Advocating 4 Fair Education - Blog , AdvocacyAdvocating 4 Fair Education - Blog , Advocacyhttps://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/advocacySat, 08 Aug 2026 23:14:19 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[The Breakthrough: Why We Never Stop Advocating]]>https://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/post/the-breakthrough-why-we-never-stop-advocatingFor a year now, I’ve been walking alongside a dedicated mom who has been doing exactly that. She’s been showing up, heart on her sleeve, trying to explain something deeply personal about her son.]]>

Have you ever felt like you’re speaking a different language than the people sitting across from you at the school table?


For a year now, I’ve been walking alongside a dedicated mom who has been doing exactly that. She’s been showing up, heart on her sleeve, trying to explain something deeply personal about her son: his masking.

If you aren't familiar with that term, it’s when a child spends every ounce of their energy at school trying to "act fine," only to come home and completely crumble because they are emotionally exhausted. 

To the school, he looked "perfect."
But to his mom, she saw the toll it was taking.



For twelve months, we’ve worked together. We’ve had the meetings, looked at the notes, and stayed the course. And recently, we got the email that made all those months of hard work worth it.

The Moment Everything Changed

Because this teacher had the benefit of working with her son for a second year in a row, the "lightbulb" finally went off. She reached out to this mom and said:

"I see it now. I finally recognize the masking
you’ve been telling us about."​

I can’t even describe the wave of emotion that comes with a sentence like that. After a year of feeling like she was the only one who truly understood him, this mom finally has a partner in the classroom teacher.

Why This Matters So Much

When a teacher moves past towing the district line and actually starts to understand the human sitting in front of them, the results are life-changing:

  • Student signal: The student is signaling a comfort level with that classroom teacher that allows him to let his guard down and focus more on learning than keeping up with invisible expectations. Exhaustion is addressed early before it becomes unmanageable.
  • Peace at Home: Since the teacher started supporting his true needs, the meltdowns at home have started to fade. He doesn't have to "survive" the school day anymore; he can just be a student.
  • A Shared Vision: It’s no longer a struggle to be heard. There is a mutual respect and a shared goal.
  • The Power of Persistence: This win happened because we didn't give up after the first misunderstanding. We stayed consistent for a full year.

You Are Your Child’s Best Hope

If you are sitting in that overwhelmed spot right now—feeling like the paperwork is a mountain and you’re the only one who sees your child’s struggle—please don't lose heart.

This story is proof that persistence pays off. It’s proof that when we keep showing up and keep sharing the truth about our kids, those "lightbulb moments" eventually happen.

Your child deserves to be understood, not just managed. They deserve to have a team that sees their heart, not just their test scores. You don't have to carry that overwhelm by yourself.

I Wish This Win for You, Too

I’ve spent the last year standing by this mom fighting for her son, and seeing this breakthrough is why I do what I do. If you’re tired of feeling like your child is constantly misunderstood at school, I want you to know you don't have to do this alone. The lightbulb might not happen overnight, but planted seeds will grow and be understood when data is presented and interpreted.

If you wish for this same kind of win for your child—

where they are truly seen and supported—let’s connect and talk.

I would love to walk this journey with you and help move you out of that overwhelmed spot.

Ready for your own ‘lightbulb moment’?
Let’s team up to get your child the support they deserve. 

Find a time for us to connect

​Meet THE ADVOCATE - Lisa Stewart M.Ed

Hi, I’m Lisa and I’m dyslexic. I tell you this for a few reasons, I hope it will afford me some grace when you find the inevitable misspellings, I hope it will help you to understand that I “get it” when it comes to struggling in school, and it is important for me to feel no shame in my identity as a dyslexic.


I am the mother of 3 children. All of my children are amazing people. But, because my youngest needs so much support, I had to learn to navigate the world of SPED support. Eli has made me a better teacher, a better mother, and has given me a desire to help other that are trying to navigate the tightrope of IEP support as well.


