The Undivided Blog

Accommodation or modification? Wait… aren’t they basically the same thing? Not quite! When used well, both are meant to remove barriers so every child can access the curriculum. But accommodations and modifications aren’t the same — and that difference matters more than you might think, even when the lines get blurry in how schools apply …

A new school year means a lot of new and challenging things for our kids to navigate. What looks small from the outside can feel very big to our kids. A child who looks “fine” at school can actually be working hard to fit in, hold it together, or manage all the sensory input coming …

School just started. What if things go sideways? How do I make sure the school responds appropriately? Sound familiar? If you’re parenting a child with a disability, you may already be bracing for the call from the teacher, the IEP meeting where “behavior” takes over the conversation, or mornings when your child begs to stay …

For families of kids with disabilities, back-to-school season comes with its own checklist — AAC devices ready, safety plans in place, the whole team up to speed on health and sensory needs, teachers on board with IEPs…and the list goes on. No matter where you’re starting from, we’ve got what you need to help your …

The start of a new school year looks different for every family. For some, it’s helping a child feel comfortable with a new routine. For others, it’s introducing a new teacher, making sure accommodations are in place, finding the right adaptive tools, or preparing for a smoother transition back to school. Most families are juggling …

From first evaluations to first IEP meetings, the early years bring a lot of new experiences — and questions. If you’re unsure where to start or what support your child may qualify for, we’ve mapped out the key milestones and services from birth through kindergarten. Early intervention What is early intervention? Not sure where to …

Mealtimes can be a daily challenge for many families raising kids with disabilities — and this week, we’re exploring why. Whether your child has sensory sensitivities, a highly selective diet, feeding challenges, or a limited list of preferred foods, you’re not alone. We’re sharing insights, strategies, and expert guidance on building feeding skills in a …

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference: a home that’s easier to navigate, a way to communicate that’s finally understood, the confidence to brush teeth, wash hair, or take a shower independently, or an adaptive tool that helps your child do something on their own for the very first time. This week, …

If you’ve ever wondered, “Wait, is there a program that covers this?” you’re not alone. California has a patchwork of health plans, public benefits, and disability programs that can help pay for therapies, equipment, caregiving, and more — but figuring out which program covers what (and how they all work together) isn’t exactly intuitive. This …

I wanted to follow up on my last post with more of what happens when incentives are pointed in the wrong direction. Denials and obfuscation are just the start. From there, it cascades. A single NO doesn’t stop with one family. It spreads, it compounds, and it spirals out of control. Here are three of …