The Special Ed Strategist: Learning Disabilities & IEP (Dyslexia, Executive Function) Tips with Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

The Special Ed Strategist: Learning Disabilities & IEP (Dyslexia, Executive Function) Tips with Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

The IEP process and the world of special education can be confusing and overwhelming for parents, teachers, and students, alike. But it doesn’t have to be! Learning Essentials has teamed up with experts to give you valuable insights into the IEP process and the world of special education —and it’s free! Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P as she hosts educators, psychologists, and other medical providers who provide pro tips on what to ask, what to bring, and what to take away from your next special education interaction. This is a podcast series you will not want to miss!

Episodes

January 14, 2025 8 mins
In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor, a certified educational therapist and IEP coach with over 20 years of experience, delves into the significance of IEP amendments. She explains how these adjustments can promptly address a child's evolving educational needs without waiting for the annual review. Wendy offers practical advice on recognizing when amendments are necessary, understanding legal rights ...
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Episode Summary:
Join Wendy Taylor as she sits down with Jane Singleton, founder of Launchpad for Life, a certified leadership coach and special education expert. Jane shares her journey from special educator to coach, helping parents and teens foster independence, build executive function skills, and embrace neuroinclusivity. Discover actionable strategies for transitioning from a parenting “director” to a supportive “co...
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Navigating the IEP process doesn’t have to feel like entering a boardroom without a rulebook. In this episode, Wendy Taylor shares her expertise as an educator and advocate to guide you through the essentials of IEP reviews. Learn how to prepare, organize, and empower yourself as the expert on your child’s needs. Tune in to discover actionable tips and strategies for building a collaborative IEP team.

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    Host Wendy Taylor welcomes Beth Felsen, founder of Spectrum Transition Coaching, to discuss essential strategies for preparing autistic teens for college. Beth shares invaluable insights from her 25+ years of experience as a parent, autism coach, and executive function specialist. Learn how to support your teen in developing social connections, mastering life skills, and fostering independence. Beth highlights the transi...
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    In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor explores the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities, focusing on changes under ADA and Section 504. Wendy dives into self-advocacy, differences in accommodations, and FERPA's impact on parental involvement. Discover how to prepare your child to advocate for themselves, understand new documentation requirements, and navigate college d...
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    In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor welcomes Dr. Daniel Greenwood, Ed.D., M.Ed., and Beth Greenwood, B.A., UCLA College Counseling Certificate holders, who are experienced career and educational counselors with Greenwood Associates West, Inc. They bring insights from the Greenwood System, a holistic career counseling approach developed over three decades. This episode dives deep into understanding how ab...
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    In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor—special educator, IEP coach, and educational therapist—breaks down the complex process of transitioning from a 504 plan to an IEP. Wendy explains the key differences between the two plans, when and why you might need to move from a 504 to an IEP, and actionable steps for parents to advocate effectively. She offers practical advice and real-world examples to make t...
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    In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor sits down with Dr. Chad A. Rose, an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri and the Director of the Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab. Dr. Rose shares insights on bullying and cyberbullying, particularly focusing on neurodivergent learners and vulnerable students. The conversation covers effective strategies to prevent bullying, empower bystanders, and fost...
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    October 22, 2024 15 mins
    In this episode, Wendy Taylor breaks down Section 504 and shares essential advocacy strategies to help parents and educators secure the right accommodations for students with disabilities. From understanding 504 plans to out-of-the-box accommodations and dispute resolution tips, Wendy equips listeners with practical tools to navigate the special education system effectively.

    Episode Highlights:
    • What is Se...
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    Episode Overview

    In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, host Wendy Taylor sits down with Susanna Peace Lavelle, an author, speaker, life coach, and advocate dedicated to supporting the disability community. Susanna shares her personal journey as a mother to a daughter with multiple diagnoses, including autism, and how this experience has shaped her life's work. The conversation covers the highs and low...
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    In this solo episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor dives deep into Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the critical role it plays in supporting students with disabilities. Whether you're a parent navigating a 504 Plan for the first time or an educator looking to collaborate more effectively, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

    Wendy walks you through:
    • What a 504 Plan is and ...
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    Guest: Dr. Christine Waanders, a psychologist specializing in bullying prevention, IEP advocacy, and mental health support for children, especially those with neurodivergent needs. 

    Summary:
    In this episode, Dr. Christine Waanders, psychologist from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), joins Wendy Taylor to discuss the pressing issue of bullying among neurodivergent students. They explore how families ...
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    Welcome back to The Special Ed Strategist! In today’s episode, host Wendy Taylor breaks down everything you need to know about requesting a 504 plan for your child. Whether you’re unfamiliar with 504 plans or confused about the steps involved, Wendy offers clear guidance to help you advocate for your child and ensure they receive the support they deserve.

    Episode Highlights:
    • What exactly is a 504 plan?
    • The...
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    Key Takeaways:
    • The brain’s role in anxiety and why neurodivergent kids experience it more intensely.
    • Understanding avoidance behavior and how to address it.
    • The importance of early intervention to prevent long-term issues like depression.
    Why Listen:
    This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and professionals seeking to support children with anxiety, ADHD, or autism. Dr. Namazi offers exp...
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    Welcome to Season 4 of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast! In this episode, Wendy Taylor, your host and Special Ed Strategist, dives deep into an important but often under-discussed topic: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This solo episode breaks down everything you need to know about how 504 Plans differ from IEPs, how they work, and how you can effectively advocate for your child's rights in the public school system.
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    Alex Williams of The Anxiety Institute walks us through ALL of the essentials when it comes to navigating the complex world of mental health services. You won’t want to miss this conversation and all the wonderful and informative ways that Alex shares her expertise and knowledge with us! Discover more about mental health services in this episode.

    Main Discussion Points:

    1. Treatment Levels:
      • It i...
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    Ashley Barlow, a special education attorney based in Kentucky, joins Wendy Taylor on the podcast. Ashley brings a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing from her experience as a teacher, attorney, parent of a child with Down syndrome, and someone with a physical disability.

    Main Discussion Points:
    1. Free and Appropriate Education Under IDEA:
      • Explanation of parents' rights and protections under IDEA...
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    In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, we delve into the invaluable role of organizational systems and collaborative partnerships in navigating the complexities of the special education system. Author and advocate Kelley Coleman joins us to share her insights and strategies for parents seeking to streamline their journey and advocate effectively for their child's needs.

    Key Takeaways:
    1. Setting Up Orga...
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    In this episode, Dr. Matt Zakreski joins Wendy Taylor to discuss effective ways parents can support their gifted or twice-exceptional children. Dr. Matt emphasizes the importance of proactive skill-building and future planning, encouraging parents to take action from where they are now. He also explores the concept of asynchrony in gifted children's development and how understanding this can help parents provide targeted suppo...
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