Empowered 2 Advocate

Michelle Farrell
Empowered 2 Advocate

Our mission at Empowered 2 Advocate is for you to feel confident that you have the support, information, resources and expertise to be your child’s biggest advocate. Our goal is to make sure you get there. Listen each Friday for easy to digest and implementable tips, tools and strategies!

  1. 29 MAR

    What is RTI and Why Does it Matter?

    In this episode, Michelle discusses Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). She clarifies the purpose and implementation of RTI, emphasizing its role in preventing academic struggles and providing valuable information for determining eligibility for special education. Michelle explains the three tiers of support in RTI and the importance of evidence-based instruction and data-driven decision-making. She also highlights the benefits of RTI and MTSS, such as personalized support and reduced inappropriate referrals to special education. Michelle addresses misconceptions about RTI and emphasizes the right of caregivers to request an evaluation for their child. The episode concludes with resources for further information. Takeaways RTI is a systematic approach to support students who are struggling academically, aiming to prevent the need for more intensive interventions or special education services. RTI involves three tiers of support: Tier 1 provides core instruction for all students, Tier 2 offers targeted interventions for students who require additional support, and Tier 3 provides intensive interventions for students who are not responding to Tier 1 and 2 interventions. RTI should be implemented with universal screening, frequent progress monitoring, evidence-based instruction, fidelity to instruction, and data-driven decision-making. RTI can help identify students with specific learning disabilities and provide valuable information for developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Caregivers have the right to request an evaluation for their child, even if the child is receiving RTI interventions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to RTI and MTSS 03:15 RTI as a Tool for Determining Eligibility for Special Education 09:01 Understanding RTI: Three Tiers of Support 21:43 Tier 2: Targeted Interventions 22:42 Tier 3: Intensive Support 26:19 Benefits of RTI and MTSS 31:38 RTI and the Evaluation Process 36:42 Requesting an Evaluation 38:37 Conclusion and Resources Empowered 2 Advocate 1:1 Support Waitlist View the instagram reel that prompted this episode: Additional resources: ⁠RTI Module from IRIS center at Vanderbilt⁠ ⁠OSEP Memo 1/21/2021⁠ ⁠OSEP Memo 3/2023

    41 min

  2. 15 MAR

    Answering Listener and Follower Questions!

    In this episode, Dana Marie answers some questions from listeners and followers. She talks about: OSEP: The Office of Special Education Programs Reevaluation Meetings Becoming a Special Education Advocate Being prepared for an initial eligibility meeting and more! All About OSEP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kprl6bYcnGU

    18 min

  3. 1 MAR

    Let Us Reintroduce Ourselves!

    Summary In this episode, Michelle and Dana reintroduce themselves and share their backgrounds and experiences in special education. They discuss their passion for supporting parents and caregivers, as well as their approach to advocacy, which focuses on collaboration and conversation. They emphasize the importance of breaking down barriers to information and promoting a student-centered approach in the IEP process. They also highlight that their advocacy may not be a fit for everyone and that their goal is to solve as many problems as possible at the IEP table. The episode concludes with fun facts about Michelle and Dana and an invitation for listeners to engage with them on social media. Takeaways Advocacy in special education should be collaborative and focused on conversation rather than confrontation. Breaking down barriers to information is crucial in empowering parents and caregivers. A student-centered approach is essential in the IEP process. Advocacy may not be a fit for everyone, and it's important to find the right advocate for your needs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reintroduction 01:30 Background and Experience 03:26 Passion for Supporting Parents and Caregivers 05:58 Connection and Collaboration 08:14 Breaking Down Barriers to Information 09:42 Approach to Advocacy 11:19 Student-Centered Approach 13:10 Not a Fit for Everyone 14:27 Solving Problems at the IEP Table 15:20 Fun Facts 17:39 Engaging with Listeners 18:23 Closing Remarks

