Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast

Conversations to support parents of children with disabilities.

Episodes

October 1, 2026
When Christopher was told in 6th grade he could take advanced classes OR get resource support, but not both, we pushed back and got both written into the plan. This post shares the full story plus 7 IEP meeting tips for parents to use when policy says no.
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Is your child struggling in school, even though you know they are smart and trying their best?
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Discover how adaptive cooking tools, safe cut-resistant gear, and simple one-pot recipes empower kids with disabilities to safely build culinary independence.
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156. Teaching Character and Boundaries to Our Kids
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Discover how home-based visual schedules, first-then boards, and token charts can minimize behavioral meltdowns and lower parental anxiety during summer break.
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Discover the power of natural inclusion. Tonya Wollum shares a heartwarming reflection on community, belonging, and seeing children with disabilities seamlessly included in a small town community event.
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Meltdowns aren't a discipline problem—they're a nervous system response. If family members don't understand your child's autism diagnosis, don't cut them off yet. Learn how to bridge the gap gracefully in our latest episode.
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Ensure your child’s IEP is ready for the move to middle or high school. IEP Coach Tonya Wollum shares a 5-step checklist to secure services and smooth transitions before the school year ends.
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Are you feeling the weight of the "Disability Squeeze"? Learn how to identify financial burnout and the first steps toward stability for special needs families.
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In this episode, Tonya breaks down a case study of a twice-exceptional (2e) student—someone who is academically gifted but struggling with the biological hurdles of ADHD.
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"Summer School" and "ESY" are not the same thing—and using the wrong word could cost your child their services.
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Discover how faith and disability intersect as John Fela shares his journey of raising a non-verbal autistic son and finding a church community that truly welcomes all.
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Join Tonya Wollum and guest John Fela for a raw, honest look at special needs parenting for a child with non-verbal autism. We discuss the challenges of an autism diagnosis, navigating medical crises like Chiari malformation, and managing the strain of divorce in the special needs community.
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Does your child spend their day in the general education classroom, but you suspect they aren't truly included? In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, we are unpacking the dangerous myth that "proximity is a program." Just because a student is physically in the room doesn't mean they belong. Join me as we break down the difference between mainstreaming and true inclusion, explore the transformative power of a sensory audit, a...
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Learn the "Draft IEP" secret to stop predetermination. Get Tonya Wollum’s expert scripts for requesting IEP drafts and auditing goals to lead your child's next meeting with confidence.
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In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, Tonya returns after a two-month hiatus due to illness and discusses season five with a new audio-only format. The episode includes personal updates, such as coping with the flu and helping a son move to a new college. Tonya also shares insights on upcoming changes related to digital accessibility laws and teases a new comprehensive digital training tool aimed at helping businesses and co...
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Blind college student and Paralympic swimmer Evan Wilkerson shares what college is really like for a visually impaired student. Evan talks openly about how he navigates campus safely, what accommodations he uses, and his future Paralympic plans.
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Guide Dog Training at The Seeing Eye: Paralympic medalist Evan Wilkerson introduces his partner, Titus, and shares the critical safety rules pet owners must know.
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Paralympic Swimming Bronze Medalist Evan Wilkerson details his dramatic 2025 win in Singapore, battling E. coli, burnout, and learning the vital lesson of rest.
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Learn what to expect at your first IEP meeting as a parent. Get practical tips, understand team roles, and download our free 15-question checklist today.
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