Water Prairie Chronicles: The Podcast for Parents of Children with Disabilities

The Water Prairie Chronicles is a valuable resource for parents of children with disabilities and special needs. Hosted by Tonya Wollum, the podcast provides a supportive community, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate your unique parenting journey.

Season 4

• Sep 22, 2025 #138 (Speech and Language in Children)
  • Luba Patlakh

• Sep 15, 2025 #137 (Special Education News Update)
  • Tonya Wollum

• Sep 6, 2025 #136 (Mastering To-Do Lists for Parents)
  • Jen Anderson

• Aug 31, 2025 #135 (5 Tips for better communication with your child’s teacher)
  • Tonya Wollum

• Aug 24, 2025 #134 (Teaching Our Children to Be Independent)
  • Kristin Lombardi, MA and Christine Drew, PhD

• Aug 8, 2025 #133 (Tips for Visually Impaired College Students)
  • Olivia Wilkerson

• Aug 3, 2025 #132 (35 Years of the ADA)
  • Tonya Wollum

• Jul 26, 2025 #131 (Disability Representation With AI)
  • Tonya Wollum

• Jul 21, 2025 #130 (Special Education News Update)
  • Tonya Wollum

• Jul 13, 2025 #129 (Dealing With the Grief of Parenting a Child With Disabilities)
  • Tonya Wollum

• Jun 27, 2025 #128 (AI Helps Neurodivergent Kids with Emotional Regulation)
  • Peter Fitzpatrick

• June 11, 2025 #127 (Cerebral Palsy & Book About Alzheimer’s)
  • Brittany Gilbert

• May 24, 2025 #126 (Adult AuDHD Diagnosis)
  • Simon Arnold

• May 9, 2025 #125 (Social and Job Skills for Teens)
  • Kirt Manecke

• May 3, 2025 #124 (Managing Multiple Disabilities)
  • Ally Pack-Adair

• Apr 24, 2025 #123 (Advocacy for Kids & Being an MDA Ambassador)
  • Ally Pack-Adair

• Apr 10, 2025 #122 (Cortical Visual Impairment – CVI)
  • Ally Pack-Adair

• Mar 27, 2025 #121 (Dyslexia and Art)
  • Lynn & Jonathan Greenberg

• Mar 6, 2025 #120 (Positive Self-Talk for Parents)
  • Latonya Moore

• Feb 17, 2025 #119 (Accessible Travel for Sensory and Autistic Kids)
  • Jenifer Breaux

Upcoming Episodes:

• Sep 26, 2025 #139
  • Tonya Wollum

• Oct 3, 2025 #140
  • Pooja Arora

• Oct 10, 2025 #141
  • Tonya Wollum

• Oct 17, 2025 #142
  • TBD

• Oct 24, 2025 #143
  • Tonya Wollum

• Oct 31, 2025 #144
  • TBD

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Season 3

• Feb 5, 2025 #118 (The Truth About ABA Therapy)
  • Lisa Jacovsky

• Jan 21, 2025 #117 (EFT/Tapping to Calm Anxious Kids)
  • Jewell Siebert

• Dec 16, 2024 #116 (Autism on Stage: How Theatre Breaks Down Barriers and Builds Bridges)
  • Matteo Esposito

• Nov 18, 2024 #115 (IEP Accommodations vs Modifications)
  • April Rehrig

• Nov 6, 2024 #114 (ADHD and Diet)
  • Sandie Gascon

• Nov 2, 2024 #113 (Accessible Housing Options)
  • Valerie Arbeau

• Oct 23, 2024 #112 (Understanding Challenging Behavior in Children)
  • Suzie Forbes

• Oct 12, 2024 #111 (The Power of Representation in Film – Made With Love the Movie)
  • David & Jackson Hughens

• Sep 29, 2024 #110 (Hiring Someone With Down Syndrome)
  • Matthew Schwab

• Sep 20, 2024 #109 (Special Needs Families in Divorce)
  • Mary Ann Hughes

• Sep 16, 2024 #108 (How to Help Your Child Talk About Emotions)
  • Cathy Gagliardi

• Sep 3, 2024 #107 (Growing Up With Blind Parents)
  • Mary Harper

• Aug 26, 2024 #106 (The Power of Inclusion and Advocacy)
  • Aaron DeVries

• Aug 23, 2024 #105 (Parenting a Child with Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy)
  • Aaron DeVries

