Welcome to The Center for Special Education Advocacy
​Based in Central Texas, Our mission is to provide parents of children with disabilities the resources, tools, and guidance necessary to ensure they have the knowledge and ability to navigate the special education process successfully. Our primary focus is to play a part in ensuring that every child, regardless of disabling condition, has a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). In particular, we work closely with parents who need help navigating the special education and IEP/ARD process and resolving conflict. Contact Us: centerspedadvocacy@gmail.com
It can be incredibly intimidating and scary attending an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting. It is not uncommon for parents to sit across the table from ten-plus educators during an IEP meeting. When parents disagree with school districts, it is rarely an easy or pleasant situation. The IDEA, the law that governs special education in America, requires the equal involvement of parents and encourages input and collaboration from all parties.
Working with an advocate can serve a number of needs. Having another person at the table who knows “the rules of the education game” can make a big difference. Imagine playing a game and you don’t know the rules. That’s essentially what happens when parents attend IEP meetings. Everyone knows the rules but the parent(s). There is, generally speaking, a true knowledge deficit on the part of the parents. The educators attend IEP meetings for a living and are well-versed in the law and what they are required to do by law. In addition, the presence of an advocate can adjust the behavior of the educators at the table. If educators know the advocate is knowledgeable and competent, they may be more likely to accommodate requests and parental needs. As well, having an advocate can simply be comforting. It is truly frightening sitting alone across the table from ten-plus professionals. Having someone “in your corner” can go a long way to easing anxiety and increasing confidence.
At the Center for Special Education Advocacy, our primary focus is to empower parents and educators with knowledge. We are also available to provide advocacy to parents and support them on their journey through the special education labyrinth. Our goal is to help parents achieve their goals for their child while also preserving the relationship with the school district. We work hard to find cooperative and collaborative solutions for all parties involved.
Working with an advocate can serve a number of needs. Having another person at the table who knows “the rules of the education game” can make a big difference. Imagine playing a game and you don’t know the rules. That’s essentially what happens when parents attend IEP meetings. Everyone knows the rules but the parent(s). There is, generally speaking, a true knowledge deficit on the part of the parents. The educators attend IEP meetings for a living and are well-versed in the law and what they are required to do by law. In addition, the presence of an advocate can adjust the behavior of the educators at the table. If educators know the advocate is knowledgeable and competent, they may be more likely to accommodate requests and parental needs. As well, having an advocate can simply be comforting. It is truly frightening sitting alone across the table from ten-plus professionals. Having someone “in your corner” can go a long way to easing anxiety and increasing confidence.
At the Center for Special Education Advocacy, our primary focus is to empower parents and educators with knowledge. We are also available to provide advocacy to parents and support them on their journey through the special education labyrinth. Our goal is to help parents achieve their goals for their child while also preserving the relationship with the school district. We work hard to find cooperative and collaborative solutions for all parties involved.