    21 min

  4. 23 FEB

    The 411 on IEP Goals

    Summary In this episode, Dana Marie and Michelle discuss the importance of well-written goals in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). They highlight the need for goals to drive services and placement, as well as the role of goals in measuring student progress. Michelle and Dana Marie provide guidance on crafting effective goals, including considering the current performance level, making goals measurable and challenging yet achievable, and aligning goals with grade level curriculum. They also emphasize the importance of individualizing goals to meet the specific needs and vision of each student. The episode concludes with a call for questions and comments on goals in IEPs. Takeaways Well-written goals in IEPs are crucial for driving services and measuring student progress. Goals should be individualized, measurable, and aligned with grade level curriculum. Current performance levels should be clearly stated, and objectives should be challenging yet achievable. Goals should be purposeful and meaningful, considering the specific needs and vision of each student. The 'so what' factor should be considered when setting goals, ensuring they lead to meaningful outcomes for the student. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and YouTube Plug 01:25 Repeating Conversations about IEP Goals 03:00 Importance of Goals in IEPs 04:38 Goals Driving Services and Placement 06:26 Components of a Well-Written Goal 08:57 Measuring Progress with Goals 09:26 Data-Driven Decision Making 10:51 Designing Instruction Based on Goals 12:17 Goals as an Afterthought 13:42 Lack of Progression in Goals 15:18 Key Elements of Well-Written Goals 17:36 Goals Aligned with Grade Level Curriculum 19:31 Importance of the 'So What' in Goals 22:00 Summary and Call for Questions

    26 min

  5. 16 FEB

    Take Flight with Amy Flores-Young: Strategies for Accessible Travel

    In this episode, Dana Marie interviews Amy Flores-Young of Flo Yo Travel.  Amy Flores Young (FloYo) is the founder of FloYo Travel and the creator of the IMPACT Retreat Roadmap. Amy is a specialist in planning travel for those with disabilities and chronic health needs. Not only does Amy have over 30 years experience in assisting those with disabilities, she is also the parent of a severely disabled adult and travels internationally as a family. This first hand experience and understanding of how travel deepens relationships gives Amy a unique ability to create spot on travel plans for her clients. Amy shares her inspiration for starting Flo Yo Travel, which specializes in planning travel for individuals with disabilities and chronic health needs. She emphasizes the importance of travel in deepening relationships and creating lasting memories. Amy discusses the challenges faced by full-time caregivers and how travel can provide a break from the daily routine. She provides insights into the considerations and preparations involved in traveling with disabilities, including low-tech options and proactive planning. Amy also shares her favorite travel experiences and destinations, and encourages families to consider accessible travel. Takeaways Travel can deepen relationships and create lasting memories for individuals with disabilities and chronic health needs. Full-time caregivers can benefit from taking a break from their daily routine and enjoying travel experiences with their families. Proactive planning and considering individual routines and needs are essential for successful travel with disabilities. Working with a travel professional who understands the unique challenges and needs of individuals with disabilities can make the travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. Connect with Amy website:  www.floyotravel.com or email directly to Amy@floyotravel.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/amy.floyo LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-floyo/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Amy Flores Young and Flo Yo Travel 01:25 Inspiration to Start Flo Yo Travel 03:22 The Impact of Travel on Relationships 04:41 Challenges of Being a Full-Time Caregiver 05:30 How Travel Differs from Daily Routine 06:31 The Extraordinary Effort of Having an Ordinary Day 07:01 Taking the Day-to-Day Routine into Account 08:41 Considerations Beyond Tangible Packing 09:38 Changing Destinations Based on Needs and Outcomes 10:37 Accommodating Routines and Expectations 11:36 Proactive Planning and Low-Tech Options 13:56 Becoming More Intuitive and Comfortable with Travel 17:53 Overcoming Barriers and Addressing Concerns 18:53 Thinking Outside the Box as a Travel Professional 20:53 Providing Low-Tech Supports and Solutions 23:14 Favorite Travel Experiences and Destinations 27:16 Encouraging Families to Consider Accessible Travel 27:46 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

    30 min

  6. 9 FEB

    My Child is Eligible for an IEP! Now What?

