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.
From IEP to Independence: How Ask the Advocate Helps College Students with Learning Disabilities Transition Successfully
Ask the Advocate can help your student with learning disabilities transition into college successfully.
From IEPs to accommodations, we provide executive functioning support, coordinate with Disability Services, and empower students to build self-advocacy skills—so they don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to be their only support.
📅 Book a consult today and protect your college investment. asktheadvocate.org
Journey To Becoming a Special Education Advocate
Maureen Brown's commitment to special education advocacy stems from a deeply personal experience. Over two decades ago, she faced significant challenges in securing appropriate educational services for her own child with special needs.This journey illuminated the complexities and barriers within the special education system, motivating her to assist other families navigating similar obstacles.Massachusetts Advocates for Children
In her recent interview with CanvasRebel Magazine, Brown shared how this initial struggle became the catalyst for her career as a special education consultant and advocate. She emphasized the importance of empowering parents with knowledge and resources to advocate for their children's educational rights effectively. Through her work, Brown aims to ensure that all children receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally in or sign up to view+4Canvas Rebel+4Canvas Rebel+4.
Her story underscores the impact that personal experiences can have in driving systemic change and highlights the vital role of advocacy in special education.
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
What does Ask the Advocate Do?
📢 What Does Ask the Advocate Do? 💡
At Ask the Advocate, we support parents of children with special needs by providing expert guidance and advocacy to help them navigate the special education system. Here’s how we can help:
✅ IEP & 504 Plan Review – Ensure your child’s plan meets their needs
✅ School Advocacy – Attend meetings and advocate for appropriate services
✅ Parent Coaching – Empower you with knowledge & strategies
✅ Placement Consultation – Explore the best school options for your child
✅ Letters & Documentation – Draft strong, persuasive letters to the school
✅ District-Funded Programs – Help you secure out-of-district placements
✅ Drop-in Q&A Sessions – Get quick answers to your questions
✅ Membership Access – Sample letters, templates, and insider tips
🎯 Our mission: To make sure every child gets the support they deserve!
💬 Need help? DM us or visit asktheadvocate.org
to learn more! 🚀 #SpecialEducation #IEPHelp #AskTheAdvocate
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
What Happens to your Child’s IEP services when teachers go on strike?
In Massachusetts, when teachers go on strike, the provision of services for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can be disrupted. However, school districts are legally obligated to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
#asktheadvocate #IEP #FAPE
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.