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.
What a year! 2022 in the Books.
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.
Dual Enrollment and New Law For Students with Intellectual Disability
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 Program Tours
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?
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.
Does your child need Wilderness Therapy but you are not sure you can afford it?
Options for funding for wilderness Therapy
7 Back to School Tips for Parents of Special Needs Students
Start the year off right by these simple tips.
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.