It's Special

For many families, confusion and frustration in the special education process come from the same place, a system that lacks transparency, support, and trust.In this episode, host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with Dr. Alexis Sporkin, Licensed Psychologist, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and Clinical Director at BridgeKids, who helps families and educators navigate the complex world of autism evaluations, IEPs, and advocacy.Together, they unpack what a quality autism assessment really looks like, how parents can prepare for IEP meetings with confidence, and what it means to build a system centered on collaboration, dignity, and informed choice, not red tape.Here is what you'll take away from this episode:🟡 What to look for in a comprehensive autism evaluation and why not all assessments are created equal🟡 How to advocate effectively in IEP meetings using the right language (hint: “appropriate,” not “best”)🟡 Why parents shouldn’t have to fight year after year for services their children are entitled to🟡 The NYC resources every family should know, from INCLUDEnyc to Advocates for Children🟡 How understanding your rights can transform frustration into empowerment🟡 Why “families don’t know what they don’t know” and how professionals can change that“Families don’t know what they don’t know. That’s not fair when they’re doing their best. Our role is to give them the information and confidence they deserve to make the right decisions for their child.” - Dr. Alexis SporkinThis episode is a must-listen for any parent, advocate, or educator navigating the special education system. Whether you’re preparing for an IEP meeting, seeking clarity after a diagnosis, or just want to feel less alone in the process, Dr. Sporkin offers the insight and reassurance every family deserves.Press play now to learn how knowledge, empathy, and advocacy can turn a complex system into a pathway for growth.Dr. Alexis Sporkin is a Licensed Psychologist, NYS Certified School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Licensed Behavior Analyst.She earned her Doctoral degree and BCBA through St. John’s University, where she led the development of an innovative program integrating Applied Behavior Analysis and School Psychology, two interrelated fields that continue to shape her clinical expertise and approach today.With over a decade of experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dr. Sporkin also brings deep expertise in supporting those with anxiety, ADHD, learning delays, and other developmental disabilities. She specializes in comprehensive assessments, including diagnostic evaluations and functional behavior assessments, designed to identify each individual’s strengths and needs with precision and care.Her work spans direct therapy, school consultations, and functional behavior assessments, always guided by a deep respect for the individuality of each child. A passionate advocate for equitable education and early intervention, Dr. Sporkin’s mission is to bridge the gap between science, systems, and families looking for answers and support.

Host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with Dr. Cecelia “Cece” McCarton, a pioneering developmental pediatrician and founder of the McCarton Foundation, for an illuminating conversation about autism, early intervention, and what it really takes to help every child reach their potential.With over four decades of groundbreaking work in developmental pediatrics, Dr. McCarton shares how her experience in the South Bronx inspired a lifelong mission to build programs that combine clinical care, education, and compassion for children with autism and developmental delays.Here is what you'll take away from this important conversation:🟡 How Dr. McCarton’s personal and professional journey led to founding the first integrated autism centers in New York City🟡 Why early intervention, starting as young as 18 months, can dramatically change outcomes🟡 What parents need to know about sensory regulation and why “play” is often powerful therapy🟡 The lasting effects of COVID-19 on children with autism and the surprising silver linings that emerged🟡 How collaborative, interdisciplinary care can transform lives and why funding and policy still fall short“Autistic children are incredibly gifted. We spend so much time trying to ‘fix’ them, when we should be celebrating their strengths and helping them shine.” — Dr. Cecelia McCartonThis episode is a heartfelt masterclass on hope, science, and advocacy. Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or policymaker, Dr. McCarton’s story will leave you inspired to see autism, and potential itself, through a new lens.Dr. Cecelia McCarton is a pioneering developmental pediatrician whose career began over forty years ago in the South Bronx, where she served as Clinical Director of a high-risk infant project. Witnessing firsthand the profound challenges and resilience of families caring for vulnerable children, she dedicated her life to creating meaningful solutions for those too often overlooked by the system.Driven by compassion and determination, Dr. McCarton founded The McCarton Center for Developmental Pediatrics, the first program of its kind to offer integrated evaluations and therapies for children with developmental disorders under one roof. As autism diagnoses rose, her comprehensive model became internationally recognized for its success, leading to the creation of the McCarton School, The Children’s Academy, and now, the McCarton Foundation’s Early Intervention Center in the Bronx. Through decades of tireless work, Dr. McCarton has redefined what’s possible in care and education for children with autism and developmental differences, guided by one unwavering belief: every child has potential and deserves the opportunity to reach it.

