How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting: Tips Every Parent Should Know

Rare Disease Changed Us

In Episode 6 of Remarkable Futures, Steve Norton speaks with Rachel Malloy Jasiczek—mother, writer, and advocate—about her journey raising a child with a rare genetic disorder. Rachel shares the moment of diagnosis, the uncertainty that followed, and how it reshaped her identity as both a parent and a professional. What began as fear and confusion evolved into a powerful commitment to advocacy—not just for her daughter, but for families navigating similar challenges. This episode explores: *  The emotional impact of a rare diagnosis  *  Why genetic testing can be a critical turning point  *  The realities of navigating fragmented support systems  *  The role of advocacy in creating better outcomes  *  How personal stories can drive awareness and change  This is a deeply personal conversation that highlights both the challenges and the strength that come with raising a child with special needs. About Remarkable Futures The Remarkable Futures Podcast helps families navigate the real-world challenges of special needs planning through expert conversations, practical strategies, and honest stories. Learn more: AblePlanning.com Watch on YouTube: @AblePlanning-u9j About Remarkable Futures The Remarkable Futures Podcast is designed to help families make informed decisions about special needs planning, financial security, and long-term care. 🎯 Start planning with confidence: AblePlanning.com 📺 Watch and subscribe on YouTube: @AblePlanning-u9j 📩 Have questions or need guidance? Reach out: https://ableplanning.com/contact/

AGE 22 The Cliff: What Happens Next?

Transitioning from school-based services to adulthood is one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—phases for individuals with special needs and their families. In Episode 5 of Remarkable Futures, Steve Norton is joined by leaders from CCARC and the Bristol Adult Resource Center to explore what really happens when individuals “age out” of the school system. This conversation covers: *  The reality behind the “age 22 cliff”  *  How adult service systems differ from school-based supports  *  Why early planning and collaboration are essential  *  The emotional impact on families—and how to navigate it  *  Real-world insights from professionals and parents  This episode offers both practical guidance and reassurance: the transition to adulthood isn’t the end of support—it’s a shift toward independence, opportunity, and long-term stability. About Remarkable Futures The Remarkable Futures Podcast is designed to help families make informed decisions about special needs planning, financial security, and long-term care. 🎯 Start planning with confidence: AblePlanning.com 📺 Watch and subscribe on YouTube: @AblePlanning-u9j 📩 Have questions or need guidance? Reach out: https://ableplanning.com/contact/

Autism Diagnosis Story: The Day Everything Changed

00:00 – The Day Everything Changed Steve and Cheryl share the deeply personal story of the autism diagnosis that changed their family forever. 05:00 – The Early Signs What they noticed before the diagnosis — and the subtle indicators that something wasn’t quite right. 10:00 – Keeping It Inside The internal struggle, fear, and hesitation to voice concerns out loud. 15:00 – “Have You Heard of Autism Spectrum Disorder?” The doctor’s words that marked a turning point — and the shock that followed. 20:00 – Processing the Diagnosis The emotional impact of hearing the word “autism” and what that meant for their future. 25:00 – Every Autism Journey Is Different Why comparison is dangerous — and how understanding the spectrum changed their perspective. 30:00 – Public Misunderstanding & Judgment Facing outside criticism and the emotional strength required to protect your child. 35:00 – The Decision That Changed Everything A critical choice that shaped Harry’s long-term development and outcome. 40:00 – Legal Guardianship & Future Planning Why long-term planning matters — and how guardianship plays a role in protecting your child. 45:00 – Growing as Parents How the journey reshaped them as individuals and strengthened their resolve. 50:00 – Lessons for Other Parents What they would tell families walking through a new diagnosis today. 55:00 – A Difficult Journey — With Hope Reflection, resilience, and encouragement for parents navigating autism. In Episode 4 of Remarkable Futures, Stephen and Cheryl Norton share the story of the day everything changed — the day they received their child’s autism diagnosis. They open up about the emotions, uncertainty, and pivotal decisions that followed, offering insight into what families experience in those early stages of special needs parenting. This episode explores:  • Processing a new autism diagnosis  • Navigating fear and uncertainty  • The importance of early planning  • Finding strength as a family  • Taking the first steps toward a secure future For parents, caregivers, and professionals working with special needs families, this conversation offers honesty, clarity, and encouragement. Because while a diagnosis changes everything, it can also become the beginning of a remarkable future. About Remarkable Futures The Remarkable Futures Podcast is designed to help families make informed decisions about special needs planning, financial security, and long-term care. 🎯 Start planning with confidence: AblePlanning.com 📺 Watch and subscribe on YouTube: @AblePlanning-u9j 📩 Have questions or need guidance? Reach out: https://ableplanning.com/contact/

IEP Advocate vs Special Education Attorney: When Do You Need Each?

In Episode 3 of Remarkable Futures, we answer a critical question for special needs families: When do you hire an advocate, and when do you need an attorney? Andrew Feinstein and Terry Bedard explain the differences, discuss navigating IEP meetings, and outline how families can protect their child’s educational rights. This episode offers clarity for parents facing school-related challenges and difficult educational decisions. About Remarkable Futures The Remarkable Futures Podcast is designed to help families make informed decisions about special needs planning, financial security, and long-term care. 🎯 Start planning with confidence: AblePlanning.com 📺 Watch and subscribe on YouTube: @AblePlanning-u9j 📩 Have questions or need guidance? Reach out: https://ableplanning.com/contact/

How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting: Tips Every Parent Should Know

00:00 IEP Meeting Mistakes Parents Don’t Realize They’re Making 04:30 What Schools Are Required to Provide Under IDEA Law 09:15 How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting the Right Way 14:20 Understanding IEP Goals and Measurable Progress 19:10 When to Push Back in an IEP Meeting 24:05 The Role of an IEP Advocate Explained 29:00 Warning Signs Your Child’s IEP Isn’t Working 34:10 Parent Rights in Special Education 39:20 How to Document Concerns Before the Meeting 44:00 What to Do After the IEP Meeting Ends 48:30 Final Advice for Parents Navigating Special Education In Episode 2 of Remarkable Futures, Terry Bedard discusses the critical steps families must take when planning for a child with special needs. This conversation explores common mistakes, guardianship decisions, protecting benefits like SSI and Medicaid, and why early planning provides long-term security. Designed for parents seeking clarity and direction, this episode offers practical insight into building a stable future. About Remarkable Futures The Remarkable Futures Podcast is designed to help families make informed decisions about special needs planning, financial security, and long-term care. 🎯 Start planning with confidence: AblePlanning.com 📺 Watch and subscribe on YouTube: @AblePlanning-u9j 📩 Have questions or need guidance? Reach out: https://ableplanning.com/contact/