PODCAST · education
The 15-Minute Advocate
by Arlene Velleman, Special Education Advocate
Whether you're a parent, guardian, or caregiver navigating the special education system, this podcast is here to empower you. In under 15 minutes, you'll get clear, practical tips on how to advocate for your child’s rights — straight from an experienced special education advocate. No jargon. No overwhelm. Just real talk, real strategies, and the support you need to feel confident every step of the way.
Episodes
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Podcast 30-Hearing Loss: It’s More Than Just Turning Up the Volume
What does hearing loss really look like in the classroom? In this episode, the 15-Minute Advocate explores conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, hearing aids, cochlear implants, ASL and spoken language, classroom accommodations, and why staff professional development matters. Most…
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Podcast 29 - Your SPED Parent Back-to-School Survival Guide
The new school year is here! But for parents of children receiving special education services, getting ready for school involves more than buying backpacks and school supplies. In this episode of "The 15-Minute Advocate", we share 9 practical things every SPED parent should do to start the school...
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Podcast 28- ADHD- It's More Than Being Distracted!
ADHD is about much more than being distracted or hyperactive. In this episode of The 15-Minute Advocate, Special Education Advocate, Arlene Velleman, explains what ADHD really looks like in the classroom, how it affects executive functioning, and what supports students may need to succeed. Learn...
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Podcast 27 - Part 3 of the Executive Functioning Series: Executive Functioning Goals That Actually Work
What makes an IEP goal truly effective? In this episode of The 15-Minute Advocate, we explain how executive functioning goals should be written, why vague goals often fall short, and how parents can evaluate whether their child's IEP is teaching meaningful skills. Learn the questions to ask at…
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Podcast 26: Why "Smart" Kids Fail Classes (Part 2 of the Executive Functioning Series)
Your child understands the material, participates in class, and seems bright—so why are they failing? In this episode of The 15-Minute Advocate, we explain why intelligence isn't always enough for school success. Learn how executive functioning affects grades, homework, organization, and…
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Podcast 25: Executive Functioning: Why Kids Struggle to Get Things Done
When the problem isn't ability—it's the brain's management system. Does your child forget assignments, lose papers, struggle with organization, or have difficulty getting started on tasks? In this episode of "The 15-Minute Advocate," we explain executive functioning, how it impacts school...
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Podcast 24: Understanding Dyslexia — What Every Parent Needs to Know
In this episode of "The 15-Minute Advocate", we begin a new series exploring different disabilities and how they impact students in school. The first topic: dyslexia. What exactly is dyslexia? What does it look like in the classroom and at home? What kinds of services, accommodations, and reading...
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Podcast 23: New School, New Team: The Special Ed Paperwork You Can’t Ignore
Transitioning to a new school? Don’t let paperwork trip you up. If your child is moving from elementary → middle or middle → high school, there’s one rule you need to remember: 👉 If it’s not in writing… it doesn’t exist. In this episode of The 15-Minute Advocate, I break down: ✔️ The MUST-have...
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Podcast 22- Help, Explained: Disability Services 101
From confusion to clarity: unlocking disability support. In this episode, the 15-Minute Advocate breaks down the wide range of disability services available to individuals and families—especially here in Massachusetts. From early intervention and Special Education supports to adult services like...
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Podcast 21 - What Really Happens to an IEP After High School (Massachusetts Edition)
“Graduation ends school—not the need for support.” Graduation is supposed to be the finish line… but for families of students with disabilities, it can feel more like being dropped into the middle of a maze with no map. In this episode, I break down what really happens after high school ends.…
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Podcast 20-IEP Pushback: Parent Rights, Disputes, and the Road to the BSEA
Because ‘I disagree’ is not the end of the conversation. Disagreeing with an IEP can feel intimidating—but parents have more power than they realize. In this episode, Arlene Velleman breaks down what it actually means to reject all or part of an IEP, the steps parents can take after saying “no,”...
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Episode 19- When Do You Need a Special Education Advocate or a Lawyer
Advocate or lawyer—how do you know which one you actually need? In this episode, Arlene Velleman, the 15-Minute Advocate, breaks down the real differences between a Special Education advocate and a Special Education attorney, what each role looks like in the IEP process, and how to decide which...
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Episode 18- So You Have a New IEP... Now What?
Because ‘just sign it’ is not a strategy. A new IEP shouldn’t feel like a pop quiz you didn’t study for. In this episode, I break down exactly how to review a new IEP, where schools tend to gloss over details, and how parents can spot problems before they become bigger issues. This is practical,...
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Episode 17- The Post High School Transition
Graduation is coming… but is the IEP actually preparing your child for adulthood? Turning 18 changes everything — especially in Special Education. In this episode, we break down IEP transition planning, what should be happening before graduation, and how the Age of Majority impacts…
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Podcast 16- The Quarterly Progress Report
Turning IEP progress reports into real progress. In this episode, I break down IEP progress reports — what they should tell you, what they often don’t, and how to read them in a way that actually gives you clarity. I’ll walk you through what to look for, how to spot red flags, and what steps to...
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Podcast 15...The IEP Meeting
“Walk into that IEP meeting like you run the place.” Step inside the IEP room without the stress. In this episode, I break down exactly what happens during an actual IEP meeting—who’s at the table, what gets discussed, what parents should watch for, and how to stay in the driver’s seat. If the...
