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 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5 (2026)

Mar 13, 2026 #148 (Faith and Disability: Where Community Becomes Home)
- John Fela (Part 2 of 2)

Mar 6, 2026 #147 (The Tale of Two Parking Lots: Navigating Marriage and Crisis)
- John Fela (Part 1 of 2)

Feb 27, 2026 #146 (The Seat in the Back of the Class)
- Tonya Wollum

Feb 20, 2026 #145 (The “Draft IEP” Secret)
- Tonya Wollum

Feb 13, 2026 #144 (Season 5 Launch: Big changes!)
- Tonya Wollum

Upcoming Episodes:

Mar 20, 2026 #149 (ESY – Extended School Year Explained)
- Tonya Wollum

Mar 27, 2026 #150 (IEP Coach Case Study #1 – ADHD in High School)
- Tonya Wollum

🔝Back to Top

Jan 21, 2022:
- Channel Trailer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sep 22, 2022 Episode #35: (World Narcolepsy Day)
- 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 29, 2022 Episode #37: (Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communication Tool)
- Tonya Wollum – SOLO episode

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🔝 Back to Top

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🔝 Back to Top

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🔝 Back to Top

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sep 28, 2025 #139 (How to Know if Your Child Qualifies for Special Education)
- Tonya Wollum

Oct 28, 2025 #140 (What to Expect at Your First IEP Meeting as a Parent)
- Tonya Wollum

Nov 10, 2025 #141 (The Break That Saved a Paralympic Career)
- Evan Wilkerson

Nov 17, 2025 #142 (What My Guide Dog Taught Me About Independence – Paralympic College Athlete)
- Evan Wilkerson

Nov 25, 2025 #143 (College Accessibility & Safety for Visually Impaired Students)
- Evan Wilkerson

🔝 Back to Top

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.