Blog Posts for Special Needs Parenting

Episode #53: The Power of Inclusion: Insights from a Children’s Book Author and Non-Profit Founder

Show Notes:

In this episode, Tonya continues her conversation from Episode 52 with Amanda Owen, author of the Owen the Wonderer book series and founder of the non-profit, Puzzle Pieces. Owen is the main character of the children’s book series, which includes real people from Amanda’s life. The series aims to start conversations about inclusion and acceptance of individuals with disabilities, and each book includes questions for parents and teachers to help facilitate these conversations. Amanda started the series to provide a tool for parents and educators who may not know how to approach the topic of disability with children. The books are based on Amanda’s experiences as a special education teacher and the founder of a non-profit organization that advocates for individuals with disabilities.

If you missed the first part of this conversation, be sure to listen to Episode 52 to hear Amanda’s story of growing up as the sibling to a brother with a rare genetic condition. She also gives good suggestions on how parents can prepare for their special needs child’s future care. You can watch Episode 52 at https://youtu.be/sapGfxihznY.

Since recording this podcast episode, Amanda has launched another project! She created a Gratitude Journal for moms raising children with disabilities. With the help of 30 mommas from across the country, Amanda made something that she wished her mom had 41 years ago when she discovered her brother had a rare disability.

This journal is meant to not only help moms find joy in the hard, but also build a village of other moms walking similar paths. You don’t have to be alone. This journal will help you connect and find gratitude in your journey raising your child.

You can order your Gratitude Journal HERE! ➡ piecesofme.org/gratitude-journal

Amanda loves to connect! Find her at:

Website: piecesofme.org

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-me/id1547078857

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piecesofmebyamanda

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piecesofmebyamanda/

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

“2 Truths and a Lie” Game:

Can you guess which statements Amanda shared were her truths and which was her lie? Post your best guess in the comments below. We’ll post the correct answer on Instagram next week so be sure to check and see if you were right.

1. Her brother was the 11th person in U.S. with his diagnosis.

2. She is 2 episodes from 100th on podcast.

3. She loves to cook and try new recipes.

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #52: Caring for Your Child with Disabilities: How to Plan for the Future

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast, host Tonya Wollum interviews Amanda Owen, founder of the nonprofit organization Puzzle Pieces. Amanda shares her personal journey of growing up as a sibling to a brother with a rare disability and how it has impacted her life. She talks about the emotional impact of having a sibling with a disability, the challenges and joys that come with it, and the importance of emotional intelligence in processing those feelings.

As a special education teacher, Amanda felt called to do more to support people with disabilities and founded Puzzle Pieces, a nonprofit organization that has been serving the community for almost 11 years. Through her own experiences and the work of Puzzle Pieces, Amanda has become a coach for parents and siblings of individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate the emotional and practical aspects of their situations.

In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Amanda shares her perspective on growing up as a sibling to a brother with a disability and the lessons she has learned along the way. Whether you are a parent, sibling, or friend of someone with a disability, this episode will provide valuable insights and inspiration on how to support and advocate for those with disabilities.

Join us next week for the rest of Tonya’s conversation with Amanda. She talks more about her experiences, the books she’s written to help support children with disabilities and spread awareness and acceptance, and her work with her non-profit, Puzzle Pieces.

Amanda loves to connect! Find her at:

Website: piecesofme.org

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-me/id1547078857

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piecesofmebyamanda

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piecesofmebyamanda/

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

“2 Truths and a Lie” Game:

1. Her brother was the 11th person in U.S. with his diagnosis.

2. She is 2 episodes from 100th on podcast.

3. She loves to cook and try new recipes.

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #51: The NC State Fair Access ABILITY Day – Inclusion for Special Needs Families

Show Notes:

Join us on a journey to the heart of the North Carolina State Fair where we witnessed something truly special. In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, we explore Access ABILITY Day, an event that’s all about creating a sensory-friendly event that provided inclusion for special needs families. Hear from families who took part in the event and learn about the Chill Out Zone, a special area set up to help families with sensory needs find a quiet space to relax and recharge. If you’re passionate about creating a more inclusive world, this episode is for you.

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #50: My Journey with Dyscalculia

Show Notes:

Imagine not being able to tell time, count money, or do basic math in your head. For people with dyscalculia, these everyday tasks can be a real challenge. In this video, we’re going to take a deep dive into dyscalculia and explore its causes, symptoms, and potential solutions.

Michelle Steiner joins Tonya to talk about her experiences with dyscalculia and other invisible disabilities and how she’s learned to embrace the disabilities and achieve success in life.

Connect with Michelle:

https://michellesmission.blog/

https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013356902200

2 Truths and a Lie:

Can you guess which statements Michelle shared were her truths and which was her lie? Post your best guess in the comments below. We’ll post the correct answer on Instagram next week so be sure to check and see if you were right.

Michelle has 3 stories coming out in an anthology

Michelle is going to Canada this summer

Michelle will be growing butterflies with a kit this summer

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #49: Giving Our Sons the Gift of Sound (Part 2): Raising Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants

Show Notes:

This is the second half of my recent conversation with Felicia Aquilo, the mother of two young boys who were born profoundly deaf. She and her husband, Steve, have faced the challenge of giving their boys the gift of sound; equipping them with cochlear implants, teaching them to speak as well as sign language, and helping them appreciate music and other sounds. Join us as we hear from Felicia about her journey, her sons’ progress, and her very real hopes for their futures.

This is part 2 of Felicia’s story. Be sure to catch the first part in Episode #48!

