SPECIAL EDUCATION INSIGHTS
When You Know More,
You Can Ask Better Questions.
Practical guidance from Maureen Brown on IEPs, special education advocacy, BSEA decisions, therapeutic placement, college transition, and the questions families don't always know to ask.
Find guidance based on what you're working through right now.
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Recent Insights From Maureen
Practical guidance on IEPs, advocacy, placement, transition, and the decisions families are facing right now.
Ten Days on Portugal's Fisherman's Trail | Ask the Advocate
Ten days walking Portugal's Fisherman's Trail gave me something most professional development doesn't: clarity. Here's what I brought back to my IEP advocacy practice.
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.
Bold Journey Magazine Interviews Ask the Advocate Founder
https://boldjourney.com/meet-maureen-brown/
Bold Journey Magazine Interviews Owner and Founder Maureen Brown, Ask the Advocate about here perspective on special education, and advice for parents and professionals.
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
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
MASSACHUSETTS BSEA DECISIONSBSEA Decisions, Without the Legal Jargon.
When a special education dispute in Massachusetts reaches the Bureau of Special Education Appeals, the decisions can tell families a lot about how hearing officers look at evidence, placement, evaluations, stay-put rights, district obligations, and FAPE. Maureen breaks down selected BSEA decisions in plain language so you can understand what happened, why the hearing officer ruled the way they did, and what families can learn from the case.
NEED MORE THAN AN ARTICLE?
Your Child's Situation Isn't Generic.
Your Next Step Shouldn't Be Either.
Articles can help you understand the issue. But your child's records, history, school district, and current situation determine what comes next. If you need help figuring out your next move, start with the level of support you need.
I NEED DIRECTION
Education Strategy Session
A focused 30-minute conversation with Maureen to talk through your situation, understand your options, and decide what to do next.
I NEED MY DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Document Review + Strategy
Maureen reviews up to two documents before your 30-minute strategy call so you can discuss the records, concerns, and next steps together.
BSEA Decisions from Summer 2026.
How parents can use it to determine how hearing officers make decisions.