Why Hire An Advocate
The special education process can be an emotional journey. Too often, parents and caregivers leave school meetings feeling defeated, frustrated, and overwhelmed. When you are already balancing the responsibilities of caring for a child with unique educational needs, convincing an entire team to recognize and address those needs can feel draining. It is no surprise that when emotions run high, misunderstandings and conflict can arise.
This is where a special education advocate comes in. Having someone by your side dedicated to championing your child's needs can bring a much-needed sense of relief and peace of mind. An advocate's primary goal is to ensure your voice is heard and your child's needs are met.
About Different Abilities Advocacy
It is Different Abilities Advocacy’s mission to ensure that your child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), as outlined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This includes securing the resources your child needs to succeed in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). As a non-attorney special education advocate and consultant, I work with families of students ages 3 to 21 in the public school system. I help you navigate the IEP or 504 process, understand procedural safeguards, and hold schools accountable to their Child Find obligations. My goal is to safeguard your child’s educational rights and ensure they receive the accommodations, related services, and support they need to thrive.
Services Provided
Initial Eligibility
I will draft letters requesting initial evaluations for special education services, including Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), if necessary. Under the Child Find mandate of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every school district is required to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disabilities.
Improve Your Knowledge
I will help you strengthen your understanding of educational rights by walking you through the procedural safeguards for special education and clarifying the key provisions of the IDEA. Together, we will build your confidence so you can advocate effectively for your child.
Review Relevant Documents
I will review and interpret evaluations and reports from specialists and school personnel, and help you understand these findings. Together, we will use this information to identify and set attainable IEP goals that meet your child's unique needs.
Attend Team Meetings
When I attend IEP meetings with you, my role is to act as your child’s advocate and representative, helping ensure that their unique needs remain the central focus. I will speak on your behalf when needed, clarify your concerns, and highlight any overlooked details. This includes reviewing evaluation reports, proposing changes to the IEP, and calling attention to any services or accommodations that may have been missed. Throughout the process, I will also help you understand your rights under the law, so you feel confident voicing your input. By fostering clear communication and holding the team accountable, we can work together to secure the best possible outcomes for your child’s education.
Orginization
I will work with you to develop strategies for organizing and retaining the essential documents and information needed throughout your child’s special education journey. This includes setting up an easy-to-follow system for storing evaluations, assessments, progress reports, and school communications. By keeping these resources organized and readily accessible, you will be better prepared for IEP meetings, able to monitor progress effectively, and positioned to advocate confidently for your child’s needs.I will work with you to develop strategies for organizing and retaining the essential documents and information needed throughout your child’s special education journey. This includes setting up an easy-to-follow system for storing evaluations, assessments, progress reports, and school communications. By keeping these resources organized and readily accessible, you will be better prepared for IEP meetings, able to monitor progress effectively, and positioned to advocate confidently for your child’s needs.
I will work with you to develop strategies for organizing and retaining the essential documents and information needed throughout your child’s special education journey. This includes setting up an easy-to-follow system for storing evaluations, assessments, progress reports, and school communications. By keeping these resources organized and readily accessible, you will be better prepared for IEP meetings, able to monitor progress effectively, and positioned to advocate confidently for your child’s needs.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world
Nelson Mandela
