Intent to Include, LLC

08/19/2025

One thing that I've noticed is that "welcome" & "accessible" & "included" & "belonging" are all words that often all get used interchangeably, especially in churches.

They're all different, albeit on a very similar continuum. Regardless of the setting, the ultimate goal should always be "belonging" because with that comes purpose for life...each and every life.

Belonging isn't optional—it's foundational. Inclusive educators build it on purpose.

08/16/2025

Have you ever wondered about all the living options that are available for individuals with significant disabilities? The Independent Futures that Work! project has a new tip sheet out that discusses the available options.

English:https://www.independentfuturesthatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Independent-Living-for-Individuals-with-Significant-Disabilities-1-11-24-Compatible.pdf

Spanish:https://www.independentfuturesthatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Spanish-Independent-Living-for-Individuals-with-Significant-Disabilities-SP-2.5.24.pdf

08/15/2025

Parents & families of students with IEPs...

Now is the perfect time to for some early advocacy (not mean-not nasty-just proactive) that can make a HUGE difference.
Maybe last year was awesome!
Or maybe last year was lacking.
Either way, it's a fresh start and so many teachers are eagerly waiting to make this the best year yet. You can help make that happen for your student NOW.

Whether you're a new IEP parent of a seasoned veteran strolling into a new school year with a solid IEP in place, these first few weeks are what can make or break the tone for the whoooolllleee year. I wrote a quick post this week that shares why NOW is the best time to review, prepare, & speak up for your student...and how you can start the year strong (and kind & confident).

🔗Check out the blog here ⬇️

As the new school year approaches, you may find yourself looking more closely at your child’s IEP. For many families navigating special education, this season brings a mix of fresh starts, big hopes, and maybe lingering questions or concerns.Whether you're walking into the school year with confide...

08/13/2025

My feed is FILLED with all of the BTS pics and I'm def not mad about it! Here’s to a new school year and a new season of church programs. What a great new opportunity at hand!

And about that...
Just your friendly reminder that Inclusion isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s essential and it doesn't happen solely by programs. It's first and foremost a matter of the heart and how we view people (spoiler: we're all created in the image of a pretty big God).

Whether it’s the first week of school or the launch of a new church season, true belonging changes everything for kids and families impacted by disability. Ask around and you may be surprised to find that there are people who may feel welcome but don't feel like they belong.

Here are 3 ways you can help create a true sense of belonging in your space (this isn't an overnight change--this is an intentional and well thought out set of reflection, motivations, and intentions):

1️⃣ Ask before you assume. Every student, every family, every story is unique. 10000% chance you don't actually have the full picture.

2️⃣ Plan with inclusion in mind. Don’t just adapt after the fact—start with it at the center. Don't look at who is there; look at who is missing.

3️⃣ Follow up often. Needs can shift quickly; relationships keep the door open.

And if you’re a parent of a student with an IEP, you’re not alone—we’ve got a Facebook group just for you (sorry, everyone else...this is just for families of students with IEPs) --> Intent to Include IEP & SPED support for families

And if you want a head start this year, grab the FREE August Checklist for Parents of Students with IEPs to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. September topics are coming soon.

Here’s to a year of more than just “welcome.”
Here’s to belonging!

Start the school year with confidence using this *FREEBIE* August IEP c hecklist designed specifically for parents and caregivers of students with IEPs. This printable digital download outlines key steps to take at the beginning of the school year—like reviewing your child’s IEP, organizing pape...

08/12/2025

From “everybody is welcome” to "you purposefully belong here & have a meaningful role in the mission at hand"—that’s the goal when it comes to disability ministry.

This summer, I partnered with a local church to listen, observe, and learn how disability impacts their community (re: their church). Last Sunday, we spent some time looking some biblical foundational truths when it comes to the role of the church in advancing the gospel to all. We dove into some factional stats about Texas and our local community, took a semi-deep dive into the top 5 in schools & then really dug in to what it means to "belong" in church.

In a few weeks, we're going to take a deep dive into reshaping how we view behavior and I-CAN-NOT-WAIT!

