Frequently Asked Questions

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Special education is specially designed instruction (SDI) to teach children strategies to self-manage and mitigate the impact(s) of their disability(ies). 

Needs drive goals. Goals drive services.

 An IEP and 504 are both educational plans designed to support students with disabilities, but they have different purposes, eligibility criteria, and processes. 

• 504: Plan how the school will provide free support to students with qualifying disabilities who do not require specialized instruction through accommodations, modifications, and sometimes related services. 
• IEP: Provides specially designed instructions and related services to students with disabilities who require special education. Outlines specific goals, objectives, accommodations and/or modifications, and related services tailored to the student's unique needs. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process

Accommodations are based upon your child's unique circumstances. While there are some common accommodations like preferential seating, or allowing extra time to complete work, the most important thing is for the IEP and 504 teams to consider your child's needs in each area of their educational day. The IRIS Center has a good resource on accommodations: https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/micro-credential/micro-accommodations/p01/

Advocates can be invaluable in saving you time and maintaining peace of mind when you feel your child's educational needs aren't adequately met, or when navigating the special education system becomes challenging. Each step in the IEP/504 processes is grounded in Federal and State law. IEPs should be developed based upon what the data shows and the law says. IEPs should improve outcomes. Unfortunately, what you don't know can hurt your child's education.

Think of me as your child's Educational General Contractor and IEP Fixer. I specialize in interpreting and coordinating information from various educational specialists involved in your child's education journey including schools, teachers, districts, neuropsychiatrists, service providers, and therapists. My role is to synthesize complex data into easily understandable information for all stakeholders and present options aligned with Federal and State Law requirements. I help:

• Address new diagnoses or disagreements about needs or evaluations
• Advocate for special education and/or related services if your child has been denied
• Improve ineffective IEPs and 504 Plans
• Facilitate communication when breakdowns occur with the school
• Manage disciplinary issues
• Navigate school transitions
• Plan for transition services as your child approaches adulthood
• File formal complaints when all else fails (State, Due Process, Federal Office of Civil Rights)

Together, let's ensure your child receives the support and education they deserve.

 Rest assured that your child's future is in capable hands. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in special education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and insight as both a parent and an advocate for students like yours. My expertise spans the intricacies of IDEA, IEPs, and 504s, ensuring that your child's educational needs are not just met, but exceeded.

As a member of The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), I am part of a prestigious community dedicated to advocating for the rights of children with disabilities. I have undergone professional training by renowned experts such as Karen Mayer Cuningham, known as The Special Education Boss, and Pete Wright, Esq., founder of Wrightslaw.com. Additionally, my commitment to staying at the forefront of education advocacy is demonstrated by my participation in over 200 hours of specialized online training, including sessions by the Black Swan Group.

I'd be honored to be entrusted with shaping your child's bright future.

I help families nationwide because the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that applies to every state. 

While there are some variations in implementation between states, these differences do not diminish the advantages provided by the federal law.

 I've found online IEP meetings are FAR MORE PRODUCTIVE and EFFICIENT than in-person IEP meetings ever were. 

Costs vary depending upon services. I will provide an estimate before beginning work and keep you informed along the way.