The 15-Minute Advocate

Podcast 24: Understanding Dyslexia — What Every Parent Needs to Know

In this episode of "The 15-Minute Advocate", we begin a new series exploring different disabilities and how they impact students in school. The first topic: dyslexia. What exactly is dyslexia? What does it look like in the classroom and at home? What kinds of services, accommodations, and reading instruction should parents be advocating for in an IEP? This episode breaks down: Common signs of dyslexia,How schools assess reading difficulties,What a strong IEP may include,Advocacy tips for parents, and red flags families should watch for. If you are a parent, educator, or caregiver trying to better understand dyslexia and Special Education supports, this episode provides practical, parent-friendly guidance you can actually use at the Team table.

Podcast 23: New School, New Team: The Special Ed Paperwork You Can’t Ignore

Transitioning to a new school? Don’t let paperwork trip you up. If your child is moving from elementary → middle or middle → high school, there’s one rule you need to remember: 👉 If it’s not in writing… it doesn’t exist. In this episode of The 15-Minute Advocate, I break down: ✔️ The MUST-have paperwork before a transition ✔️ What schools don’t automatically carry over ✔️ The biggest mistakes parents make (and how to avoid them) ✔️ Real-life examples of what can go wrong Don’t wait until September to find out something’s missing. 🎧 Tune in and get ahead of it.

Podcast 22- Help, Explained: Disability Services 101

From confusion to clarity: unlocking disability support. In this episode, the 15-Minute Advocate breaks down the wide range of disability services available to individuals and families—especially here in Massachusetts. From early intervention and Special Education supports to adult services like job coaching, housing assistance, and independent living programs, we walk through what’s out there and how to access it. I also talk about the role of agencies like Department of Developmental Services and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and how they support individuals across the lifespan. Whether you’re a parent, self-advocate, or professional, this episode gives you a clear starting point to navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming—and reminds you that you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Podcast 21 - What Really Happens to an IEP After High School (Massachusetts Edition)

“Graduation ends school—not the need for support.” Graduation is supposed to be the finish line… but for families of students with disabilities, it can feel more like being dropped into the middle of a maze with no map. In this episode, I break down what really happens after high school ends. What changes legally? What supports disappear—and which ones don’t? What does college look like, and does an IEP follow your child there? (Spoiler: it doesn’t—but that’s not the end of the story.) We're talking real-life transitions, real parent concerns, and the steps you can take now to avoid being caught off guard later. Whether your child is heading to college, a transition program, or something completely different, this episode will help you walk into that next chapter informed, prepared, and just a little more in control. Because graduation isn’t the end of support—it’s the start of a whole new system. Let’s make sure you know how to navigate it.

Podcast 20-IEP Pushback: Parent Rights, Disputes, and the Road to the BSEA

Because ‘I disagree’ is not the end of the conversation. Disagreeing with an IEP can feel intimidating—but parents have more power than they realize. In this episode, Arlene Velleman breaks down what it actually means to reject all or part of an IEP, the steps parents can take after saying “no,” and how dispute options like the BSEA fit into the process. Whether you’re feeling pressured to sign or unsure of your next move, this episode gives you the roadmap.