Ask the Advocate Blog

Maureen Brown Maureen Brown

Should Dyslexia Be Its Own Special Education Category? What Parents Need to Know

Option 2: Bold + Opinion (your voice)

Here we go again… changing labels instead of fixing the real problem.

A new bill would make dyslexia its own category under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Yes, dyslexia needs attention—but let’s be honest:

👉 Kids aren’t struggling because of the category
👉 They’re struggling because they’re not getting the right support

Focus on services. Always.

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US DOE, Complaince, Complaints with Special Education, MA DESE, Spedwatch, IEP complaiance, Advocacy matters, Ask the Advocate Maureen Brown US DOE, Complaince, Complaints with Special Education, MA DESE, Spedwatch, IEP complaiance, Advocacy matters, Ask the Advocate Maureen Brown

U.S. Department of Education Calls Out Massachusetts for Failing Special Education Students

Massachusetts has failed to ensure local school districts are providing special education students with the services and protections they are entitled to under federal law, the US Department of Education has concluded in a long-awaited review.

In a report made public Tuesday night, the Department’s Office of Special Education Programs identified 10 ways the state Education Department is not complying with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the federal law guaranteeing disabled students the right to a free and appropriate public education. Those range in scope from parents not being told the full extent of their rights to students languishing for months without needed support.

by Mandy McLaren, Boston Globe Article from 2/13/25

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IEP, Advocacy, Ask the Advocate, Full Inclusion, LRE, Transition Maureen Brown IEP, Advocacy, Ask the Advocate, Full Inclusion, LRE, Transition Maureen Brown

From Three Years Old to College: A Journey of Inclusion and Success

From Special Ed to a Full College Scholarship! 🎓

I met David at 3 years old—bright, talented, and full of potential. But because he was on the autism spectrum, he was placed in a separate classroom. We fought for full inclusion, and once there, he thrived.

🏈 Football team manager
📚 Honor Roll student
🎶 Gifted musician
👑 Homecoming runner-up

Yesterday, he texted me: "Guess what? I got a merit scholarship and full tuition to my dream college."

This is why I do what I do. Inclusion works. Keep fighting for your child—it’s worth it. 💙

#InclusionMatters #SpecialEducation #NeverGiveUp #SuccessStories #IEPAdvocacy

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