Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast

Show Notes: In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast, host Tonya Wollum interviews Amanda Owen, founder of the nonprofit organization Puzzle Pieces. Amanda shares her personal journey of growing up as a sibling to a brother with a rare disability and how it has impacted her life. She talks about the emotional impact of having a sibling with a disability, the challenges and joys that come with it, and the importance of emotional intelligence in processing those feelings. As a special education teacher, Amanda felt called to do more to support people with disabilities and founded Puzzle Pieces, a nonprofit organization that has been serving the community for almost 11 years. Through her own experiences and the work of Puzzle Pieces, Amanda has become a coach for parents and siblings of individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate the emotional and practical aspects of their situations. In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Amanda shares her perspective on growing up as a sibling to a brother with a disability and the lessons she has learned along the way. Whether you are a parent, sibling, or friend of someone with a disability, this episode will provide valuable insights and inspiration on how to support and advocate for those with disabilities. Join us next week for the rest of Tonya’s conversation with Amanda. She talks more about her experiences, the books she’s written to help support children with disabilities and spread awareness and acceptance, and her work with her non-profit, Puzzle Pieces. Amanda loves to connect! Find her at: Website: piecesofme.org Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-me/id1547078857 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piecesofmebyamanda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piecesofmebyamanda/ Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie “2 Truths and a Lie” Game: Can you guess which statements Amanda shared were her truths and which was her lie? Post your best guess in the comments below. We’ll post the correct answer on Instagram next week so be sure to check and see if you were right. 1. Her brother was the 11th person in U.S. with his diagnosis. 2. She is 2 episodes from 100th on podcast. 3. She loves to cook and try new recipes. 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/

Show Notes: Join us on a journey to the heart of the North Carolina State Fair where we witnessed something truly special. In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, we explore Access ABILITY Day, an event that's all about creating a sensory-friendly event that provided inclusion for special needs families. Hear from families who took part in the event and learn about the Chill Out Zone, a special area set up to help families with sensory needs find a quiet space to relax and recharge. If you're passionate about creating a more inclusive world, this episode is for you. 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/

Show Notes: Imagine not being able to tell time, count money, or do basic math in your head. For people with dyscalculia, these everyday tasks can be a real challenge. In this video, we're going to take a deep dive into dyscalculia and explore its causes, symptoms, and potential solutions. Michelle Steiner joins Tonya to talk about her experiences with dyscalculia and other invisible disabilities and how she’s learned to embrace the disabilities and achieve success in life. Connect with Michelle: https://michellesmission.blog/ https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013356902200 2 Truths and a Lie: Can you guess which statements Michelle shared were her truths and which was her lie? Post your best guess in the comments below. We’ll post the correct answer on Instagram next week so be sure to check and see if you were right. Michelle has 3 stories coming out in an anthology Michelle is going to Canada this summer Michelle will be growing butterflies with a kit this summer 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/

Show Notes: This is the second half of my recent conversation with Felicia Aquilo, the mother of two young boys who were born profoundly deaf. She and her husband, Steve, have faced the challenge of giving their boys the gift of sound; equipping them with cochlear implants, teaching them to speak as well as sign language, and helping them appreciate music and other sounds. Join us as we hear from Felicia about her journey, her sons’ progress, and her very real hopes for their futures. This is part 2 of Felicia’s story. Be sure to catch the first part in Episode #48! In part 1, Felicia shared her “facts” for the game of “2 Truths and a Lie.” Can you guess which statements Felicia shared were her truths and which was her lie? Post your best guess in the comments below. We’ll post the correct answer on Instagram @water.prairie next week so be sure to check and see if you were right. 2 Truths and a Lie: Felicia loves cooking and wanted to be on Master Chef Felicia enjoys training and running marathons Felicia’s known how to snow ski since she was 2-years-old Follow Felicia on Instagram: @feliciaaquila Hands and Voices, a resource for families of deaf children: Instagram: @handsandvoices Website: www.handsandvoices.org 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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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 [email protected] 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/

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/

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/

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/2022NCStateFairMap8.5x11.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/

