Self-advocacy is a crucial skill for all children, but it is especially important for those with special needs. Learning to express their needs, understand their rights, and communicate effectively can empower them to navigate both school and life with confidence. One teacher recently shared in one of the comments in my Instagram post a powerful moment when a student proudly described herself as a "very determined self-advocate"—a testament to the impact of teaching these essential skills.

Okay, this might sound cheesy, but the best "gift" I ever gave my dyslexic child was access to Learning Ally.

If you didn't know, I was a teacher. I have taught many grades in many different states. I love teaching, I love shaping lives, and I love making each kid feel like they belong, even though they are unique.

As parents of special kids, we often find ourselves facing the complex and overwhelming public education system. We juggle appointments, therapy sessions, and IEPs while also trying to ensure our child receives a fair and appropriate education. Amid this whirlwind, an advocate can be your guiding light, helping you traverse this tiring process.

Disappointment comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes. And we have to learn how to navigate the little moments of disappointment when we are kids so when those much bigger moments happen in life, we have mastered the skills and steps to get through them; and equally as important, we can help those around us work through their disappointment as well.

As parents, we want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, it's essential to involve them in the process. By doing so, you can empower your child to advocate for themselves and ensure that their needs are met. In this blog post, we will explore four key areas of involvement: addressing the beginning of the school year and teacher expectations, teaching them about their accommodations, coaching them on how to kindly remind teachers about their accommodations, and what to do if their access to accommodations is denied.

Education is an mosaic of experiences, and when it comes to creating an inclusive classroom, the journey becomes even more complex. At the heart of this educational approach lies the understanding that each student possesses a unique set of abilities and challenges.

Executive Functioning Disorder (EFD) is akin to the maestro of cognitive abilities, harmonizing tasks like planning, organization, time management, and problem-solving. As children enter the labyrinth of middle and high school, those with EFD might find themselves struggling to keep pace with their peers.

Many schools also struggle to hire and retain qualified paraprofessionals, who provide essential support and assistance to students with disabilities. This shortage affects the quality of education and support that children with special needs receive, as well as their academic and social outcomes.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a cornerstone of special education in the United States, ensuring that children with disabilities receive appropriate public education tailored to their unique needs. At the heart of IDEA's provision is the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statement, a tailored overview of each student's abilities, achievements, and challenges. Here's a peek into the pivotal role of PLAAFP, serving as a compass to navigate the educational journey of students with special needs.

When it comes to navigating the maze of Special Education, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting stands as a beacon of hope for parents seeking to advocate for their child's unique needs. Perhaps one of the most powerful tools in a parent's arsenal is the Parent Concerns Letter. This document is more than just a formality; it's the narrative that sets the stage for your child's educational journey, ensuring their voice isn't lost in the process.