• Aug 13, 2024 #104 (How to Understand and Support Children with Limited Speech | CAMERA, the Movie)
  • Jay Silverman

• Aug 8, 2024 #103 (How AAC Devices Can Connect Your Child to the World)
  • Julia Pearce

• Aug 4, 2024 #102 (Parenting a Child With Epilepsy: Dallin’s Story)
  • Julia Pearce

• Jul 28, 2024 #101 (Gold Medal Mindset: Blind Swimmer set to represent USA in 2024 Paralympics)
  • Evan Wilkerson

• Jul 14, 2024 #100 (A Parent’s Guide to ADHD, Executive Function, & College Success)
  • Lauran Kerr-Heraly, Ph.D.

• Jul 5, 2024 #99 (Secure Their Future: Financial Planning for Special Needs Kids)
  • James Lange, CPA/Attorney

• Jun 28, 2024 #98 (Why Your Child Hates Writing, and How To Help Them Love It!)
  • Munira Adenwalla

• Jun 21, 2024 #97 (Overcoming Guilt as a Single Mom of a Special Needs Child)
  • Danielle Ross

• May 14, 2024 #96 (Advocating for Your Child With Special Needs)
  • Latisha Anderson

• May 3, 2024 #95 (How “Letters to Zachary” Helps Heal After the Loss of a Child)
  • Jason Tuttle

• Apr 29, 2024 #94 (Self-Care for Special Needs Parents)
  • Robyn Vasquez-Gutierrez

• Apr 20, 2024 #93 (Growing Up With an Autistic Sibling)
  • Sarah Boss

• Apr 12, 2024 #92 (Music Therapy Hacks Parents of Neurodivergent Kids NEED to Know!)
  • Samantha Foote

• Apr 6, 2024 #91 (Marriage and Disability Parenting Help)
  • Todd & Kristin Evans

• Mar 30, 2024 #90 (Bipolar Disorder in Kids – Parenting Tips)
  • George Brooks

• Mar 18, 2024 #89 (Expert Tips for Better Parent-Child Communication)
  • Kathy Bowers

• Mar 2, 2024 #88: (Season 3 Premiere: The Hidden Gems You Need to Know About!)
  • Solo Episode

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Season 2

• Feb 20, 2024 #87: (Season 2 Reflections)
  • Solo Episode

• Jan 20, 2024 #86: (Language Impairment and the Path to Victory)
  • Katie Selby

• Jan 6, 2024 #85 (Neurodiverse Homeschooling Summit)
  • Afsaneh Moradian

• Nov 17, 2023 #84 (Hunger Games, Love, and Big Surprises!)
  • Solo Episode

• Nov 10, 2023 #83 (Advocating for Children with Invisible Disabilities)
  • Jami Kirkbride

• Nov 4, 2023 #82 (IEP Parent Input Statements)
  • Heather Wright

• Oct 20, 2023 #81 (How to Prepare for a Special Needs Baby)
  • Dr. Stephanie Dueger

• Oct 16, 2023 #80 (Parenting Emotionally Intense Kids)
  • Anouk Briere-Godbout

• Oct 8, 2023 #79 (IEPs vs 504 Plans: Understanding the Differences)
  • Helen Panos and Heather Wright

• Sep 26, 2023 #78 (Parenting Challenges: A Mother’s Story of Finding Her Value)
  • Megan Gibson, Freed to be You Podcast host

• Sep 18, 2023 #77 (Unlocking the Secrets of Emotional Intelligence Through Play!)
  • Melissa Price, Creator of the card game, Emotion Commotion

• Sep 8, 2023 #76 (Special Needs Sibling Relationships and Disability Awareness)
  • Melissa Ortiz

• Sep 1, 2023 #75 (From Childhood Stroke to Triumph)
  • Fred Rutman – AKA “Repeatedly Dead Fred”

• Aug 25, 2023 Episode #74 (Advocacy for All: ABLE Americans and Disability Rights)
  • Melissa Ortiz

• Aug 18, 2023 Episode #73 (Navigating Mobility Challenges: From Childhood to Coaching)
  • Nathan Gutierrez – Founder and CEO of Wheel Life Enterprises

• Aug 11, 2023 Episode #72 (Living with Spina Bifida: A Personal Journey)
  • Melissa Ortiz