Show Notes: Parents of deaf and hard of hearing children have concerns about their children’s safety both when they are young and when they’re older. Cindy and Heather Phillips join us again in this episode to talk about life after high school. They both share advice for deaf students, parents of deaf children, and teachers who work with deaf students. If you missed the first part of the interview, be sure to go back to Episode #36 () and learn about Heather’s diagnosis, the early years of parenting a deaf child, and how Heather navigated school challenges. Be sure to check out some of the links below. I’ve included a great resource for parents and students who are looking at college or are already college students, and I’d like to thank Intelligent for providing us with the link to this resource for deaf students! There is also a link to an organization Cindy recommends for parents of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Contact Cindy and Heather through Facebook or send them an email at [email protected], and I’ll forward it to them. Cindy’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.brownphillips.7 Heather’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.phillips.35325 Resources for the Deaf: American Society for Deaf Children: https://deafchildren.org/ Information for Deaf College Students: https://bit.ly/DeafCollegeGuide Alarm Clocks for Deaf and Hard of Hearing: * I am an Amazon Associate and may benefit if you use these links. https://amzn.to/3M7025O - Super Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker https://amzn.to/3M4ASVy - Extra Loud Vibrating Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker https://amzn.to/3V5IV8L - Sonic Bomb Dual Extra Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker 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/

Show Notes: If you’ve been following the podcast, you met Cindy and Heather Phillips in episode #36, and we’ll continue their interview in episode #38. If you’re new to the podcast, welcome! I wanted to share a story about what happened after I interviewed Cindy and Heather. I don’t want to give away the rest of their story, but Heather shared something during the 2nd half of the interview that made me think more about how I communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing that I meet. The day after the interview, I was at work and had a customer indicate to me that he was deaf. He had a question, and between us we were able to figure out the question and the answer by using hand gestures and facial expressions. I walked away knowing I had not been able to give him the same service as I could have given someone who could hear me. During this short podcast episode, I explain how this combination of events has already helped others communicate, and I hope it inspires you to find ways to communicate with those whose path you cross. The app I mentioned in the podcast is the LIVE TRANSCRIBE app and is only for Android phones. Resources for the Deaf: American Society for Deaf Children: https://deafchildren.org/ Information for Deaf College Students: https://bit.ly/DeafCollegeGuide Instagram: @water.prairie 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/

Show Notes: Do you know how to tell if your baby is deaf? Do you know what questions you should be asking your doctor? Our guests today are a mother-daughter duo, Cindy and Heather Phillips, who join us to talk about how Cindy and her husband have raised 2 deaf children and some of the decisions they’ve made to help their children become successful adults. This is the first of a 2-part interview. During this part of the interview, we concentrate on the early years of the children being diagnosed with hearing loss, starting school, school changes, school accommodations, friendships, support for parents, and some fun stories sprinkled throughout. The next part will be released in the first week of October 2022 and will include navigating college as a deaf student, living on campus, plans for the future, and current work challenges. I’ll post the link to the episode here once it is posted. Contact Cindy and Heather through Facebook or send them an email at [email protected], and I’ll forward it to them. Cindy’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.brownphillips.7 Heather’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.phillips.35325 Resources for the Deaf: American Society for Deaf Children: https://deafchildren.org/ Information for Deaf College Students: https://bit.ly/DeafCollegeGuide 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/

Show Notes: September 22 is World Narcolepsy Day Let's join together and celebrate World Narcolepsy Day by learning a little about what narcolepsy is and how it affects those who live with it. After having the opportunity of interviewing 3 different people with narcolepsy this year, I've learned a lot about it and some of the challenges it presents. If you haven't heard those interviews, I'll list them below so you can hear the stories of Christopher, Julie, and Kenya. If you're on Instagram, check out our posts today and comment on some of them to show your support for those living with narcolepsy! Narcolepsy Episodes: Christopher's Story: Episode #5 (Misunderstood Invisible Disabilities) & Episode #8 (Wake Up And Play Ball!) Julie's Story: Episode #30 (Narcolepsy and Sleep Disorders) Kenya's Story: Episode #33 (Childhood Narcolepsy) Instagram: @water.prairie 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/

