Ep.21 | Bad Azz Parent Advocate Choyce Simmons
June 14, 2023
Join hosts Winifred A. Winston and LeDerick Horne, In this powerful episode, we have the honor of speaking with BAD AZZ parent advocate Choyce Simmons. Choyce, a dyslexic entrepreneur, author, and advocate, shares her inspiring journey highlighting the challenges she faced and the determination that fuelled her advocacy efforts when navigating the special education process for her dyslexic son. Undeterred by setbacks, Choyce's unwavering commitment led her to secure a non-public placement for her son during his middle school years. Remarkably, she achieved this accomplishment without the assistance of an advocate or special education attorney. She refused to let the word "no" or financial barriers impede her progress.
Join hosts Winifred A. Winston and LeDerick Horne, In this powerful episode, we have the honor of speaking with BAD AZZ parent advocate Choyce Simmons. Choyce, a dyslexic entrepreneur, author, and advocate, shares her inspiring journey highlighting the challenges she faced and the determination that fuelled her advocacy efforts when navigating the special education process for her dyslexic son. Undeterred by setbacks, Choyce's unwavering commitment led her to secure a non-public placement for her son during his middle school years. Remarkably, she achieved this accomplishment without the assistance of an advocate or special education attorney. She refused to let the word "no" or financial barriers impede her progress.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in this episode:
- Understanding special education terms LRE and FAPE and how they apply to advocacy.
- The challenges of obtaining an accurate diagnosis, from an initial misdiagnosis of ADHD to finally receiving a dyslexia diagnosis in middle school.
- Choyce's determination and resilience shine through as she navigates the educational system and fights for her son's needs by providing data.
- Listeners will gain insights into the process of securing a non-public placement for a child with learning disabilities, without the support of an advocate or special education attorney.
- And so much more!
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About Choyce Simmons:
Choyce Simmons is the founder of Beautiful Minds, LLC, and a dedicated advocate, author, consultant, and educational therapist specializing in special education. Her personal journey as a mother of a son with Dyslexia has inspired her to empower families and individuals through education and support. At Beautiful Minds, LLC, Choyce provides comprehensive support, including IEP Records Review, student observations, attendance at IEP/504 meetings, and letter-writing (filing disputes) services. Additionally, Choyce recognizes the importance of addressing emotional well-being and offers grief support to help individuals and families navigate the complex emotions associated with special education and loss. With a Bachelor's degree in Counseling Psychology and a Master's in Human Service Counseling and Educational Therapy, Choyce is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to guide families effectively. She is passionate about educating, encouraging, and supporting all families, children, and communities, making a lasting impact on their lives.
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Connect with Choyce Simmons!
Website: www.choycesimmons.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautiful_minds727
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Connect with Winifred!
Website: https://www.soallcanread.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soallcanread
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackanddyslexic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soallcanread
Twitter: https://twitter.com/soallcanread
Connect with LeDerick!
Website: https://lederick.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lederickh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lederickhorne/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lederick?lang=en
Resources from this Episode:
Beautiful Minds – educational therapy, coaching, navigating grief and loss: https://www.choycesimmons.com/
Author – “When Queens Rise”: https://www.amazon.com/When-Queens-Rise-Stories-Rising/dp/1737093170
Co-occurrence of Dyslexia and ADHD: https://dyslexiaida.org/attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd-and-dyslexia/
“Other Health Impairment” – Disability category that includes ADHD: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/ohi/
Special Education Law - Wrightslaw Newsletter: https://www.wrightslaw.com/
Learning Preferences: https://opentextbc.ca/studentsuccess/chapter/learning-preferences-and-strengths/
Special Education Mediation: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-to-expect-at-a-mediation-session
Kennedy Krieger High School https://www.kennedykrieger.org/locations/kennedy-krieger-high-school-baltimore
Lab School of Baltimore: https://www.baltimorelabschool.org/
Lab School of Washington DC: https://www.labschool.org/
The Summit School: https://www.thesummitschool.org/
Interested in being a guest on the show or know someone who has a story that needs to be shared? Go to www.guest.blackanddyslexic.org
Would you like us to host a live in person episode of the Black and Dyslexic Podcast at your event? Contact us today! wwinston@soallcanread.org with the subject: BAD Live Event - city, state (i.e., BAD Live Event - Baltimore, MD)