From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Redefining Support for Families After Diagnosis

Imagine facing a life-changing diagnosis and entering a maze of overwhelming systems alone. Now imagine a place where clarity, trust, and compassion guide your journey. In this conversation of Interconnected with Jourdan, Anne, co-founder of Exceptional Lives, shares her powerful personal story—and the incredible movement she's leading to make special education truly accessible for families nationwide.

If you’ve ever:

✔️ Felt lost navigating education, healthcare, or disability systems

✔️ Wished for clear, trustworthy resources

✔️ Wanted schools and families to work together for better outcomes

✔️ Believed that accessibility is a right, not a privilege …

then this episode is for you. ❤️

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-SENw-q7EzdJKiWXBQ4ODAZ9sa6eoCSoCPGrcIYbstg/edit?usp=sharing

Timestamps:

03:50 – The Power of Access: Why Clear Information Changes Lives

06:23 – From Corporate America to Nonprofit Leader: Anne’s Journey

08:08 – Turning Isolation Into Community Support

13:56 – Why "Just Google It" Isn’t Good Enough for Families in Crisis

16:33 – How Exceptional Lives is Bridging Families and Schools

19:08 – Real Stories: Empowerment Through Knowledge

24:23 – How YOU Can Advocate for Better Access and Inclusion

25:34 – Final Thoughts – No One Should Navigate Alone

Contact Information-Exceptional Lives

Exceptional Lives Website: www.exceptionallives.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceptional-lives

Sign up for Exceptional Lives Newsletter: https://exceptionallives.org/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/

Contact Information – Jourdan Saunders

-Jourdan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jourdansaunders/

-Jourdan’s Website: https://www.theresourcekey.com/

-LinkedIn (The Resource Key): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-resource-key/

-Subscribe to Newsletter: https://motivated-producer-7393.kit.com/6fc3435050

-Subscribe to Interconnected on Spotify

#SpecialEducation #InclusiveEducation #EmpowerFamilies #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #ParentSupport #IEPHelp #NavigatingDisabilities