What does a child with autism do after high school? Show Notes: Have you ever wondered what activities are available for a child with autism? Our guest today has a 20-year-old son with autism. Katia shares her journey of learning to parent a child with autism and how she made decisions throughout her son’s childhood starting with a disagreement with the doctor about a diagnosis and her son’s need for early intervention. Today, her son is a happy young adult who is involved in several different types of activities. Send questions for Katia to [email protected] Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Florida Scholarships for School: https://www.stepupforstudents.org/Dive Heart Foundation: https://diveheart.org/Flight Programs for Kids:Challenge Air: https://www.challengeair.com/Vital Flight: https://vitalflight.org/ 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/

Show Notes: Our guest during this interview is Kenya Gradnigo, a social worker and a member of the board for Project Sleep. Kenya shared information about being diagnosed with narcolepsy as a young child and some of the lessons she’s learned on how to manage life with narcolepsy. Contact Project Sleep: Kenya's Instagram: @unapologetically_ken Project Sleep Website: https://project-sleep.com Navigating College Toolkit: https://bit.ly/narcolepsyschool 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/

Disability Awareness Show Notes: Do you have a child with a disability? Have you ever thought about how others might view a disability? Can you tell your child how to explain their disability to their friends? Our guest for this episode is Gabriella Tiberio, a teenager who has created what may be the best representation of disabilities we've seen! She may be young, but she understands what it means to make disabilities a part of who someone is and not the only characteristic that people see. Join us for this interview and find out what brought Gabriella to write a children’s book about disability awareness and how it’s being used to speak out for children in their schools and how others are using it to teach their children how to understand why some people they meet might need special accommodations at times. Contact Gabriella: Instagram: @gabriellatiberiooOrder Mrs Jones's Wonderful Class(As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission if you make a purchase. This is a way you can help support the podcast!) 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/

How would you feel if you wanted to share a bedtime story with your child, but the process was too difficult? Our guest today knows just how frustrating it is to read a children’s storybook when you can’t see the words on the page. The mother of 2 young boys, Krystle Boateng took it upon herself to find a way to share a bedtime story with her two young sons, and she's sharing her solution with the world! Listen to this episode to hear Krystle's story of frustration in trying to find a way to simply hold her children on her lap and read them a bedtime story. Many take this for granted, but there are parents and grandparents who would love to experience this traditional bedtime routine. However, for those with vision loss, it is a challenge to find a way to hold a book with standard size print, read the words to your child, and also allow the child to see the pictures on the page. Krystle's frustration turned into an entrepreneurial mission and ended with her starting her own company and publishing her first book! Contact Krystle: Website: https://www.iabilitybooks.com/ Instagram: @inside_ability_books How to order Bedtime, Sleep Time, Nighttime, Dreamtime, A Large Print Bedtime StoryStandard EditionReverse Contrast Edition 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/

Show Notes: Our guest during this interview is Julie Flygare, the president and CEO of Project Sleep and host of the Project Sleep podcast. Julie shared information about narcolepsy and some of the exciting things that are happening through Project Sleep. Some of the key information we discussed are the difference between type 1 narcolepsy and type 2 narcolepsy, cataplexy, current research for narcolepsy, and accommodations for students with narcolepsy. Contact Project Sleep: Website: https://project-sleep.com Podcast: https://project-sleep.com/podcast/ Pediatric Narcolepsy Survey: https://project-sleep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Pediatric-Narcolepsy-Boston.pdf Julie’s Book, Wide Awake and Dreaming: A Memoir of Narcolepsy: https://amzn.to/3wgE0H4 Genetic Marker for Narcolepsy: HLA-DBQ1*06:02More information on page 11: https://project-sleep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Science-of-Narcolepsy-Toolkit.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/

