Special Education Resources & Blog | So Very Spesh

Visual supports and social stories can make an enormous difference for neurodivergent children navigating new experiences. From reducing anxiety to increasing confidence and participation, accessible preparation helps children feel safe, informed, and included in the world around them.

The #BEspesh collection is all about redefining what inclusion looks like through design. From kid-friendly messages about friendship and belonging to "Spesh Mom" and "Spesh Teacher" pieces rooted in everyday life, each design is intentional, creative, and full of meaning. This isn't about clinical representation -- it's about wearable advocacy that feels warm, fun, and real.

The Faces of Spesh started as a simple photoshoot idea and has grown into something much bigger — a community-centered event built on inclusion, representation, and belonging. As we move toward Spesh’s first birthday on June 13, I’m sharing how this project evolved, what it’s becoming, and the people bringing it to life. You can also follow the journey through the So Very Spesh podcast, where Episodes 1–3 are linked in the post.

A look behind the scenes at what truly goes into planning an inclusive event -- from visual supports and sensory-friendly spaces to intentional activities, volunteers, and supporting disability-inclusive businesses.

Speech-language pathologists have deeply shaped the way I approach teaching, communication, and inclusion. In this SLP Appreciation Day reflection, I'm sharing how collaboration with SLPs -- alongside my experiences supporting a nonspeaking individual and participating in Project PREP at WKU -- transformed my understanding of AAC, communication access, and creating meaningful opportunities for all students to participate in learning.

A look ahead at The Summer of Spesh--a season of celebration, connection, and community leading up to Spesh's first birthday. From the June 13 Faces of Spesh photoshoot and early birthday celebration, to the July 1 launch of the #BEspesh Collection, the July 18th PossAbilities Expo, and Spesh's official birthday July 19th, this summer is filled with meaningful moments, new releases, and opportunities to engage. Follow along for updates, giveaways, resources, and behind-the-sc

Wonderful Wins Wednesday celebrates the meaningful moments happening in special education and inclusion communities. Share student milestones, teacher encouragement, advocacy victories, and everyday SPED wins through the Spesh Facebook community.

I'm not a spesh mom, so I don't know exactly what it feels like to walk in your shoes every single day. But I have spent my whole life closely connected to spesh moms, and I want you to know this: I see you.

Inclusion and co-teaching are often discussed in theory but misunderstood in practice. This post breaks down what meaningful inclusion truly looks like, how effective co-teaching functions in real classrooms, and practical strategies educators can use to move beyond simply sharing a room.

Most people associate stroke with adults--but stroke can happen to children, too. Pediatric stroke can impact learning, behavior, communication, motor skills, and executive functioning long after medical recovery. In this post, we're breaking down what parents and educators need to know about pediatric stroke in the school setting and why awareness matters for advocacy.

End-of-year special education planning involves much more than final progress reports. From transition prep and ESY decisions to graduation planning and communication between teams, important details can easily fall through the cracks. In this week's Meaningful Meeting Monday, learn how to close out the school year intentionally--and why a structured planning system can make all the difference.

Walking into an IEP meeting shouldn’t feel overwhelming. The SPESH Parent Workbook helps you prepare with guided pages, parent-friendly explanations of special education terms, and access to a step-by-step training—so you can show up confident, informed, and ready to advocate for your child.

Every great meeting starts with one simple question: What’s working, and how do we know? Wonderful Wins Wednesday is the perfect reminder that progress is not just about numbers on a page--it's about bringing together teacher insight, parent perspective, and student voice to celebrate growth and make meaningful next steps. The best meetings happen when everyone comes to the table with something valuable to share. Teachers bring data and classroom observations Parents bring re

Strong IEP meetings begin before anyone sits down. These input forms help teachers, parents, and students come prepared with clear, thoughtful information.

IEP meetings are too important to feel rushed or unclear. Here’s what actually makes them meaningful—from preparation to collaboration to student-centered planning.