PODCAST

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast

Tonya Wollum

Conversations to support parents of children with disabilities.

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

00:48:15

151. Why Special Needs Parents Are Financially Burned...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2026/04/13

Are you feeling the weight of the "Disability Squeeze"? Learn how to identify financial burnout and the first steps toward stability for special needs families.

en-US

00:00:00

150. The IEP That Almost Destroyed an Honors Student

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2026/03/28

In this episode, Tonya breaks down a case study of a twice-exceptional (2e) student—someone who is academically gifted but struggling with the biological hurdles of ADHD.

en-US

00:05:55

149. The ESY Myth—Maintenance, Not Summer School

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2026/03/20

"Summer School" and "ESY" are not the same thing—and using the wrong word could cost your child their services.

en-US

00:00:00

Episode #148: Faith and Disability: Where Community...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2026/03/13

Discover how faith and disability intersect as John Fela shares his journey of raising a non-verbal autistic son and finding a church community that truly welcomes all.

en-US

00:29:07

Episode #147: The Tale of Two Parking Lots:...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2026/03/06

Join Tonya Wollum and guest John Fela for a raw, honest look at special needs parenting for a child with non-verbal autism. We discuss the challenges of an autism diagnosis, navigating medical crises like Chiari malformation, and managing the strain of divorce in the special needs community.

en-US

00:05:08

Episode #146: Proximity is Not a Program: Moving from...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2026/02/27

Does your child spend their day in the general education classroom, but you suspect they aren't truly included? In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, we are unpacking the dangerous myth that "proximity is a program." Just because a student is physically in the room doesn't mean they belong. Join me as we break down the difference between mainstreaming and true inclusion, explore the transformative power of a sensory audit, and learn how to write IEP goals that prioritize social connection

en-US

00:08:09

Episode #145: The "Draft IEP" Secret: How to Take...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2026/02/20

Learn the "Draft IEP" secret to stop predetermination. Get Tonya Wollum’s expert scripts for requesting IEP drafts and auditing goals to lead your child's next meeting with confidence.

en-US

00:08:39

Episode #144: Season 5 Kickoff: Flu Bugs and Big Changes

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2026/02/13

In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, Tonya returns after a two-month hiatus due to illness and discusses season five with a new audio-only format. The episode includes personal updates, such as coping with the flu and helping a son move to a new college. Tonya also shares insights on upcoming changes related to digital accessibility laws and teases a new comprehensive digital training tool aimed at helping businesses and community groups be more inclusive. Listeners are encouraged to provide

en-US

00:11:33

Episode #143: Blind College Student & Paralympic...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/11/26

Blind college student and Paralympic swimmer Evan Wilkerson shares what college is really like for a visually impaired student. Evan talks openly about how he navigates campus safely, what accommodations he uses, and his future Paralympic plans.

en-US

00:12:26

Episode #142: What My Guide Dog Taught Me About...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/11/17

Guide Dog Training at The Seeing Eye: Paralympic medalist Evan Wilkerson introduces his partner, Titus, and shares the critical safety rules pet owners must know.

en-US

00:00:00

Episode #141: The Hardest Lesson: Why a Break Saved a...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/11/10

Paralympic Swimming Bronze Medalist Evan Wilkerson details his dramatic 2025 win in Singapore, battling E. coli, burnout, and learning the vital lesson of rest.

en-US

00:14:46

Episode #140: What to Expect at Your First IEP...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/10/28

Learn what to expect at your first IEP meeting as a parent. Get practical tips, understand team roles, and download our free 15-question checklist today.

en-US

00:07:11

Episode #139: How to Know if Your Child Qualifies for...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/09/29

How to get an IEP evaluation? IEP Coach Tonya Wollum breaks down the special education eligibility process, your rights under the IDEA law, and the critical step to request services in writing. Download the free letter template!

en-US

00:32:41

138. Speech Therapist Reveals the ONE Question Every...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/09/23

Learn the crucial signs of speech and language delays from an expert and discover actionable steps for parents. This episode covers early intervention, IEPs, and the power of a parent's intuition.

en-US

00:04:06

Episode #137: The Future of Special Education: How...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/09/16

Stay informed on the latest special education news. Host Tonya Wollum discusses a proposed IDEA funding overhaul, new data on state compliance, and a huge Supreme Court win for students with disabilities. Learn what this means for your child's IEP.

en-US

00:23:21

Episode #136: Mastering To-Do Lists as a Parent is...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/09/07

Learn how to find peace and stay productive in the midst of a chaotic parenting life. Jen Anderson, creator of the ACCOMPLIST app, shares tips on shifting your mindset and embracing a flexible to-do list.

en-US

00:12:42

Episode #135: 5 School Communication Secrets That...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/08/31

Learn 5 simple school communication secrets that will help you build a powerful partnership with your child's teacher and IEP team, turning a stressful relationship into a collaborative one.

en-US

00:53:02

Episode #134: The Surprising Reason Your Child...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/08/24

Learn how to prepare your neurodiverse child for adulthood with actionable steps on teaching daily living skills and building independence. Authors Kristin Lombardi & Christine Drew share expert advice.

en-US

00:58:47

133. Navigating College as a Visually Impaired Freshman?

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/08/08

Think you know what it takes to succeed in college? You'll be amazed by the tech, grit, and self-advocacy that a blind student uses to thrive in a sighted world.

en-US

00:11:57

Episode #132: How The ADA Forced Schools To Change...

Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast ·

2025/08/04

The ADA is more than just ramps and elevators. It's a civil rights law that reshaped the educational landscape for millions of children. Find out how this law gives your child the right to learn.

en-US

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Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast

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