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Podcast 14- Making Goals that Matter: Understanding Measurable IEP Goals
“Because progress should be proven, not promised.” Not all goals are created equal. In this episode, I break down what makes an IEP goal measurable—and why that matters. Learn how clear, data-driven goals can track progress, hold schools accountable, and actually move a student forward instead of...
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The Difference Between a 504 Plan and an IEP
The 504 Plan and the IEP....knowing the difference changes everything. 504 or IEP? Parents hear these terms all the time, but few really know the difference — and that difference matters. In this episode, I lay it out plain and simple: who qualifies, what supports each plan provides, and how to...
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The "Secret Sauce of Special Education"...The PRS
PRS: Holding schools accountable, one finding at a time. Ever wonder what keeps schools in check when it comes to special education compliance? Meet Massachusetts’ not-so-secret weapon — the Program Review System (PRS). In this episode, I unpack how the PRS holds districts accountable, what…
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Episode 11- The IEE
Think your child’s school evaluation missed something? An Independent Educational Evaluation might be the game-changer you need. Confused about Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)? You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down what an IEE is, when to request one, and what parents can...
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Episode 10- So You've Got Eligibility...Now What?
Eligibility is just the starting line — here’s how to win the race. So your student’s been found eligible for Special Ed — now what? In this episode, we cut through the IEP clutter: accommodations vs. modifications (and why you should care), making sense of service delivery, grabbing ESY when it...
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Episode 9- The Power of the Binder
From paperwork panic to advocacy confidence — in one binder. Feeling buried in IEPs, testing reports, and school emails? In this episode of The 15-Minute Advocate, I walk you step-by-step through setting up a Parent Special Education Binder. You’ll learn how to organize IEPs, evaluations…
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Episode 8- The First Steps of the IEP Meeting
Because you’re not "just the parent"—you’re the expert. In this episode, I break down the very first steps of an IEP meeting — from introductions to reviewing test results to walking through the eligibility flowchart. You’ll learn what questions to ask, how to spot red flags like…
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Podcast 7- Jargon Busters Part 2
Breaking down Special Ed jargon so parents can speak the language of advocacy. In this episode, we continue breaking down the alphabet soup of Special Education. I unpack common terms like related services, consultation, direct services, ADA, 504 Plans, and give a quick refresher on IDEA and…
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Podcast 6- IEP Jargon Busters
IEP lingo—decoded, de-jargonized, de-stressed. Ever feel like you need a secret decoder ring for IEP meetings? This episode is your guide to cracking the code: FAPE, IDEA, LRE, inclusion, and more—explained without the jargon headache. Say goodbye to alphabet soup and hello to parent power.
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Podcast 5: Feeling Ready: Last Steps Before Your IEP Meeting
Feeling Ready: Last Steps Before Your IEP Meeting Getting ready for an IEP meeting can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go in stressed. In this episode of The 15-Minute Advocate, I walk you through those last-minute steps to prepare, what usually happens during the meeting, and how the...
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Episode 4: Language Access is Your Right
Understanding begins with access—make your voice heard in any language. If English is not your first language, this episode is a must-listen. I explain how you can request school documents in your native language and ensure a qualified interpreter is present for your IEP or Special Education...
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Episode 3- What Can You Be Doing to Prepare for the Upcoming IEP Meeting
Preparing for the IEP During the Evaluation Period Your voice matters—start preparing now. In this episode of The 15-Minute Advocate, we focus on how parents can make the most of the 30-school-day evaluation period by preparing for the upcoming IEP meeting. I walk you through 6 key questions to...
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Episode 2- What Is Step 2 to Getting Your Child Evaluated?
Episode 2: Understanding the Permission to Test ProcessIn this episode of The 15-Minute Advocate, we break down what happens after you submit a written request for special education testing. Learn what to expect from the school district, including the "permission to test" form and the packet of...
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The 15-Minute Advocate
🎙 Episode 1: Get It in Writing — Why It Matters in Special Education In this quick episode, I break down one of the most important tools in special education advocacy: the written request. Whether you're asking for evaluations, services, or support, putting your request in writing protects your...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Whether you're a parent, guardian, or caregiver navigating the special education system, this podcast is here to empower you. In under 15 minutes, you'll get clear, practical tips on how to advocate for your child’s rights — straight from an experienced special education advocate. No jargon. No overwhelm. Just real talk, real strategies, and the support you need to feel confident every step of the way.
HOSTED BY
Arlene Velleman, Special Education Advocate
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The 15-Minute Advocate have?
The 15-Minute Advocate currently has 30 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The 15-Minute Advocate about?
Whether you're a parent, guardian, or caregiver navigating the special education system, this podcast is here to empower you. In under 15 minutes, you'll get clear, practical tips on how to advocate for your child’s rights — straight from an experienced special education advocate. No jargon. No...
How often does The 15-Minute Advocate release new episodes?
The 15-Minute Advocate has 30 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The 15-Minute Advocate?
You can listen to The 15-Minute Advocate on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The 15-Minute Advocate?
The 15-Minute Advocate is created and hosted by Arlene Velleman, Special Education Advocate.
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