The Rare Life

227: Abuse and Neglect Safeguards | Who We Can Trust + How to Protect Our Disabled Children

May 21, 2026

Most of us can’t be with our children 24/7. At some point, we often must hand off care of our children school staff, nurses, therapists, hospitals, family members, etc to help care for our disabled and medically complex kids. And honestly? That can feel terrifying.In this episode, we're exploring one of the hardest topics parents in this community navigate: preventing abuse and neglect for children who may not be able to fully communicate what happened to them. We talk about the fears par...

226: Should I Be Raising Awareness About My Child’s Diagnosis?

May 14, 2026

For many parents of disabled and medically complex children, “raising awareness”, especially on social media, can start to feel like another responsibility sitting on top of an already overwhelming life. Post more. Educate people. Share your child’s diagnosis. Explain disability better. But what actually changes when we do that… and what are we giving up in the process?In this episode, Alyssa and Madeline explore the tension many caregivers feel between wanting the world to better understand ...

225: Schooling Options for Disabled Kids | Advocacy, Access + Emotional Toll of Navigating Tough Choices w/ Rachel Redmond

May 07, 2026

For many families of disabled and medically complex children, school is rarely a simple decision. It’s a constant balancing act between medical needs, safety, transportation, therapies, staffing, inclusion, and what your child can realistically access.In this episode, Alyssa is joined by Rachel, a special education professional and fellow disability parent, to talk about the realities of navigating school options for medically complex kids. The types of schooling options available, the differ...