Parents Guide to Advocacy: Navigating the Special Education System with Confidence
Does attending IEP meetings full of educational jargon and legalese leave you confused, overwhelmed, and exhausted? IEP meetings and the special education system can be imbalanced leaving you on your own against a table of educators. That’s ok, many parents are unfamiliar with the educational services available for their child and are unsure of what to ask for in IEP meetings. Maybe you’re looking for the special education process to be broken down in a relatable way by someone who ”gets” the emotional experience of trying to advocate for their child. We will make the IEP process seem more manageable leaving you more equipped and prepared. Finding out your child is different with an educational diagnosis is hard. Let’s walk through the initial tornado of emotions and questions. We will learn to see beyond the diagnosis and focus on your child’s unique abilities and superpowers. Our goal is to equip, empower, and support parents to become fierce advocates for their child’s unique educational needs. You will become resourced and resilient while learning how to embrace a neurodivergent affirming mindset. When neurodivergence is embraced, acceptance and encouragement allow children to thrive in their own way. When children are loved and properly supported they feel a sense of belonging. You may feel a shift from discouraged to empowered as you keep the long term vision for your child in the forefront and align your decisions with those values. You will uncover the secrets to navigating the special education system with Ashley Hinkle’s experience on both sides of the IEP table as both an educator and a mom to a son with Autism/ADHD. You may find yourself asking, ”How did I not know that?” ”Why did they never tell me that?” Ashley explains the special education system in a way that shifts it from feeling overwhelming to understandable.
Episodes
E10: One Strategy for Parents to Recharge and Learn at the Same Time!
In this episode of the Parents Guide to Advocacy, host Ashley Hinkle discusses the importance of taking time to recharge as a parent and highlights one effective strategy: attending conferences. Ashley shares her personal experiences attending the Apraxia Kids National Conference, the benefits of connecting with others who understand similar challenges, and the i...
In this episode, we dive into the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting pathway, breaking down the special education process into manageable stages to ensure parents and educators can better understand and navigate each step. The key stages discussed include the initial referral, evaluations and assessments, eligibility determination, IEP development, implementation, and periodic reviews.
Resour...
E8: Characteristics of an Incredible Early Intervention Service Provider (Speech, Occupational, Physical Therapies)
In this episode, Ashley Hinkle discusses the essential characteristics that make an incredible early intervention service provider. From collaboration with parents to developing personal connections and focusing on customized therapy, the episode covers everything you need to know to select the right service provider ...
Embracing Neurodivergent Parenting: Discipline, Acceptance, and Support
This script emphasizes understanding and accepting behaviors as manifestations of a child's disability. It encourages parents to rewire their perspectives, adopt neurodivergent affirming practices, and provide unwavering support. The script highlights the necessity of showing self-compassion and loving the child as they are. The show provides more than 9 tips f...
The Parents Guide to Advocacy: Empowering Resilient Families
In this episode of 'The Parents Guide to Advocacy,' host Ashley Hinkle shares her mission to equip parents with the tools needed to advocate for their children's unique educational needs. Reflecting on personal experiences, Ashley discusses the challenges of raising neurodivergent children and managing household chaos. She emphasizes self-reflection, personal growth, and ...
Empowering Parents: Advocacy for Neurodivergent Children
Ashley Hinkle hosts a comprehensive guide for parents on advocacy for neurodivergent children, focusing on equipping and empowering them to advocate for their children's unique educational needs. Ashley discusses the challenges and successes of raising neurodivergent children, specifically addressing concerns around bullying and how it can impact children with conditions like...
Resilience starts with a strong foundation, and a primary caregiver who is safe, stable, consistent, and loving.
Resilience is not just surviving, it's thriving in life after the negative event; it’s more than bouncing back or getting back up.
Resilience results in:
-Increased motivation
-Positive outlook
-More focus on problem-solving
-Flexible thinking
Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg developed the 7 C’s of resilience to help families eff...
So, here is the most helpful and humbling thing I keep coming back to in different seasons of life: challenges reveal the areas that I need to grow in myself.
It’s humbling because we have to look at ourselves as a contributor to our struggle. And, it’s helpful because when we acknowledge what we bring to the table, then we can address the underlying issues, find creative solutions, and realize that we do have a sense of control. W...
Before having my children, I was an elementary teacher and reading specialist. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Reading Education. For years, I participated in IEP meetings as a general education teacher. I advocated for my students to receive intervention services and created my own accommodations and modifications to suit their needs. ...
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