Parenting a child with autism isn't easy, and adding homeschooling could make it more difficult. In this episode, you'll meet Fiorella Perkins. She is a “girl mom, homeschooling, autism advocate,” and she spends some time talking about how her daughter was diagnosed with autism just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Some of the challenges she faced in finding ways to help her daughter may not be the same today, but Fiorella has some creative ideas of how you can help support your child with autism. Listen to her story and why she has become a strong voice that is helping thousands of other parents guide their children and support each other! This is the first of 2 interviews with Fiorella. Be sure to join us for the second part of the interview to learn more about what she is doing to create a supportive environment for families who have children on the autism spectrum and how you can create the same where you live! Contact Fiorella: @fiorella_perkins 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/

Johnny Kincaid is the child actor who plays Baby Jack on the NBC series This Is Us during the 2022 Final Season of the show. Johnny has albinism and nystagmus, and his mother, Marisol, is an advocate for visually impaired children. Marisol uses her Instagram account as a platform to teach others the importance of proper care for those with albinism and general information about different eye conditions. This episode is the second half of an interview Marisol Kincaid gave on the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast to talk about parenting a child with albinism, Baby Jack on This Is Us, and how Johnny Kincaid got his first acting job on the NBC TV show. In this fun interview, listen in as Marisol and Tonya share their experiences in parenting a child with albinism and nystagmus and compare notes about raising their children. During the second part of the interview, Marisol shares how Johnny got started with acting and some of his experiences while filming. Contact Marisol: @holdingsunshine on Instagram More Information on Albinism: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/oculocutaneous-albinism/ Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie Thank you to our Super Fans: Praveen S. 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/

Johnny Kincaid is the child actor who plays Baby Jack on the NBC series This Is Us. Johnny has albinism and nystagmus, and his mother, Marisol, is an advocate for visually impaired children. Marisol uses her Instagram account as a platform to teach others the importance of proper care for those with albinism and general information about different eye conditions. This is the first half of an interview Marisol Kincaid gave on the podcast to talk about parenting a child with albinism, Baby Jack on This Is Us, and how Johnny Kincaid got his first acting job on the NBC TV show, This Is Us. In this fun interview, listen in as Marisol and Tonya share their experiences in parenting a child with albinism and nystagmus and compare notes about raising their children. Contact Marisol: @holdingsunshine on Instagram Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie More Information on Albinism: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/oculocutaneous-albinism/

Show Notes: Episode #26 marks the midway point in our first season of the Water Prairie Chronicles, and it seemed appropriate to do a little reflecting on what we've accomplished so far this season. This episode includes a sample of the interviews we've provided for you as a way to let you meet our guests and sample the different topics we've covered. It's been an exciting journey so far, and we can't wait to see who else we get to introduce to you in the coming months! 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/

Show Notes: As a way of celebrating the first 25 episodes of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast, we created this episode as a compilation of all the Speed Rounds from the guests featured in episodes 1 through 24. The podcast may feature guests who represent different types of disabilities and support for those living with disabilities, but we’ve found through the Speed Round portion of our interviews that we’re alike in many ways. Listen through the responses to the 10 Speed Round questions and see who you can connect with and check out some of the books our guests have read recently from the list below. Tonya is an Amazon Associate and might receive a benefit if you click on the links, and any income received by using these links will go to help support the creation of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast. For a list of books mentioned during question 2 of the Speed Round, visit https://waterprairie.com/2022/07/22/episode25/. 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/

Show Notes: Do breaks from school cause stress and anxiety for you or your child? In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, Kristin Faith Evans continues her talk with Tonya about some of the techniques she uses to keep peace in the family during breaks from school and even on the weekends. Kristin is the author of the Disability Parenting Blog (formerly the Special Needs Moms Blog), and this part of her interview was inspired by an article she posted on her blog. See the blog post here: https://disabilityparenting.com/how-to-maintain-structure-for-children-with-disabilities-over-summer-break/ This is the second episode of a 2-part series with Kristin, and we think you’ll enjoy meeting this author, speaker, mother, wife, and mental health specialist! Be sure to check out the first episode at: https://waterprairie.com/2022/07/01/support-for-caregivers-of-special-needs-children/ Kristin would love to hear from you! Connect with her through the Disability Parenting website at disabilityparenting.com and let her know you heard about her blog on the Water Prairie Chronicles! 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/