Host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with Anil Babbar, attorney, technologist, and founder of Guardian Watch AI, for a gripping and deeply personal conversation about transforming tragedy into innovation. After his son, a young man with autism, suffered horrific abuse in a residential program, Anil turned his grief into action, building an AI-powered platform designed to safeguard vulnerable populations through real-time anomaly detection and video monitoring.With decades of experience in finance, law, and artificial intelligence, Anil shares how Guardian Watch AI aims to close the accountability gaps in residential care facilities, nursing homes, and beyond. Together, he and Tracey confront the systemic failures that allow abuse to persist and explore the promise, and ethical complexities, of technology as a guardian for those who cannot protect themselves.What you will take away from this difficult but vital conversation:🟡 How a personal tragedy led to the creation of Guardian Watch AI🟡 Why abuse in residential and care facilities is far more widespread than reported🟡 How computer vision and AI can detect anomalies, preserve evidence, and alert caregivers in near real-time🟡 The urgent need for legislation mandating cameras and oversight in facilities housing vulnerable people🟡 The balance between privacy, accountability, and safety in caregiving environments🟡 How listeners can get involved by contributing video data, advocating for legislation, and raising their voices for systemic reform“We as a society will be judged by future generations for how we treat our most vulnerable. Right now, we’re getting a failing grade.” -Anil BabbarThis episode is both a call to action and a glimpse into how technology can reshape protection and accountability for people who cannot advocate for themselves. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, policymaker, or advocate, Anil’s story and vision will leave you informed, outraged, and inspired to act.Press play now to hear how one father’s fight could change the future of care and safety for thousands.Content Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with Dr. Lydia Soifer, a renowned language pathologist, teacher trainer, and founder of the Soifer Center, for a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of language, learning, and teaching.With decades of experience in interdisciplinary clinical and educational settings, Dr. Soifer breaks down the science of language development and the practical strategies teachers and families need to support children with diverse learning needs.🟡 Why language, and not just speech, is the foundation of learning and literacy🟡 The difference between modifying curriculum and truly teaching a child in the way they learn🟡 How to recognize when behavior is masking a deeper language processing challenge🟡 What teachers can do every day to reach students with language-based learning differences🟡 Why students need to know how they learn, not just what they’re learning🟡 What it would take to build real interdisciplinary collaboration in public schools“Language is the vehicle that drives the curriculum. If teachers don’t understand how children use and process language, they can’t teach effectively.”  - Dr. Lydia SoiferThis episode is a masterclass in how language impacts every aspect of a child’s academic and emotional development. Whether you’re a parent of a struggling reader, a new teacher trying to reach every student, or an advocate pushing for more support in schools, Dr. Soifer’s insights will leave you better informed and inspired to act.🎧 Press play now and rethink what it really means to teach, to learn, and to connect.Dr. Lydia Soifer is a language pathologist, educator, and founder of The Soifer Center, a multidisciplinary practice dedicated to supporting children with learning and language differences. With over 45 years of experience in clinical, academic, and consultative roles, she is widely respected for her expertise in language development, literacy, and educational advocacy.Dr. Soifer has served as an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and has trained generations of educators and clinicians in understanding the role of language in learning. Her work spans public and private school systems, and she is known for bridging the gap between research-based theory and everyday classroom practice. She continues to challenge outdated educational models, championing interdisciplinary teamwork, and reminding educators that effective teaching starts with understanding how children think, communicate, and make meaning of the world around them.

