California Special Needs Advocacy
Welcome to California Special Needs Advocacy
Do you have a hard time getting the services that your child needs? Do you feel that the school district does not listen to you at IEP/504 meetings? Is your child getting all the services that they need? (Speech, Occupational, Physical therapy, Behavioral services, Least Restrictive Environment) Are they getting a Free and Appropriate Public Education?
Do you get phone calls to come and get him/her? Do they attend their neighborhood school? Are they being suspended? Up for expulsion? Bullied? Do they have ADHD/ADD and are being denied services? Mental Health Issues? LGBT Intolerance/Discrimination?
We provide advocacy services to students and their families to get the education that they are Entitled to under California and Federal Laws.
We advocate for Regional Center Clients as well.
Represent student in the educational process, Empower and educate families, Assist with IEPs, IFSPs, SSTs and/or 504 meetings, Write effective letters to school districts, Interpret assessments and/or reports, Ensure IEP is well written and accurate, Review IEP, 504 or other documents before signing, Assist in filing complaints, make referrals to local special education attorneys. Strong advocate for Inclusion.
Some Spanish spoken.
I CAN HELP PARENTS
• work with their school to develop an appropriate education for their child with disabilities
• learn about their children’s rights and that they are equal partners in their child’s education
• learn how to encourage schools and teachers to follow the special education and disability laws
• teach teachers about their children’s disabilities
• learn what accommodations and modifications are appropriate for their child
• understand what their school should be doing for their children with disabilities
• understand the differences between Special Education (IDEA), 504 Plans, SST, and NCLB (No Child Left Behind)
• get appropriate services for their children with disabilities
• get appropriate testing for their child paid for by the school district
• determine whether their child qualifies for special education services
• convince the school to test their child for disabilities
• convince the school to develop positive behavior plans
• write meaningful letters
• request their child’s educational records
• document cases
• develop appropriate IEP’s and 504 Plans
• determine whether a FBA and BIP are warranted
• by attending IEP and/or school meetings
• by recommending treatment and therapy options
• by giving resources
• and by giving general advice and recommendations.
I can also help parents outside the Central Valley area or out of state by e-mail and phone. Obviously, I may not be able to attend meetings, but I can certainly help advise parents, review school documents and testing, help write necessary letters, and give general recommendations. I want parents who choose to contact me to understand that I am not an educator or attorney. The advice I give is not meant to replace legal or professional advice, but rather to supplement. I also can do AD/HD and Advocacy training for PTA’s, schools, and Parent/Disability organizations.