "one voice" can be the biggest barrier to a learner’s success. The truth? Collaboration doesn't just "stop"—it’s often hijacked. When one person’s rigid narrative or "home court advantage" takes over the room, curiosity dies, and the focus shifts from supporting a child to protecting a professional's power or perspective. In this episode, we unpack: The "One Voice" Phenomenon: How a single person—whether an administrator, a specialist, or a teacher—can shift the entire tone of a meeting from supportive to adversarial. Character vs. Learning: Why kids saying "crummy things" is often a reflection of social learning and the environment, not a permanent character flaw or a "lack of empathy." The Speech vs. Cognition Trap: Challenging the "unsafe assumption" that a non-speaking learner lacks the capacity to think, learn, or contribute to their own path. Interrupting Harm: Recognizing the moment a professional becomes defensive and learning how to pivot the conversation back to the person who matters most: the learner. Advocacy isn't just about paperwork; it's about making sure the "One Voice" doesn't become the only voice. It’s time to reclaim the narrative and keep the focus on student potential. Are you dealing with a "One Voice" dynamic in your IEP meetings? Join the village as we discuss how to navigate these power shifts and stay neuroaffirming in the face of adult ego. Listen now to learn how to move from compliance-based meetings to true, child-centered collaboration. #Neurodiversity #IEPAdvocacy #SpecialEducation #PresumeCompetence #AffirmingVillage #StudentPotential #Neuroaffirming #ParentAdvocacy

    1 hr
  7. When Ego Shows Up At the IEP Table

    Mar 6

    When Ego Shows Up At the IEP Table

    It’s centering credentials over curiosity. It’s protecting professional identity instead of protecting the learner. Have you ever walked out of an IEP meeting with a lingering “ick” feeling? You can’t always pinpoint exactly what was said, but the vibe was off. Often, what is blocking true collaboration isn’t a lack of funding or a policy—it’s ego.  In this episode, Lisa and Destiny have a raw conversation about how pride and defensiveness can hijack the IEP process. When adults prioritize their own reputation, authority, or comfort over accountability, the learner is the one who ultimately loses.  In this episode, we’re unpacking: Subtle vs. Obvious Ego: How ego manifests through dismissive words, but also through silent body language—like the "two-screen" administrator who spends the meeting typing or eating while turned away from the camera.  The "Compliance" Trap: The danger of administrators who enter meetings with predetermined decisions under the guise of "fixing" past paperwork, even when those decisions cause direct harm to the student.  The Impact on School Staff: Why a leader’s ego doesn’t just affect parents—it deflates and undermines the teachers and case managers who are actually on the ground doing the work every day.  Centering Curiosity: Shifting from "I am right" to "How can I help?" and why being an expert doesn’t exempt you from being reflective in your practice.  If you’ve ever felt dismissed, talked over, or like the conversation shifted from supporting your child to defending an adult's decision, this episode is a must-listen.  Listen now to join the village and learn how to put the learner back at the center of the table. #AffirmingVillagePodcast #IEPAdvocacy #NeuroAffirming #SpecialEducation #IEPMindset #ParentAdvocacy #StudentFirst

    1h 1m
  8. Let's Discuss the Nuance of Inclusion

    Feb 20

    Let's Discuss the Nuance of Inclusion

    "It’s easier to attack the vulnerable instead of the system because the system feels untouchable." In this episode of the Affirming Village Podcast, Dr. Destiny and Lisa Wright dive into a conversation that is long overdue. Triggered by a viral "No to Inclusion" movement on social media, we are pulling back the curtain on why inclusion feels "impossible" for so many educators and families right now. The truth? Inclusion isn't failing—it’s being systemically sabotaged. When we see educators reaching their breaking point, we have to look past the classroom door and look at the lack of funding, the lack of staffing, and the historical patterns of segregation that keep repeating. In this episode, we unpack: The "Inclusion Trap": How districts use "on the books" general ed labels to create disproportionate and unsupported classrooms. The Missing Layers: Why the lack of understanding between Accommodations, SDI, and SAI is making it harder for neuroaffirming educators to succeed. The Funding Gap: The reality of the IDEA never being fully funded and the "scarcity mindset" it creates at the IEP table. Presuming Competence: Challenging the system that decides a child’s future at 3 years old. Inclusion is a civil right. It’s about belonging, access, and equity. It’s time we stop blaming the children and start demanding a system that actually supports the village. Connect with the Village: Follow us on Instagram for more neuroaffirming resources and advocacy tips. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with a parent or educator in your circle! #Neurodiversity #InclusionMatters #IEPCoach #SpecialEducation #AffirmingVillage #Advocacy #EducationReform

    57 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Two neurodivergent mamas — one Black, one White — with lived experience raising neurodivergent kids. One is still navigating IEPs and school calls; the other has walked the path into adulthood. Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, a mental health therapist and advocate, and Lisa Baskin Wright, an educator and advocate, help families approach the IEP table with clarity, compassion, and power. They also train professionals on affirming practices for neurodivergent learners. This is The Affirming Village — where stories, strategy, and community meet.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Destiny Huff & Lisa Baskin Wright
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Destiny Huff & Lisa Baskin Wright
  • Show Website
    The Affirming Village Podcast

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