For students with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences, finding the right school environment can make all the difference. What does can the right environment look like:🟡 Classrooms that respect individuality. 🟡 Sensory integration that empowers self-regulation. 🟡 Programs designed to build real communication and connection.In this episode, Tina McCourt,  joins host Tracey Spencer Walsh to discuss how the Rebecca School’s unique approach, grounded in the DIR / Floortime model, is transforming lives. From founding one of the first DIR-based schools in NYC to expanding services into Westchester, Tina has spent over 30 years advocating for dignity, understanding, and real choice in special education.With passion and clarity, Tina and Tracey unpack the barriers families face, especially within the NYC DOE system, and what it truly means to center student needs and parent voices in educational planning.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🟡 The core principles of DIR / Floortime and why they matter for students with autism & communication delays🟡 Why student sensory needs must be addressed proactively to foster learning🟡 How the Rebecca School empowers students through strong student-teacher ratios, individualized plans, and family collaboration🟡 The urgent need for parent choice and why the IEP process often fails to reflect a child’s real needs🟡 How respectful communication and continuous “circles of interaction” unlock growth and friendships🟡 What it takes to transition students to less restrictive environments and prepare them for success"Brains develop over time. The window doesn’t close. Our goal is to help every child move forward developmentally by meeting them where they are, respecting who they are, and empowering them to thrive." – Tina McCourtThis conversation is essential listening for any parent, educator, or advocate navigating the special education system. If you’ve ever felt like the system doesn’t truly “see” your child, this episode offers hope and a vision for what’s possible.

When your child needs special education support, the journey can feel frustrating, disorienting, and lonely. With long waitlists and limited access to the right resources, a system meant to serve too often overwhelms rather than empowers families looking for help. In this episode, NYC First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro and Deputy Chancellor Christina Foti join host Tracey Spencer Walsh for a powerful conversation on inclusion, equity, and what real progress in special education looks like for NYC families. With personal stories and professional insight, these leaders share real solutions and a bold vision guiding the city’s push toward inclusive, accessible education for all students.What You’ll Take Away from This Episode:🟡 How personal experiences shaped lifelong commitments to public service and advocacy for both the First Deputy Mayor and Deputy Chancellor🟡 Why smaller class sizes and early childhood investment are key to better outcomes🟡 The role of DIAL (Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning) and how it’s reshaping education in NYC🟡 Why every teacher must be equipped to teach students with disabilities🟡 How specialized autism programs like NEST are delivering 97% graduation rates🟡 What inclusion really means and why it goes beyond just a seat at the table🟡 How NYC is shifting from balanced literacy to phonics-based instruction to meet the needs of students with dyslexia🟡 Why hope, advocacy, and parent choice must be at the center of special education reform"We know what works. Now we must build the infrastructure and give every child, no matter their need or neighborhood, the opportunity to thrive." – Deputy Chancellor Christina FotiThis episode is filled with practical vision, policy insight, and heartfelt reflection. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, it’s a must-listen that will leave you better informed and truly inspired. Press play and step into the future of inclusive education. 

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Jared Balmer, PhD, Marriage and Family Therapist, and founder of Waypoint Academy, a residential treatment center specializing in severe anxiety and OCD in adolescents. Dr. Balmer takes us deep into the root causes of the anxiety epidemic affecting today’s youth, from social media dependence to parental overprotection, and explains why exposure response prevention (ERP) therapy is the gold standard for treatment.We explore how modern lifestyles contribute to rising anxiety and depression rates, what parents can do to foster resilience in their children, and why real-world social interactions are the key to emotional well-being. If you're a parent, educator, or professional seeking to understand how to break the cycle of anxiety, this conversation is full of practical insights and transformative advice."The best antidote to anxiety is creating a family environment where people actually talk to each other." – Dr. Jared BalmerTune in now for a powerful discussion on mental health, treatment strategies, and how we can help the next generation thrive.

If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with disabilities, this episode could change everything. Host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with Karen Park, a financial expert and mom of a child with complex disabilities, and Ashley Velategui, a wealth strategist with personal experience supporting a disabled family member. Together, they cut through the confusion of special needs financial planning and give you the clear, practical strategies every family should know.In this important conversation, we break down:🟡 Special Needs Trusts vs. ABLE Accounts - Which one do you need?🟡 Why $2,000 in assets could cost your child their benefits – And how to avoid it🟡 The #1 mistake families make when planning for their child’s future🟡 How to find the right attorney to set up your trust (hint: not every lawyer can do this)🟡 What happens if your disabled loved one outlives the trust?🟡 Why financial predators target people with disabilities - and how to protect your child"Caring for a disabled loved one is overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone." – Karen ParkThis must-listen episode is packed with real-life advice, expert insights, and practical steps you can take today to secure your child’s future - without losing critical government benefits.Hit play now and take the first step toward peace of mind.

