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Dave Krikac

Beyond “Screen Time”: Is the AI in My Child’s Classroom Helping or Hurting?

March 18, 2026

For parents raising children with special needs, written by thegearfoundation.org/ You have probably heard the phrase “screen time” your whole parenting life. Too much TV. Too much iPad. And now, AI is showing up in your child’s classroom, and nobody asked you if you were ready. Here is what you actually need to know. Something big […]

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Building Inclusive Workplaces for Neurodivergent Talent

February 11, 2026

Join us for this special episode, which is a featured part of the Strategic Humanity newsletter series on LinkedIn. We are diving into a powerful conversation about the invisible walls that hinder mobility and career opportunities for the special needs community in Middle Tennessee. This episode features the inspiring story of Ronda Clark, a local […]

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Navigating the Journey: Essential Tools for Special Needs Parents

February 3, 2026

Raising a child with special needs is a journey marked by incredible love, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed. From managing complex medical schedules to advocating for the right educational support, the “invisible work” of caregiving is a heavy lift. At thegearfoundation.org/, we understand this weight. Our […]

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Your Child’s Disability Care is a Zip Code Lottery: 5 Shocking Truths Every Parent Must Know

December 30, 2025

Introduction: The Impossible Maze For families of children with special needs, securing state-funded care is a crushing, bureaucratic nightmare. It’s an overwhelming challenge defined by complex paperwork, impossible hurdles, and years-long waits for the support that can determine a child’s entire future. Nationally, the crisis has reached staggering proportions: nearly 700,000 Americans are currently trapped […]

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5 Surprising Truths About How Technology is Revolutionizing Special Needs Communication

November 17, 2025

Beyond the Screen: A New Era of Connection If you’re a parent or teacher of a non-verbal child, you know the deep desire to hear them share their thoughts, needs, or even just a joke. For years, that hope felt like a distant dream. But something incredible is happening. Technology—once seen mainly as a distraction—is […]

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Navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program)

October 15, 2025

Navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. In this video, we’ll break down what an IEP is, why it matters, and the step-by-step process schools use to evaluate, plan, and provide special education services for your child. You’ll learn: What the IEP process looks […]

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How Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Can Help You Boost Savings in an ABLE Account

August 7, 2025

As a parent or caregiver to someone with special needs, you’re likely familiar with the financial challenges that come with planning for the future. Thankfully, recent changes brought about by new legislation—affectionately called the “big beautiful bill”—can significantly ease these financial burdens. Here’s everything you need to know in simple, clear terms: Understanding ABLE Accounts […]

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That Heavy Feeling: A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Special Needs Burnout

July 16, 2025

Hey there, amazing parent. Yes, you. The one juggling therapy appointments, IEP meetings, and the endless mental checklist. The one who lies awake at night worrying, researching, and planning. The one who feels a complex mix of profound love and, if we’re being honest, profound exhaustion. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, anxious, or even a […]

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Taking the First Step: A Parent’s Reflection on Building a Future for a Child with Special Needs

June 20, 2025

I just completed our family’s special needs trust. It still feels a bit surreal typing that sentence. It took time, courage, and more late nights of research and emotion than I can count. But I want to share this with you — not because it’s easy, but because I know how many parents out there […]

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🌟 Stella: The AI Concierge Changing the Game for Disability Support Around the Globe

May 8, 2025

When you look at the Global Economics of Disability 2024 report, one thing becomes crystal clear: the world still has a long way to go when it comes to designing systems that actually work for people with disabilities and their families. But here’s the good news—we’re not powerless. In fact, there’s already a tool out there leading the charge: Stella, […]

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