{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/5f11cad0352a152a38b21032/6a5682467e01c44e38a6005b?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Assistive Tech for Neurodivergent Kids: Summer Support Guide","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/5f11cad0352a152a38b21032/1784053456617-108610fb-1d5d-4966-a83b-61ab75fdebdd.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Why did the school say my child doesn’t need assistive technology this summer and what should I actually be asking for?</p><p>ABOUT THIS EPISODE</p><p><br></p><p>Summer is here and school support has faded, but your child's needs haven't. Many Black and brown families are left out of decisions about assistive technology, or are told their child doesn't qualify, often without explanation. This episode breaks down what counts as assistive tech from pencil grips to software and why not having it over the summer can set kids back. You’ll learn what belongs in your child’s IEP, how to gather real evidence when school isn’t stepping up, and how culturally informed advocacy changes the game for neurodiverse kids who are often overlooked or misunderstood.</p><p><br></p><p>KEY TAKEAWAYS</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><ul><li>If your child was denied extended school year services or assistive tech, you have the right to challenge the IEP team's decision and document what your child is missing at home.</li><li>Assistive technology isn't just high-tech gear it can be simple tools like pencil grips or text-to-speech apps your child may already use, even if the school isn't calling it that.</li><li>Black and brown children are often overlooked for these supports because schools assume they \"don’t need it\" or don’t offer clear answers; asking the right questions and insisting on documentation is advocacy, not pushback.</li><li>You can gather proof of regression or missing services during the summer and bring it to your next IEP meeting that evidence matters.</li><li>Naming what IS and is NOT being given to your child helps close learning gaps and disrupts a system that rarely centers our needs.</li></ul><p>EPISODE QUOTES</p><p>\"If your child's IEP team determined they didn't meet the criteria and you believe that was wrong, you can challenge it.\"— Genie</p><p>\"There are a lot of things our children are given at school, but the assistive technology box is not being checked.\"— Genie</p><p>\"A calculator is also considered assistive tech. How about that? As well as graphing calculators.\"— Genie</p><p>LINKS AND RESOURCES</p><p>RESOURCES MENTIONED:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Learning Ally: An audio reading program that provides age-appropriate, highlighted texts for students who struggle with decoding —https://learningally.org/abs-more-info?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=brand&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21171656042&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADw72-8m3ETuJQu_X1PwfmH-G6ng1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwvNfSBhBiEiwAyaGMCXK5Mz0uInwKZfvpvW4Re3i8XYG3T25q7zafYRcDgYZTBm2kOhFHBhoCsxgQAvD_BwE</li><li>Sora:A school-based reading app that provides audiobooks and text highlighting — https://soraapp.com/welcome</li></ul><p>FROM GENIE:</p><p>The Parenting Cipher Beacon Library — ADD LINK</p><p>Five Advocacy Scripts — Instant download copy-and-paste scripts for when school services disappear — ADD LINK</p><p>Rescue Strategy Session — 1:1 session for complex advocacy needs — ADD LINK</p>","author_name":"Genie Dawkins"}