100 Voices on Special Education | Voice #1: Michael Gilberg – From Special Education Student to A...

Welcome to the very first episode of 100 Voices on Special Education, a special interview series from Special Education News and Noteworthy. Every person experiences special education from a different place. The only way to understand the whole picture is to listen to all of them. That's the idea behind this series. Rather than deciding ourselves who the most important voices in special education are, each guest recommends the next person we should interview. One conversation leads to the next, creating a community-driven exploration of the state of special education in America—what's working, what isn't, and where meaningful change is possible. For our very first conversation, I'm joined by Michael Gilberg—special education attorney, autistic self-advocate, and board member within the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). Michael shares his journey from growing up in special education, being misdiagnosed until age 18, and overcoming incredibly low expectations to becoming an attorney dedicated to advocating for students with disabilities and their families. In this episode, we discuss: • Michael's experience as a student in special education • The school professionals who shaped his life—for better and for worse • The personal tragedy that inspired his career in special education law • Why parent advocacy matters and what every parent should know before walking into an IEP meeting • The biggest challenges and biggest opportunities facing special education today • His thoughts on current policy discussions, including the proposed move of OSERS to the Department of Health and Human Services • What gives him hope for the future of special education At the end of the conversation, Michael recommends the next person we should talk to—continuing the chain that will ultimately become 100 Voices on Special Education. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about special education, advocacy, disability rights, and educational policy, I'd love for you to follow Special Education News and Noteworthy wherever you listen to podcasts. Following the show helps more families, educators, advocates, and professionals discover these conversations, and ensures you won't miss the next voice in the series. The Journey So Far Voice #1: Michael Gilberg