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…

Transgender Students Are Next Up in the Trump Administration’s Threat to Roll Back Civil Rights Protections

Imagine with me: One early morning my son Jonah lopes through the high school halls, high-fiving students from the marching band and volunteer “buddies” from…

Why I Broke Up With My School District to Homeschool My Child With Special Needs

I grew up in public schools. I believe in public schools. But two years ago, I disenrolled my daughter, who has special needs. Then last…

A Back-to-School Love Letter to Parents of Kids With Special Needs and Disabilities

Dear Fellow Parent Warriors, While every parent has strong feelings as a new school year approaches—excitement, nerves, even a little worry—our special tribe of parents…

Betsy DeVos on the Verge of Removing Civil Rights Protections for Students of Color

Let’s just call her Betsy DeVoid. Our secretary of education earns a name-change because of her predilection for voiding guidance that protects our most disenfranchised…

What Kids Want Teachers to Know Before the First Day of School

Back to school time makes everyone a little nervous: parents, teachers, staff and especially students. Conventional wisdom tells us that students are primarily worried about…

Here’s Why I’m Thankful for How New Mexico Is Grading Our Schools

My two boys, ages 12 and 9, are my top priority. I have been actively and attentively helping them to learn the skills that will…