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Welcome to Ashley Barlow Co. podcast! This business has been in my heart for so many years, and I so excited to share it with you. In these podcasts we’ll discuss all things special education – from eligibility to implementation of the IEP. We’ll talk about basic concepts and dive deeper into specific topics. We’ll talk about self-care for caregivers and professionals that support children on IEPs. We’ll discuss best practices, behavior, therapies, and more!
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One of my most favorite and successful strategies has very little to do with negotiation strategy. Rather, it is founded in a desire to make meetings as efficient as possible... but it has a huge positive impact. In today's episode I share my tried and true strategy of requesting a draft of an IEP prior to the meeting and then submitting written qu…
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I talk to about one professional a week about an Inclusion case. Attorneys, advocates, outpatient therapists, social workers, pediatricians, and so many other professionals have questions about Inclusion. I'm not only honored that these colleagues call me, but I'm also always excited to geek out about Inclusion and to provide my insight. The only g…
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I like to say that the "heart and soul" of special education is the specially designed instruction. This is the instruction that is supposed to be uniquely tailored to the child's needs. This should be drastically different from the accommodations and modifications that students on IEPs get in their general education classrooms and other environmen…
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Oh, the emails I got! I posted about IEEs in my stories a few weeks ago, and I got so many messages from professionals asking about them. I took those questions as a sign that we needed to spend a second more on IEEs here on the pod. So, let's take a step backwards and hammer in on a few basics on Individual Education Evaluations. Fact One: They're…
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Last week I attended the COPAA Conference, and a session on IEEs, presented by esteemed VA SPED attorney, Melissa Waugh, I had an epiphany about cognitive testing. Many of my clients that have kids with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities shy away from cognitive/ IQ testing. In this episode, we'll ponder (yet another…
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Last week I presented at COPAA, the Counsel for Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates, which is my favorite conference of the year. The topic of my presentation matches this week's podcast topic. Maybe soon I'll invite my co-presenter, the amazing Melissa Waugh, from Virginia's famous and wonderful firm, The Belkowitz Firm, on to the pod. But for now, …
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I’ve been on a health journey since I broke my back at the age of 15. I quickly learned that my body responds to natural remedies really, really well. While I started with massage and movement, the onset of my autoimmune symptoms in my 30s led me to exploring nutrition, acupuncture, meditation, and so many more “alternative” medicine options. That’…
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If your brain gets overwhelmed with all of the tasks, and if you soul likes lists, this episode is for you! Diagnosis, Therapies, Advocacy, Inclusion, Caregiving... Oh My! In Kelley Coleman's new book, which shares the name of this episode, she shares insights, including advice from experts, on each of those topics (and several others). Her advice …
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Not only do I love where our friend, Katie Larew, lives (#SoCal)... I love EVERYthing Katie Larew shares over at Assistive Technology for Dyslexia! AT is such a wide-ranging topic, and AT supports can positively impact outcomes for SO many students. However, there remain so many myths about and impediments to getting good technological supports at …
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Sometimes you meet somehow whose life parallels yours so significantly that its hard to believe. If you've had any discussions regarding inclusion at your school, you're going to want to listen to what Suzanne Lezotte has to say in today's episode. Suzanne feels so passionate about inclusive practices that she wrote a book, "Raising Owen: An Extra-…
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We're keeping with our theme of caregiver supports this week... but today we're also focusing on supporting our children. This week's conversation is one of my favorites of all time. Lauren McKenzie is the real deal. She's a former teacher (yes, she's taught every grade from K-12... I told ya she's the real deal), and now she's a coach that helps p…
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When I planned our Conference this year, I knew I wanted at least one person that could not only talk about caregiver fatigue and teacher burn out but also to provide us with strategies! And that's how I found Bryan Holyfield! Bryan's own journey as teacher-turned-trainer and his experience in helping parents that are struggling to manage all the t…
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Inclusion Revolution: Kayla Coburn's Vision for Empowering IEP Teamwork and Crafting Inclusive Education Opportunities
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Inclusion Starts Now? Yes please! That’s the name of my guest, Kayla Coburn’s, business, and it’s the name of my mantra for Jack’s Kindergarten Year! I can’t wait for you to meet special educator and consultant, Kayla Coburn, who is so passionate and similarly-minded about inclusive education. Her ideas and experiences are so valuable, and she’s do…