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but for families of children with special needs, it’s absolutely essential. 🟡 How do you ensure your child is financially secure? 🟡 What happens if an inheritance disqualifies them from vital benefits? 🟡 How do you protect your assets while maintaining eligibility for government assistance?In this eye-opening and informative episode, attorney Cormac McEnery, a seasoned expert in trusts, estates, and elder law, joins host Tracey Spencer Walsh to demystify the complex world of special needs planning. With over 45 years of experience, Cormac has helped countless families create estate plans that protect their loved ones while maximizing financial security.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🟡 What a Special Needs Trust (SNT) is - and why it’s critical for your child’s future🟡 How to prevent an inheritance from jeopardizing government benefits like Medicaid and SSI🟡 The difference between revocable, irrevocable, and supplemental needs trusts🟡 Why guardianship decisions are crucial when a child with disabilities turns 18🟡 How to structure an estate plan that protects multiple generations🟡 What families must do to ensure other relatives (like grandparents) don’t unintentionally disrupt a child’s financial future"The biggest mistake families make? Waiting too long to plan. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy - it’s for anyone who wants to ensure their child’s future security." – Cormac McEneryWhether you’re just starting to think about estate planning or need to make sure your current plan is truly working for your child’s needs, this must-listen episode is packed with expert guidance, practical strategies, and actionable insights to help you navigate the process with confidence. Press play now - because planning today means peace of mind for tomorrow.

For children with language-based learning disabilities and ADHD, learning can feel like an uphill battle. 🟡 Difficulty with reading and writing. 🟡 Challenges with vocabulary and comprehension. 🟡 Struggles with attention and executive function skills.In this insightful and inspiring episode, Heather Ironside, Director of Admissions at The Gateway School in New York City, joins host Tracey Spencer Walsh to discuss how Gateway is changing the game for students with learning differences. With a background as a speech-language pathologist and former Director of Language and Literacy, Heather provides a deep dive into how language, literacy, and cognition intertwine - and how the right educational approach can unlock a child’s potential.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🟡 The science behind language-based learning disabilities and how they impact reading and writing🟡 Why executive function skills are critical to academic success - and how to strengthen them🟡 How The Gateway School’s unique approach helps students thrive through structured literacy instruction🟡 The importance of early intervention and recognizing signs that your child may need extra support🟡 How specialized schools like Gateway empower students with learning differences🟡 Heather’s journey from speech-language pathologist to education leader—and why she’s passionate about helping children succeed"Seeing a child light up when they finally grasp a new concept—when their world expands just from learning how to spell a word—reminds me why I do what I do every day." – Heather IronsideThis conversation is a must-listen for parents, educators, and advocates who want to understand how language and literacy shape a child’s ability to learn and thrive. If you’ve ever wondered how to best support a child with learning differences, this episode has the answers you’ve been looking for.Press play now and discover how the right education can transform a child’s future!

Navigating the insurance system shouldn’t feel like an uphill battle - but for families of children with disabilities, it often is. 🟡 Denials with no explanation. 🟡 Endless bureaucratic red tape. 🟡 Overwhelming medical expenses.In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Scott Leshin, founder of SJ Health Insurance Advocates, shares the insider strategies insurance companies don’t want you to know. A former Wall Street professional turned fierce advocate, Scott’s journey began when his son, Sam, was born with significant medical needs. What started as a personal fight for coverage turned into his mission to help families nationwide secure the benefits their children deserve.What you’ll take away from this episode:🟡 The hidden tactics insurance companies use to deny claims—and how to counter them🟡 Decoding your policy like a pro: The fine print that makes all the difference🟡 How to appeal and win reimbursement for therapies, medical equipment, and residential treatment🟡 Why insurance denials are often strategic - and how persistence can turn a "no" into a "yes"🟡 The most overlooked mistake parents make when seeking coverage for autism, ABA therapy, and mental health services🟡 Self-funded vs. fully funded plans - and why knowing the difference could be a game-changer"Raising a child with special needs is a full-time job. Fighting the insurance company shouldn’t have to be another one." – Scott LeshinThis compelling and information-packed episode will empower you with the knowledge and tools to fight back - and win. Whether you're struggling with claim denials, lost in the maze of appeals, or just want to be prepared, this conversation will change the way you approach your child’s medical coverage.Hit play now and take control of your insurance battle.

