What Every Parent Should Know About IEPs, Inclusion, and Advocacy | Ep. 51

Brooke interviews Vicki Christensen, founder of Blue Glasses Advocacy and mother of 21-year-old Luke, who has a rare partial trisomy of chromosome 14 and global developmental delays, and 17-year-old Everett, who has ADHD and an IEP. Vicki describes Luke’s early diagnosis, intensive therapies, and how he defied early “he may never” predictions, developing walking and verbal communication in his own time. She explains how an IEP meeting prompted her to earn a special education advocacy certificate, leave pharmaceutical sales, and advocate for families navigating IDEA, IEPs, and implementation fidelity. Vicki distinguishes 504 plans from IEPs, offers tips for monitoring services and requesting assessments, and emphasizes meaningful inclusion in schools and the community. She also discusses her book,“Uniquely, Fully, Enough: The Neurodivergent Parenting Journey - A Memoir and Handbook” combining a memoir and practical lessons, and encourages overwhelmed parents to find a supportive community early.00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:44 Meet Vicki Christensen02:12 Luke’s Early Diagnosis04:02 Emotional Rollercoaster07:03 Finding Parent Support08:40 IEP Wake Up Call11:43 Advocacy Philosophy14:37 Everett’s ADHD Journey20:45 504 vs IEP Explained24:15 Ensuring IEP Fidelity26:56 Requesting School Assessments31:02 Who Luke Really Is33:43 Luke’s Joyful Spirit34:33 Support Needs and Internship35:46 How Much Therapy Is Enough37:44 Meaningful Inclusion Defined41:47 Changing Minds on Inclusion42:56 Inclusive Assemblies Impact46:06 Why She Wrote the Book48:26 Finding Your Village52:23 Advocacy as a Long Game56:05 Transitioning to Adulthood58:27 Advice for New Diagnoses01:01:16 Where to Find Her01:02:30 Closing Thanks and GoodbyeConnect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:www.findinghopeonthespectrum.comEmail: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum TikTok: FindinghopeonthespectrumGuest Contact:https://www.blueglassesadvocacy.com/Instagram: @blueglassesadvocacy