Building Community

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.

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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.

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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...

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DJ Nicholson

Sep 222 min read

Grace, Gratitude, and a Bit of Grit

As an educational coach that supports moms of neurodivergent child with high support needs, I have seen firsthand the rollercoaster...

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Lessening the Overwhelm: A Parent's Guide to IEPs and Educational Coaching

DJ Nicholson

Sep 202 min read

Lessening the Overwhelm: A Parent's Guide to IEPs and Educational Coaching

When your kid receives a new disability diagnosis, it can feel like a whirlwind of emotions. Fear, uncertainty, and a sense of overwhelm...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Empowering Every Child: The Importance of Accommodations for Kids with Disabilities

DJ Nicholson

Aug 31, 20232 min read

Empowering Every Child: The Importance of Accommodations for Kids with Disabilities

Imagine going on a treasure hunt where every clue, every challenge, is uniquely tailored to your strengths and abilities. Cool, right? ...

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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....

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DJ Nicholson

Jun 23, 20232 min read

The "Do-be-do-be-do..." of Inclusion

Which one? What was once a catchy little ditty (think Frank Sinatra) to hum to yourself is now an option on how you view inclusion....

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Community and Unity Rhyme for a Reason...

DJ Nicholson

Mar 17, 20232 min read

Community and Unity Rhyme for a Reason...

Parenting is already a challenging job, but when you are a parent of a child with a disability, it can feel even more overwhelming....

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Quality Education is Not Only for "Some".

DJ Nicholson

Mar 9, 20232 min read

Quality Education is Not Only for "Some".

Advocating for inclusion for a child with a disability can be a challenging and complex process, but it is crucial to ensure that your...

98 views0 comments

DJ Nicholson

Dec 15, 20222 min read

Middle Schoolers Get It.

As a collective unit, they are are work in progress, but if you pay close attention, sometimes they show us and teach us what it means to...

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DJ Nicholson

Oct 2, 20221 min read

Thoughts on Hurricane Ian

Community.

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DJ Nicholson

Sep 15, 20221 min read

Want a Confident Child?

Who wouldn't want a confident child? A child who feels good about their choices, their ability to make decisions, and have some freedom...

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We've Heard the Phrase "It Takes a Village"...

DJ Nicholson

Sep 10, 20222 min read

We've Heard the Phrase "It Takes a Village"...

We've heard "it takes a village", but that's not the entire phrase. "It takes a village to raise a child" originated in Africa and...

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DJ Nicholson

Sep 2, 20221 min read

What Do We Mean By "Inclusion"?

I recent asked the question on social media, "How do you define inclusion?" The responses were thought-provoking. Of the 48 responses I...

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