When your child needs special education support, the system can feel overwhelming, confusing, and isolating. 🟡 Endless paperwork. 🟡 Conflicting advice. 🟡 Unanswered questions.In this must-listen episode, Sarah Birnbaum, one of New York City's leading special education advocates, joins host Tracey Spencer Walsh to cut through the confusion and empower parents with real strategies, essential knowledge, and the confidence to advocate effectively.Sarah's journey began as a mother navigating the special education maze for her own children, and she has since dedicated her career to helping families understand their rights, their options, and the pathways to securing the right education for their children.What You’ll Take Away from This Episode:🟡 How to trust your instincts when you suspect your child may have a learning difference🟡 The biggest mistakes parents make when navigating CPSE and CSE in New York City🟡 Why evaluations are key—and how to get the right one for your child🟡 How to cut through the bureaucracy and access the services your child is entitled to🟡 Understanding pendency (stay-put rights) and how to protect your child’s placement🟡 Building a community—because you don’t have to do this alone"The system can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. There are people who will help you—find them, connect with them, and advocate for your child." – Sarah BirnbaumThis episode is packed with practical advice, real-life insights, and strategies you can use today. If you’ve ever felt lost in the special education process, this conversation will empower you to take control and find the right path for your child.Press play now and take the first step toward clarity and confidence in your advocacy journey!

“Sometimes the surprise, which honestly makes me feel really good when I can give them this surprise, is ‘wow I didn’t really know my child was that intelligent or had those strengths because we get caught in some of the issues.’ So that’s the surprise I always like to be able to find is the strengths beneath the disability.” - Dr. SalsbergHost and Special Education Law Attorney Tracey Spencer Walsh speaks with Dr. David Salsberg, PsyD, DABPS, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Director of Pediatric Assessment, Learning & Support (PALS) about the importance of developmental, psychological, and neuropsychological evaluations on children of all ages who may have learning disabilities, attention issues, autism, or even traumatic brain injuries.Dr. Salsberg was the Associate Director of Pediatric Psychology and Neuropsychology at NYU Langone Medical Center. And he is Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Neuropsychology at Weill Cornell Medical College in the Department of Neurological Surgery.Tracey’s entire career has led up to this moment. Bringing her over twenty-five years of expertise in the legal industry to the air waves, Tracey dives deeper into the world of special needs and civil rights law to give parents the relevant and supportive information they crave and need, without having to sift through a mountain of articles or paperwork. It’s about cutting through the constant noise, pulling the most important tidbits out, and absorbing key advice and anecdotes that help you and your child excel on their journey.For more information about PALS, visit https://nypals.com/. 

Join us as we sit down with Shirley Aninias to explore her journey through advocacy and resilience. In this episode, Shirley shares her personal experiences navigating the system, the challenges she's faced, and the insights she's gained. Whether you're an advocate, a parent, or simply interested in understanding more about disability rights, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and practical advice. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with wisdom and hope."I would say find the community that will support you and your family. Find a community that is not judgmental, that when they will celebrate the good and will also help you when you're in your greatest need. And that would be the best, you know, advice that I would give, you know, community." - Shirley Aniniashttps://www.theshirleyaniniasschool.com/

Join us as Michael Ringel delves into essential financial strategies for families with special needs. In this episode, we explore practical advice on planning for two lifetimes, ensuring both immediate and long-term financial security. Whether you're new to this journey or looking for advanced tips, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of special needs financial planning."The first thing to do is understand that you have to plan for two lifetimes, at least, and you can have your cake and eat it too, if the planning is done properly. We try to share with our families, those two possibilities. And implore people to take action". - Michael Ringelhttp://www.mikeringel.com

On this episode of the It's Special Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Wishner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to discuss the unique challenges that young adults with special needs face during puberty and the confusion and anxiety, they experience when it arrives earlier for them than their peers and when they are not prepared for the physical and emotional changes.Jordan emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive support and education to young adults with special needs during this challenging time. He believes that open communication, tailored education, and ongoing guidance can help these young adults navigate this phase of their lives and develop healthy relationships with themselves and others.______Jordan started his career as a New York City special education teacher, then over time moved into social work, and ultimately into the world of admissions and administration. He brings each of these valuable skill sets to his current work at Children’s Academy. childrensacademynyc.org

