- Franklin, TN
- dave@thegearfoundation.org
Author
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 […]
READ MOREBuilding 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 […]
READ MORENavigating 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 […]
READ MOREYour 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 […]
READ MORE5 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 […]
READ MORENavigating 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 […]
READ MOREHow 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 […]
READ MOREThat 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 […]
READ MORETaking 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 […]
READ MORE🌟 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, […]
READ MOREA Parent’s Guide to Special Needs Trusts: Securing Your Child’s Future
March 8, 2025
As parents of a child with special needs, my wife Sandy and I understand the overwhelming responsibility of planning for the future. This year, we finally took the time to set up a Special Needs Trust (SNT) for our child—and let me tell you, the weight off our backs is tremendous. For years, we put it off, thinking […]
READ MOREUnderstanding Caregiver Burnout in Special Needs Parenting: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
February 10, 2025
Parenting a child with special needs is a journey filled with love, dedication, and resilience. But let’s be honest—it’s also exhausting. The constant demands of caregiving, medical appointments, therapies, and advocacy can take a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This overwhelming state, known as caregiver burnout, is more common than many realize. If you’re feeling […]
READ MOREMoving to Tennessee: 10 Key Tips for Navigating IEP Meetings for Your Child with Intellectual Disabilities
January 3, 2025
This Month‘s Blog is brought to you by a great local resource in Tennessee but has useful tips to parents across the U.S. Lets hear from a great Life Skills Coach: Haley Buck Relocating to Tennessee with a child who has an Intellectual Disability (ID) brings a mix of excitement and challenges, especially when navigating Individualized […]
READ MOREBuilding Connections: Addressing Social Isolation in Adults with Special Needs
December 9, 2024
Social isolation impacts everyone, but for adults with special needs, the barriers to forming and maintaining social connections can be particularly challenging. This demographic often faces unique hurdles, including stigma, physical or cognitive limitations, and lack of inclusive opportunities. The profound health effects of loneliness on this group call for dedicated attention and tailored solutions. […]
READ MORE25 Christmas Activities for Children with Special Needs: A Fun and Inclusive Guide
November 11, 2024
The holiday season is a magical time for children, but finding inclusive, enjoyable, and sensory-friendly activities for children with special needs can sometimes be a challenge. Here’s a list of 25 Christmas activities tailored for kids with diverse needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for sensory-friendly options, creative crafts, or calming online activities, there’s something […]
READ MOREIntroducing Stella: The Special Needs Concierge
August 24, 2024
community parents special needs Finding Support: 20 Churches in Tennessee with Notable Special Needs Ministries #2 Blog 24 August 2024 We are thrilled to announce the launch of an extraordinary tool designed specifically for special needs parents and their caregivers meet Stella, the Special Needs Concierge. Inspired by our own journey raising a special needs daughter, […]
READ MOREFinding Support: 20 Churches in Tennessee with Notable Special Needs Ministries
July 23, 2024
community parents special needs Finding Support: 20 Churches in Tennessee with Notable Special Needs Ministries Blog 23 July 2024 Parenting a child with special needs is a unique journey that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. One of the most valuable resources for support and community can be found within local churches […]
READ MOREEmbracing Support: How Churches Can Help Families with Special Needs Children
July 6, 2024
community parents special needs Hope and Inclusion: Success Stories of Integrating Special Needs into Business Practices #3 Blog 06 July 2024 Embracing Support: How Churches Can Help Families with Special Needs Children Navigating the world of special needs can be challenging for families, but churches have a unique opportunity to provide vital support and encouragement. […]
READ MOREHope and Inclusion: Success Stories of Integrating Special Needs into Business Practices
June 4, 2024
community parents special needs Hope and Inclusion: Success Stories of Integrating Special Needs into Business Practices Blog 04 June 2024 Parents of children with special needs often face overwhelming challenges and uncertainties about the future. Finding hope and support can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that progress is being made in many areas, […]
READ MOREYou Are Not Alone: Finding Support Through Special Needs Programs in Tennessee Churches
May 22, 2024
community parents special needs Top 10 Survival Tips for Parents Raising Kids with Disabilities #2 Blog 22 May 2024 Parenting a child with special needs is a journey filled with unique challenges, profound joys, and moments of deep resilience. One of the most important aspects of this journey is realizing that you do not have […]
READ MORETop 10 Survival Tips for Parents Raising Kids with Disabilities
April 2, 2024
community parents special needs Navigating the Journey Together: Understanding the Challenges Faced by Parents of Adults with Special Needs #2 Blog 02 April 2024 In the epic saga of parenthood, raising a child with disabilities can sometimes feel like you’re building Rome every single day. You’ve got more appointments than a presidential candidate and your […]
READ MORENavigating the Journey Together: Understanding the Challenges Faced by Parents of Adults with Special Needs
March 6, 2024
community parents special needs You Are Not Alone: Embracing the Journey with Empathy and Understanding #2 Blog 06 March 2024 Parenting is a journey filled with love, joy, challenges, and learning. But for parents of adults with special needs, this journey can often feel like navigating a complex labyrinth without a map. The concerns that […]
READ MOREYou Are Not Alone: Embracing the Journey with Empathy and Understanding
February 10, 2024
employment special needs You Are Not Alone: Embracing the Journey with Empathy and Understanding Blog 10 February 2024 Parenting a child with special needs is a path filled with deep love, unique challenges, and profound resilience. If you’re on this journey, know that your feelings, struggles, and triumphs are seen and understood. You are part […]
READ MOREWinning States for Employment for Special Needs
January 16, 2024
inclusion workplace The Power of Disability Inclusion in the Workplace #2 Blog 16 January 2024 In a world where diversity and inclusion are increasingly recognized as vital to a thriving society, it is imperative to shine a light on the states leading the charge in providing employment opportunities for adults with special needs. This blog […]
READ MORENavigating the Financial Challenges of Raising a Child with Disabilities
January 16, 2024
Navigating the Financial Challenges of Raising a Child with Disabilities Blog 16 January 2024 The High Cost of Special Needs Care Parents of disabled children are faced with significant financial challenges. It is estimated that these parents need 17.8% more income annually to adequately care for their child. Autism Speaks notes that the lifetime cost […]
READ MOREThe Power of Disability Inclusion in the Workplace
January 5, 2024
Explore how Walgreens' disability inclusion initiatives are revolutionizing the workplace and making a significant difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Discover the core principles behind its success and the transformative programs driving change.
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