• Aug 4, 2023 Episode #71 (From Chaos to Control: Navigating Executive Function Challenges)
  • Chris Fugelsang – Executive Function Coach

• July 28, 2023 Episode #70 (ADHD Coach’s Secrets: Empowering Special Needs Parents for Success)
  • Arianna Bradford – ADHD Coach

• July 23, 2023 Episode #69 (Unraveling the Sensory Puzzle: Understanding and Addressing Sensory Integration Concerns)
  • Kristen Jaslowich – Occupational Therapist and Host of the Gut Instinct Podcast

• July 17, 2023 Episode #68 (Early Intervention: Why It Matters and How to Make the Most of It)
  • Jill Urbane – Parent Educator, Social Worker, and “The Mentor Mom”

• July 11, 2023 Episode #67 (Changing the Narrative: Shattering Stereotypes of Disability in the Workplace)
  • Dr. Kirk Adams – Innovative Impact LLC

• July 2, 2023 Episode #66 (The Gut-Mental health Connection: Understanding Baby ‘Colic’ and Postnatal Depletion)
  • Christiane Panesar – Heart-Food Holistic

• June 26, 2023 Episode #65 (Feeding Success Starts Here: Game-Changing Techniques for Tackling Feeding Challenges)
  • Dr. Samantha Goldman – AKA Dr. Sam

• June 18, 2023 Episode #64 (Empowering Families to Embrace Adventure: Park Pioneers and the Magic of National Parks)
  • Dacia Jones – AKA Dr. Drizzle and Chief Education Officer of Expeditions in Education

• June 9, 2023 Episode #63 (Changing Lives One Scoop at a Time: An Ice Cream Shop with a Mission)
  • Maddie Rogers – General Manager Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, Cary, NC

• May 26, 2023 Episode #62 (Inclusive Environments for Neurodiverse Students)
  • Dr. Evisha Ford – Founding Executive Director, iCan Dream Center

• May 21, 2023 Episode #61 (Sensory Needs Matter: Empowering Students Through Music)
  • Bryson Tarbet

• May 13, 2023 Episode #60 (Disability Travel in the US and Abroad)
  • Kristin Secor

• April 28, 2023 Episode #59 (Financial Planning for Special Needs Children: What Every Parent Needs to Know!)
  • Amit Chawla

• April 25, 2023 Episode #58 (From Hunger Games to Children’s Books: The Unstoppable Sofia Sanchez!)
  • Jennifer Varanini Sanchez and Sofia Sanchez (Part 2 of 2)

• April 18, 2023 Episode #57 (Beyond the Diagnosis: Down Syndrome Realities and Myths)
  • Jennifer Varanini Sanchez and Sofia Sanchez (Part 1 of 2)

• Apr 7, 2023 Episode #56 (Building a Supportive Community for Individuals with Down Syndrome)
  • Michelle and Matthew Schwab – Gigi’s Playhouse Raleigh

• Mar 31, 2023 Episode #55 (Parenting Autistic Children: Finding Gratitude in the Struggle)
  • Amit Chawla

• Mar 29, 2023 Episode #54 (What it’s Like to Raise a Medically Fragile Child with CVID)
  • Stacey Short

• Mar 16, 2023 Episode #53 (The Power of Inclusion: Insights from a Children’s Book Author and Non-Profit Founder)
  • Amanda Owen (Part 2 of 2)

• Mar 5, 2023 Episode #52 (Caring for Your Child with Disabilities: How to Plan for the Future)
  • Amanda Owen (Part 1 of 2)

• Feb 25, 2023 Episode #51 (The NC State Fair Access ABILITY Day – Inclusion for Special Needs Families)
  • Interviews From 2022 Event

• Feb 18, 2023 Episode #50 (My Journey with Dyscalculia)
  • Michelle Steiner

• Feb 10, 2023 Episode #49 (Giving Our Sons the Gift of Sound: Raising Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants)
  • Felicia Aquilo (Part 2 of 2)

• Feb 6, 2023 Episode #48 (Giving Our Sons the Gift of Sound: A Mother’s Story of Cochlear Implants and ASL)
  • Felicia Aquilo (Part 1 of 2)

• Jan 28, 2023 Episode #47 (Uncovering the Mystery Behind Analytic vs. Gestalt Language Processors)
  • Lenora Edwards

