In this powerful episode, Chanette returns to share her raw and eye-opening experience as a long-term substitute teacher in an Autism-focused classroom within a challenging school district. Thrust into a whirlwind of chaos, she innovated creative solutions to empower her students to thrive—only to face repeated denials from the district, unwilling to fund the essential supports each child desperately needed. As a dedicated Special Education advocate, Chanette's heartbreaking story exposes the...

Today’s guest is Mercedes. She is a mother of two daughters and a husband who have Autism and a sister with a disability. She continues to keep learning in the area of Special Education in helping provide services to our population with the abilities to thrive even with a diagnosis or label. Throughout her years of being in the public education system, Mercedes was well aware of the deficit in honest and open communication between the schools and the families. She wanted ALL children to have ...

Today’s guest is Taylor. She is a mother of three beautiful children who continues to keep advocating for her son who has severe Autism and nonverbal. She has a great supportive network through family, friends, and other resources provided by Tennessee that keep her family strong through the journey of figuring out how to navigate through this diagnosis. Her story is powerful and very common among parents with disabled children. So proud of everyone’s hard work in this process! You got this! ...

Today’s guest is Lynn. She has had a variety of experience working with the disability community in the school setting. Her three different stories of working with children with disabilities are all unique in their own way. Her love for helping children and families in the disability community are outstanding! She strives to help each one of her students feel more confident in their own skin regardless of the labels that our society has put on them, and provide resources for parents to incorp...

Today’s guest is Chanette. She is a third year Resource/Special Education Teacher that services students with an IEP in South Central LA, who started her journey long ago growing up with her sister who has Cerebral Palsy (CP). She has three years of teaching under her belt and isn’t stopping yet! She has been able to increase grades and confidence levels with her students, and would love to share how. She makes all kids seen and heard. It’s not an easy job as a special education teacher, but ...

Today’s guest is Lisa Matto. She is a mother of an inspiring woman with Down Syndrome who lives life to the fullest! She believes whole heartily that individuals with disabilities should be included in everything and not told they can’t because of their disability. She wrote her own book describing her experience of raising her daughter and all the joys and hardships that came along. Book Details: Title: Up Side of Downs Author: Lisa Matto Description: telling the story of ...

Today’s guest is Olivia (Livvy) Tune. Olivia is a mother of a son who is autistic and non-verbal. She tells us her journey of her son’s diagnosis, and an amazing story she has had over the years. She is always striving to help her son succeed in life and advocating how to support individuals with Autism. In this heartfelt narrative, Livvy delves into the world of autism spectrum disorder, offering a personal perspective that intertwines experiences, challenges, and the profound gifts ...

Today’s guest is Katie Garrison. Katie is a mother of a beautiful daughter with many unique abilities. Her daughter was diagnosed at 22 months with many diagnosis’s: Soto’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Kidney and Heart problems, Autism, and Apraxia (non-verbal). Soto’s Syndrome is characterized by a distinctive facial appearance, overgrowth in childhood, and delayed development of mental and movement abilities. Her daughter is now 10 years old in ...

Today’s guest is Jamie. She runs the local chapter for Penguin Project. Penguin Project was established in 2004 it has evolved into a National program, with chapter sites throughout the United States. The program provides a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents. It has also demonstrated that participation in the performing arts has therapeutic value by enhancing social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence and self-est...

Today’s guest is Christina. She is a mother of three children, a sister, and a wife all with disabilities. Christina is a high functioning Autistic individual thriving each day to advocate for her children. She grew up in the area of the disability world since her brother also has high functioning Autism. Her advocacy shows through her story in the journey she had to go through to get her son diagnosed. Even her personal journey of getting diagnosed was a process. The fight parents with disab...