Our Blog: Advice & Support for Parents & Educators
View our Content CategoriesHow does a child qualify for an IEP? What you need to know about the disability categories recognized under IDEA
September 19, 2024
How does a child qualify for an IEP and special education? Read about the 13 official disability categories from the IDEA law
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Early Childhood FAQ: Why does my child need a special education evaluation?
September 17, 2024
Wondering why your child needs a Special Education evaluation? Watch this short video to learn why an evaluation from the school is important.
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Switching from an IEP to a 504 plan
September 10, 2024
Can my child switch from an IEP to a 504 plan? Yes, but think about your child’s needs before you switch. Read about what to consider...
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504 vs. IEP: What’s the difference?
August 27, 2024
What’s the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP? Both are for students with disabilities, but there are some key differences.
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Creating an accessible classroom: 5 practical strategies you can start using today to meet your students’ needs
August 20, 2024
Teachers, if you are looking for ways to make your classroom work better for all your students, we’ve got you. Here’s how to get started.
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Back to school for kids with disabilities: introducing your child to their teacher
August 7, 2024
It’s back-to-school time. How do you introduce your child with disabilities to the teacher? Here are some tips.
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My Child is Struggling with Reading…Could it be DYSLEXIA?
July 17, 2024
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, but many families don't know if their child has it. In this blog we talk about the warning signs and how to get support from the school.
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Tips to help youth with disabilities learn independent living skills
July 15, 2024
Youth with disabilities should start to learn independent living skills as early as possible. Read on to help them transition to adulthood!
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How to be a great health care advocate for your medically complex kid with Julia Roberts
July 3, 2024
Do you know how to be a great health care advocate for your medically complex kid? Do you know how to do it while also keeping yourself in one piece? Christina gets helpful information and insight from Julia Roberts, parent and long-time advocate extraordinaire, in this week's episode.
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Is my child a late bloomer?
July 1, 2024
Wondering if your child is a late bloomer? Here’s how to tell if your child’s development is on track - and when to seek help.
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What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI?
June 18, 2024
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. This is money from the federal government that is available for children and adults with disabilities with low income and few resources. You must apply and qualify to receive this money. We’ll include a brief overview of SSI here.
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Taking pride on Autistic Pride Day: an invitation to celebrate joy with my autistic family
June 18, 2024
I’m taking pride on Autistic Pride Day. Learn about my and my child’s diagnosis, how we build community, and why autistic brains are great.
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Early Childhood FAQ: What if my baby is behind on milestones?
June 11, 2024
What if my baby is behind on milestones? Learn ways to identify delays and be proactive in getting the support you need for your child.
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Teaching problem-solving to kids
June 4, 2024
Teaching problem-solving skills to kids is hard. But with the right scaffolding, you can build their confidence and independence.
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Exceptional Lives Awarded $75,000 Cummings Grant
May 29, 2024
Exceptional Lives is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program.
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1 Quick Question: Is my child with a disability ready for college?
May 21, 2024
If you are planning graduation, you may be wondering If your child with disabilities is ready for college. This 2-minute video from Fred Johnson of Collegiate Academies in New Orleans will point you and your student in the right direction.
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Building Bridges: Why is Family Engagement Important in Special Education?
May 17, 2024
Learn why family engagement is important in special education and how recent Overdeck Foundation research supports our work with schools.
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Early Childhood FAQs: What is my child care provider’s role in Early Intervention?
May 14, 2024
Watch this short video to learn more about what is your child care provider’s role in Early Intervention.
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Preventing Conflict in Special Education
May 7, 2024
Preventing conflict in special education is possible with these few tips! (Hint: kindness and communication are the keys!)
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Building a school climate that welcomes families of children with disabilities
May 1, 2024
How do you build a school climate that is truly welcoming of families of children in Special Education? Here are 3 steps to build trust.
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