2022 was filled with lots of learning opportunities and expansions of my current practice. I am looking forward to working together to help support families of struggling students with special education needs, selecting the right college for students with learning challenges, or seeking the right program for substance or mental health needs. Happy New Year and looking forward to seeing you in 2023.

This law includes provisions that remove barriers precluding persons with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and Autism from participating in state colleges and universities. Individuals with ID and autism who cannot pass MCAS and who do not obtain a regular high school diploma can participate as non-matriculating students in courses with their nondisabled peers and participate in extracurricular activities and other aspects of campus life, with supports and services necessary to facilitate inclusion.

Southern Utah has some of the best options for therapeutic programs and I was fortunate enough to be able to tour several of them last week.

Is your child receiving the right reading instruction? Hopefully! However, in early 2020 the state of Massachusetts published new guidelines on literacy instruction - which likely took a back burner once COVID swept in. Book a consultation today so we can help you make sure your student gets the appropriate intervention.

Options for funding for wilderness Therapy

Start the year off right by these simple tips.

Do I Really Need to Work with an Educational Advocate? The short answer is, yes. Unfortunately, there is no SparkNotes version of education rights and regulations. Learn how you can save time and money by hiring an educational advocate.

When should I consider a therapeutic school for my child? How do therapeutic programs work? What do therapeutic schools cost? Where can I find schools? Learn here!

How is College Planning different when your child has learning challenges?  Learn the information to gather during the college search process and the steps to take during the disability services application process.

This blog is about the untruths, fake news, and misinformation that are out there about Wilderness Therapy Programs. The problem with the lies, fake news and misinformation is that although it may be interesting to read, it is never the whole story. This blog is an attempt to get at more of the truth and unpack some of the misconceptions that abound online. You may have read stories about wilderness therapy abuse and controversy, but we hope you'll consider the other side of the story. 

It’s only when all factors are considered should extended school year should be considered. Remember you are part of your child’s team and you have important information about your child’s learning.

Do you need help finding a therapeutic placement for your child? Book a consultation now. asktheadvocate.org

Residential Placements and legal history.

New Year, New Services.

Advocacy for Special Kids, LLC

Your child is entitled to research based reading services. An electric approach can be confusing for students with dyslexia. It should be Muti-sensory, and have a proven success rate. If you are told by the district, we get to pick what service we use ask them to put in writing what methodology they are using. The reading instruction also needs to be taught by a specialist that has a certification in the program not simply “trained”. Ask questions, and remember you are an equal member of the team and your input is extremely valuable.

As parents your child with a disability on an IEP is entitled to attend school until they are 22 or until you accept a diploma. Do not be in a rush to have them graduate if they are not yet ready.

Are you looking into colleges now for your student with learning challenges? Things to keep in mind when applying to schools.

Interview with Boston Business Woman on how and why I started Advocacy for Special Kids, LLC in 2003.