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Passion for Progress: Dr. Tay on Behavior Supports, Pathological Demand Avoidance, and the Future of Special Education Advocacy
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Ever wanna hear two people that are so passionate about special education that they sometimes lost sleep over it geek out over it?! Taylor Day’s energy for supporting students with autism is contagious – so contagious, in fact, that she is one of our very few repeat guests on the podcast, AND I’ve invited her to present at our Special Education & A…
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Trauma-Informed Triumphs: A Chat with Abigail Moehringer on Transforming School Environments
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Join me as I talk to Conference presenter, Abigail Moehringer of Mrs. Moe’s Modifications. Abigail and I explore Trauma Informed practices at school, behavior supports, and so much more in this short-but-power-packed episode that you are not going to want to miss. There were so many times that she was talking that I wanted to interrupt and say, “Ye…
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In this episode, we're diving deep into the essential things parents and caregivers need to know about 504 plans for their amazing kids. 🌟 Whether you're navigating the process, advocating for your child, or ensuring a smooth transition, we've got you covered! 🤝 Tune in for expert insights, practical tips, and empowering stories. 💪 Let's empower pa…
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You know when you have that feeling at an IEP meeting? The one where you want to stomp your feet and say, “Listen to me!” Yep, that’s awful, isn’t it?! In today’s episode I talk about the one characteristic parents that survive that moment have. How can your attitude, your spirit, your collaboration change the vibe of your IEP meeting?! That’s what…
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Coming to you live (actually recorded) from my kitchen!!! And my desk. And my bathroom. With an episode on getting it all done! In today’s episode, which is the second in our Parent Series, I’m giving you one quick tip on how I pay attention to my own needs with a particular strategy. It has to do with my calendar, and you’re going to want to try i…
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Today we welcome our outstanding tutor and Coach, Marissa Rothermel, to the podcast. Riss excels at providing behavior coaching to parents, and in this episode, she and I dive into what coaching looks like, behavior, support, parenting, ideas, and so, so much more! Riss has an energy that is contagious and uplifting, perfect for a busy holiday week…
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You know those moms that are so wise that you wish you could just sit at the counters and watch them, parent? Wisdom abounds with the first guest in our Parent Series, Ellen Snow! Have a listen as my friend Ellen, explains an epiphany she had in parenting her son, Henry, who has Down syndrome. This one lesson - and so many more that she shares in t…
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If you don’t know Mary Van Geffen, you’re going to want to! This was the kind of conversation that I thought about for a week after! Mary Van Geffen is the international parenting coach for moms of Spicy Ones. She helps people who are highly competent in life but overwhelmed by motherhood to lean into the spiritual discipline of staying calm and cu…
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We understand that this stage of your child's life can be especially challenging, and we're here to provide valuable insights and practical tips. 👂 Listen in to discover: 🌟 Effective coping strategies tailored for your child's unique needs. 🌟 How to promote open communication and emotional awareness. 🌟 Building resilience in the face of adversity. …
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In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role principals play in special education, showcasing how their leadership supercharges our IEP (Individualized Education Program) teams. 🌈✨ You know I always say that we have to go to the decision-makers… often times that’s the principal. Discover how these leaders empower our educators, parents, and stud…
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Join us in our latest podcast episode as we unravel the fascinating realm of neuropsychology and how it can be a lifeline for parents navigating IEPs and special education. 🔬 In this episode, you'll learn: What exactly neuropsychologists do and how they assess brain-behavior connections. How they can be your allies in understanding and supporting y…
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The middle of the semester can only mean one thing. Parents are exhausted. Midterms and carpools and snack bags! Oh, my! I have been working on reducing my stress load recently, and one thing I have been trying to do is to find joy in the little things. And today's episode I talk about a few things that are filling my cup recently. I have experienc…
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We’ve talked about evaluations and eligibility a fair amount here, but we’ve never talked about the Bell Curve (I don’t think!). Since it’s so, so important to understanding your child’s evaluation data, I’m giving you a Bell Curve 101 in today’s episode! 🧠 Have you ever wondered how standardized testing and bell curve distributions affect special …