After years of navigating this process and advocating for other families, I realized how helpful it can be to have guidance along the way. If you need support navigating the special education process, click the link below to schedule a time to talk with me, and I’d be happy to help.

]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:21:39 +0000<![CDATA[How to Find the Right Special Education Advocate for Your Child]]>https://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/post/how-to-find-the-right-special-education-advocate-for-your-childA special education advocate is a professional who helps families and individuals with special needs navigate the complex world of special education. They provide support, guidance, and information about Special Education. They work to ensure their child’s educational rights are being met.]]>

Not all Special Education Advocates are Created Equal

I have hesitated writing this blog because it seems so self-serving. I am a great advocate and an advocate that will always go the extra mile. But there are many great advocates out there. However, when one of my clients told me, "I was thinking you should probably write an article or give advice on how to ... identify an advocate not doing their job (just after your money) and how to look for one with the qualities you have ... who is genuinely trying to help you..." I knew it needed to be addressed.

So here is my advice on finding an advocate.

Introduction

What is a Special Education Advocate, and What Do They Do?

A special education advocate is a professional who helps families and individuals with special needs navigate the complex world of special education. They provide support, guidance, and information about IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), 504s, services, and other available resources for their clients. Special education advocates work with families to ensure their child’s educational rights are being met. They can also help them access the services they need for their child’s success.

The 5 Steps in Finding the Perfect Special Education Advocate for Your Child

Finding the right special education advocate for your child can be overwhelming. But with a few simple steps, you can ensure you are hiring the best person for the job.


The first step is to look at the qualifications and knowledge of potential advocates. You want to confirm that the advocate has experience working with special needs children and understands how Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans work. It would help if you also considered their specialties, such as dyslexia, autism, down syndrome, behavior management etc. Many advocates that service everyone will miss the nuances specific to a particular diagnosis.


Additionally ask about their training.  The gold standard is COPAA training -- there are 2 levels of COPAA training.  There are great many other trainings out there, I have participated in many and some are much better than others.  But when considering trainings look for non-profits that have an interest in supporting parents, not just advocates.  COPAA offers support for Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates, making them an excellent source of information and you know their training has the child's best interest at heart.  

The second step is to ask questions about their experience and expertise before deciding. Ask them about specific cases they have handled or testimonials from other clients who have used their services before. This will give you an idea of their knowledge base and confidence. Most special education advocates have a child with special needs, but consider their other experience; do they have experience in education, have training from a reputable institute, and are they continuing to learn and keep up to date on laws and policies?

Third, consider price and services. Make sure that you understand what services the advocate will provide and how much they charge.  This is a tricky one to give advice on, but I will say, you often get what you pay for. Not to say that all advocates that charge big bucks are worth it.  Just to say, understand upfront.  

Fourth, how easy will they be to work with? Do they answer their emails? Will they be available by phone? Can you connect with them on Zoom or Google Meets?

Lastly, do you have a connection with them? Do you feel like they understand your wants and needs?  Will they support you in a meeting.  Will they be honest with you?  Is that something you want? If you are uncomfortable working with the advocate, you are not likely to make much progress. This person is going to know many of the ins and outs of your family; you want to make sure you are comfortable talking to them and that they will respect your privacy.

Conclusion

No one will ever be able to replace you on the IEP team. You know your child better than anyone else at that table. An advocate can bring many things to the table, knowledge of IDEA, ADA, how to read testing data, how to write a SMART goal, and accommodations or services that should be in place. But a really great advocate will help you navigate the IEP conversation, keeping you included in the conversation and asking you about your vision for your child.

A great resourse for finding a local advocate is COPAA. Keep in mind your advocate does not have to be local. I coach parents all over the country and attend meetings virtually. But, if you want an advocate in the room with you COPPA is a great place to start.

Contact information
​Get in touch with us

Need an advocate on your team? We're here to help!

Contact us for expert advocacy support. Our team is ready to assist you with your special education needs and concerns.