"If the model of one-to-one therapy is not gonna work anymore, what we do is we try to think about the continuum of care. If you think about all of the groups that got crunched during Covid -teens got the worst. What makes teenage years special - it’s all about friends, it’s all about figuring out where you are in the larger social context of the world, you realize that your family is one unit but there are lots of other units out there and where do you belong? So teens have this internal need, biological push to leave the nest and go find a social group plus they have their sexuality coming in".  - Dr. Rosenthalmanhattanpsychologygroup.comDr. Rosenthal is the founder of Big Apple Day Program, a social skills summer treatment camp in Manhattan that helped over 400 children with social and emotional difficulties from 2011-2019 have a fun and therapeutic summer experience. He is also the founder of the Electronic Daily Report Card (eDRC), a online behavioral progress monitoring tool that was used by thousands of students across the country from 2016-2020. Finally, he has served as an Adjunct Clinical Supervisor for doctoral students in the CBT Child Program at Ferkauf Graduate School, Yeshiva University, and as a Voluntary Faculty Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Most recently, Dr. Rosenthal has shifted his focus from treating patients to primarily focusing on leadership, growth and company culture. He is dedicated to hiring the best professionals, creating innovative ways of helping more children and families and executing the company mission, vision and core values.

“What’s the common thread that brings all the families together? And it’s, we’re worried, we are afraid for our kids, we know that we’ve got smart capable kids, but they can’t read.” - Bill DeHavenHost and Special Education Law Attorney Tracey Spencer Walsh speaks with Bill DeHaven, Head of School at Villa Maria School in Stamford, Connecticut, about the importance of a small student to teacher ratio for students with learning challenges and language impairment.Tracey’s entire career has led up to this moment. Bringing her over twenty-five years of expertise in the legal industry to the air waves, Tracey dives deeper into the world of special needs and civil rights law to give parents the relevant and supportive information they crave and need, without having to sift through a mountain of articles or paperwork. It’s about cutting through the constant noise, pulling the most important tidbits out, and absorbing key advice and anecdotes that help you and your child excel on their journey.For more information about Villa Maria School, visit http://villamariaschool.org/. 

“From people not interacting and not being exposed we come to make assumptions which are often false and that contributes to the way that people with disabilities are valued."Lori is the Director of Disability and Education Policy at the nonprofit INCLUDEnyc, where she has led initiatives for more transparency, accountability, and improved outcomes for New York City students with disabilities. She is also a member of the New York State Commissioner’s Advisory Panel for Special Education Services, which advises the New York State Office of Special Education to the Governor, Legislature, and Commissioner, on the unmet educational needs of students with disabilities. Lori is the former Vice-Chair of the Panel for Educational Policy of the New York City Department of Education, also known as the New York City Board of Education. Prior to these roles, Lori taught both general and special education in public and non-public schools in New York City and Newark, NJ. She lives in Brooklyn and has a 19-year-old son with developmental disabilities who attends a District 75 program on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.More information about INCLUDEnyc here >> https://includenyc.org/

“I think Ireland at the moment is trying to strike that balance between respecting and honoring things like the Irish language, which is coming back with a vengeance at the moment and is becoming a very trend thing to become involved with, you know, and very kind of old Irish, but then also bring forward very new elements. I would hope that that continues and that reflects and moves forward to special education provision in Ireland.”Host and Special Education Law Attorney Tracey Spencer Walsh speaks with Órla Mannion, Senior Public Affairs Executive in the Dublin Chamber of Commerce,  about what it’s like for children with disabilities in Ireland and their education system.Tracey’s entire career has led up to this moment. Bringing her over twenty-five years of expertise in the legal industry to the air waves, Tracey dives deeper into the world of special needs and civil rights law to give parents the relevant and supportive information they crave and need, without having to sift through a mountain of articles or paperwork. It’s about cutting through the constant noise, pulling the most important tidbits out, and absorbing key advice and anecdotes that help you and your child excel on their journey.