The Special Ed Strategist: Learning Disabilities & IEP (Dyslexia, Executive Function) Tips with Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

The Special Ed Strategist Podcast
The Special Ed Strategist: Learning Disabilities & IEP (Dyslexia, Executive Function) Tips with Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

The IEP process and the world of special education can be confusing and overwhelming for parents, teachers, and students, alike. But it doesn’t have to be! Learning Essentials has teamed up with experts to give you valuable insights into the IEP process and the world of special education —and it’s free! Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P as she hosts educators, psychologists, and other medical providers who provide pro tips on what to ask, what to bring, and what to take away from your next special education interaction. This is a podcast series you will not want to miss!

  1. Support with Bullying with Chad Rose, Ph.D.

    OCT 29

    Support with Bullying with Chad Rose, Ph.D.

    In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor sits down with Dr. Chad A. Rose, an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri and the Director of the Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab. Dr. Rose shares insights on bullying and cyberbullying, particularly focusing on neurodivergent learners and vulnerable students. The conversation covers effective strategies to prevent bullying, empower bystanders, and foster social skills in students with disabilities. Dr. Rose’s research on school-wide social-emotional learning and skill-based interventions provides actionable takeaways for educators and parents alike. Connect with Wendy Taylor: Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Review the Podcast: The Special Ed Strategist Listen to the Podcast: The Special Ed Strategist Connect with Chad A. Rose, Ph.D.: University Profile: Chad A. Rose Bully Prevention Lab: Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab Mentioned Resources: StopBullying.gov – A comprehensive resource for bullying prevention and state laws. Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center – Support and resources, especially for students with disabilities. Cyberbullying Research Center – Focused on online safety and bullying prevention strategies. Related Podcast Episodes from The Special Ed Strategist: Episode 12: Cyberbullying and the IEP Process – Understanding how to integrate bullying prevention into an IEP. Episode 18: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners with Social Skills – Techniques for fostering social communication in special education. Episode 22: Empowering Parents to Advocate in Bullying Cases – Tools for parents navigating bullying incidents involving students with disabilities.

    53 min
  2. Advocacy for Section 504 Plans

    OCT 22

    Advocacy for Section 504 Plans

    In this episode, Wendy Taylor breaks down Section 504 and shares essential advocacy strategies to help parents and educators secure the right accommodations for students with disabilities. From understanding 504 plans to out-of-the-box accommodations and dispute resolution tips, Wendy equips listeners with practical tools to navigate the special education system effectively. Episode Highlights: What is Section 504?: A federal law that ensures students with disabilities have equal access to education through tailored accommodations. Creative Accommodations: Beyond extended time, consider options like flexible scheduling, chunking assignments, and alternative assessments. Advocacy Tips: Be specific, present data, build positive relationships, and know your rights to effectively advocate for your student. About Wendy Taylor: Wendy Taylor is an Educational Therapist and IEP Coach with over 19 years of experience. She leads Learning Essentials, specializing in special education services like reading intervention and executive function support. Connect with Wendy Taylor: Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Website: Learning Essentials Review the Podcast: Apple Podcasts Listen: The Special Ed Strategist Resources: Wrightslaw – Special education law and advocacy. OCR – Section 504 resources. NDRN – Disability rights support. Complementary Episodes: Ep. 12: IEPs vs. 504 Plans: Key Differences Ep. 25: Building Collaborative School Relationships Ep. 39: Navigating the IEP Process Thanks for listening! Like, subscribe, and share for more special education insights.

