Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities

Part One of my S5E23 Schoolutions conversation, literacy specialist and parent Stacey Shubitz shares her dual perspective on navigating special education. If you've ever felt lost in IEP meetings or unsure how to advocate for your child, this episode is your roadmap.Stacey, author of Make the School System Work for Your Child With Disabilities, reveals why leading with your child's strengths—not deficits—changes everything. She breaks down the difference between IEPs and 504 plans, shares the exact phrases to use when schools push back on accommodations, and explains why evaluations are actually keys to unlocking easier learning paths for your child.Whether you're a teacher wanting to better support families, a parent feeling overwhelmed by the system, or an administrator seeking to improve parent communication and family partnerships, you'll walk away with practical strategies you can use tomorrow.Key Topics Covered:- Special education vs. general education: understanding the difference- IEPs vs. 504 plans explained clearly- Leading with strengths in the evaluation process- Effective teaching strategies for inclusive classrooms- Parent involvement and home-school connection best practices- Professional development for supporting students with disabilities- Culturally responsive teaching and equity in education- Student engagement and classroom belonging for all learners- Teacher support and instructional coaching insights- Self-care for caregivers navigating the special education systemGet in touch with Stacey:  Blog Podcast SubstackInstagram LinkedIn 🔗 Get Stacey's book: PROMO CODE EMJAN1533 for 15% off ***promotion expires February 21, 2026Some Episode Mentions:➡️Emily Ladau  ➡️Own Voices Movement Chapters0:00 Introduction: Navigating Special Education with Confidence1:00 Meet Stacey Shubitz: Educator and Parent Perspective3:00 The Book That Changes Everything4:00 Learning from Own Voices in Disability6:00 Two Hats: Educator and Parent7:00 Special Education vs. General Education Explained9:00 IEPs vs. 504 Plans: The Difference That Matters10:00 Reframing Evaluations: Unlocking Your Child's Brain12:00 Leading with Strengths, Not Deficits14:00 Navigating Communication Breakdowns16:00 Your Go-To Resource Guide17:00 Lightning Round: IEP Meeting Essentials17:15 When to Request IEP Revisions17:45 The One Document to Keep on Your Phone18:15 Phrases for Advocating for Accommodations18:45 Biggest Myth About Special Education19:15 Self-Care for Parents: The Power of Meditation20:00 Coming Up in Part 2: Life Beyond School🎧 New episodes every Monday & Friday with bite-sized Wednesday reel bonus content.📧 Connect: [email protected]🎵 Music: Benjamin WahlWhen teachers, coaches, administrators, and families grow together, they create schools where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged, supported, and ready to thrive.