The Collaborative IEP
The Collaborative IEP

The Collaborative IEP

Ashley Barlow

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Episodes

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Welcome to The Collaborative IEP podcast!  This business has been in my heart for so many years, and I so excited to share it with you.  In these podcasts we’ll discuss all things special education – from eligibility to implementation of the IEP.  We’ll talk about basic concepts and dive deeper into specific topics.  We’ll talk about self-care for caregivers and professionals that support children on IEPs.  We’ll discuss best practices, behavior, therapies, and more!

Recent Episodes

Dyslexia Download with Megan Pinchback
FEB 18, 2025
Dyslexia Download with Megan Pinchback

In this episode of The Collaborative IEP Podcast, I sit down with Megan Pinchback, a highly trained CALT dyslexia therapist and owner of Dyslexia on Demand, to talk all things dyslexia intervention—from the gold standard in tutor and teacher training to the hallmarks of effective reading instruction. We also dive into important dyslexia stats, the benefits of online tutoring, and what really works for struggling readers.

Plus, Megan is speaking at my upcoming conference, so be sure to tune in for a sneak peek!

Meet Megan

Megan Pinchback, MBA, LDT, CALT is a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist through the state of Texas. She completed her Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) training from the Scottish Rite Dyslexia Center of Austin in 2011. After a 10 year career as a special education teacher in the Texas public school system, in 2012 she transitioned into private practice as a dyslexia therapist and CALT servicing children out of her office in Dripping Springs, Texas. After 7 years of experience in private practice, she acted on her knowledge of the severe shortage of Certified Academic Language Therapists globally required to service the estimated 20% of the needed population and began Dyslexia On Demand, an exclusively web based, one on one platform connecting students with CALTs nationwide. Her understanding of the shortage of quality dyslexia servicing for children on a national level propels her daily to stretch her knowledge, voice, and reach.

Megan is a Vice President of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA), co-host of the Don’t Call On Me Podcast, and a national speaker on dyslexia. Additionally, she holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Business Administration through Louisiana State University. She is passionate about dyslexia advocacy, legislation at the state and national level, and supporting students and parents through the social-emotional impact of dyslexia and the struggle to receive appropriate servicing.

Additionally, and most importantly, she is a wife and the mother to five wonderful children ranging in ages from 7 to 26 years old. She and her family enjoy spending as much time as they can together and outside in the beautiful Texas hill country an hour outside of Austin, Texas.


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41 MIN
Big Changes Ahead? What’s Happening with the U.S. Department of Education and What It Means for Special Education
FEB 17, 2025
Big Changes Ahead? What’s Happening with the U.S. Department of Education and What It Means for Special Education

Series: Education on the Line: Special Education Policy Watch

The Trump administration has indicated that its plan at the beginning of its administration is to flood citizens with a barrage of information and a tidal wave of change  to invoke overwhelm, allowing them to force policy and legislative changes on us before we see them coming.  My dispute resolution body and soul tell me that when the going gets information-heavy and high-paced, the effective advocates get reasonable, rational, and thoughtful.  So, we’re starting a new series where we stand watch over the Department of Education and its Offices of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Special Education Programs, and Civil Rights.  We’ll provide you succinct, brief, easy-to-follow updates; potential impacts of policy and legislative changes; and actionable tasks to ensure the rights of our students are protected. 

Major shifts may be coming to the U.S. Department of Education, and they could have profound effects on children with disabilities. In this special episode we try to break down what’s happening in clear, practical, pragmatic terms. From the potential reduction—or even elimination—of the DOE to the impact of shifting offices like the OCR to other agencies, we’ll explore what these changes could mean for special education funding, enforcement, implementation, and policy.  We’ll also cover takeaways from Linda McMahon’s Senate confirmation hearings; the status of existing and potential executive orders affecting staffing and regulations; and the real-world consequences for students, families, and educators. Finally, we’ll share practical action steps—both big and small—that parents and advocates can take right now to stay informed and protect educational rights.  As always, my goal is to provide a framework that empowers you to navigate these potential changes with clarity and confidence.  I also aim to provide a bit of comfort, because despite the significant risk that students with disabilities are facing, there’s still plenty of good in this (admittedly wacky) world. Now more than ever, building strong, positive relationships with teachers, therapists, and administrators is critical; and I’ll walk you through every step of the way.  Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your voice is heard in protecting the future of special education.


Resources


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65 MIN