“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.”
Starting this process can feel like an overwhelming and possibly scary task. Where do you go to first? Which direction will be the one to yield the best results? What should you expect in the next few days, months, years?
Reading here about your options is a great first step; and one of the last steps you will have to do alone. Trusting a professional to guide and educate you will help secure a higher chance of long term success for you and your family.
list of services provided as a special education advocate:
• Individualized review of the student to determine an appropriate academic plan
• Special Education Issues
• Behavioral Issues and Management
• Evaluations
• Interventions that are research based and evidential
• Transition Planning & Outcomes
• Advocacy Training and Practices
• Proactive IEP Preparation
• Evaluations : Academic/Cognitive
• Evaluations : Related Services
• Research Based Educational Interventions
List of disorders i specialize in:
• Apraxia
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD / ADHD)
• Auditory Processing Disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDD-NOS / Asperger’s Syndrome / ASD)
• Behavioral Issues (Suspensions, Expulsions, Discipline, ABA Homebased Plans)
• Cerebral Palsy
• Cognitive Disorders (Executive Function, Memory)
• Dyslexia
• Epilepsy
• Genetic Syndromes (Down Syndrome, Fragile X, DCC)
• Hearing Impairment
• Intellectual Disability
• Neuro-muscular Disorders / Myopathy
• Non-Verbal Learning Disability
• Other Health Impairments that affect access to education
• Physical Handicaps
What to expect
To start the process, I meet with the parents to obtain additional information to perform a comprehensive review of educational and medical records, as well as all other documentation to identify strengths and academically based needs. Following the initial evaluation, a referral for appropriate evaluations and assessments either through the school district or through independent evaluations, will be issued. Lastly, once the proactive steps are in motion, I will be involved in the progress from that point on. Some examples of assistance you may require are listed below.
1. Identification of appropriate special education services
2. Attendance at IEP meetings with parents to facilitate development of an appropriate individualized educational plan (IEP)
3. Attendance at Section 504 meetings with parents to facilitate development of appropriate accommodations
4. Assist parents with procedural issues and navigation through the special education process
5. Assuring that parents have an IEP team member voice
6. Assist in ongoing documentation and correspondence
7. Assist with organization of records
8. Assist parents in monitoring IEP compliance
9. Identification of appropriate progress monitoring tools
10. Assistance in least restrictive environment placement determination
11. Assisting in inter-agency meetings, manifestation determination meetings, mediations, juvenile court hearings, or filing of department of education complaints.
12. Supporting the achievement of functional goals of students, across all environments, from preschool through college
13. Providing parents with expert consulting on special education research based programming
14. Assisting parents in protecting their children’s civil rights and their rights to equal access to equitable public school education.
15. Assisting parents in effectively communicating and preparing agendas for IEP meetings
16. Assist parents in informed choices by providing information on educational rights, the IEP process, and applicable federal and state laws