Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast

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.

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.

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.

"Summer School" and "ESY" are not the same thing—and using the wrong word could cost your child their services.

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.

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.

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, and learn how to write IEP goals that prioritize social connection over mere compliance. Let’s help your child find their place on the dance floor.

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.

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 community groups be more inclusive. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback and subscribe for updates.

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.

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.

Paralympic Swimming Bronze Medalist Evan Wilkerson details his dramatic 2025 win in Singapore, battling E. coli, burnout, and learning the vital lesson of rest.

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.

How to get an IEP evaluation? IEP Coach Tonya Wollum breaks down the special education eligibility process, your rights under the IDEA law, and the critical step to request services in writing. Download the free letter template!

Learn the crucial signs of speech and language delays from an expert and discover actionable steps for parents. This episode covers early intervention, IEPs, and the power of a parent's intuition.

Stay informed on the latest special education news. Host Tonya Wollum discusses a proposed IDEA funding overhaul, new data on state compliance, and a huge Supreme Court win for students with disabilities. Learn what this means for your child's IEP.

Learn how to find peace and stay productive in the midst of a chaotic parenting life. Jen Anderson, creator of the ACCOMPLIST app, shares tips on shifting your mindset and embracing a flexible to-do list.

Learn 5 simple school communication secrets that will help you build a powerful partnership with your child's teacher and IEP team, turning a stressful relationship into a collaborative one.

Learn how to prepare your neurodiverse child for adulthood with actionable steps on teaching daily living skills and building independence. Authors Kristin Lombardi & Christine Drew share expert advice.

Think you know what it takes to succeed in college? You'll be amazed by the tech, grit, and self-advocacy that a blind student uses to thrive in a sighted world.

The ADA is more than just ramps and elevators. It's a civil rights law that reshaped the educational landscape for millions of children. Find out how this law gives your child the right to learn.

Discover the shocking truth about AI disability bias in image generators. This experiment reveals how AI misrepresents and stereotypes, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive AI development and authentic disability representation AI.

Don't miss this crucial special education news alert! Discover the latest on IDEA enforcement, staff cuts, and a landmark restraint lawsuit settlement.

Explore the unspoken grief parents of children with disabilities experience over lost dreams. Find comfort, validation, and practical coping strategies for special needs parenting in this heartfelt episode. Download your free mindfulness guide.

Does your child struggle with big emotions, navigating friendships, or expressing themselves without blame? As parents of neurodivergent children, finding the right support can be challenging.

Brittany Gilbert, an inspiring adult with cerebral palsy, helps us understand CP from a lived perspective, offering actionable insights on nurturing independence, building support networks, navigating social interactions, and fostering a positive

Learn how the powerful journey of being diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD as an adult offers a unique and valuable lens on how neurodiversity can manifest and the profound impact of understanding our children's unique wiring

Worried about your teen navigating job interviews and social situations? This episode reveals the crucial skills they need to shine, plus insider tips even employers might be missing!

What if living with multiple disabilities wasn't about limitations, but about ingenious solutions? In this episode, Ally Pack-Adair returns to share her strategies for not just managing, but truly thriving while living with multiple disabilies.

From quiet questions to Capitol Hill calls: Discover how any voice can ignite disability advocacy. In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, host Tonya Wollum welcomes back Ally Pack-Adair, a passionate advocate and ambassador for the MDA.

Episode #122: Cortical Visual Impairment: The Most Confusing Blindness Explained

Dyslexia: is it a disability, or a hidden strength? You're about to hear a story that will challenge everything you thought you knew. Lynn and Jonathan Greenberg offer invaluable advice for parents, educators, and anyone seeking to understand ...

Are you a parent of a special needs child? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the challenges of advocating for your child's needs? In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast, we talk with Latonya Moore, a well-being coach and advocate for positive self-talk. Latonya shares her insights on how to overcome negative self-talk and build the confidence you need to be a strong advocate for your child. She also offers practical tips for managing stress and finding joy in your parenting journey. Whether you're a new or experienced parent, this episode has something for everyone. Latonya's message is one of hope and empowerment. She reminds us that we are not alone and that we have the strength to advocate for our children and create a better future for them.

Are you a parent of a neurodivergent child dreaming of family vacations but dreading the potential challenges?  You're not alone!  In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, host Tonya sits down with Jenifer Breaux, a retired army veteran, travel expert, and mom of two neurodivergent sons. Jenifer shares invaluable insights and practical tips for making travel accessible and enjoyable for neurodivergent families.

In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, host Tonya Wollum and guest Lisa Jacovsky, an experienced ABA therapist and author, delve into the world of ABA therapy. They explore the core principles of ABA, discuss its potential benefits and challenges, and address common concerns and misconceptions parents may have. Lisa shares her expertise and offers valuable insights for families considering ABA therapy for their autistic child, including how to choose a qualified therapist and ensure a positive experience. They also touch on sensory processing, social anxiety, and the evolving understanding of autism.

Feeling overwhelmed by your child's emotions? We're diving deep into EFT tapping, a powerful technique that can help calm anxious kids and their parents too!

Discover how one autistic playwright is using theater to challenge stereotypes and inspire change. Join us as we sit down with Matteo Esposito, a talented autistic playwright, to discuss his journey, his work, and the power of theater to promote understanding and empathy.

Learn to navigate the IEP maze and support your child's unique learning needs! Are you confused about the difference between accommodations and modifications in your child's IEP or 504 plan? This episode breaks down the key concepts and provides ...

Beyond Medication: Discover the powerful connection between ADHD and diet.

Building a community of support: How one family created an accessible housing option to help their child with special needs thrive.

Discover the hidden reasons behind challenging behaviors in children with special needs.

Get a sneak peek into the making of "Made With Love," an upcoming film that aims to break down barriers and inspire change. Join us as we hear from the passionate filmmakers behind the project, who are dedicated to creating positive representation

It's not about lowering expectations but providing the right support and opportunities when hiring someone with Down syndrome. Hear about Matthew's proposal to his long-time girlfriend and advice for parents about work...

Navigating the Complexities of Special Needs Families in Divorce. Discover essential strategies for protecting your child's well-being, advocating for their needs, and building a brighter future.

Discover how the BELLYFLIES Method can help your child talk about emotions and develop strong coping skills. Are you struggling to understand how to help your child talk about emotions? Does your neurodivergent child experience really BIG emotions?

Mary shares her personal experiences growing up with blind parents in the 20th century. Through her captivating storytelling, Mary takes you on a journey of challenges, triumphs, and unwavering love. Learn about the unique experiences of ...

In this episode, we're exploring the critical topic of inclusion and advocacy. Join us as we discuss the importance of creating a more inclusive society, the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and the powerful stories of those who ...

Learn about the challenges and triumphs of parenting a child with epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Discover practical tips, valuable resources, and the emotional impact of this journey.

In this heartfelt conversation, Tonya Wollum sits down with filmmaker Jay Silverman to explore the challenges of parenting a child with limited speech. Jay opens up about his personal journey and how his movie, CAMERA, was influenced by ...

Communicating beyond words using AAC devices. In this interview Tonya speaks with Julia Pearce about the use of AAC devices for children with speech impairments. The conversation highlights the different types of AAC devices available, from simple...