Our Content
Perspectives For Parents:
Advice & Support from Parents & Caregivers
4 pieces every IEP goal should have
March 9, 2022
How can you tell between a great IEP goal that will support your child with a disability – and one that doesn’t mean much? In this podcast we will talk about 4 things that should be a part of every goal. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McKinney
Read moreA crash course in navigating special education
March 1, 2022
Special education (often called special ed or SPED) means specialized teaching and related services to help children with disabilities or special needs make progress in school. How do you know if your child qualifies? And what does specialized teaching mean, anyway? In this podcast we’ll break down the systems and acronyms so you’re ready to…
Read moreStorytelling as a self-advocacy skill for teens with disabilities
February 28, 2022
Telling their own story is a self-advocacy skill for teens with disabilities. In this short video, Dr. Leslie Grover talks about how to get your teen started.
Read moreWhat happens when my child is too old for early intervention?
February 16, 2022
If your child has a delay or disability, they may qualify for school-based special education services or therapy when they turn 3. In this episode we’ll talk about how and when to start getting your child (and yourself!) ready for this transition. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McKinney
Read moreDoes my child need Occupational Therapy?
February 2, 2022
If your young child has a disability or delay, you may have been referred to Occupational Therapy. But what does occupational therapy mean for a child? In this episode, we’ll talk about all of the ways OT can make a difference for your child. Kim Haynes and Anne Hindrichs of the McMains Child Developmental Center…
Read moreWhat are sensory processing issues? And do they explain my kid’s behavior?
January 26, 2022
Sensory processing issues make it difficult for our brains to process and filter information that comes through our senses. When our kids are overwhelmed or understimulated, it shows up in their behavior. In this podcast, we will talk about how to understand and meet our kids’ sensory needs. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie…
Read moreSupporting parents and caregivers of children with disabilities
January 25, 2022
Exceptional Lives is proud to have supported parents of children with special needs or disabilities on the roller coaster of the past 2 years. Please help us continue our work in 2022.
Read more6 Things Not to Say to Children with Disabilities
January 12, 2022
It’s easy to say the wrong thing, even when we mean well. Here is what not to say to a child with a disability - and some great things to say instead. This podcast will take on both. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Marisa Howard-Karp
Read moreMy child has a new disability diagnosis. Now what?
January 5, 2022
Your child was recently diagnosed with a disability. Maybe this is the first time, or maybe it’s yet another diagnosis in a long string of them. You might feel confused. Or relieved. Or scared. Or overwhelmed. All of the above? That sounds about right. In this podcast episode, we’ll dive right into all of it.…
Read moreYes, I look tired. Let’s talk about why I don’t care.
December 30, 2021
Parents of kids with disabilities are often the squeaky wheels, the recipients of sideways looks in the store. The looks I get in the store are only looks of those that just don’t know; they can’t understand how much richer my life is because of this child. I embrace being the frazzled parent because I…
Read moreWho is Exceptional Lives? Resources and support for families caring for children with disabilities.
December 30, 2021
Exceptional Lives envisions a world where families raising children with disabilities (or special needs) become effective advocates for their children. We support families, train providers and educators, and offer guidance grounded in our own personal experiences. Listen to this short podcast to learn more about how we can support you.
Read moreExceptional Lives speaks out against the Kenosha verdict
November 22, 2021
Exceptional Lives is disgusted and deeply disappointed by the verdict in the case of Kyle Rittenhouse
Read more1 Quick Question: How can I help my child with a disability get ready to transition to college?
November 17, 2021
If your child with disabilities is getting ready for college, you may be wondering what skills they need. This 2-minute video with advice from Fred Johnson of Collegiate Academies in New Orleans will point you and your student in the right direction.
Read moreLife after the IEP: How do I help my child with a disability transition to adulthood?
October 7, 2021
If your child has a disability, it might be hard to envision how they will transition to adulthood. Here’s how to set them up with the support they need for adult life.
Read moreWe’re proud to announce that we’ve reached 1 million website views.
October 7, 2021
We’re proud to announce that we’ve reached 1 million website views. Thank you to the families, caregivers, and providers who continue to use our resources and tools. We take pride in the work that we do supporting families of children with disabilities. We hope to continue to reach and support families that need our…
Read moreExceptional Lives, Inc. Awarded Grant From The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation To Pilot Peer Support Program
October 1, 2021
New Orleans, Louisiana: Exceptional Lives, a not-for-profit that works in Louisiana, was recently awarded $23,840.00 of grant funding from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation to pilot a peer support program for rural BIPOC families.
Read moreLiteracy FAQ: Where do I start to help my child catch up with reading skills? (video)
September 30, 2021
Watch this 2-minute video to learn some ways to help your child catch up with reading skills.
Read moreOne Quick Question: How do I help my struggling reader?
September 30, 2021
Watch this 2-minute video from a literacy expert on how to help your child struggling with reading skills such as identifying the areas of challenge.
Read moreLiteracy FAQ: What can the school do to help if my child is struggling with reading? (Video)
September 30, 2021
Watch this 2-minute video for tips on how to partner with your child’s school to help your child that may be struggling with reading.
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