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Season 1

• Jan 20, 2023 Episode #46 (Financial Security for Your Special Needs Child)
  • NC ABLE Accounts

• Dec 31, 2022 Episode #45: (Virtual Reality for Neurodiverse Children)
  • Ange Anderson

• Dec 12, 2022 Episode #44: (Working With a Guide Dog)
  • Ed McDaniel

• Nov 27, 2022 Episode #43: (Children’s Books about Disabilities and Inclusion)
  • A Collaboration with the authors of the featured books

• Nov 19, 2022 Episode #42: (Advice for Someone Going Deaf)
  • Peter Burton, NF2 Diagnosis – Neurofibromatosis Type 2

• Nov 4, 2022 Episode #41: (The Role of a Speech and Language Pathologist)
  • Jacqueline Shilo-Gradnigo

• Oct 22, 2022 Episode #40: (Dyslexia Can’t Stop Me!)
  • Ariel Gradnigo

• Oct 7, 2022 Episode #39: (NC State Fair GUIDE for Special Needs Families & Access ABILITY Day 2022)
  • Heather Overton, Assistant Director of Public Affairs at N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

• Oct 4, 2022 Episode #38: (Hearing Loss in Children – Part 2)
  • Cindy Phillips, Parent of Deaf Children
  • Heather Phillips, Graduate Student in Social Work

• Sep 29, 2022 Episode #37: (Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communication Tool)
  • Tonya Wollum – SOLO episode

• Sep 23, 2022 Episode #36: (Hearing Loss in Children – Part 1)
  • Cindy Phillips, Parent of Deaf Children
  • Heather Phillips, Graduate Student in Social Work

• Sep 22, 2022 Episode #35: (World Narcolepsy Day)
  • Tonya Wollum – SOLO episode

• Sep 16, 2022 Episode #34: (What Can A Child With Autism Do?)
  • Katia Germano, Parent of an Autistic Son

• Sep 9, 2022 Episode #33: (Childhood Narcolepsy)
  • Kenya Gradnigo, Project Sleep Rising Voices

• Sep 5, 2022 Episode #32: (Disability Awareness Education for Children)
  • Gabriella Tiberio, Author of Mrs. Jones’s Wonderful Class

• Aug 26, 2022 Episode #31: (Large Print, High Contrast Storybooks for Families)
  • Krystle Boateng, Inside Ability Books

• Aug 19, 2022 Episode #30: (Narcolepsy and Sleep Disorders: The Importance of Storytelling and the Patient Voice – the Project Sleep Podcast)
  • Julie Flygare, Project Sleep President & CEO

• Aug 12, 2022 Episode #29: (Parenting a Child With Autism)
  • Fiorella Perkins, Growing on the Spectrum Support Groups

• Aug 5, 2022 Episode #28: (Johnny Kincaid’s Story – Baby Jack on NBC This Is Us)
  • Marisol Kincaid, Mother of a Visually Impaired Child Actor

• Jul 29, 2022 Episode #27: (Parenting a Child with Albinism and Nystagmus)
  • Marisol Kincaid, Advocate for Children with Visual Impairments

• Jul 22, 2022 Episode #26: (Celebrating 25 Episodes!)
  • A Look Back at the First 25 Episodes

• Jul 15, 2022 Episode #25: (Diversity on the Podcast – How Are We Alike?)
  • Speed Round responses for episodes 1-24

• Jul 8, 2022 Episode #24: (Successful School Breaks for Special Needs Kids)
  • Kristin Faith Evans, author of the Special Needs Moms Blog

• Jul 1, 2022 Episode #23: (Support for Caregivers of Special Needs Children)
  • Kristin Faith Evans, author of the Special Needs Moms Blog

• Jun 24, 2022 Episode #22: (The Importance of Friendship for Autistic Children and Adults)
  • Praveen Sriram, “Autistic Friendship”

• Jun 17, 2022 Episode #21: (Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis)
  • Evan Wilkerson, “Swimming Blind”

• Jun 10, 2022 Episode #20: (Miracle League Baseball Volunteer Experience)
  • John Davison, UB4ME Foundation

• Jun 3, 2022 Episode #19: (How to Start a Miracle League Baseball Program)
  • Robin Rose, Miracle League of the Triangle Co-Founder

• May 27, 2022 Episode #18: (Everyone deserves a chance to play baseball!)
  • Benjy Capps, Executive Director of the Miracle League of the Triangle