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Join us in this week's episode as we unpack game-changing strategies to keep your special education journey on track, stress-free, and empowering. From setting up a dedicated space to mastering communication logs, we've got you covered! In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ Proven filing and digital record-keeping techniques. ✅ Tips for maintaining a…
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What is your WATNA and your BATNA? In today's episode well talk about a negotiation strategy, that is so simple that it is often overlooked. However, I have seen it benefit so many negotiations in incredible ways. This episode will help you navigate annual meetings, mediation, due process, and so many other decisions in your life. Transcript: https…
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In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the world of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and explore the vital role that accommodations and modifications play in helping students thrive. 💡 Whether you're a parent navigating the IEP process, an educator looking for innovative strategies, or simply curious about the world of special education…
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I believe that song lyrics can really help us through so many of life’s experiences, and this is, of course, true of our experiences in advocating for our children in special education. I was raised on Jimmy Buffett music and married a fellow Parrothead, so Buffett is a constant in the Barlow household. In today’s episode, I pay tribute to Jimmy by…
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Listen. Life happens. Sure, you have the best intentions to spend a few minutes every day during the two weeks leading up to your IEP meeting, preparing for the meeting, but let's face it. You don't always have time. And today's episode we are talking about a few tips for those circumstances. And just to really hammer in the point, I deliver this p…
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🎙️ Join us on our latest podcast episode, "Parent Collaboration to Promote Inclusion," as we explore powerful ways parents can make a difference in promoting inclusion. From insightful conversations to practical tips, we're here to empower you to be a force for positive change. 🌟 Today we'll delve into: 🤝 Collaborative strategies for parents and ed…
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Hey, fabulous listeners! You might've done a double-take, thinking, "Wait, that's not Ashley's voice!" and you'd be right! I'm Rachel Starr, the Creative Director at ABCo and the mastermind behind today's plot twist! 😜 For 149 episodes, Ashley's been our captain, steering this ship with her wisdom, guiding us on this awesome mission to jazz up the …
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👉 Are you passionate about inclusivity? 👈We’re back from our little summer break with a new episode on Inclusivity and Integration. Join me as we delve into the heart of the matter, exploring the crucial differences between inclusion and integration in the realm of special education. 🤝💡 🏢 Inclusion: Embracing ALL Abilities! Discover how inclusion f…
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In this episode, we explore the core principles of inclusive education. In the context of education, inclusion refers to the practice of providing equal access to quality education within a general education setting for all students, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or differences. We delve into the belief that every student has the righ…
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Welcome to the world of Cs at abC! Clever, isn't it? 🧩 In today's podcast episode, we're honing in on two of my favorite C words - Communication and Community. We'll be exploring how you can stay connected with your school community during the summer and the benefits of doing so! ☀️🏫 And for those for whom the school community isn't a viable option…
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It's a birthday week around here… And tomorrow, our Jackman will be a TEENAGER! This is equally terrifying and exciting! In today’s episode, I’ll share some reflections on Jack’s pre-teen years, some lessons I’ve learned, and some things to celebrate! Thanks for letting me share so much about our educational journey and my most amazing kid with you…
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I learn something from Jack Barlow almost every day of my life. The simple wisdom that he emulates is such a blessing to our family and community. In today’s episode, I will share with you. One lesson I have learned from Jack that is so effective and advocacy. Coming to you live from my living room this is an episode. You will not want to miss! Lea…
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In today's episode, we take a fascinating journey into the world of Phonological Awareness, a crucial skill often considered as the ability to 'play with language.' Our goal is to demystify this complex topic for parents, educators, and lifelong learners, emphasizing its significant role in literacy development and cognitive function. We delve into…
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No, no, no! Goodness, do we ever get tired of our children saying, “No!” I thought it was bad with toddlers… now I have (almost) two teen-agers, and I’d love to hear “Yes” just once a week!!!! It's hard to be on the other end of “no,” isn’t it? In today’s quick episode, we’re talking about the power of saying “yes,” both on the giving and receiving…
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Unleashing the Awesome Surprises of Online Tutoring with the Marvelous Michelle Breitenbach!