Book a Consultation with Lisa

Support

support@advocating4faireducation.com

]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:05:21 +0000<![CDATA[Overcoming the Storm: Guiding Children with Intense Emotions Through Disappointment]]>https://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/post/how-to-find-the-right-special-education-advocate-for-your-child1A special education advocate is a professional who helps families and individuals with special needs navigate the complex world of special education. They provide support, guidance, and information about Special Education. They work to ensure their child’s educational rights are being met.]]>

We All Experience Disappointment:

My dear husband is a San Francisco native. All of his childhood, no matter where he lived, San Francisco was home. Both grandparents lived in the Bay Area, aunts, uncles, cousins ... family. Needless to say, San Francisco is a part of who he is.


As you can imagine my dear 49er Faithful husband was elated when we went to the Superbowl in 2024. He grew up in the Steve Young years and was feeling excited about the team, the kindness, and the cohesion they had this year.

The loss in the last few second of the game was so disappointing. Kid anxiety was on high alert and emotions were running hot.

I know we are talking about "just a game," here; and a game we are not even playing in. But my point is 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 the steps to get through them; and equally as important we can help those around us work through their disappointment as well.

So here are a few tips to working through disappointment.


Listen and Validate:

When children face disappointment, the first line of support is a parent's ability to listen and validate their feelings. It's not about immediate solutions; it's about acknowledging their emotional squall as real and significant.

• Embrace their narrative: Start by hearing them out. Let them recount their story, their expectations, and the ensuing letdown.

• Validate their emotions: Use phrases like "It's completely understandable you're feeling this way," or "It sound like you feel _______," or "I get that, I would feel _______ if that happened to me," to affirm their emotions.

• Avoid minimizing their feelings: Phrases like "It's not that bad" or "things could be worse" can trivialize their experience.

Provide Perspective:

As the emotional storm settles, and your child becomes regulated, parents can help their child by offering perspective. This isn't about negating their feelings but about helping them see beyond the immediate horizon.

• Highlight the transient nature of disappointment: Reinforce that while the disappointment is palpable now, it will dissipate with time. Maybe even set up a check in, "How about we touch base on this tomrrow and see how your are feeling. This feels like a 7 now, do you mind if I ask you tomorrow what it feels like?"

• Share your own experiences: Relate your stories of overcoming similar feelings to show them they're not alone.

• Teach them about resilience: Discuss how overcoming these challenges can make them stronger. Explain how overcoming the story you shared made you stronger.

​Seek Solutions:

When your child is thinking clearly, encourage them to become a solution-seeker. Together, brainstorm practical steps they can take to either address the source of disappointment or to move forward constructively.

• Problem-solving together: Engage in a dialogue to find tangible solutions.

• Focus on what can be controlled: Help them identify aspects of the situation within their power to change.

• Encourage proactive behavior: Motivate them to take action where possible, reinforcing a sense of agency.

Give Them a Sense of Control:

In the face of disappointment, children often feel powerless. By giving them a sense of control, parents can help them regain their bearings.

• Offer choices: Where possible, let them make decisions about next steps.

• Set achievable goals: Help them set small, realistic goals to work towards.

• Empower them to express themselves: Whether it's through art, writing, or conversation, self-expression can be a powerful tool for regaining control.

Instilling Emotional Intelligence:

The silver lining to experiencing disappointment is the opportunity for children to develop emotional intelligence. Parents play a pivotal role in this educational journey.

• Teach them to name their emotions: Help them articulate what they're feeling, which is a key component of emotional intelligence.

• Encourage reflection: Guide them to understand why they feel a certain way and what triggers these emotions.

• Model healthy coping strategies: Show them how you manage your own disappointments healthily.

Strengthening the Support System:

No ship braves a storm without a strong crew. Similarly, children with intense emotions need a robust support system to navigate disappointment.

• Involve other caregivers: Share strategies with teachers, relatives, and friends so they can provide consistent support.

• Seek professional guidance if needed: Sometimes an expert can offer insights and strategies beyond a parent's scope.

