Episodes Archive - Page 11 of 16 - Water Prairie

Friday, March 13, 2026

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:

*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 #43: Children’s Books on Disability and Inclusion

Books on Disability and Inclusion

Show Notes:

This special collaboration of children’s literature authors features childrens books about disabilities and inclusion. This collection of books about disabilities for kids will be a great asset to any child’s personal library, but it is also a wonderful list of books to give to teachers for their classroom library.

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

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

Books mentioned in this episode:

*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!

Author: Alethea Allen

Alley: I Have Albinism – https://amzn.to/3gpZEnG

Author: Krystle Boateng

Bedtime, Sleep Time, Nighttime, Dream Time – https://bit.ly/accessiblebedtimestory

*** Krystle Boateng was featured in Episode #31:

Episode #31: Accessible Children’s Literature – Low Vision Books for Young Children

Author: Kristin Faith Evans & Josiah Evans

Beth’s Umbrella: Loving My Sister With Special Needs – https://disabilityparenting.com/ (FREE digital copy!)

Views From Our Shoes, by Donald Meyer – https://amzn.to/3u1F9Rx

*** Kristin Faith Evans was featured in Episodes #23 & #24:

Episode #23: Support for Caregivers of Special Needs Children

Episode #24: Successful School Breaks for Special Needs Kids

Author: Dr. Kristin Wegner

Brody the Lion: Sometimes I ROAR! – https://amzn.to/3TQv9Vr

Brody the Lion: I Can Do It, Yes I Can! – https://amzn.to/3tQeJSo

Brody the Lion: The Shopping Flip – https://amzn.to/3ES9YOQ

Brody the Lion Meets the Doc – https://amzn.to/3gpElTg

*** Dr. Wegner was featured in Episodes #16 & #17:

Episode #16: Autism Diagnosis & Intervention

Episode #17: Brody the Lion Books for Autistic Children and Sensory Kids

Author: Laura Caputo-Wickham

Fanny Crosby: The Girl Who Couldn’t See But Helped The World To Sing – https://amzn.to/3i3KPHF

Author: Gea Meijering

Hacking the Code: The Ziggety Zaggety Road of a Dyslexic Kid – https://amzn.to/3Eq1OLW

Author: Amanda Owen

Owen the Wonderer and the Great Park Adventure – https://piecesofme.org/owen-the-wonderer/

Owen the Wonderer and the New Kid in Class – https://piecesofme.org/owen-the-wonderer/

Author: Margaret O’Hair & Sofia Sanchez

You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion – https://amzn.to/3Or1qSb

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 #42: Advice for Someone Going Deaf

How does NF2 change your life?

Show Notes:

Peter Burton joins the podcast today to discuss how neurofibromatosis type 2 has changed his life. Peter openly shares his advice for someone going deaf as he talks about what happens when you go deaf. This honest conversation covers questions such as should you disclose you are deaf on a job applications, deaf accommodations at work, and what tools help the deaf communicate with the hearing.

Peter encourages listeners to try to communicate with those who are deaf by learning some simple signs to start the conversation and then shares his favorite app he uses, Live Transcribe. In fact, it was through this app that he and Tonya were first able to communicate when they met.

Contact Peter: Send email to info@waterprairie.com with “PETER” in the subject line, and we’ll forward it to him for you.

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

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

Resources for the Deaf:

American Society for Deaf Children: https://deafchildren.org/

Information for Deaf College Students: https://bit.ly/DeafCollegeGuide

Items mentioned in this episode:

*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!

Live Transcribe – app for smart phones (free for Andriod users)

https://amzn.to/3Grm9TP – Flashing Doorbell for the Deaf

https://amzn.to/3V5IV8L – Sonic Bomb Dual Extra Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker

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

https://amzn.to/3tIvgHZ – American Sign Language for Beginners book

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 #41: The Role of a Speech-Language Pathologist in Your Child’s Life

Show Notes:

Did you know your premature baby can communicate with you? How do you know if your toddler should be talking yet? Do only young children develop a stutter? Why would a speech-language pathologist work with an adult?