Show Notes: Being a caregiver for special needs children is not an easy path, and our mission on the Water Prairie Chronicles is to come alongside disability families and give them support. In today’s episode, Kristin Faith Evans joins Tonya to share her story of being a medical mama and caregiver for special needs children. Kristin talks about how her journey began with her first child and how her parenting path changed after her second child entered the family. This is the first episode of a 2-part series with Kristin, and we think you’ll enjoy meeting this author, speaker, mother, wife, and mental health specialist! Kristin would love to hear from you! Connect with her through the Disability Parenting Blog (formerly the Special Needs Moms Blog) at disabilityparenting.com and let her know you heard about her blog on the Water Prairie Chronicles! 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/

Show Notes: Autistic Friendship: How to help your autistic child make friends A popular search topic for autistic adults is, “How to make friends as an autistic person.” Many parents of autistic children want to find out how to help your autistic child make friends. Why is this a difficult topic to find help with? In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, Tonya talks with Praveen Sriram about the topic of “Autistic Friendship.” Praveen shares how his life was as a child and some of the tips he has found that help him make friends as an autistic adult. He’s found some creative ways to meet others even during the Covid 19 pandemic and has some suggestions for children and parents who are looking for help with how to find friends as an autistic person. Questions for Praveen can be sent to [email protected] with “Episode 22" or "Friendship” in the subject line. 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/

Show Notes: Have you ever wondered how do blind swimmers know to flip on their turns or how do blind swimmers know when to dive on relays? In this interview with Evan Wilkerson, Tonya learns about his journey of learning to swim as a blind athlete and what his goals are for the future. Evan shares some of the tips he’s learned about training in the pool when you can’t see the lines at the bottom of the pool and talks about what it takes to qualify for the Paralympics. Questions for Evan can be sent to [email protected] with “Episode 21” in the subject line. Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie Survive The Wild Video Game: http://www.samtupy.com/games/stw/ USA Swimming: https://www.usaswimming.org/ 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/

How can one encounter change your world? Meet Coach John, a volunteer coach for the Miracle League of the Triangle, and hear how one simple conversation changed his life and led to the start of the UB4ME Foundation. In this episode, Tonya talks with John Davison, a volunteer with the Miracle League of the Triangle for over ten years. John tells what first brought him to the Miracle League and why he continues to volunteer with the organization. He also shares how that experience has led him to form the UB4ME Foundation to support other non-profit organizations as well as encourage more community support for the Miracle League. If you’re looking for a Miracle League baseball program near you, see the links below for contacts with the National office of the Miracle League, and get connected as a player, coach, or volunteer. It will change your life! Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie Contact John: UB4MEFoundation.com Miracle League of the Triangle (NC) Contact Information: Website: Mltriangle.comYouTubeInstagram: @mlofthetriangleTwitter: @mlofthetraiangleFacebook: @MiracleLeagueOfTheTriangle Find a Miracle League near you: https://www.miracleleague.com/find-a-miracle-league/ 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/

Show Notes: Hear the story about how the Miracle League of the Triangle in North Carolina got started and how you can start a program in your area. In this episode, Tonya talks with Robin Rose, one of the co-founders of the Miracle League of the Triangle about some of the things he did to help get their program started. During the interview, Robin gives tips for others who might want to start a program. If you’re looking for a Miracle League baseball program near you, see the links below for contacts with the National office of the Miracle League, and get connected as a player, coach, or volunteer. It will change your life! Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie Miracle League of the Triangle (NC) Contact Information: Website: Mltriangle.com YouTube Instagram: @mlofthetriangle Twitter: @mlofthetraiangle Facebook: @MiracleLeagueOfTheTriangle Episode #19 Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction Photos used with permission from Miracle League of the Triangle and Cary Magazine. 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/ The Miracle League of the Triangle The Miracle League of the Triangle is a special place for kids with disabilities! This program of baseball for special needs children offers teams for kids from age 5-65 and has teams playing in Cary, Raleigh, and Durham, NC. Join Tonya as she interviews Benjy Capps, the Executive Director of the Miracle League of the Triangle, and learn more about what Miracle League baseball is all about. If you’re looking for a Miracle League baseball program near you, see the links below for contacts with the National office of the Miracle League, and get connected as a player, coach, or volunteer. It will change your life! Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie Miracle League of the Triangle (NC) Contact Information: Website: Mltriangle.com YouTube Instagram: @mlofthetriangle Twitter: @mlofthetraiangle Facebook: @MiracleLeagueOfTheTriangle 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/