08/11/2025

Ok so let's be real for a minute.
It's a new school year with all the new feels and hopefully some optimistic and positive vibes. I'm 10000% here for that! But, friend, we both know that good vibes and optimism doesn't equate to solid IEP implementation.
Now is the perfect time to look at your students IEP and NOW is when early advocacy (not mean-not nasty-just proactive) can make a HUGE difference.
Whether you're a new IEP parent of a seasoned veteran strolling into a new school year with a solid IEP in place, these first few weeks are what can make or break the tone for the whoooolllleee year. I wrote a quick post this week that shares why NOW is the best time to review, prepare, & speak up for your student...and how you can start the year strong (and kind & confident).
🔗Check out the blog here ⬇️

https://www.intenttoinclude.com/post/new-year-new-opportunities-why-early-iep-advocacy-matters

As the new school year approaches, you may find yourself looking more closely at your child’s IEP. For many families navigating special education, this season brings a mix of fresh starts, big hopes, and maybe lingering questions or concerns.Whether you're walking into the school year with confide...

08/10/2025

Anytime mission work comes up, we tend to think of third-world countries, deep poverty, and areas overwhelmed by darkness. And yes, the gospel is absolutely needed in those places.
But friends, it’s also deeply needed right here in our own communities.

How are we (the Church) reaching families and individuals impacted by disability when it comes to **discipleship**, **fellowship**, and **belonging in the Kingdom**?

I’m not talking about a special, one-time mission event. I’m talking about *ongoing discipleship*.

As believers, we’re all disciples answering the call to **GO**.
But sometimes, “going” doesn’t mean a plane ride.
It might mean looking across the pew, down the hallway, or into the community for a gauge of representation.

It’s not about programs...it’s about people.
It’s about noticing who might be missing.
True inclusion begins with relationship.
And relationship begins with listening.

08/10/2025

A common struggle across many ISDs.
Even more reason to know your students IEP and rights.

Lucky for you, Intent to Include knows a thing or two about what constitutes a quality IEP AND have a great understanding of how the school year ebbs and flows when related to sped.

Check out the online shop and grab your FREE August parent IEP checklist so that you can lay the groundwork to get ahead of any potential issues.

You don’t have to travel the IEP school year alone friend.

www.intenttoinclude.com

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER SHORTAGE | School districts across Texas are grappling with a shortage of special education teachers, prompting Comal Independent School District to take action by creating 22 new positions, primarily for teaching assistants. https://bit.ly/40WQ5R9

08/09/2025

The start of the school year brings meetings, timelines, data, decisions, and a lot of communication to keep up with. For parents of students with IEPs, it can feel like a full-time job just to make sure that your student’s IEP is followed by ✨everyone✨ and that they’re getting the support they’re entitled to.
Intent to Includes private parent group is for families of K–12 students with IEPs. Each month we will cover topics that align with what’s happening in schools. We will also share info and tips to help YOU advocate with clarity, kindness & confidence.

In August we’re tackling:
✔️ IEPs & the new school year
✔️ Cameras in SPED
✔️ Building teacher communication & relationships
✔️ Important IEP dates
✔️ Live parent/family Zoom: 8/21/25

Before joining, know this: There will be no tolerance of teacher bashing. Many sped teachers are great at their jobs and also want what’s best for YOUR kid.
Top comment is the group link.

Feel free to tag and share 🤍

08/09/2025

some helpful future-planning considerations ⬇️

A Special Needs Trust protects benefits and provides long-term care.

08/08/2025

🚨FREEBIE DOWNLOAD ALERT🚨

Start the school year with confidence using this 🌟FREEBIE🌟 August IEP Checklist designed specifically for parents of students with IEPs.

This printable digital download outlines key steps to take at the beginning of the school year—like reviewing your child’s IEP, organizing paperwork, and connecting with the special education team. While not an exhaustive list, it serves as a practical and empowering starting point to help families stay organized, informed, and ready to advocate.

Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, this checklist is a helpful tool for navigating special education and supporting your student's success from day one.

This 🌟FREEBIE🌟 is perfect for
✅parents of students with IEPs
✅special education advocacy
✅back-to-school planning
✅IEP organization
✅SPED parents and caregivers

Download yours by visiting https://www.intenttoinclude.com/category/all-products

Oh, and the best part? Our private FB group for families of students with IEPs is going to dive deep into this all August long! Comment below or slide into the DMs and I'll get you hooked up with the group!