    15 min
  3. OCT 15

    Navigating Parenthood and Special Needs Advocacy with Susanna Peace Lovell

    Episode Overview In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, host Wendy Taylor sits down with Susanna Peace Lavelle, an author, speaker, life coach, and advocate dedicated to supporting the disability community. Susanna shares her personal journey as a mother to a daughter with multiple diagnoses, including autism, and how this experience has shaped her life's work. The conversation covers the highs and lows of navigating the world of special needs parenting, strategies for advocacy, and practical advice for parents seeking support in their child’s educational journey. About the Guest: Susanna Peace Lavelle Susanna Peace Lavelle is an accomplished author, professional life coach, and advocate for families navigating the challenges of special needs. She founded her mission on helping parents unlock their potential while supporting their children. Susanna’s book, Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism, offers insights into her experiences and the lessons learned through raising her daughter, Arizona. Resources Mentioned in the Episode We Are Brave Together: A supportive community for moms of children with special needs. Website Regional Centers for Developmental Disabilities: Services and support available for families dealing with special needs. Visit your local regional center for more information. Parent Support Organizations: Seek out local advocacy groups that can help guide you through the IEP process. Complementary Episodes on The Special Ed Strategist Podcast To expand on the topics discussed in this episode, check out these related episodes: Episode 12: Navigating the IEP Process: From Assessment to Action – A deep dive into understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and how to advocate for your child. Episode 18: Empowering Parents in Special Education – Tips and strategies for parents to become strong advocates for their children in educational settings. Episode 24: Building Resilience in Children with Special Needs – Techniques and approaches to help children with disabilities develop resilience and emotional strength. Connect with Susanna Peace Lavelle For more information about Susanna Peace Lavelle, her work, or to reach out directly: Website: https://www.susannapeacelovell.com/  Book: Amazon Link  Contact Wendy Taylor Stay connected with Wendy Taylor and explore more resources on special education: Instagram: Learning Essentials Instagram LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor LinkedIn Facebook: Learning Essentials Facebook Website: Learning Essentials Website Review Podcast: Apple Podcasts Listen to Podcast: The Special Ed Strategist Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or sharing it with someone who might benefit from the insights shared by Susanna and Wendy. Don't forget to subscribe to The Special Ed Strategist Podcast for more episodes that empower and inform families navigating special education.

    54 min
  4. IEP Strategy: Navigating Section 504 Plans – Strategies for Success

    OCT 8

    IEP Strategy: Navigating Section 504 Plans – Strategies for Success

    In this solo episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor dives deep into Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the critical role it plays in supporting students with disabilities. Whether you're a parent navigating a 504 Plan for the first time or an educator looking to collaborate more effectively, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Wendy walks you through: What a 504 Plan is and how it differs from an IEP. How accommodations like extended test time, preferential seating, and assistive technology support students in general education. The importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and school staff to ensure successful student support. Innovative tools and strategies that can enhance the learning experience, from sensory breaks to interactive educational platforms. Tips for parents to uncover hidden supports and ask the right questions for their child’s individual needs. Continuous monitoring of the 504 Plan to ensure that it remains relevant as your child grows and evolves. Key Takeaways: Advocacy is essential—parents and educators need to work hand in hand to ensure the student’s success. Uncover hidden supports like sensory breaks and interactive tools that can make learning more accessible and engaging. Regularly review and adapt the 504 Plan to meet the evolving needs of the student. If you’re a parent or educator, this episode provides valuable advice to help you create a support system that truly benefits your child or student. Connect with Wendy Taylor & Learning Essentials: Instagram: Learning Essentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: Learning Essentials Don’t Forget to Review & Subscribe: Review the podcast: Apple Podcasts Subscribe: The Special Ed Strategist Join the Conversation! Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Drop a comment, share this episode with others, and keep advocating for the support that all students deserve. Keep strategizing, learning, and empowering!

    10 min
  5. Bullying and IEPs with Dr. Christine Waanders, Psychologist

    OCT 1

    Bullying and IEPs with Dr. Christine Waanders, Psychologist

    Guest: Dr. Christine Waanders, a psychologist specializing in bullying prevention, IEP advocacy, and mental health support for children, especially those with neurodivergent needs.  Summary: In this episode, Dr. Christine Waanders, psychologist from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), joins Wendy Taylor to discuss the pressing issue of bullying among neurodivergent students. They explore how families and educators can support students facing social challenges and how to develop effective strategies through IEPs and social-emotional learning. Christine provides valuable tips on identifying bullying behaviors, advocating for a safe school environment, and fostering resilience in children. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of a strong parent-school collaboration and offers advice on how families can find emotional support for themselves. Dr. Waanders is part of the Aggression and Bullying Prevention pillar of CHOP’s Center for Violence Prevention (CVP). Access CVP’s free, evidence-based “All About Bullying” handouts for parents and caregivers at https://violence.chop.edu. Key Topics Discussed: Prevalence of bullying in neurodivergent vs. neurotypical students How to detect signs of bullying or distress in children Strategies for parents to ask the right questions and check in with their kids Empowering students with coping skills and IEP goals to handle bullying Crafting a “safety plan” for children within the IEP Collaboration between parents, schools, and mental health professionals Role of social-emotional learning programs in schools Important Resources: Second Step: Social-emotional learning program used in schools to address conflict resolution and social skills StopBullying.gov: Federal resources for bullying prevention and response strategies  PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center: Provides resources for parents and educators to advocate against bullying Guest Links: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Center for Violence Prevention Connect with Wendy Taylor: Instagram: Learning Essentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: Learning Essentials Review the Podcast: Apple Podcasts Podcast Link

