Meet Nicole Tedesco-Pasco
Special education advocacy chose me. Learning and understanding special education law has been a passion of mine since early childhood. As someone who grew up needing services that weren't available to me, I have made it my life's mission to make sure no other child slips through the cracks. I created Different Abilities Advocacy to ensure that every child has access to the resources needed in order to receive a Free Appropriate and Public Education. I have gained personal life experience navigating the complex special education process through advocating for my own children and their educational needs. I have become well versed and proficient in special education law and advocacy while working for my local community service agency, where I advocated for children in need of services and taught families self efficacy in locating and accessing community resources. As a mother raising my own neurodiverse children, I understand the frustration that comes with not feeling heard. I understand that every family and every child has different and specific needs. My goal is to bring your vision for your family to fruition. I am a non-attorney special education advocate and consultant. Not only will I advocate for your child to the best of my ability, I will teach you the skills needed to be your child's best and biggest advocate.
Why Hire An Advocate
The special education process can be an emotional one. Too often parents and caregivers leave school meetings feeling defeated, frustrated and overwhelmed. Being a parent or caregiver of a child with certain educational needs, can already be trying enough. Add the responsibility of getting an entire team of people to understand and meet your child's needs; life can suddenly come to feel very depleting. Emotions can run high during team meetings, which can lead to misunderstandings, which can lead to conflict and so on. Hiring a special education advocate can make life a little easier. Having someone on your side advocating for your child's needs will give you some much needed peace of mind. The only objective of an advocate is to make sure 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 and Public Education (FAPE) with all the resources needed to succeed, in the least restrictive environment (LRE). As a non-attorney special education advocate and consultant, I provide special education advocacy support to families who have students in the public school system, age 3-21. I work directly with students and families in navigating the IEP or 504 process.
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 Disability Education Act (IDEA) all school districts are required to identify, locate and evaluate all children with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disabilities
Improve Your Knowledge
I will help improve your understanding of educational rights by assisting you in reviewing the procedural safeguards for special education and develop a better understanding of the IDEA. Together, we will build your confidence in advocating for your child
Review Relevant Documents
I will review and interpret evaluations and reports from specialists and school personnel, as well as help you understand these reports. With these reports I will assist you in identifying and setting attainable IEP goals for your child
Attend Team Meetings
I will assist you in preparing for team meetings and attend team meetings with you. Having an advocate present can help prevent or resolve any potential conflict, and protect the parent-school relationship.
Orginization
I will work with you to develop strategies for organizing and retaining important information and documentation
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world
Nelson Mandela
