People have a lot of misconceptions about those who are blind or have low vision. Many are surprised to learn that having a visual impairment doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is completely blind or without sight. Some people who are… read more
Crystal Ladwig, Ph. D.
Language Matters: Talking About Disabilities
People are sometimes surprised when they learn the history of words we hear daily. Did you know that words like “idiot,” “imbecile,” and “moron” were once official terms used to describe people with intellectual disabilities? Over time, those terms were… read more
Understanding the New Family Empowerment Scholarship Program
Educators across the State are working feverishly trying to interpret the real-life implications of Florida’s new universal school voucher program called the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program. Early versions of the bill included significant changes to homeschooling in Florida. Advocates voiced… read more
Unlocking a Wonderful Summer: Essential Tips to Empower Children with Special Needs Through Transitions!
What are your favorite summer memories? Maybe they involve spending time with friends or a memorable family vacation. As a child, you likely longed for those summer months when you could sit back and relax. Or at least slow down… read more
Choosing the Best Homeschool Curriculum
As we look forward to the end of the school year, it’s only natural for homeschooling families to start planning for the next. It’s often during this time that we begin our annual evaluations and reflect upon what worked well… read more
Teaching Critical Thinking
Thinking is how we move from one action to the next, form coherent sentences that we use to communicate to determining what to wear. However, our thinking is shaped by our lives and the ideologies we live within (such as… read more
How to Motivate the Unmotivated Homeschool Student
Let’s be honest. We all have days when we just want to stay in bed all day. The last thing we want to do is get up, make sure everyone gets their schoolwork done, and go to co-op, music lessons… read more
Sensory-Friendly Birthday Parties
A sensory-friendly birthday party is one that is designed to accommodate individuals who may be oversensitive to certain stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights or strong smells. These parties can be an excellent option for children with autism or… read more
Preparing for Your Annual Homeschool Evaluation
An annual homeschool evaluation reviews your homeschooling program to ensure that it meets the requirements set by the state. Preparing for a yearly homeschool evaluation can be a stressful experience for both parents and students. However, with careful planning and… read more
The Truth About Essential Oils and Their Use With Kids and Pets
Essential oils are everywhere. They can be found in Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart, Target, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond right here in Gainesville. They are also often front and center on our social media pages. Proponents argue their health benefits, while… read more
