UNFILTERED IEPS
Podcast Description
Welcome to Unfiltered IEPs—where parents and professionals can speak freely about their own IEP experiences, both the little victories and major frustrations. I want you to hear the unfiltered version of what it’s really like to be on the other side of the table. This podcast is for anyone on an IEP team, from parents to teachers, SLPs to OTs , advocates to administrators, I'm want to hear from everyone what it is really like to be in their role- the unfiltered version. Because now more than ever, these are the conversations we need to be having.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on topics such as advocacy for neurodiversity affirming IEPs, the challenges faced by SLPs in schools, effective communication strategies, and systemic changes needed within special education, with specific episodes highlighting guest experts like Christina Beta discussing real-life challenges in IEP meetings and strategies for collaboration.
Welcome to Unfiltered IEPs—where parents and professionals can speak freely about their own IEP experiences, both the little victories and major frustrations. I want you to hear the unfiltered version of what it’s really like to be on the other side of the table. This podcast is for anyone on an IEP team, from parents to teachers, SLPs to OTs , advocates to administrators, I’m want to hear from everyone what it is really like to be in their role- the unfiltered version. Because now more than ever, these are the conversations we need to be having.
In this episode, Colleen (@TheAdvocate.SLP) is joined by her friends, two passionate bilingual general education teachers, Melissa and Ivania, to discuss the intersection of bilingual education and special education. Each with over a decade of classroom experience, Melissa and Ivania share their firsthand perspectives on being part of IEP teams, supporting multilingual learners with disabilities, and navigating the realities of inclusion in a bilingual setting.
This episode defines the differences between bilingual programs, the emotional and practical preparation for IEP meetings, and how improved collaboration, support, and communication really make a positive impact for all team members—especially for parents who speak languages other than English at home.
Whether you’re a special educator, SLP, administrator, or classroom teacher, this conversation offers valuable insights into what true inclusion looks like—and what still needs to change.
Takeaways:
👋 How Colleen met Melissa and Ivania
💡 What inspired them to become educators
🏫 Types of bilingual programs
🧩 Inclusion in bilingual settings
📝 Preparing for IEP meetings as a Gen Ed teacher
🚫 Barriers in the system
👨👩👧 Supporting parents with limited English proficiency in the IEP process
Please rate and review the podcast, comment about what surprised you or share with a friend!
Find Colleen @theadvocate.slp on instagram!
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