• Celebrate their progress: Recognize and praise their efforts and growth in handling disappointment.

Encouraging Social Connections:

Peers play a significant role in a child's ability to weather emotional storms. Foster social connections that provide additional avenues of support and understanding.

• Facilitate friendships: Encourage your child to make and maintain friendships, which can be a source of comfort.

• Promote group activities: Group settings can offer different perspectives and collective coping strategies.

• Support empathy development: Teach them to understand and share the feelings of others, which can, in turn, help them process their own emotions.

Nurturing Self-Compassion:

Lastly, teach children to extend the same kindness to themselves that they would offer a friend in distress. Self-compassion is a crucial life skill.

• Encourage positive self-talk: Help them replace self-criticism with words of encouragement and self-acceptance.

• Practice mindfulness: Techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can help them stay grounded amidst emotional upheaval.

• Reinforce their worth: Ensure they know their value is not dependent on external achievements or circumstances.

Conclusion: Embracing Disappointment as a Growth Opportunity

Disappointment, while challenging, is an inevitable aspect of life. For parents of special needs children, it presents a unique opportunity to foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and compassion. By teaching children to navigate their emotions, strengthening their support system, encouraging social connections, and nurturing self-compassion, parents can equip their children with the tools they need to face disappointment head-on. Remember, every setback is a setup for a comeback, and with the right guidance, children with special needs can learn to bounce back stronger and wiser.
​
​Just like my husband—who, even after that brutal final whistle, managed to keep it together and model grace, perspective, and strength for our kids (despite clearly wanting to throw the remote). He reminded them—and all of us—that while we can’t always control the outcome, we can control how we respond. And that response, when grounded in love and resilience, is what really matters.

​Sources:


Contact information
​Get in touch with us

You don't have to navigate your child's intense emotions alone. Let's talk. We're here to help!

Contact us for expert advocacy support. Our team is ready to assist you with your special education needs and concerns.

Book a Consultation with Lisa

Support

support@advocating4faireducation.com

]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:04:45 +0000<![CDATA[Why You Need an Advocate: Traversing the World of Fair Education and Special Needs]]>https://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/post/special-education-advocateAn advocate should be your ally, a knowledgeable and experienced professional who understands the needs of kids like yours, the balance of the classroom questions, the rights of children with special needs and the laws that protect them.]]>

Restoring Balance

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.

What an Advocate Should Do:

An advocate should be your ally, a knowledgeable and experienced professional who understands the needs of kids like yours, the balance of the classroom questions, the rights of children with special needs and the laws that protect them.

I work tirelessly to:

Ensure fair and appropriate education: I help you understand your child's IEP, advocate for the most appropriate placement to help them find success, and ensure they receive the necessary accommodations and modifications to succeed.

Traverse complex systems: From school districts to government agencies, I can guide you through the maze of bureaucracy and help you understand your rights and options.

​Empower parents and guardians: I can help you become a more confident and effective advocate for your child. They will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions and speak up for your child's needs.

Why You Need an Advocate:

You're not alone: Parenting a child with special needs can be isolating. I provide support, understanding, and a listening ear.

Level the playing field: The education system can be intimidating, especially when you're facing complex issues. I help you communicate effectively with school officials and ensure your child's needs are met, while documenting the issues and agreements.

​Maximize your child's potential: I help you identify and access resources that can unlock your child's full potential.

Think Back:

Remember that time you felt lost in a meeting with school officials, unsure of what questions to ask or how to advocate for your child's needs? I would have been there to guide you and ensure your voice was heard.

Recall the frustration of trying to decipher your child's IEP and understand the legalese? I can help you break down the jargon and make sense of the document.

​Think about the countless hours you've spent researching resources and support services for your child. I can save you time and energy by connecting you with the right people and organizations.

As an advocate for fair education and children with special needs, I understand the challenges you face. I'm here to support you and help you traverse this journey.

