The Accessible IEP

09/07/2026

You’re in a 10-person IEP meeting. The speech pathologist is talking, the parent is sharing home observations, and the general ed teacher is giving updates. It's impossible to take thorough notes while actively facilitating.

AI audio tools like Otter.ai or built-in meeting assistants can summarize meeting transcripts into clear action items and decision logs.

Always inform participants if recording, and focus your energy on participating in the conversation rather than writing frantic notes.

💡 Discover case management shortcuts at www.theaccessibleiep.com

09/05/2026

09/04/2026

Task initiation is one of the hardest executive functioning hurdles for students with ADHD or Autism. Telling a student to "get organized" is often too abstract.

Enter Goblin.tools—a free suite of simple AI tools designed to break down overwhelming tasks into bite-sized steps.

You can use it in real-time during class to create individualized visual checklists, or teach your students to use it independently!

💡 Find more accessible accommodations at www.theaccessibleiep.com

09/03/2026

Calling all parents & guardians!

The school year has started, and if you have a child with special needs, you know the challenges.

However, if you don't really know all about the IEP (Individual Education Plan), this is a FREE workshop just for you!

Register for this 90-minute FREE workshop through Siouxland Library and get FREE resources too!

See you September 19th!

09/01/2026

Your time is best spent connecting with students—not re-formatting PDFs at your kitchen table.

Diffit (diffit.me) is one of the most powerful free tools for special educators. Paste any website link or PDF, and it generates:

Leveled reading passages

Summary bullet points

Text-dependent comprehension questions

Print-ready graphic organizers

Less administrative friction = more energy for direct instruction.

💡 Bookmark this for your next lesson planning block at www.theaccessibleiep.com!

08/27/2026

Differentiating Reading Levels in Seconds

I've been there, trying to adjust Romeo & Juliet for my students reading at the 2nd grade level.....rough!

Now, after retiring from the classroom, I have the time most Special Educators do not. I research all kinds of AI tools, specifically for us, and design professional development.

Here's an example of differentiation that can happen in minutes, not hours!

08/25/2026

Parents, often you don't know what you don't know.

IEP meetings can be long, wordy, overwhelming & difficult to understand. But, you are the expert of your child!

When a meeting is raising your anxiety or frustration, ask for a break! Was there an agenda, to you need time to process or just questions?

You have a voice, use it!

08/24/2026

Inclusive Learning Tools, still available at some Walmart locations, in school supplies & clearance!!

08/24/2026

The start of the school year is often already chaotic & stressful. When there is a discrepancy in the IEP, it's significantly worse. As a Special Educator of 30 years, stretching resources & staff is always difficult.

However, as families & educators, when the district says, "we don't have the resources", that doesn't excuse the need.

Keep asking, keep trying; it's the law.

08/24/2026

Best wishes for a great year! Congratulations to Elizabeth Lucas, our Teacher Survival Tote winner!