Welcome to the Disability Labs Podcast Network (DLPN) — a collaborative audio hub where educators, therapists, curriculum designers, and purpose-driven creators come together to amplify the voices of students who learn differently.

Founded by Cheri Dotterer, occupational therapist and host of The Writing Glitch, Tier 1 Interventions, and The Purpose-Filled Teacher, LDPN is a one-of-a-kind space uniting podcasts dedicated to the science, stories, and strategies behind learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and more.

Whether you're a parent seeking hope, a teacher searching for effective tools, or a clinician committed to making a difference, LDPN offers expert interviews, hands-on interventions, and personal breakthroughs that go beyond labels. We don’t just talk about learning struggles—we provide real, neuroscience-based solutions that ignite potential and reimagine possibility.

Through our network of independently hosted shows, we foster collaboration, spark innovation, and empower leaders in the field of learning support. LDPN is also home to a new generation of teacherpreneurs and educators called to create impact while staying rooted in purpose.

Want to launch your own podcast within the LDPN family? We're looking for mission-aligned creators to join us. If your podcast explores learning differences and inclusive education, there’s a seat at our table.

Latest Episodes

The Secret to Math Success for the 2025-2026 School Year

Welcome to the kickoff of our August Saturday Math! 🎉 In this episode, Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer set the stage for the 2025–2026 school year with a focus on depth in lesson planning.You’ll learn:Why shallow, “grab-and-go” teaching resources aren’t enough.The grade levels Jonily will be partnering with this year (2, 3, 4, 8, Algebra I & II).How our certified coaches are modeling success in Grade 1 and Grade 6.Why teacher quality and intentional planning matter more than any textbook.🎯 Whether you’re a classroom teacher, intervention specialist, or administrator, this conversation will challenge how you think about planning and inspire you to bring depth into your math lessons.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome + Introduction to Saturday Math01:00 – Kickoff for the 2025–2026 school year03:30 – Grade levels Jonily is partnering with this year05:00 – Spotlight on certified coaches in Grades 1 and 606:30 – Introducing the year’s theme: Depth over shallow teaching08:00 – Why textbooks and grab-and-go lessons fall short09:30 – Behind-the-scenes: how lesson planning really happens11:00 – Preview of the four categories for building depth19:00 – Multiplication example: exposing symbols early20:00 – Outro + CTA to join the Masterclass🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs: https://disabilitylabs.com/live-webinar/freemasterclass/register🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go?SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon/Audible🔗 Stay Connected🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle 📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1🎙️ Credits: Host: Cheri Dotterer Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network🧠 Resources Mentioned:Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundleMastery Math Method Level Two (Annual Subscription): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies.🏷️ Hashtags#Tier1Interventions #MathIntervention #MasteryMathMethod #TeachingStrategies #SpecialEducation #MTSS #NeurodiverseLearning #Jonily #Cheri

Why students struggle with math

What happens when a student knows the answer in their head but can’t get it right on paper?  In this Tier 1 Interventions Masterclass clip, join Cheri Dotterer (OT, author of Handwriting Brain Body DisConnect) and Jonily Zupancic (Math Specialist, author of Making Mathineers) as they uncover the disconnect between conceptual understanding and procedural math skills—and how the Mastery Math Method bridges the gap.In this session, you’ll learn: ✅ Why number sense isn’t “extra help” but essential Tier 1 instruction ✅ How to connect conceptual math thinking with procedural fluency ✅ The real story of Brian, a 7th grader who knew the math but couldn’t match classroom expectations ✅ Why pre-planning and sensory–motor–cognitive alignment matter for math success ✅ How teachers can strengthen their core instruction to transform Tier 2 and Tier 3 outcomesThese are neuroscience-based strategies with proven results. Entire classes moving from struggle to success and 92% of students showing measurable growth.👉 Register for the next Masterclass:  https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar✨ Subscribe for more episodes of Tier 1 Interventions Podcast and Mastery Math Method strategies!⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome to the Mastery Math Method (Level 2) 01:00 – Why Tier 1 Core Instruction is the Key to All Learning 01:45 – Meet Brian: A Student Who Knew the Math but Couldn’t Show It 03:00 – The Disconnect Between Conceptual & Procedural Math 04:00 – Why Number Sense Instruction Matters in Secondary Grades 05:00 – Teacher Takeaways: Pre-Planning & Sensory-Motor-Cognitive Links 06:30 – Closing & Call to Action: Bring the Mastery Math Method to Your School🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs: https://disabilitylabs.com/live-webinar/freemasterclass/register🎁 Download your free Intervention Toolkit (login required): https://disabilitylabs.com/43857/files/6887de9b124d7_1753734811_division-cycles-h-and-l-notes-extended.pdf🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go?SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon/Audible🔗 Stay Connected🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle 📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1🎙️ Credits: Host: Cheri Dotterer Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network🧠 Resources Mentioned:Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundleMastery Math Method Level Two (Annual Subscription): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies.🏷️ Hashtags#Tier1Interventions #MathIntervention #MasteryMathMethod #TeachingStrategies #SpecialEducation #MTSS #NeurodiverseLearning #Jonily #Cheri

Hosts

Cheri Dotterer

Cheri Dotterer

Host of Tier 1 Interventions
Jonily Zupancic

Jonily Zupancic

Host of Tier 1 Interventions