Follow us on social media for more information and resources, and don't hesitate to reach out to set up a 20-minute consultation to share your story with me and see how I can help. Together, we can ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, receive the education they deserve.

Contact information
​Get in touch with us

Need an advocate on your team? We're here to help!

Contact us for expert advocacy support. Our team is ready to assist you with your special education needs and concerns.

Book a Consultation with Lisa

Support

support@advocating4faireducation.com

​References:

]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:04:01 +0000<![CDATA[The 5 Year Vision]]>https://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/post/the-5-year-visionI would encourage you, the parent, to include your vision in the "Parent Concerns" or Parental Input portion of the IEP. It is helpful for the team to see the vision of where you are heading before getting into the nitty-gritty of the IEP.]]>

Why Include your Vision in the Parent Concerns 

When I was working through the process of becoming a Master IEP Coach®, we discussed the five-year VISION. Where do you want your child in 5 years? Do the goals in the IEP reflect that vision? 

The idea of looking into the future when considering goals, accommodations, and life skills has stuck with me.  So much so that I included it as one of the steps in my Parent Handbook, the IEP Compass. 

Sometimes as parents, we get caught up in the right now. But I have really stepped back to take a look at what I hope my child will be doing in 5 years.

5 YEAR VISION

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My son is 12 and has a myriad of disabilities. But as I sit back and think of where I want him five years from now, this is the list I come up with:

  • On track to graduate with a FULL diploma
  • The ability to pursue additional education
  • Self-confidence
  • Impulse control
  • Socially aware
  • Able to articulate ideas in words and writing
  • Ability to write short notes by hand
  • Be able to compose a well-thought-out email using accommodations

As I read through his IEP, each goal should support one of these vision points. And if one of the bullet points is not addressed in the IEP, that might be a talking point with the team. How can this bullet point be addressed?

I would encourage you, the parent, to include your vision in the "Parent Concerns" or Parental Input portion of the IEP. It is helpful for the team to see the vision of where you are heading before getting into the nitty-gritty of the IEP.

If you are struggling to see how the IEP can be tailored to fit the vision you have for your child, check out the IEP Compass, a parent handbook that meticulously walks you through the IEP step by step. 

Learn More about the Parent Compass

Contact information
​Get in touch with us

Ready to turn your 5-year vision into real IEP goals? We're here to help!

Contact us for expert advocacy support. Our team is ready to assist you with your special education needs and concerns.

Book a Consultation with Lisa

Support

support@advocating4faireducation.com

]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:56:46 +0000<![CDATA[HELPING KIDS DEVELOP SELF-ADVOCACY SKILLS]]>https://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/post/helping-kids-develop-self-advocacy-skillsSelf-advocacy is a crucial skill for all children, but it is especially important for our kiddos with special needs. Learning to express their needs, understand their rights, and communicate effectively will empower them to navigate both school and life with confidence]]>

Teaching Children to Speak Up for Their Needs

Self-advocacy is a crucial skill for all children, but it is especially important for our kiddos with special needs. Learning to express their needs, understand their rights, and communicate effectively will 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. And we dedicate this post to that student and those growing self-advocates like her. 

What Is Self-Advocacy?

Self-advocacy is the ability to recognize one's needs and effectively communicate them to others. For special needs students, this means:

  • Understanding their strengths and challenges.
  • Learning how to ask for help when necessary.
  • Learning how to ask for accommodations to a task that will allow them to lean into their strengths.
  • Speaking up when something isn't working.
  • Gaining confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.

Why Self-Advocacy Matters?

Teaching children to advocate for themselves fosters independence, boosts self-esteem, and improve their ability to navigate educational and social environments. When students feel heard and supported, they are more likely to believe in themselves leading them to succeed both academically and emotionally.

