Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast
Conversations to support parents of children with disabilities.
Tonya Wollum
Show overview
Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 155 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 90 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 3rd season.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 23 min and 43 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-US-language Kids & Family show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 4 weeks ago, with 9 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2022, with 48 episodes published. Published by Tonya Wollum.
From the publisher
Conversations to support parents of children with disabilities.
Latest Episodes
View all 155 episodes152. Is Your Child’s IEP Ready for Middle or High School? Do This NOW Before Fall
151. Why Special Needs Parents Are Financially Burned Out — And What to Do About It
S3 Ep 150150. The IEP That Almost Destroyed an Honors Student
In this episode, Tonya breaks down a case study of a twice-exceptional (2e) student—someone who is academically gifted but struggling with the biological hurdles of ADHD.
S3 Ep 149149. The ESY Myth—Maintenance, Not Summer School
"Summer School" and "ESY" are not the same thing—and using the wrong word could cost your child their services.
S3 Ep 148Episode #148: Faith and Disability: Where Community Becomes Home (with Guest John Fela) - Part 2
Discover how faith and disability intersect as John Fela shares his journey of raising a non-verbal autistic son and finding a church community that truly welcomes all.
S3 Ep 147Episode #147: The Tale of Two Parking Lots: Navigating Marriage and Crisis with John Fela (Part 1)
Join Tonya Wollum and guest John Fela for a raw, honest look at special needs parenting for a child with non-verbal autism. We discuss the challenges of an autism diagnosis, navigating medical crises like Chiari malformation, and managing the strain of divorce in the special needs community.
S3 Ep 146Episode #146: Proximity is Not a Program: Moving from Inclusion to Belonging
Does your child spend their day in the general education classroom, but you suspect they aren't truly included? In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, we are unpacking the dangerous myth that "proximity is a program." Just because a student is physically in the room doesn't mean they belong. Join me as we break down the difference between mainstreaming and true inclusion, explore the transformative power of a sensory audit, and learn how to write IEP goals that prioritize social connection over mere compliance. Let’s help your child find their place on the dance floor.
S3 Ep 145Episode #145: The "Draft IEP" Secret: How to Take Control of Your Meeting Before It Starts
Learn the "Draft IEP" secret to stop predetermination. Get Tonya Wollum’s expert scripts for requesting IEP drafts and auditing goals to lead your child's next meeting with confidence.
S3 Ep 144Episode #144: Season 5 Kickoff: Flu Bugs and Big Changes
In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, Tonya returns after a two-month hiatus due to illness and discusses season five with a new audio-only format. The episode includes personal updates, such as coping with the flu and helping a son move to a new college. Tonya also shares insights on upcoming changes related to digital accessibility laws and teases a new comprehensive digital training tool aimed at helping businesses and community groups be more inclusive. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback and subscribe for updates.
S3 Ep 143143. Blind College Student & Paralympic Swimmer on Campus Accessibility & Safety
Blind college student and Paralympic swimmer Evan Wilkerson shares what college is really like for a visually impaired student. Evan talks openly about how he navigates campus safely, what accommodations he uses, and his future Paralympic plans.
S3 Ep 142Episode #142: What My Guide Dog Taught Me About Independence (Paralympic College Athlete)
Guide Dog Training at The Seeing Eye: Paralympic medalist Evan Wilkerson introduces his partner, Titus, and shares the critical safety rules pet owners must know.
S3 Ep 141Episode #141: The Hardest Lesson: Why a Break Saved a Paralympic Career (w/ Evan Wilkerson)
Paralympic Swimming Bronze Medalist Evan Wilkerson details his dramatic 2025 win in Singapore, battling E. coli, burnout, and learning the vital lesson of rest.
S3 Ep 140Episode #140: What to Expect at Your First IEP Meeting as a Parent
Learn what to expect at your first IEP meeting as a parent. Get practical tips, understand team roles, and download our free 15-question checklist today.
S3 Ep 139Episode #139: How to Know if Your Child Qualifies for Special Education
How to get an IEP evaluation? IEP Coach Tonya Wollum breaks down the special education eligibility process, your rights under the IDEA law, and the critical step to request services in writing. Download the free letter template!
S3 Ep 138138. The #1 Question Every Parent Should Ask About Their Child's Speech
Learn the crucial signs of speech and language delays from an expert and discover actionable steps for parents. This episode covers early intervention, IEPs, and the power of a parent's intuition.
S3 Ep 137Episode #137: The Future of Special Education: How IDEA Changes Will Impact Your Family
Stay informed on the latest special education news. Host Tonya Wollum discusses a proposed IDEA funding overhaul, new data on state compliance, and a huge Supreme Court win for students with disabilities. Learn what this means for your child's IEP.
S3 Ep 136Episode #136: Mastering To-Do Lists as a Parent is EASIER Than You Think!
Learn how to find peace and stay productive in the midst of a chaotic parenting life. Jen Anderson, creator of the ACCOMPLIST app, shares tips on shifting your mindset and embracing a flexible to-do list.
S3 Ep 135Episode #135: 5 School Communication Secrets That Change Everything
Learn 5 simple school communication secrets that will help you build a powerful partnership with your child's teacher and IEP team, turning a stressful relationship into a collaborative one.
S3 Ep 134Episode #134: The Surprising Reason Your Child Doesn't Do Things On Their Own
Learn how to prepare your neurodiverse child for adulthood with actionable steps on teaching daily living skills and building independence. Authors Kristin Lombardi & Christine Drew share expert advice.
S3 Ep 133Episode #133: Navigating College as a Visually Impaired Freshman?
Think you know what it takes to succeed in college? You'll be amazed by the tech, grit, and self-advocacy that a blind student uses to thrive in a sighted world.