Summer Is Tough for Parenting a Child With Disabilities But It’s Also an Opportunity

Published on : Published by : ShaRhonda Knott-Dawson

As a parent of a daughter with a disability, I feel like I am in a perpetual state of learning tips from the “experts.” Having a child with special needs means I am always trying to do the right thing for her. But summer break is extra hard. During the […]

Even When Your Kid Has Special Needs, Sometimes You Gotta Back Off and Let Them Make Their Own Choices

Published on : Published by : ShaRhonda Knott-Dawson

My younger daughter is one of the greatest joys of my life. She is full of energy, gives great cuddles and has a fantastic imagination, often involving her Marvel friends Black Widow and Captain America. She also has disabilities. It has been a long, uphill battle to make sure she […]

Separate But Equal Doesn’t Work, Except When We’re Talking Graduation Ceremonies

Published on : Published by : ShaRhonda Knott-Dawson

Dear White Elementary and High School Administrators: Did you see what happened at the University of Florida’s graduation ceremony on Saturday? Did you see that White usher pushing Black graduates off the stage? Please, don’t be that guy. As we approach graduation season, can we have a tough, but honest, […]

Here’s How We’re Giving Rich, White Families a Stealth School Voucher

Published on : Published by : ShaRhonda Knott-Dawson

Rich, mostly White homeowners are officially on welfare. I know. I was as surprised as you are. But millions of affluent homeowners filed their taxes this week and took advantage of changes to the home mortgage interest deduction. And this popular deduction is basically a form of welfare. In fact, […]

Black Girls Need More Than Michelle Obama

Published on : Published by : ShaRhonda Knott-Dawson

There’s danger in the singular Michelle Obama Black girl role-model narrative. There has been a beautiful picture circulating of a young African-American girl looking up in awe at Michelle Obama’s portrait. In her official first lady portrait, Michelle is gorgeous, regal and no doubt inspiring. Michelle is amazing and she […]

10 Ways to Give Your Child With Special Needs a Head Start

Published on : Published by : ShaRhonda Knott-Dawson

Since having a child diagnosed with special needs, I’ve learned so much about navigating the special-education process. First thing: the special education system is a hot mess—even for savvier parents, it’s incredibly difficult to navigate. The second thing: Early intervention can make all the difference. To give you a head start, I want […]

Your Neighborhood School May Not Make the Rankings But That Doesn’t Mean It Isn’t Right for Your Kid

Published on : Published by : ShaRhonda Knott-Dawson

When moving into my neighborhood, my husband and I never considered our neighborhood school a viable option for our children. It wasn’t “good” based on any list we consulted when choosing schools. The scores were all over the place and honestly, it just wasn’t special. It was just a regular […]