Key Strategies to Help Your Child Develop Self-Advocacy Skills

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  • Encourage Open Communication: Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their needs. Use praise and positive reinforcement when they attempt to communicate their feelings and concerns. -- It takes a brave person to say what they need. 
  • Teach Self-Awareness : Help your child understand their strengths and areas where they need support. Discuss their learning style, challenges, and physical symptoms they may experience when they may need more support. 
  • Role-Play Real-Life Scenarios: Practice self-advocacy through role-playing. For example, rehearse how to ask a teacher for extra time on a test or how to request a sensory break.
  • Encourage Decision-Making: Give your child opportunities to make choices, whether it’s selecting a preferred learning tool, choosing their extracurricular activities, or deciding how they’d like to communicate with teachers.  Sometimes and email is much easier than a face to face request.
  • Foster a Growth Mindset: Remind your child that learning self-advocacy is a journey. Encourage perseverance and celebrate their progress, no matter how small.

How I Can Help my child?

While teaching self-advocacy at home is essential, it just as important that these skill are taught and practiced at school. Creating goals to help your child find their voice is one way to encourage this growth in an environment outside of the safety and security of home. However, not everyone sees it this way and sometime it falls to the parent to advocate for these skills to be taught in the school environment.

Take Action: Get the Support Your Child Deserves

If your child struggles with self-advocacy ensuring your child receives the proper support at school requires strong advocacy. At Advocating4FairEducation, we are committed to helping families like yours navigate the special education system and achieve best possible outcomes for your children. Email us at support@advocating4faireducation.com or click the "Meet with Lisa" button below to schedule a 20-minute consultation and discover how we can help advocate for your child’s success in the school setting!

​We can:

  • Advocate  for Your Child to Receive the Accommodations They Deserve: Lisa will help identify the appropriate educational accommodations and services your child needs to thrive.
  • Provide Expert Support in IEP Meetings:  She will be by your side, making sure your voice is heard and advocate for the best possible outcomes for your child.
  • Create a Tailored Plan: We will work together to develop strategies that foster a supportive and effective learning environment for your child.

My expertise will make a significant difference in your child’s education by addressing their unique needs are met. Don’t navigate this journey alone—let me help you advocate for the best possible educational experience for your child!


Meet with Lisa

Contact information
​Get in touch with us

Don't wait for your child to feel voiceless at school. Let's build their self-advocacy goals now. We're here to help!

Contact us for expert advocacy support. Our team is ready to assist you with your special education needs and concerns.

Book a Consultation with Lisa

Support

support@advocating4faireducation.com

]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:39:33 +0000<![CDATA[HOW A SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCATE CAN CHANGE YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY ]]>https://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/post/how-a-special-education-advocate-can-change-your-child-s-educational-journeySupporting a child with special needs requires more than just love and patience—it requires navigating the often complex world of special education services.]]>

Supporting a child with special needs requires more than just love and patience—it requires navigating the often complex world of special education services. As a parent, it’s essential to understand your child’s rights and the resources available to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive in the classroom. While teachers, therapists, and school administrators play a vital role, partnering with a special education advocate is often the key to securing the right accommodations, resources, and services for your child.In this blog post, we’ll explore how special education advocacy can help you support your child, and why having an advocate on your team is a powerful step toward improving your child’s educational journey.

What is a Special Education Advocate?

A special education advocate is a trained professional who helps parents navigate the special education system. Their primary goal is to ensure that your child receives the appropriate accommodations, services, and supports they are entitled to receive. Advocates assist in creating educational plans, attending meetings with school staff, and helping you understand the intricacies of your child's rights.

KEY ROLES OF A SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCATE 

  • Understanding Your Child’s Needs: Advocates work closely with families to fully understand your child’s specific needs and strengths. They help you assess and document these needs, ensuring that your child’s educational plan reflects their unique situation.
  • Navigating the IEP Process: One of the primary responsibilities of a special education advocate is to assist parents in understanding and developing the IEP. The IEP is a document that outlines the services, accommodations, and supports that the school/district will provide your student. Advocates address all the necessary services to support needed for your child's academic and social development.
  • Attending Meetings with You: IEP meetings can be overwhelming and emotionally charged, it’s not always easy to speak up for your child in setting where you are outnumbered. An advocate is there to attend meetings with you, offer expert advice, and help you present your case in the best possible way.
  • Negotiating Services and Resources: Sometimes, schools may not offer the full range of services a child needs, whether it be targeted reading support, therapy, or the appropriate classroom setting. A good advocate will negotiate these services get your child the resources they require.