The Miracle League of the Triangle is a special place for kids with disabilities! This program of baseball for special needs children offers teams for kids from age 5-65 and has teams playing in Cary, Raleigh, and Durham, NC. Join Tonya as she interviews Benjy Capps, the Executive Director of the Miracle League of the Triangle, and learn more about what Miracle League baseball is all about. If you’re looking for a Miracle League baseball program near you, see the links below for contacts with the National office of the Miracle League, and get connected as a player, coach, or volunteer. It will change your life! Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie Miracle League of the Triangle (NC) Contact Information: Website: Mltriangle.com YouTube Instagram: @mlofthetriangle Twitter: @mlofthetraiangle Facebook: @MiracleLeagueOfTheTriangle Photos used with permission from Miracle League of the Triangle and Cary Magazine. 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/

Tonya continues her interview from last week's episode with Dr. Kristin Wegner, a clinical psychologist who works with autistic children along with children who may have other sensory needs to help them unlock the door and experience the world around them. During this part of the interview, Dr. Wegner introduces the Brody the Lion book series. The series of books for autistic children was written as a way to help any child who needs to prepare for change and may have difficulty when things don't go as they expected them to go and include a special section of tips for parents to help them teach their child and prepare them for different challenges they may face. The Brody the Lion series is an excellent addition to your library for your child, and, after meeting Brody and watching this video, we think you'll want to get these books for your children and grandchildren! We've included the links below for anyone who wants to purchase through Amazon or Dr. Wegner's website. If you missed Episode #16 with Dr. Wegner, you can find it HERE. She gave some fantastic tips for parents of young children on who to call if you think you see autistic traits in your child so you can get started with early interventions and help your child open the door to the world around them as well as how to know if the therapy you're starting will be a positive experience for your child. Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie Brody the Lion Books: (As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission if you make a purchase. This is a way you can help support the podcast!)Sometimes I ROAR! - https://amzn.to/3OyeioYI Can Do it, Yes I can! - https://amzn.to/37HoDONThe Shopping Flip - https://amzn.to/3v5r8n6Meets the Doc - https://amzn.to/3k5L8zGGet a FREE 30 Day Trial for Kindle Unlimited! - https://amzn.to/3EErPqw Dr. Wegner's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brody.the.lion/ Dr. Wegner's website: https://www.brodythelion.com/ Brody the Lion Shopping Page: https://brodythelion.shop/ (Books, plush animals, stickers, and book bundles are available) 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/

In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, Emily Wollum returns to give us an update on the Inclusive Sports Program she told us about in episode #2. Goalball is a new sport for her college recreational sports program and has been a great inclusive sports example for the students at the school Emily shares how the program worked out this Spring and some of the lessons she learned about running an inclusive sports program. Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie Tonya speaks with Dr. Kristin Wegner, a clinical psychologist who works with autistic children along with children who may have other sensory needs to help them unlock the door and experience the world around them. During the interview, Dr. Wegner shares information about how early a child might show signs of being autistic, the difference between early ABA therapy and that being used today, tips for parents, and if an autistic child should have an IEP or a 504 plan. This is the first half of the interview with Dr. Wegner, and the second half will be released in episode #17 where Dr. Wegner will introduce the Brody the Lion book series for parents of young autistic children. The books are a great tool for parents of all children to use to help their children prepare for changes in routines and new experiences. Be sure to watch episode #17! Brody the Lion Books: (As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission if you make a purchase. This is a way you can help support the podcast!)Sometimes I ROAR! - https://amzn.to/3OyeioYI Can Do it, Yes I can! - https://amzn.to/37HoDONThe Shopping Flip - https://amzn.to/3v5r8n6Meets the Doc - https://amzn.to/3k5L8zGGet a FREE 30 Day Trial for Kindle Unlimited! - https://amzn.to/3EErPqw Dr. Wegner's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brody.the.lion/ Dr. Wegner's website: https://www.brodythelion.com/ Brody the Lion Shopping Page: https://brodythelion.shop/ (Books, plush animals, stickers, and book bundles are available) 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/

