Education Advocacy
As Special Education Advocates and Disability Specialists, we help parents of children with disabilities navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes.
Let’s change your child’s life together!!
We advocate for children whose disabilities include:
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Other Health Impairments to include ADD/ADHD
Learning Disabilities
Speech or Language Impairments
Intellectual Disabilities
Emotional Behavior Disability
Hearing Impairments
Orthopedic Impairments
When you retain our services, we will
- Review IEP, 504, psycho-educational evaluations, and all pertinent documents. Create reports of recommendations to parents, caregivers and/or schools, as appropriate.
- Determine the strengths and needs of the student through a variety of measures including interview, observations, and review of all prior assessments and pertinent information.
- Inform you about your Special Education rights and relevant educational issues.
- Offer recommendations of any necessary assessments and/or evaluation areas.
- Objectively analyze your child’s educational program.
- Conduct school/home observations to ensure that appropriate services and goals are implemented, as needed.
- Assist you in obtaining the most appropriate educational program for your child pursuant to IDEA.
- Attend IEP meetings to support students and parents, in person or online.
- Attend initial and re-evaluation plan meetings.
- Participate in school meetings to create Positive Behavior Intervention Plans.
- Assess current curriculum, methodologies, and organizational systems.
- Link parents with a variety of community resources.
- Above all else you will receive guidance on how to advocate successfully for your loved one. It is our goal to help parents become their child’s best advocate.
Navigating the Complexities of the IEP Process
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of why a parent might seek an IEP advocate
Understanding the legal framework
Special education laws like IDEA and Section 504 can be complex. An advocate can explain these laws and how they apply to the child's specific situation.
Decoding evaluations and reports
Advocates can help parents understand educational evaluations, assessments, and reports, translating jargon and highlighting key information.
Developing effective IEPs
Advocates can assist in crafting appropriate goals, selecting suitable supplementary aids and services, and ensuring the IEP is aligned with the child's needs.
Why do parents need an Education Advocate?
A parent might need an education IEP (Individualized Education Program) advocate to help navigate the special education system, ensuring their child receives the appropriate educational support and services. Advocates offer expertise in special education law, the IEP process, and can help parents understand their rights and advocate effectively for their child’s needs.
Facilitating Effective Communication and Collaboration
Preparing for IEP meetings
Advocates can help parents prepare for IEP meetings, develop a list of questions, and practice communicating their concerns to the IEP team.
Representing the child's needs
Advocates can advocate for the child's needs during IEP meetings, ensuring their voice is heard and their rights are protected.
Mediating disputes
If disagreements arise between parents and the school, an advocate can help mediate the situation and facilitate a positive resolution.
Ensuring Appropriate Educational Services
Identifying overlooked needs
Advocates can help identify potential learning challenges or other factors that may be affecting the child's education and advocate for appropriate interventions.
Securing necessary supports
Advocates can help parents secure necessary accommodations, modifications, and related services to support the child's learning and development.
Monitoring progress and advocating for adjustments
Advocates can help parents monitor their child's progress, identify areas where the IEP may need adjustments, and advocate for necessary changes.
Providing Emotional Support and Empowerment
Reducing stress and overwhelm
The IEP process can be stressful and overwhelming for parents. Advocates can provide support and guidance, reducing the burden on parents.
Empowering parents
By providing information and support, advocates empower parents to become more confident and effective advocates for their children.
Ensuring the child's success
Ultimately, the goal of an IEP advocate is to ensure the child receives a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that allows them to reach their full potential.
Free Download – Advocacy Startup Guide
I am excited to share with you this advocacy startup guide that is meant to help parents and providers alike understand a bit more about advocacy. It’s in a workbook format in hopes that you will use it as a resource as you build your advocacy skills and speak up for your child, yourself and others along your advocacy journey.
Go for the Goal! A Parent’s Guide to Creating Meaningful IEP Goals – Book Purchase
Parents must be knowledgeable in recognizing and understanding their rights to the special education that their child needs and deserves before they can become strong advocates.
Regardless of whether you are a parent of a child with a disability, an educator or provider of special needs services, chances are good that you have challenges deciphering how to write Individual Education Plan goals. In this comprehensive, easy-to-read book, you will find a vast array of sample goals to set you on a course to become a truly active participant in the IEP process.
Access Go for the Goal on Amazon as an E-book for $2.99
Empowering Parents
The Importance of Educational Advocacy