The Benefits of Having a Special Education Advocate

As a parent, it’s understandable that you want what’s best for your kid. Having an advocate on your team can make a significant difference in achieving educational success. Here are some of the advantages:

  • Reduced Stress and Emotional Burden -- Special education advocacy can ease the emotional strain on parents. Navigating IEP meetings, understanding legal jargon, and advocating for necessary services is overwhelming. Having an advocate by your side can alleviate some of this burden, allowing you to focus more on being your child's parent.
  • Increased Knowledge and Confidence -- An advocate can educate you about your rights and your child’s rights, providing the tools to confidently advocate for their needs. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the special education process, helping you make informed decisions for your child’s future.
  • Better Outcomes for Your Child -- When your child’s educational plan is tailored to their unique needs, they’re more likely to experience academic success and emotional growth. Special education advocates are experts at making sure that every detail of your child’s IEP is personalized, and many advocates will follow you through the year to make sure it is properly implemented.
  • Support in Resolving Conflicts -- If conflicts arise between parents and the district, an advocate can provide guidance on procedural safeguards, guiding you to resolutions that will help address your concerns.

Why You Should Consider Adding a Special Education Advocate to Your Team

While many parents can navigate the special education system on their own, having a special education advocate on your team can help ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. Advocates have experience in working with schools, they understand the system, they know what your child is entitled to. Adding an advocate means you’ll have a dedicated professional who is committed to your child’s success. Whether you're struggling to get the necessary services, unsure how to proceed with the IEP process, struggling with eligibility, can't get the school to agree to test your child, or just need a knowledgeable ally to help guide you, an advocate can make a world of difference.

Give your child the tools to succeed. Contact a special education advocate today.

Remember, every child deserves a quality education. Don’t let the complexities of special education stop you from advocating for your child. Consider reaching out to Lisa today to discuss your child's needs and support so they can succeed in school.

​For more information on how to begin your advocacy journey, visit Advocating4faireducation.com and learn how our team can support your family in advocating for your child’s success or click the "Meet with Lisa" button to set up a 20-minute consultation.

Meet with Lisa

REFERENCES 

National Parent Technical Assistance Center (PTAC): Special Education Advocacy Resources
U.S. Department of Education: IDEA and Section 504 Overview

MEET THE ADVOCATE 

Lisa Stewart M.Ed

Hi, I’m Lisa and I’m dyslexic. I tell you this for a few reasons, I hope it will afford me some grace when you find the inevitable misspellings, I hope it will help you to understand that I “get it” when it comes to struggling in school, and it is important for me to feel no shame in my identity as a dyslexic.I am the mother of 3 children. All of my children are amazing people. But, because my youngest needs so much support, I had to learn to navigate the world of SPED support. Eli has made me a better teacher, a better mother, and has given me a desire to help other that are trying to navigate the tightrope of IEP support as well. After years of navigating this process and advocating for other families, I realized how helpful it can be to have guidance along the way. If you need support navigating the special education process, click the link below to schedule a time to talk with me, and I’d be happy to help.


I NEED LISA'S ADVICE1

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You don’t have to navigate this overwhelming journey alone. Let’s build your team We're here to help!

Contact us for expert advocacy support. Our team is ready to assist you with your special education needs and concerns.

Book a Consultation with Lisa

Support

support@advocating4faireducation.com

]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:37:58 +0000<![CDATA[TOOLS TO SELF-ADVOCACY]]>https://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/post/tools-to-self-advocacyAs kids get older and enter middle school and high school the information in their IEP are no longer left to just one or two adults. They may have 6, 8 ,15 adults at school that SHOULD know the ins and outs of their IEP but probably do not. So here are a few tips to help with self advocacy.]]>

As kids get older and enter middle school and high school the information in their IEP are no longer left to just one or two adults. They may have 6, 8 ,15 adults at school that SHOULD know the ins and outs of their IEP but probably do not. So here are a few tips to help with self advocacy.