    44 min
  6. IEP Strategy: How to Request a 504 Plan for Your Child

    SEP 24

    IEP Strategy: How to Request a 504 Plan for Your Child

    Welcome back to The Special Ed Strategist! In today’s episode, host Wendy Taylor breaks down everything you need to know about requesting a 504 plan for your child. Whether you’re unfamiliar with 504 plans or confused about the steps involved, Wendy offers clear guidance to help you advocate for your child and ensure they receive the support they deserve. Episode Highlights: What exactly is a 504 plan? The difference between a 504 plan and an IEP Step-by-step guide to formally requesting a 504 plan Documentation you need to provide How to follow up and ensure your child’s plan is implemented Tips for working with the school team and involving your child in the process Extra Tips: Always document communication and meetings Involve your child in the conversation to empower them Keep checking in to make sure the 504 plan is being followed and working effectively Connect with Wendy: Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Love the podcast? Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or listen on your favorite platform. Keep advocating for your child’s success! Additional Resources Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Understood Expert Parent Training Program  Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights - Section 504 FAQ National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) - Section 504 Information Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) - Section 504 Guidance

    11 min
  7. IEP Strategy: The Power of Section 504 In Education

    SEP 10

    IEP Strategy: The Power of Section 504 In Education

    Welcome to Season 4 of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast! In this episode, Wendy Taylor, your host and Special Ed Strategist, dives deep into an important but often under-discussed topic: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This solo episode breaks down everything you need to know about how 504 Plans differ from IEPs, how they work, and how you can effectively advocate for your child's rights in the public school system. Key Takeaways: What is Section 504? Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that ensures students with disabilities receive accommodations in the general education environment, removing barriers to learning. It’s designed to prevent discrimination and allow students to have equal access to education. 504 vs. IEP: What’s the Difference? While an IEP provides specialized instruction, a 504 Plan focuses solely on accommodations to support students in the general education classroom without modifying the curriculum. Eligibility for a 504 Plan Learn about the thorough evaluation process schools use to determine eligibility, which involves gathering input from multiple sources to assess if a student's disability impacts their ability to succeed in the classroom. How to Request a 504 Plan Wendy emphasizes the importance of starting the process with a formal written request and staying actively involved as a parent to ensure the accommodations are implemented properly. Your Rights Under Section 504 Parents have legal rights, including participating in meetings, accessing educational records, and appealing decisions if necessary. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Jane McGuire – Expert on Section 504 and accommodations. Dr. Michael Harris – Specialist in educational law and student rights, offering guidance on navigating the complexities of 504 plans. Stay Connected: Follow Wendy and Learning Essentials on social media to stay up-to-date with tips, strategies, and new episodes! Instagram: @LearningEssentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: Learning Essentials EDU Listen & Subscribe: Catch new episodes of The Special Ed Strategist wherever you listen to podcasts! Podcast Link Apple Podcasts: Review the podcast Stay informed, stay engaged, and keep advocating for your child's educational needs. Until next time!

    11 min
4.9
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

The IEP process and the world of special education can be confusing and overwhelming for parents, teachers, and students, alike. But it doesn’t have to be! Learning Essentials has teamed up with experts to give you valuable insights into the IEP process and the world of special education —and it’s free! Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P as she hosts educators, psychologists, and other medical providers who provide pro tips on what to ask, what to bring, and what to take away from your next special education interaction. This is a podcast series you will not want to miss!

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