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 Burlington to the National Stage: Invited to Speak at the 2026 NATSAP Annual Conference
From Regional Impact to the National Stage: Speaking at the 2026 NATSAP Annual Conference
From Burlington to the National Stage: Invited to Speak at the 2026 NATSAP Annual Conference
Last October, I had the opportunity to speak at a regional National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs(NATSAP) conference in Burlington, Vermont. The room was filled with program leaders, clinicians, and educators who do this work every day—supporting students with complex emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.
The conversation was real, practical, and candid. We talked about what actually happens when families are trying to access therapeutic placements, how school districts make decisions behind closed doors, and where things most often break down for parents and programs alike.
That session sparked meaningful dialogue—and clearly struck a nerve.
As a result, I was invited to take that work to the national stage.
I’m honored to share that I will be speaking at the 2026 NATSAP Annual Conference, Many Voices, One Mission, taking place February 9–12, 2026, in San Diego, California.
New Offerings Employer & EAP Services
Specialized Education Navigation for Working Parents
Ask the Advocate® partners with employers and Employee Assistance Programs to support working parents navigating complex school, IEP, and placement challenges. Our services reduce caregiver stress, improve retention, and provide expert guidance not typically available through traditional EAPs.
Burlington & Carter: The Two Court Cases Every Special-Needs Parent Should Know
Blog Summary: Understanding the Burlington & Carter Decisions
The Burlington (1985) and Carter (1993) Supreme Court cases are the foundation of every parent’s right to seek district-funded private special-education placements when a public school fails to provide an appropriate IEP. In Burlington, the Court ruled that parents may place their child in a private school and receive reimbursement if the district’s IEP is inappropriate and the private placement meets the child’s needs. Carter expanded this right by holding that reimbursement may be required even if the private school is not state-approved. Together, these decisions ensure that when a school district cannot provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), parents can pursue the program that truly works for their child—without being limited to district-preferred or state-approved options. Burlington and Carter empower families to advocate for meaningful progress, safety, and individualized support when the public system falls short.
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.
Honored to Present at the New England NATSAP Conference:
“Honored to speak at the New England National Association Theraputic Schools and Programs NATSAP Conference on bridging schools and therapeutic programs to ensure students get the support — and funding — they deserve.”
When Disability Becomes a Political Target — Families Like Ours Pay the Price
"He just looked at me and said, 'Those people, the costs. Why don't they die?'" Fred said.
://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/fred-trump-disabled-people-1.7288890
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.