Unlock the secrets of empowering students in special education as we sit down with April, a dedicated advocate and seasoned professional in school psychology. April's journey, inspired by a family of educators, led her to challenge misconceptions and champion individualized education plans (IEPs) that genuinely address each student's unique strengths and needs. In this episode, she highlights the pivotal role of student participation and effective communication between parents, teachers, and psychologists, sharing her transformative work with RISE—a movement aiming to bridge gaps and empower students through self-determination.

Connect with Heather Rehrig:

April Rehrig

M.Ed., BCEA, LEP, PPS, CASDCS

Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, LLC. Founder

www.riseeducationaladvocacy.com

IEP Workshops

Book a Call

Liking Rise? Leave us a Google review!

We explore April's insights on navigating the IEP process, where she emphasizes the power of meeting students where they are and fostering meaningful connections. Hear about an inspiring success story where April helped a mother and her child transition smoothly to high school by equipping them with crucial tools like parent letters and reports. This conversation is an eye-opener on the importance of communication and documentation, urging parents and teachers alike to adapt their approaches to create more collaborative and positive outcomes.

As we delve into the critical transition from high school to college, April offers invaluable guidance on preparing for IEP meetings as negotiation opportunities. With resources from RISE, families can effectively navigate this phase, ensuring students are well-prepared and understand college disability services. Connect with April's work and advocacy by visiting riseeducationaladvocacy.com and following her on Instagram at @riseedadvocacy. Don't miss out on the wealth of knowledge shared by April, whose commitment to transforming the special education landscape is truly inspiring.

Support the show

Barbara Beck is the host of the FAST 15 Podcast. She is a highly dedicated Disability Advocate and Special Education Consultant specializing in IEP Transition Services. Barbara has an extensive background as a special education teacher spanning nearly 30 years. She has dedicated her career to empowering transition-age youth and fostering positive post-school outcomes.

Barbara's expertise lies in providing comprehensive support and guidance to students with disabilities, ensuring their successful transition from school to adult life. She possesses a deep understanding of secondary services and possesses the skills to develop tailored strategies that maximize individual potential.

For more information and resources on special education school-to-adulthood transition planning and independent living, visit www.mykeyplans.com. Join us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions about special education, inclusion, and disability advocacy. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and use #IEPLaunchpadPodcast to join the conversation. Thank you for tuning in to the IEP Launchpad Podcast! 🎧🎙️#IDD #teaching #specialed #specialneeds #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowerVoices #edtech, #education #edtech, #teachers

When Estefania Holt transitioned from the traditional classroom to the open waves, she didn't just change her scenery—she transformed lives. On our latest episode, the founder of Shaka Soul Surfers shares how her innovative surf program is making waves in the special needs community, providing an uplifting and inclusive experience for children with developmental disabilities.

Episode Notes:

Welcome to Part Two of our engaging conversation with Estefania Holt, the inspiring founder of Shaka Soul Surfers. In this episode, we dive deeper into Estefania's unique approach to volunteer training, community building, and the power of surfing as a tool for social skills development and community integration.

Join us as Estefania shares her journey from special education teacher to passionate advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. She provides insight into the challenges she faced and the innovative solutions she implemented to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for the community she's serving and her volunteers.

Connect with Estefania Holt and Shaka Soul Surfers:
For more information or to get in touch with Estefania and Shaka Soul Surfers, visit https://www.shakasoulsurfers.org/contact.html.

Episode Highlights:

• Estefania's approach to volunteer training and community building.
• The transformative power of surfing for social skills development and community integration.
• The impact of working with high school volunteers and creating long-lasting relationships.
• Estefania's journey from special education teacher to a passionate advocate for the disability community.

Sponsor Message:

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors, Specially Designed Education Services (SDES), publishers of The Functional Academics Program.

SDES's collaborative efforts with educators and families pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Their Functional Academics Program empowers students with moderate to severe disabilities to improve their ability to live independently and show meaningful growth both academically and personally.

To learn more, visit sdesworks.com.

Support the show

Barbara Beck is the host of the FAST 15 Podcast. She is a highly dedicated Disability Advocate and Special Education Consultant specializing in IEP Transition Services. Barbara has an extensive background as a special education teacher spanning nearly 30 years. She has dedicated her career to empowering transition-age youth and fostering positive post-school outcomes.

Barbara's expertise lies in providing comprehensive support and guidance to students with disabilities, ensuring their successful transition from school to adult life. She possesses a deep understanding of secondary services and possesses the skills to develop tailored strategies that maximize individual potential.

For more information and resources on special education school-to-adulthood transition planning and independent living, visit www.mykeyplans.com. Join us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions about special education, inclusion, and disability advocacy. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and use #IEPLaunchpadPodcast to join the conversation. Thank you for tuning in to the IEP Launchpad Podcast! 🎧🎙️#IDD #teaching #specialed #specialneeds #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowerVoices #edtech, #education #edtech, #teachers

In this episode of the FAST 15 podcast, we are joined by Estefania Holt, founder of Shaka Soul Surfers, a nonprofit organization that brings the joy of surfing to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Estefania's background as a special education teacher, combined with her passion for promoting acceptance and kindness, led her to create a space where individuals with disabilities can experience the thrill of surfing in a safe and supportive environment.

Estefania shares her journey of how she started Shaka Soul Surfers and the impact it has had on the lives of many. She discusses the challenges and successes she has faced, and how her organization provides recreational opportunities and breaks for parents and caregivers. Estefania's dedication to helping others is evident as she speaks about her commitment to creating accessible and inclusive activities for everyone.

In this episode, you'll hear about:
- Estefania's inspiration for creating Shaka Soul Surfers and the process of starting the nonprofit.
- The benefits of surfing and outdoor activities for individuals with disabilities.
- How Estefania works with families and volunteers to ensure everyone has a positive experience.
- Memorable stories and success moments from Estefania's work with Shaka Soul Surfers.

Tune in to learn more about Estefania Holt and her incredible journey of making surfing accessible to all, and be inspired by her dedication to inclusivity and community support.

**Sponsors**
This episode is sponsored by Specially Designed Education Services (SDES), providing innovative tools for empowering teachers and meeting their expressed needs. Learn more about their commitment to building functional academics in special education classrooms at www.sdesworks.com.

Support the show

Barbara Beck is the host of the FAST 15 Podcast. She is a highly dedicated Disability Advocate and Special Education Consultant specializing in IEP Transition Services. Barbara has an extensive background as a special education teacher spanning nearly 30 years. She has dedicated her career to empowering transition-age youth and fostering positive post-school outcomes.

Barbara's expertise lies in providing comprehensive support and guidance to students with disabilities, ensuring their successful transition from school to adult life. She possesses a deep understanding of secondary services and possesses the skills to develop tailored strategies that maximize individual potential.

For more information and resources on special education school-to-adulthood transition planning and independent living, visit www.mykeyplans.com. Join us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions about special education, inclusion, and disability advocacy. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and use #IEPLaunchpadPodcast to join the conversation. Thank you for tuning in to the IEP Launchpad Podcast! 🎧🎙️#IDD #teaching #specialed #specialneeds #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowerVoices #edtech, #education #edtech, #teachers