Free Resources for Parents

What is a special education advocate?

A special education advocate is a highly trained person with "specialized knowledge" about the disability or the educational process. Also known as a parent advocate or educational advocate, your advocate should have a working knowledge of your child's disability and understand mechanisms providing for special education. An advocate is not an attorney nor a substitute for legal advice.

The ARD/IEP process can be very intimidating and emotionally draining. Many parents passively sit back at these meetings and timidly accept the decisions of the other ARD/IEP committee participants. Unfortunately, in some instances this is potentially detrimental to the child. An experienced advocate can assist you in understanding the programming possibilities and the legal obligations of your public school system. The advocate can also help you to articulate to your school system what you believe your child requires in order to receive a meaningful benefit from special education.

It is always the goal of Dyslexia Services of North Texas to leave each meeting with a win-win situation. Preserving the parent/school relationship is important; however, standing firm on the impotant issues is vital. 

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Learn

International Dyslexia Association

Parent/Educator Resource

This is an organization dedicated to educating the community and educators on the latest research and information pertaining to dyslexia. These convenient Fact Sheets may answer questions for you. Make copies of them and share them with your child’s teachers.

https://dyslexiaida.org/fact-sheets/

Perspective

I’ve been there.

Understand the challenges that school districts have in meeting the needs of all students. My passion for children is to fight to do what is best for kids. It is the core foundation of this business. Knowing the perspective of the school administration and the law, gives me a unique viewpoint that others may not see.

Work with Others

Decoding Dyslexia

Parent Group

This parent-initiated organization was formed to enhance the education of children with dyslexia.

http://www.helpingeverychildtoread.com/index.php/find-help/useful-links/dyslexia-associatons/decoding-dyslexia-texas

Professionalism

Academic Language Therapist Association

As a member, of ALTA, I must be accountable to always finding ways to improve myself and my craft by annually completing 10 Certified Education Units. There are ethical rules and regulations of this professional organization that I proudly uphold. I am a Certified Academic Language Therapist and a Qualified Dyslexia Therapist Instructor.

The Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) (altaread.org)

Network

National ARD/IEP Advocates

Professional Advocates

This well-respected group of Texas advocates staffed with experts in multiple facets of the Special Education world, is the diverse team, of which I am a part. I readily use this knowledge base to brainstorm ideas to assure nothing is overlooked.

http://www.narda.org/about-us.html

Supportive

I am not an Attorney.

I am a professional who will aggressively support your child’s rights. After 31 years in the Texas public school system, I am an expert on special education systems and dyslexia law. I will listen to your concerns, research the topic, we can brainstorm ideas, and will create a plan of action that will be be within the parameters of the law. The child’s best interest is paramount.