• May 20, 2022 Episode #17: (Brody the Lion Books for Autistic Children)
  • Dr. Kristin Wegner, Author of the Brody the Lion book series

• May 13, 2022 Episode #16: (Early Diagnosis and Intervention for Autism)
  • Dr. Kristin Wegner, Author of the Brody the Lion book series

• May 6, 2022 Episode #15: (Adapted Sports in College Recreation Program)
  • Inclusive Sports Example – Goalball

• Apr 29, 2022 Episode #14: (The Autism Puzzle Piece and Autism History)
  • The History and Symbols of Autism

• Apr 22, 2022 Episode #13: (The Role of Stimming in Autistic Children and Adults)
  • Stimming Behavior in Autistic Children and Adults

• Apr 15, 2022 Episode #12: (Support for Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and more!)
  • Jennifer Pfaltzgraff, The Arc of the Triangle (NC)

• Apr 8, 2022 Episode #11: (Living Life with Autism)
  • Justin Houcek, Mentor for teens and adults with Autism

• Apr 1, 2022 Episode #10: (How to Begin Advocating for Your Child With a Disability at School)
  • Nicole Schlechter, The IEP Mom

• Mar 25, 2022 Episode #9: (Parent of Visually Impaired Children)
  • Traci Wilkerson, O&M Instructor

• Mar 18, 2022 Episode #8: (Narcolepsy & NCAA Athletics)
  • Wake Up and Play Ball!

• Mar 11, 2022 Episode #7: (Inclusive Play Options)
  • Sensory Friendly Play at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, NC

• Mar 4, 2022 Episode #6: (Congenital Nystagmus)
  • Meet the Creator of The Dancing Eyes Podcast!

• Feb 25, 2022 Episode #5: (ADHD, Dysgraphia & Narcolepsy)
  • Misunderstood Invisible Disabilities

• Feb 18, 2022 Episode #4:
  • Special Needs Siblings – Growing Up With a Special Bond!

• Feb 11, 2022 Episode #3: (Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis)
  • Part 1: Growing Up With a Visual Impairment
  • Part 2: Space Camp, Surfing, and Zip Lining!

• Feb 4, 2022 Episode #2: (Albinism, Nystagmus & Low Vision)
  • Part 1: Growing Up With Albinism, Nystagmus and Low Vision
  • Part 2: Accommodations for Low Vision Students & Goalball for All

• Jan 28, 2022 Episode #1:
  • What’s It All About?

• Jan 21, 2022:
  • Channel Trailer

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast about?
The Water Prairie Chronicles is a podcast for parents of children with disabilities and special needs. Hosted by Tonya Wollum, it features interviews with parents, adults with disabilities, and organizations to provide a supportive community and practical information.

Q2. What topics are covered on the podcast?
The podcast covers a wide range of topics and disabilities, including visual impairment, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, dyslexia, adaptive sports, and navigating the IEP process.

Q3. Who is the host of the Water Prairie Chronicles?
The podcast is hosted by Tonya Wollum, a parent who understands the challenges and joys of raising a child with special needs.

Q4. Where can I listen to the podcast episodes?
You can listen to all episodes of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast right here on this page, or you can find them on all major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.

Key Takeaways

► Valuable Resource: The Water Prairie Chronicles is a dedicated resource for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and special needs.

► Diverse Perspectives: Episodes feature a wide range of guests, including parents, adults with disabilities, and expert organizations.

► Support and Information: The podcast provides a supportive community and essential information to help families navigate their unique journey.

► Comprehensive Coverage: You’ll find a directory of episodes covering numerous topics and disabilities, organized for easy navigation.

The Water Prairie Chronicles podcast is a valuable resource for parents of children with disabilities and special needs. Hosted by Tonya Wollum, the podcast features interviews with a variety of guests, including adults who have grown up with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and organizations that support families with special needs. Topics covered on the podcast include a wide range of disabilities, such as visual impairment, deaf and hard of hearing, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, down syndrome, dwarfism, dyslexia, narcolepsy, albinism, low vision, blindness, adaptive sports, inclusive programs, books on inclusion and disabilities, autism, dysgraphia, ADHD, IEPs, speech delays, and more. The podcast aims to provide parents with a supportive community and the information they need to help their children thrive. Whether you are looking for advice, inspiration, or just a listening ear, the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast is a great choice.