Awareness Weeks Are Fine but People With Disabilities Need a Lot More Than That

My son with autism is turning 19 in a couple weeks. In June, he’ll graduate from high school. I took a month-long break from writing…

4 Ways Charter Schools Are Public Schools and Always Have Been

National Charter Schools Week is a great time of year to correct the record on what is a public school. A public education doesn’t have…

My Child With Autism Doesn’t Need or Want Your Pity

After attending an informational session for families about autism, Asperger’s and the difficulties of navigating being disabled and supporting your “differently wired” family member (their…

6 Tips to Keeping Your Child With Autism Safe at School

Most parents, as a rule, place their children’s safety as a top priority. But for parents of children with autism, the reality is that it…

I’m So Focused on What My Daughter With Autism Needs That I Sometimes Forget About Her Wants

When I realized my younger daughter was disabled, my belief in what was possible for her life changed. As her parent, I had to focus…

With the Right Team of Adults Behind Her, My Autistic Child Is Killing It at School

Nationwide, health coverage for autism-related services is seriously lacking. In my home state of Illinois, advocates are pushing newly elected Governor Pritzker to expand Medicaid…

Even as a Disability Advocate I Still Did Everything Wrong When My Daughter Was Diagnosed With Autism

November 6, 2018, is the day my daughter was officially diagnosed with autism. That’s the day my world collapsed. For the first hour of her…

‘Twas the Night Before the IEP Meeting

November is IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting time for most parents. This is dedicated to all of the parents preparing for their yearly IEP meetings.…

Our Students Need Every Educator to Speak Up to Ensure DeVos Hears Our Support for Restorative Justice

In my decade in Chicago Public Schools as a social worker and currently as a behavioral health specialist, I’ve learned a great education goes beyond…

It’s Not ‘Inclusion’ If You Leave Out Kids With Special Needs

Way back in 1990 on this day, then-President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. The law’s provisions…