In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, Tonya interviews Jackie Gradnigo, a Speech-Language Pathologist in Louisiana, about her job as an SLP and how she works with babies in the NICU across the ages to seniors living in a care facility. Jackie’s upbeat personality shines through as she shares about the work she loves as a speech specialist.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Jackie’s Facebook

Kenya’s podcast episode #33 on Childhood Narcolepsy

Ariel’s podcast episode #40 on Dyslexia

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

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

Amazon Shopping Ideas for children with speech delays:

*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

My children loved LeapFrog Learning Toys like these:

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words book – https://amzn.to/3sWPei2

LeapFrog LeapStart Preschool Success learning system – https://amzn.to/3T4Ytaj

LeapFrog DVD collection – https://amzn.to/3UqlOEz

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 #40: Dyslexia Can’t Stop Me!

Show Notes:

Ariel was a 6th-grade student who began to show signs of struggling with her schoolwork. When her mother took her to be evaluated for learning differences, she was told her daughter would not be able to complete regular school graduation and to plan for her to follow an alternative educational path. In today’s episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, Ariel tells her own story of how Dyslexia hasn’t stopped her from achieving her goals in life. When asked what she would tell the doctor she saw in sixth grade, she responded enthusiastically, “Look at me now!”

Listen in on Ariel’s story of how her mother made a huge impact on how she approached her learning challenges, how specific teachers left a positive impact on her life, and what she’s doing as an adult with dyslexia. You’ll be inspired by how this young woman faced the devastating diagnosis of her doctor with determination to believe the words her mother told her and not to let the negativity hold her back!

Links mentioned in this episode:

Ariel’s Instagram: @mermaid_capri

Kenya’s podcast episode #33 on Childhood Narcolepsy:

https://youtu.be/6gCdfh4N9ns

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

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

Shopping Ideas for Dyslexic Students and Adults:

*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 Graph Paper – https://amzn.to/3z5d0fj Echo Smart Pen – https://amzn.to/3BWqHNI Echo Smart Pen notebooks – https://amzn.to/35p6Iel 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 #39: 2022 GUIDE to the NC State Fair for Special Needs Families – Access ABILITY Day!

Show Notes:

The state fair is always a fun time no matter what state you live in, but for families with children with disabilities, it isn’t always an option. The NC State Fair has created a special day where they have created a more sensory-friendly environment for fairgoers called their Access ABILITY Day where they’ve modified some of the noise and lights as well as provided space for quieter activities.

This episode of the podcast is devoted to bringing you a guide to the NC State Fair for special needs families. We interviewed Heather Overton, the Assistant Director of Public Affairs at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Heather shares some inside tips on how to make the most of your visit to the NC State Fair including dates, times, parking, handicap parking, senior citizens discounts, food, activities, tickets, and much more!

We focused the second half of the interview on the NC Fair’s Access ABILITY Day for families with special needs children. Heather gives us all the details of what to expect, what time to arrive, and where you can go if you need to find a quiet spot for your child to calm down if they get too excited with all the activity. The modifications they are making in the sounds and lights will be appreciated by those who are able to attend during the Access ABILITY Day, and Heather told us about some of the special competitions that they have planned.

If you attend this year’s Access ABILITY Day, we’d love to hear about your visit! Let us know in the comments below or on our Instagram account @water.prairie, and share your photos too! If you’re in another state, let us know if your state is offering more sensory-friendly options at the state fair this year, and we’ll see if we can feature more like this from around the US.

Links mentioned in this episode:

NC State Fair Website: https://www.ncstatefair.org

NC State Fair map:https://www.ncstatefair.org/2022/Visitor/documents/2022NCStateFairMap8.5×11.pdf

Daily Schedules: https://www.ncstatefair.org/2022/Visitor/documents/PrintableDailySchedule.pdf

Access ABILITY Day Guide:
https://www.ncstatefair.org/2022/Visitor/documents/NCSF22_accessABILITY_Programforweb.pdf
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/