Our Community: Joanna and Chrissa on Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) Awareness

"Fast 15" with Champions of Special Education

Imagine navigating a world you're unable to see - sounds scary, doesn't it? Tune in as we unravel the mysteries and challenges of Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH), the leading cause of childhood blindness. Our special guests, Joanna and her remarkable 13-year-old daughter, Chrissa, take us on their incredible journey of living with ONH. They reveal the power of community support through a Facebook group that's grown from 500 to a whopping 5,700 members.
Chrissa isn't just any teenager - she's an inspiring young individual battling ONH (Optic Nerve Hypoplasia). As a Braille learner and a fervent advocate for the right to adequate accommodations, she's breaking barriers and achieving her milestones.
But, that's not all. We dive into the crucial role of early intervention and second opinions in managing ONH. As Joanna and Chrissa remind us, it's not an easy journey - it's filled issues and countless hurdles, but the right care, community support, and self-advocacy can make all the difference. Join us as we celebrate Chrissa's accomplishments and dreams, serving as a powerful reminder that we are all champions in our own unique stories.

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Barbara Beck is the host of the FAST 15 Podcast. She is a highly dedicated Disability Advocate and Special Education Consultant specializing in IEP Transition Services. Barbara has an extensive background as a special education teacher spanning nearly 30 years. She has dedicated her career to empowering transition-age youth and fostering positive post-school outcomes.

Barbara's expertise lies in providing comprehensive support and guidance to students with disabilities, ensuring their successful transition from school to adult life. She possesses a deep understanding of secondary services and possesses the skills to develop tailored strategies that maximize individual potential.

For more information and resources on special education school-to-adulthood transition planning and independent living, visit www.mykeyplans.com. Join us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions about special education, inclusion, and disability advocacy. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and use #IEPLaunchpadPodcast to join the conversation. Thank you for tuning in to the IEP Launchpad Podcast! 🎧🎙️#IDD #teaching #specialed #specialneeds #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowerVoices #edtech, #education #edtech, #teachers

Chapters

1. Empowering Individuals With Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (00:00:00)

2. Disabilities Experiences and Advocacy (00:09:21)

3. Empowering Children With Vision Loss (00:24:35)

4. Community Building for Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (00:35:23)

5. Empowering Conversations on Support and Possibilities (00:42:15)