    In this episode, Dana Marie and Michelle discuss what happens after a child is found eligible for special education. They provide guidance and information on various aspects of the IEP and special education process, including the initial eligibility meeting, developing the IEP, annual reviews, progress reports, communication with the school, rejecting consent for services, and requesting evaluations. They emphasize the importance of understanding parent procedural safeguards and giving informed consent. The episode concludes with resources for further information and support. Key Takeaways Parents should expect to be involved in the special education process after their child is found eligible. The initial IEP may need to be adjusted as everyone learns more about the child's needs and supports. Parents have the right to request additional evaluations or meetings with the school team outside of the annual review. It is important to read and understand the parent procedural safeguards and give informed consent for the IEP. Read more about this topic here! ⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:54 Supporting Parents Leading Up to Eligibility Meeting 01:46 Parents' Questions and Concerns After Eligibility Meeting 03:15 Developing the Initial IEP 04:13 Annual Review and Three-Year Re-evaluation 04:56 Progress Reports and Monitoring 06:15 Contact Person and Communication with School 07:40 Meeting with School Team Outside of Annual Review 08:17 Rejecting Consent for Services and Requesting Evaluations 10:29 Importance of Parent Procedural Safeguards 11:56 Receiving Proposed IEP and Giving Informed Consent 14:32 Conclusion and Resources

    17 min

  7. 2 FEB

    The Importance of (early) Transition Planning

    In this episode, Michelle and Dana Marie discuss the importance of transition planning in the IEP process. They emphasize the need to start transition planning early, especially for middle school students, and highlight the connection between a student's vision for their future and the skills they need to develop. The hosts also address the challenges faced in middle school transition planning and the role of educators in supporting students. They stress the importance of including the student in the transition planning process and provide guidance on advocating for their inclusion. The episode concludes with gratitude for the listeners' support in spreading awareness about advocating for children with disabilities. Takeaways Transition planning should begin early, especially for middle school students. A student's vision for their future should guide the transition planning process. Educators play a crucial role in supporting students' transition planning. Parents and caregivers should advocate for their child's inclusion in the transition planning process. Transition Email

    18 min

  8. 03/11/2023

    Can the School Request I Pick My Child Up Early?

    Buckle in for the third and final part of the Empowered 2 Advocate special 3 episode series about school behavior and discipline! Be sure to go back and listen to the first episodes in this series if you have not already listened! In this episode we discuss: Informal removals: what does this mean? Why are they problematic? Is it ok to have the school requesting you pick your child up early? What happens if this is occurring often? The difference between an informal removal and a team determined need for a shortened school day to receive FAPE. What do we suggest you do if you are being called for an informal removal? What is a formal removal? Can students with disabilities be suspended? What happens when a student with a disability is suspended 10 or more days? The should a caregiver request a team meeting in relation behavior? What is a manifestation determination? Who should be present? What is discussed? What is determined at these meetings and what happens next? Importance of requesting information in writing and any incident reports so that you are fully aware of what is occurring at school in relation to behavior and discipline. Preschool and daycare behavior regulations and your preschool child's rights. The difference between rules that public preschools and private preschools are required to followed in relation to behavior, discipline and safeguards for students with disabilities who are in preschool. The power of documentation! Keeping your documents and information organized and at your fingertips! Resources referenced by Dana Marie in today's episode: Discipline Provisions Why Informal Removals Matter Manifestation Determination --------------------------------------- Free Document Binder Organization System Free 20 minute initial consult with Empowered 2 Advocate

    23 min
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Our mission at Empowered 2 Advocate is for you to feel confident that you have the support, information, resources and expertise to be your child’s biggest advocate. Our goal is to make sure you get there. Listen each Friday for easy to digest and implementable tips, tools and strategies!

Información

  • Creador
    Michelle Farrell
  • Años de actividad
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodios
    40
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © Michelle Farrell
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Empowered 2 Advocate

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