People are sometimes surprised when they learn the history of words we hear daily. Did you know that words like “idiot,” “imbecile,” and “moron” were once official terms used to describe people with intellectual disabilities? Over time, those terms were… read more
Crystal Ladwig, Ph. D.
Homeschooling in Nature
The cool, crisp air. The sound of leaves crunching under your feet and finally, being able to go for a walk without oppressive heat and humidity. There’s nothing quite like fall in North Florida. Homeschoolers have the unique privilege of… read more
Raising Confident Self-Advocates
What is our role as parents? That’s a complex question that often sparks discussions about fostering independence. Self-advocacy is a skill that children typically begin learning early in life and that continues to develop well into adulthood. For children and… read more
Crushing Senior Year of Homeschool
You made it (almost)! Your child’s senior year is here. Now you can sit back and relax, right? Not so fast! Even though most homeschoolers are relatively independent by this time, there is still a lot for you to do… read more
Making the Most of Your Child’s IEP Meeting
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are required by federal law for all students receiving special education services. They outline the specific programs, services, accommodations and modifications a student will receive each year. Parental involvement in the IEP process is critical for… read more
Is College an Option for My Child?
Many parents of teens with disabilities find themselves planning for vocational training as their child nears graduation. But this isn’t the only option. College is a viable option for many students with disabilities. Planning for College While in high school,… read more
Α Guide to Starting Your Homeschool Journey
As one school year comes to a close and thoughts of another approach, many parents wonder if homeschooling is a viable option for their family. Taking the time to reflect on your reasons for homeschooling, what is involved, and the… read more
Taking School on the Road: A Summer Homeschool Adventure
Summer plans for homeschooling families vary widely. Some take the summer off, some keep teaching through the summer months and some choose a mix. Homeschooling families have a unique opportunity to turn the world into a classroom and have a… read more
Tailoring Your Child’s Educational Assessments
It sometimes comes as a shock to parents that they are encouraged to be actively involved in the assessment and evaluation of children with disabilities. After all, most parents aren’t trained to administer or interpret these tests. Yet parents play… read more
Nature Notebooks: Take Learning Outside
One of the joys of homeschooling is the luxury of extra time to spend with your children during the day. This includes getting to enjoy all that the Gainesville area has to offer each and every day. We are blessed… read more