Meaningful Special Education Advocacy FAQ and Resources

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Charlene serves as a special education advocate in all 50 states for students between the ages of 3 and 22.

• Comprehensive educational records review 
• Guidance on how to have your student evaluated for special education services
• Assist with school communications
• Make IEP recommendations based on your student's unique circumstances
• Attend IEP  meetings as your student's advocate (Zoom or other online platform)
• Facilitated IEP Meeting or Mediation Sessions 
• File Office of Civil Rights and State Complaint
• Guidance through Due Process and assisting with Resolution Meetings

There are no special degrees to be a special education advocate. However, we spend countless hours dedicated to professional development to enhance the lives of the students we serve. We are professionals who support and advocate for the rights and needs of students with disabilities in the educational system. We work closely with students, parents, and educators to ensure that students with special needs receive appropriate services and accommodati are knowledgeable about special education laws, regulations, and procedures, and they can provide guidance and assistance throughout the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Our role is to help parents and students understand their rights, navigate the special education system, and promote the best interests of the student. 

General resources:

• IDEA - www.ed.gov/idea/
• OCR - www2.ed.gov
• ADA - www.ada.gov
• CADRE - www.cadreworks.org
• IDA - www.dyslexiaida.org

My top picks for parents navigating special education or looking to make connections with other parents:

• COPAA - www.copaa.org 
• The Progress Center - www.promotingprogress.org
• Wrights Law - www.wrightslaw.com/
• ERIC - https://eric.ed.gov

• Dyslexia On Demand - https://dyslexiaondemand.com/
• Lindamoodbell - https://lindamoodbell.com/
• Made for Math - https://madeformath.com/