Expert Tips for Educators & Therapists

Create Calm and Connection: Free Sensory-Friendly Play Space Checklist

Play should be a safe, joyful experience for every child. Our free Sensory-Friendly Play Space Checklist gives families, educators, and therapists practical tips for creating spaces that invite calm, curiosity, and connection. From lighting and seating to sensory tools and flexible routines, this guide helps you design environments where all play is honored.

Rock the R: Practical Strategies for Tackling the /r/ Sound

In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Lisa Kathman sits down with speech sound expert Lindsey Hockel, founder of Rock the R. Together they unpack the challenges of treating the notoriously tricky /r/ sound and explore practical, evidence-based strategies that help students make measurable progress. From biofeedback tools to student self-rating, Lindsey shares her favorite approaches for making therapy engaging, effective, and empowering for both clinicians and students.

Neuroaffirming Learning: Supporting Families & Children with PDA and Beyond

In this episode of Bright Conversations, we explore the real-world experiences of speech-language pathologists and the support professionals who make a difference every day. Our guest shares valuable insights on leadership, advocacy, and creating inclusive spaces in educational and clinical settings. From navigating professional identity to building community and pushing for equity, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tools for anyone working in special education, speech-language pathology, or related fields. Whether you're a seasoned SLP or just starting your career, you'll walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, actionable strategies, and a deeper understanding of the systemic changes needed to support all professionals and students.

Understanding PDA: What Speech-Language Pathologists Need to Know

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also called Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, is a profile often linked to autism that involves an intense need for control and autonomy. Individuals with PDA may resist everyday demands, show extreme mood swings, and appear social—but only on their terms. For SLPs, understanding PDA is critical to providing compassionate, tailored support that fosters trust and engagement. By shifting perspective, recognizing stress responses, and adapting strategies, SLPs can better meet the needs of students who are often misunderstood or misidentified.

Culturally Responsive Practice Matters—For Our Clients, Our Communities, and Ourselves

ASHA requires SLPs to complete 30 hours of professional development every three years—at least 2 of which must focus on cultural competence, humility, or DEI. This isn’t just a requirement; it’s about delivering inclusive, responsive care to diverse clients and communities. Bright Ideas Media makes it easy to meet this standard with courses led by experts from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and lived experiences. Our offerings span topics like equitable assessment of bilingual clients, LGBTQIA+ inclusive practices, communication equity in the Deaf community, and neurodiversity-informed interventions. By learning from diverse voices, you’ll not only fulfill certification requirements but also strengthen your practice and impact.

Teaching Body Safety & Autonomy: Adaptations for Neurodivergent Learners

A free, printable guide with practical, evidence-informed strategies to help families, educators, and therapists teach body safety and autonomy to students with language delays and neurodiverse profiles. Learn how to adapt lessons with visual supports, sensory considerations, and collaborative approaches to make this critical education accessible, affirming, and empowering.

Culturally Responsive Assessment of South Asian Languages

SLPs Prabhu Ashwaran and Puja Goel join us to discuss culturally responsive assessment strategies for students who speak South Asian languages. Learn how to honor linguistic diversity and improve outcomes through more inclusive, informed practices. Topics discussed include recommendations for modifying standardized tests and using dynamic assessment, caregiver interviews, and barriers in school-based practice.