In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, Emily Wollum returns to give us an update on the Inclusive Sports Program she told us about in episode #2. Goalball is a new sport for her college recreational sports program and has been a great inclusive sports example for the students at the school Emily shares how the program worked out this Spring and some of the lessons she learned about running an inclusive sports program. 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/

Show Notes: When you think of the word “autism,” what images come to mind for you? Do you think of the autism puzzle piece? Is there a symbol for autism that means something to you? Who was the first person with autism? In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, I’m going to talk about some of the more common symbols used to represent autism and the history and meaning behind them. To do this, we’ll also dig into the history of when autism was first diagnosed and some of the changes that have occurred in diagnosing autism over the last century. Some of the references mentioned during this episode are listed below for you to explore on your own. These are listed in the order they are referenced during the episode: Websites referenced: https://www.britannica.com/science/autism https://www.autisticempire.com/2018/07/30/so-you-think-the-mmr-jab-is-dangerous/ https://otsimo.com/en/history-of-autism-when-was-autism-first-diagnosed/ https://theplaceforchildrenwithautism.com/autism-blog/autisms-colors-symbols http://web.archive.org/web/20070714093137/http:/www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=364&a=2183 https://studybreaks.com/thoughts/puzzle-piece-infinity-symbolas-a-symbol-for-autism/ https://goodautismschool.com/autism-symbol/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/awareness-pride-evolution-autism-symbols-from-1963-amber/?trk=articles_directory 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/

April has been Autism Acceptance Month, and we continue our focus on autism-related topics by having an open discussion on stimming. Stimming is a word that stands for self-stimulation and is a behavior that is commonly associated with autism. In this episode, Justin Houcek from ASDwithME.com joins us again as we discuss the topic of stim behaviors and if they can be good or bad. Our focus this episode is to help parents of young children recognize the value stimming may give to their children and to know when they may need to step in and help redirect the behavior. As an autistic adult, Justin once again helps us break down the topic and understand it better. Contributions for this discussion were made by several Reddit members, and we’d like to thank DraconWolf2, littlemiddlemissy, lilisophieraris, and Maddybear167 for their comments about what stimming is for them. We’d like to thank Reddit user Abrab736 for providing the short video segment on his experience with stimming and his suggestions for parents of young children. We’d also like to thank Dr. Wegner, the author of the Brody the Lion books for young children, for allowing us to use one of her Instagram posts @Brody.The.Lion to help explain what stimming can look like, and we look forward to having her on the podcast in a couple of weeks to share more with us!

Are you a parent of a child with autism or another intellectual or developmental disability? Do you know what resources are in your community and available to help support your child? In today’s episode, Tonya is speaking with Jennifer Pfaltzgraff, the executive director of the Arc of the Triangle in Raleigh, NC about the types of services they offer individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jennifer’s son has cerebral palsy, and she talks about some of her experiences as a parent of a child with cerebral palsy and how that led her to become involved with her local Arc chapter. 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/

In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, Justin Houcek talks with Tonya about how autism has impacted his life and how he mentors others who have autism through his business, ASD With Me. Justin shares some good points on autism for parents, and how he’s advocating for individuals with invisible disabilities when he works with First Responders. 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/

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the IEP process? In today’s episode, Nicole Schlechter talks with Tonya about parenting a child with a disability and how to start advocating for your child at school. Nicole is the owner of the IEP Parent Academy and has some tips for parents as they begin to navigate the IEP process as well as for those seasoned parents who need some pointers on how to advocate more effectively at school. She also answered some of our listeners’ specific questions about advocating for their child. 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/

