Guest: Suzanne Blume, Special Ed Teacher & Diagnostician
You’re worried your child may need special education services, but you don’t know where to start, what questions to ask or how to advocate for your child properly. Former special ed teacher and diagnostician and current special education consultant Suzanne Blume will empower parents with the right words, information and encouragement to be the best educational advocate for your child.
In this episode, we chat about:
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- Understanding the difference between teacher and diagnostician
- Characteristics a child might demonstrate that would encourage his/her parent to ask for an evaluation
- All about ARD meetings and IEPs
- When would a parent reach out to you for your services?
- Blume’s advice for parents who feel overwhelmed by the IEP process
About the guest
Suzanne Blume began her career as a special education teacher, driven by her passion for supporting individuals with special needs, inspired by having a sister with similar needs. After teaching across various grade levels and handling a wide range of disorders, she earned her Diagnostician Certification and spent many years as an educational diagnostician within the public school system. In 2017, she established her Blume Advocacy and Consulting. While maintaining her role in the public schools, her business provided her with valuable insights into the needs of parents by consulting with them. Suzanne specializes in guiding parents through the process after diagnosis, next steps, obtaining evaluations and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for their children and continues to support them after graduation with day habilitation services, residential facilities, and other entities. In addition to her consulting work, she serves as an adjunct professor teaching education courses and supports school districts with Child Find, Dyslexia, and evaluations. She is also pursuing a doctoral degree in Special Education Law.
Connect with Suzanne Blume
Instagram: @Blumeconsulting_llc
Website: blumeadvocacy.com
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