Exceptional Ed by Lisa Marie

12/14/2024

🎄✨ Toy-tally Inclusive Holiday Cheer: Unwrap the Joy of Accessible Play! ✨🎄

I’m thrilled to share inclusive and adaptive toys that bring joy to children of all abilities this holiday season! From sensory-friendly options to imaginative playsets, these toys offer endless possibilities for learning and fun.

Check out incredible brands like Fat Brain Toys, Melissa & Doug, Fisher-Price Adaptive Toy Line, LEGO Braille Bricks, National Lekotek Center, Enabling Devices, and Learning Resources for thoughtful, accessible gift ideas that inspire growth and creativity.

Let’s celebrate this season by ensuring every child feels the magic of play! 🎁

Considerations for Children with Disabilities During the Winter Holiday Season The holiday season is a magical time for many families, but it can also be a challenging period for children with disabilities and their caregivers. The bright lights, festive music, bustling crowds, and social obligation

10/01/2024

Creating an Inclusive Halloween for Children with Disabilities: Dos, Don'ts, and Considerations As a special education teacher, a parent, and a grandparent of children with disabilities, Halloween has always been a holiday that brings excitement. Still, it also brings challenges for families navigat

10/01/2024

🎉 "Disability Awareness Month: Let's Bust Myths & Celebrate Abilities! 💪" 🎉

October is Disability Awareness Month, a time to recognize, celebrate, and support individuals of all abilities. It's also the perfect time to bust some myths and misconceptions about disabilities. 🚫 Let's shine a light on the truth: a person's disability doesn't define who they are—they are people first, not their disability!

✨ Disability Facts & Myths to Debunk:

🔹 Myth: People with Down syndrome can't drive.
Fact: Many individuals with Down syndrome can and do drive, depending on their abilities and access to proper training.

🔹 Myth: It's "Death," not "Deaf."
Fact: Many confuse the terms "death" and "deaf." People who are Deaf use various communication methods, including sign language and assistive technology.

🔹 Myth: Autism means lacking empathy.
Fact: Autistic individuals do feel emotions deeply and can be incredibly empathetic. The way they express, or process emotions may just differ.

🔹 Myth: Blind people "see" nothing but darkness.
Fact: Blindness exists on a spectrum. Some individuals may have light perception, peripheral vision, or other varying degrees of sight.

Famous People Shattering Stereotypes

🔸 Helen Keller – DeafBlind author and advocate who changed the world's perspective on disabilities.
🔸 Temple Grandin – An autistic professor and author who revolutionized the livestock industry.
🔸 Marlee Matlin – Academy Award-winning actress who is profoundly Deaf.
🔸 Chris Nikic – First athlete with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon.

Let's Remember: Disability doesn't limit greatness. People with disabilities have made, and continue to make, groundbreaking contributions to our world. 🌍 Let's focus on abilities, inclusion, and respect for everyone's journey.

👥 Join the conversation: What myths or misconceptions have you encountered? Share your thoughts and experiences below! ⬇️

10/01/2024

✨ Exciting New Read! ✨
I’m thrilled to share this article titled "ADHD-venture: Advocating with Focus, Flourish, and a Few Fumbles!" This piece dives into strategies for individuals with ADHD to advocate for themselves in school, college, and work environments. I explore highlighting strengths, positively communicating challenges, and turning ADHD quirks into superpowers!

I also touch on the importance of self-advocacy, share some inspiring quotes, and sprinkle in a little humor (we all need a laugh, right?).

For anyone navigating ADHD or supporting others with it, this is a must-read. Let’s empower each other to embrace our unique strengths!

Introduction As someone navigating ADHD, profound deafness, and high-level anxiety, life often feels like a roller coaster with an extra loop or two. While my cochlear implants help me hear the world, my ADHD keeps me hyper-focused on the most unexpected things.

09/08/2024

Cracking the Code: ADHD Superpowers Unleashed in Academia Strategies, Supports, and Self-Advocacy for Thriving in School and Beyond Introduction As someone who's been blessed with the unique gift of ADHD, I've learned to embrace the traits that set me apart. With a brain wired for creativity, proble

09/06/2024

In this article, you will learn some practical strategies and suggestions for supporting students with disabilities and academic challenges in a college setting, even if they do not have a qualifying disability. Educators can create an environment where every student can thrive by using inclusive teaching practices like Universal Design for Learning (UDL), clear communication, and flexible assessment methods. The article includes specific tips for teaching math, English, science, social studies, vocational programs, and resources to further support inclusive education.

As college instructors, we encounter diverse students with unique learning needs, strengths, and challenges. Some students have identified disabilities and accommodations in place, while others may face academic difficulties without a formal diagnosis.

09/01/2024

Transitioning from high school to post-secondary education represents a pivotal moment in a young adult’s life, characterized by new opportunities, challenges, and increased independence. This transition can be overwhelming for students who have relied on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) ...

08/18/2024

Empowering Student Success in College

As students transition from high school to college, especially those who have received accommodations or have taken a break from education, the shift can be both exhilarating and challenging. My latest article, "Empowering Student Success: Thriving in College with the Right Accommodations," dives deep into how we can support these students in navigating this pivotal phase of their academic journey.

In the article, I explore strategies for building self-advocacy skills, effective time management, and utilizing campus resources. I also provide insights on how educators and support staff can create an inclusive and encouraging environment that fosters independence and resilience.

If you're passionate about supporting students and ensuring they have the tools to succeed, I invite you to read and share your thoughts. Together, we can make a difference in their journey to success!



Check out the article on my Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lisamariesmithedd_highereducation-studentsupport-accommodations-activity-7230949028606197760-r_M3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

05/22/2024

🚀 Excited to share "Embracing the Brilliance by Unleashing the Hidden Strengths of ADHD!" Discover the extraordinary potential within ADHD and practical strategies to thrive. Dive in and share your thoughts! 🌟

05/18/2024

Check out -

05/12/2024

🌸🌟 Happy Mother's Day to Everyone! 🌟🌸

Today, we celebrate not just our moms, but all the incredible individuals who nurture, care for, and love others—whether they're caring for human kiddos, adorable furry friends, and anyone who gave you motherly love. 💖👶🐶

To all my family, friends, and the amazing souls I've met along the way: your kindness and love make the world a better place.

Let's continue to spread this love and support, not just today but every day. 🌍❤️

Please, take a moment to pass this message forward, share your stories, and continue the chain of love and care.

Together, we can make every day as beautiful as today!

🌼💕 💕🌼