Assistive Technology

Six Tips to Empower Parents in the IEP Process and Get Involved in Your Kid's Best Learning!

Dec 22 min read

Six Tips to Empower Parents in the IEP Process and Get Involved in Your Kid's Best Learning!

Being a parent of a kid with autism or other disability can make the whole Individual Education Program (IEP) process feel pretty daunting.

11 views0 comments

My Kid Needs More Support in School. What Do I Do?

DJ Nicholson

Nov 252 min read

My Kid Needs More Support in School. What Do I Do?

Every kid should get what they need to be successful in school regardless of disability or neurodivergence.

37 views0 comments

Including Kids on the Autism Spectrum: Anthony

DJ Nicholson

Nov 183 min read

Including Kids on the Autism Spectrum: Anthony

Five-year old Anthony truly was one of my most favorite students ever. He saw the world through a unique lens, with a lot of wonder...

78 views0 comments

Yet Another "Ism": Ableism is a Barrier to Inclusion

DJ Nicholson

Sep 193 min read

Yet Another "Ism": Ableism is a Barrier to Inclusion

Inclusion and equitable access to education are fundamental principles of a well-rounded society. Howver, ableism...

4 views0 comments

Tailoring Learning: Differentiation & Specially Designed Instruction

DJ Nicholson

May 292 min read

Tailoring Learning: Differentiation & Specially Designed Instruction

Every student learns differently. Some grasp concepts quickly, while others benefit from a more hands-on approach. This is where...

47 views0 comments

Building Calm, Clarity, & Engagement: Routines, Schedules, & Visuals for Success

DJ Nicholson

May 292 min read

Building Calm, Clarity, & Engagement: Routines, Schedules, & Visuals for Success

For students with sensory and emotional needs, the classroom can sometimes feel overwhelming. Unpredictable routines, unclear...

38 views0 comments

"Tech Time, Power Time" for Inclusion: High-Tech Tools for Empowering Learners

DJ Nicholson

May 292 min read

"Tech Time, Power Time" for Inclusion: High-Tech Tools for Empowering Learners

The digital age offers a load of assistive technology (AT) to empower students with special needs. These tools can bridge learning gaps,...

29 views0 comments

Low-Tech Super-Power: Empowering Learners with Simple Tools

DJ Nicholson

May 292 min read

Low-Tech Super-Power: Empowering Learners with Simple Tools

Assistive technology (AT) is a powerful ally for creating inclusive classrooms, but it doesn't have to mean expensive gadgets and...

37 views0 comments

The Power of Inclusion: Creating a Classroom Where Every Child Thrives

DJ Nicholson

May 292 min read

The Power of Inclusion: Creating a Classroom Where Every Child Thrives

Imagine a classroom buzzing with energy, where every student feels valued, supported, and challenged. This isn't just a dream; it's the...

38 views0 comments

Presuming Competence: It Only Takes One Person...

DJ Nicholson

Apr 103 min read

Presuming Competence: It Only Takes One Person...

Imagine if we believed that all children, regardless of disability or learning difference, were capable of great things? Of learning? ...

37 views1 comment

Navigating the Day: The Power of Individual Schedules for Children with Autism

DJ Nicholson

Mar 142 min read

Navigating the Day: The Power of Individual Schedules for Children with Autism

When you have an autistic child, it can be tough to find effective strategies to support their development and well-being. It can feel...

76 views0 comments

How Can Visual Learning Support Kids with Autism?

DJ Nicholson

Mar 132 min read

How Can Visual Learning Support Kids with Autism?

Not everyone is an auditory learner! However, there's a powerful tool that has proven to be immensely beneficial for kids with autism:...

19 views0 comments

Top Ten Essential Learning Supports for Autistic Kids!

DJ Nicholson

Feb 172 min read

Top Ten Essential Learning Supports for Autistic Kids!

You asked! So here goes... Visual Supports: Visual schedules, charts, and cues help autistic kids understand routines and expectations...

17 views0 comments

The Importance of Expression and Learning Engagement for Kids with Autism

DJ Nicholson

Feb 33 min read

The Importance of Expression and Learning Engagement for Kids with Autism

"I know what he means." WHAT?! HOW?! Every child needs a voice. Every child. That means for a child with autism who does not have a...

18 views0 comments

DJ Nicholson

Jan 71 min read

IEP Secrets from an Insider

Are a IEPs a bit... combative? Wonder what they are thinking on the other side of the table? Curious how you can create a world where...

7 views0 comments

Special Education “Labels”: Another Barrier to Inclusive Learning

DJ Nicholson

Nov 17, 20232 min read

Special Education “Labels”: Another Barrier to Inclusive Learning

Author’s note: I am not a fan of "labels". I have seen over the course of my years in special education, so many instances of...

32 views0 comments

What is the Least Restrictive Environment in Education?

DJ Nicholson

Nov 13, 20232 min read

What is the Least Restrictive Environment in Education?

Let’s dig a little deeper into a critical element addressed in your child’s IEP that impacts the location and often, the quality, of...

23 views0 comments

DJ Nicholson

Nov 3, 20233 min read

Learning Through the Lens of Equity

Equity. It's a word seen often in the news and social media in conjunction with diversity, equity, and belonging. Some might say "it's...

27 views0 comments

"My Child Is 'All Over the Place' and Can't Focus!

DJ Nicholson

Sep 22, 20232 min read

"My Child Is 'All Over the Place' and Can't Focus!

As parents, we're always curious about the various ways our children develop and grow. One important aspect of your child's development...

18 views0 comments

Empowering Every Child: The Vital Importance of Learning Tools for Kids with Disabilities

DJ Nicholson

Aug 24, 20233 min read

Empowering Every Child: The Vital Importance of Learning Tools for Kids with Disabilities

In a world that thrives on diversity, it's essential that we create an inclusive environment for every child to grow, learn, and succeed....

6 views0 comments