Identify their strengths

Your child will feel the power of self-advocacy if they can see the strengths within themselves. Sit down with your child and identify 6 to 10 things your child does exceptionally well. These strengths could be anything from singing, kindness, being a great friend, being a fantastic soccer player, being a gentle older sibling, being an excellent Lego builder, outstanding video game player, fast runner, excellent teeth brusher, being the best macaroni and cheese maker, being a confident speaker, and so many more. Once your child can see the fantastic human they are, it will give them the confidence to speak up for the things they need.

What are their areas of struggle?

After identifying strengths, consider areas of struggle; this will help you pinpoint what practice could be helpful when self-advocating. Ask your child some very pointed questions; what do you do when you have a question? How do you focus when the classroom is noisy? What if you need to use speech to text, but the computer can’t hear you because your neighbor is talking? What if you’re struggling to read the instructions on a worksheet or test? What if you know your IEP has an accommodation, but your teachers have forgotten to provide it?

Remember to stay positive when talking about these struggles with your student. Remember that struggles are an opportunity for growth, and addressing some of these areas may lead to positive outcomes. If your child becomes frustrated or overwhelmed, remind him of all of the incredible strengths that he possesses, likely due to his disability.

Once you’ve narrowed down a few areas you could target in the beginning, follow these tips:

  • Summarize your child’s accommodations on a CHEAT SHEET for him so he can easily access those tools that should be readily available.Find out if the student continues to be eligible as a student with a disability as defined by IDEA <b>Note</b>: Some parents hesitate to talk to their children about their disabilities; remember, knowledge is power. If your child can understand their strengths and weaknesses, they will know where to focus their energy best to get the things they need.&nbsp;
  • Give your child language to use to practice asking for what they need.
  • It’s challenging to concentrate in this room. Could I do my work in the hall?
  • I have been working on this problem for five minutes; I don’t understand it. Could you show me how to do it?
  • Excuse me, but according to my IEP at a glance, I can use this accommodation if I need it. I would benefit from it now; could I please access it?
  • Invite your child to the IEP meeting. Not all children are ready for this, and this is a decision 100% to be made by the parents. But if your child is ready and you think their voice will be valued and respected, encourage them to attend at least in part to become comfortable in a setting where he speaks for his needs.
  • There are other ways to encourage your child to learn to speak up for him or herself. Think about daily life; where could your child use his own voice? Speaking up in public is an excellent opportunity for your child to grow while learning to stand on their own two feet, knowing that you’re there to support their success or struggles.
  • Ordering in a restaurant
  • setting up times with friends to get together
  • writing their own emails to their teachers when they have problems
  • when asked a question by an adult, allow them to answer
  • encourage them to create questions or follow-up questions when going to the doctor, a school meeting, or the store
  • allow them to problem-solve a situation and request assistance from other adults to solve that problem

Lastly, and I cannot emphasize this enough, when you get into middle school and high school, although the case manager will help navigate the IEP, the actual execution of these accommodations happens through the classroom teacher. Helping or encouraging your child to create a relationship with their classroom teacher will create a natural segue to requesting accommodations or additional support when they are not being provided. Teaching your child small kind phrases will help nurture that relationship. Little phrases like, “thank you for your time,” “I really appreciate your help,” or “I know that you care about me because you put in so much time helping me,” or “you are a great teacher” will strengthen that relationship and the level of appreciation the teacher has for your child.

Contact information
​Get in touch with us

 Worried your child’s accommodations are getting lost now that they have multiple teachers? We're here to help!

Contact us for expert advocacy support. Our team is ready to assist you with your special education needs and concerns.

Book a Consultation with Lisa

Support

support@advocating4faireducation.com

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