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Need more time in your week? Tired of running kids to activities and therapies? Wanna just enjoy your neighborhood pool or sit by a ball field? Want new, meaningful, insanely beneficial ways to connect with your child? Imagine the surprise of Michelle Breitenbach when she hesitantly agreed to tutor all of her students on-line and subsequently got t…
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You’ve heard about - and maybe even asked for - a multi-sensory, evidence-based reading program, but what does that really mean? In this webinar we’ll talk about how a multi-sensory approach looks in practice and why it works. We’ll even explore a few common curricula and try to differentiate between them! Transcript: https://share.descript.com/vie…
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Last week we scratched the surface on the Science of Reading. Last week I also dropped all the balls, and I had to cancel a free webinar on the Science of Reading. So, this week’s podcast is basically a deeper dive into SOR – and it’s exactly what I would present at the webinar. We’re killing two birds with the SOR--- a podcast and a webinar in one…
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Science is a systematic and logical approach to discovering how the natural world works. So, the Science of Reading is the result of a systematic and logical approach to how we learn to READ! Wanna know more? Join me in today’s webinar where we discuss the Science of Reading. We’ll talk about what this research shows, and we’ll break it down so you…
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Today we welcome Michelle Morgan, SLP and dyslexia guru, to the podcast! Michelle is walking us through a hand-writing program she designed, giving us lots of tips and information on how hand-writing supports the process of learning to read. Michelle was our guest in Season2, Episode 77 and you all loved it! I can’t wait for you to listen to this e…
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Today we welcome Rosemarie Griffin of ABA Speech, and we talk about a super hot topic: how – and why- we can incorporate neurodiversity affirming practices into our therapy, tutoring, and even play sessions with children. We’re talking about how to incorporate sensory strategies, behavior supports, and other practices that affirm a child’s profile,…
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I know from my time on non-profit boards that Potty Training is always a popular topic amongst parents. That’s why I couldn’t believe that it had taken me this long to invite Molly Johnson from @theautismconsultant onto the pod! Molly is a special educator with a Masters in Special Education and Administration, who started a consulting business whi…
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Of all the educators on IG that I follow, I think I’m the biggest fangirl of Hanna at My Literacy Space. Over the past few years, I’ve so enjoyed what Hanna has put into their space – creative ways to teach literacy, helpful information about the science of reading, and a health smattering of fun! In today’s podcast, I discuss why multi-sensory rea…
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Marnie Ginsberg, Founder of Reading Simplified, is a reading difficulties detective who streamlines the science and art of reading instruction so teachers can rapidly learn effective techniques that help students accelerate to grade level and beyond. She also helps translate the latest understandings from science into practical, easy-to-implement a…
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What's Your IEP Meeting Personality Type? Are you Frazzled Frances, the mom that's always running behind, completely capable of advocating more but overwhelmed with all that life throws at you? Or could you be Courteous Carol, a "yes man" through and through. Perhaps you'll be Hesitant Hannah, who distrusts the sweet Kindergarten teacher and has re…
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