In part 1, Felicia shared her “facts” for the game of “2 Truths and a Lie.” Can you guess which statements Felicia shared were her truths and which was her lie? Post your best guess in the comments below. We’ll post the correct answer on Instagram @water.prairie next week so be sure to check and see if you were right.

2 Truths and a Lie:

Felicia loves cooking and wanted to be on Master Chef

Felicia enjoys training and running marathons

Felicia’s known how to snow ski since she was 2-years-old

Follow Felicia on Instagram:

@feliciaaquila

Hands and Voices, a resource for families of deaf children:

Instagram: @handsandvoices

Website: www.handsandvoices.org

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #48: Giving Our Sons the Gift of Sound: A Mother’s Story of Cochlear Implants and ASL (Part 1)

Meet Felicia Aquilo, a mother of two boys who were born profoundly deaf. With loving guidance and unwavering support, Felicia and her husband embarked on an amazing journey to bring their boys the gift of sound through cochlear implants. What started out as an uphill battle is now a turning point – Felicia’s sons are thriving in their new life with sound, learning to speak, and harnessing the power of both spoken and sign language. In this exclusive interview, Felicia shares her story, how the boys are adjusting to the new technology, and how music has become a source of joy for her family.

This is part 1 of Felicia’s story. Don’t miss part 2 coming out next week!

Can you guess which statements Felicia shared were her truths and which was her lie? Post your best guess on our Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/water.prairie/. We’ll post the correct answer on Instagram a week after the part 2 episode posts so be sure to check back later to see if you were right.

2 Truths and a Lie:
1. Felicia loves cooking and wanted to be on Master Chef
2. Felicia enjoys training and running marathons
3. Felicia’s known how to snow ski since she was 2-years-old

Follow Felicia on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/feliciaaquila/

Hands and Voices, a resource for families of deaf children:
https://www.instagram.com/handsandvoices/
https://www.handsandvoices.org/

Episode #47: Uncovering the Mystery Behind Analytic vs Gestalt Language Processors

Meet Lenora Edwards, Chief Knowledge Officer for Better Speech – a revolutionary online speech therapy company dedicated to helping children use language effectively! Lenora has years of experience when it comes to analyzing the differences between analytic language processors and gestalt language processors. In this interview, she reveals her expertise on the matter, as well as a fascinating look into echolalia – or “echo speech.” Tune in to find out more about Lenora’s journey in providing quality speech therapy options for children and to get an insider’s perspective on these different types of language processors.

During our Season 2 episodes, we’ll be asking each guest to share “2 Truths and a Lie” about themselves as a fun way to get to know our guests. We’ve decided not to give the answer right away so our listeners can try to guess the true answers. In the comments section for this video, add your thoughts to which of Lenora’s answers were true and which was the lie. Here are the answers she gave us:
1. She had a baking business.
2. She hiked the Appalachian trail.
3. She hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc.
*** We’ll post the answer on our Instagram and Twitter account a week after this video posts so go there and check to see if you got it right!
https://twitter.com/waterprairie
https://www.instagram.com/water.prairie/

Lenora’s Contact information:
Website: https://www.betterspeech.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourbetterspeech/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@better.speech
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterspeech/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-speech/mycompany/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BetterSpeechVideo

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #46: Financial Security for Your Special Needs Child

Show Notes:

Feeling overwhelmed by the costs of managing your child’s disability? Do you ever worry about how your child might have enough savings when they’re older? You’re not alone!

The NC ABLE program is making it easier for people with disabilities to achieve financial independence. Learn how your child can benefit from this awesome opportunity during this episode of the podcast. Kristen Merrick of the NC State Treasurer’s Office took a few minutes to chat with us during the NC State Fair Access ABILITY Day event a few months ago, and I wanted to share with you what I was able to learn about the NC ABLE program. It looks like it might be a great option for children with disabilities even if they don’t live in NC!

NC ABLE Website

National ABLE Alliance Website

IRS Webpage on ABLE programs

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #45: Virtual Reality for Neurodiverse Children

Show Notes:

Join us as we learn more about how Virtual Reality rooms in schools can help children overcome challenges with social and emotional struggles. Ange Anderson has worked in the field of special education and used virtual reality with many children to help them overcome fears and help them feel more comfortable in everyday situations.

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Links:

*As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking these links. If you purchase anything on Amazon within 24 hours of clicking the link, Water Prairie might receive a small commission without it affecting the price you pay. This is an easy way to support the podcast!

Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial – https://amzn.to/3VUmlA4

Amazon Prime Student 6-Month Free Trial – https://amzn.to/3gygS1G

Audible Plus Free Trial – https://amzn.to/3sildZs

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #44: Working With A Guide Dog

Show Notes:

Do you know what training is needed to get a guide dog? What’s the difference between a guide dog and a service dog, and how does a guide dog know where to go if their person is blind? Tonya and Ed McDaniel discuss these questions and many more as Ed shares his story of adopting Serina, his guide dog, and what he’s learned over the past year since he adopted her. Ed is a runner, and the guide dog school he worked with was able to accommodate his wish to find a dog who could run alongside him and allow him to continue his training schedule.

If you’re thinking about getting a guide dog for yourself or your older child, you’ll gain some insight into the process by hearing Ed’s story. Be sure to listen to the end for some advice he gives for those starting their journey to owning a guide dog!

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Links:

Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial – https://amzn.to/3VUmlA4

Amazon Prime Student 6-Month Free Trial – https://amzn.to/3gygS1G

Audible Plus Free Trial – https://amzn.to/3sildZs

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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