What is an orientation and mobility specialist, and what do they do? How do you advocate for your visually impaired child? Tonya learns the answers to these questions during her interview with Traci Wilkerson, a parent of two children who have a visual impairment. After becoming a mom to her children, Trace went back to school to expand her knowledge of how to help her children and started a new career as an orientation and mobility specialist. 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/

Show Notes: Can a teenager with narcolepsy play NCAA sports? In this episode, Tonya finishes her interview with Christopher as he talks about how he manages his study and training schedule at college. He also shares how he overcame a major setback during high school before joining a Division II NCAA baseball team and what role narcolepsy plays in his daily schedule. Be sure to listen to more of Christopher's story in episodes 4 & 5: Episode #4: Special Needs Siblings Episode #5: Misunderstood Invisible Disabilities 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/

Do you have a sensory sensitive child and feel like visiting a kids’ museum is too much stimulus for them? Join us on a visit to Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, NC to see what they’re offering to families who want a sensory friendly play option. Tonya discusses the museum’s accessible features for children with different types of disabilities and the special offerings offered to families who desire a quieter play time for their children with special needs. In today’s episode, Hardin Engelhardt, the Vice President of Engagement at Marbles Kids’ Museum, talks with Tonya during a special Sensory Friendly Play event held at the museum. Connect with Marbles Kids Museum: Marbles Kids Museum websiteMarbles Kids Museum on YouTubeMarbles Instagram: @marblesraleigh 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/

Show Notes: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have your eyes dancing all the time? In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast, Tonya talks with Frankie Caputo, the creator of the Dancing Eyes Podcast, about growing up with congenital nystagmus. Frankie helps answer the question, what is nystagmus by sharing what his childhood was like, how he was treated by other students, and if he has needed to make modifications in how he does everyday activities. He also shares how he created his podcast and is meeting people all around the world who live with nystagmus. Be sure to check out his podcast at https://www.youtube.com/dancingeyespodcast! 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/

In this episode, Tonya continues her conversation from Episode #4 with our son, Christopher. He tells about being misunderstood by teachers and others because of the invisible disabilities he lives with. If you have a child who is misunderstood, you’ll enjoy hearing Christopher speak about his experiences and how he was eventually diagnosed with dysgraphia, ADHD, and narcolepsy. He shares tips for parents and kids and the accommodations he’s used to help him succeed in school. Christopher’s story isn’t over yet. In Episode #8, we’ll post the rest of his story about playing baseball in college and how he went through a difficult injury that almost put an end to his dreams of playing baseball. Make sure you subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss it!

In this episode, Tonya talks with our son, Christopher, about growing up with a sibling who has special needs. Christopher shares how his understanding of his sister’s disability has changed since he was young, and he talks about their relationship today as young adults. Next week, Christopher will continue his conversation with Tonya and share some of the challenges he has had personally and how they have impacted his desire to play baseball in college. Next week, in Episode #5, Christopher will continue his conversation with Tonya and share some of the challenges he has had personally and how they have impacted his desire to play baseball in college. Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie Music Used: “Your Intro” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

In this video podcast, Tonya talks with Olivia Wilkerson about what it was like to grow up having a visual impairment caused by Leber Congenital Amaurosis, a rare genetic cause of childhood blindness. During this part of Episode #3, Olivia speaks to teachers who work with visually impaired students about how they can help their students in the classroom and help them become advocates for their own needs. She also describes her adventures at Space Camp, outdoor adventure camps, her other activities, and what she plans to do in the future. In Part 1 of this episode, Olivia shared her memories of her younger years in school and gave tips for parents of what they might consider asking to include in their visually impaired child’s IEP at school and what they can do to help prepare their child for success in middle school and beyond. Watch Part 1 of Episode #3: https://waterprairie.com/2022/02/11/leber-congenital-amaurosis/ Olivia’s Instagram: @O_Wilkerson04 Some of the topics covered during Olivia’s interview can be explored more below: Braille Challenge: https://brailleinstitute.org/braille-challenge/about SCIVIS Space Camp: http://www.scivis.org/index.htm Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie Music Used: 1) “Your Intro” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/