IEP 911

08/02/2021

There is exciting news to share! First, we are now Special Kids, Special World. We are updating our webpage, making videos for You Tube with special education topics and are working on starting a non profit! I hope you will join us on this exciting new adventure as we look to help families with special needs students.

About me: We are Special Kids, Special World. My name is Donna Reynolds and I’m excited you are here.
I am a passionate educator and dedicated special needs advocate. I have worked in the special education field for the last 30 years.
I created this page to connect with the special needs community and create a space where parents can gain the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their children and where educators can get useful resources and support.
I earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education and have worked as a special education teacher, consultant, Special Education Director, Assistant Principal and in the private sector as a Special education advocate and consultant. I have worked with students with a variety of special needs in various settings. During the past 30 years, I gained a lot of knowledge about our education system, and how it didn’t always work for everyone.
I am most proud of starting an advocacy business where I have served hundreds of families. These services included reviewing the educational paperwork created by the schools and other professionals, consulting with parents and teachers, correspondence and attendance at meetings and evaluations.
I have also provided expert testimony at educational court proceedings, consulted with attorneys representing special needs families, and am a frequent speaker at special needs conventions and support groups.
Due to the unprecedented school shut-downs and virtual learning due to the Covid 10 pandemic, there is an even greater need for advocacy services. According to the latest data from the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES), the number of students receiving special education services was 7.3 million or 14 percent of all public school students.
I believe that each of these students and their families deserve an advocate in their corner.

If you have any topics that you would like me to cover in my videos, please comment below.

11/18/2015

Welcome to our new followers! Please take a look at our updated website for information about special education advocacy and answers to frequently asked questions about navigating the IEP and 504 process. http://www.iep911.com/home.html

SouthSide Education Advocates are here to help you as you work to protect your child's right to an education and help you through the process of determining if your child is eligible for special education services, securing necessary services, and/or ensuring those services are being provided.

11/11/2015

Multiple school districts in one of the nation's largest states used truancy charges to usher out students with disabilities in violation of federal law, an investigation finds.

11/07/2014

Very disturbing trend.

Remember running around on the playground in school? Kickball, jump rope, jungle gym? Recess s part of childhood, and it's disappearing.

09/09/2014

Sensory overload is a common issue for people that have autism, and may make it difficult for them to travel to busy and loud places such as the mall, convenience stores, or festivals. Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the body's senses experiences over stimulation from the environment. Wh…

08/27/2014

Six experts advise parents of children with on handling homework hassles.
http://www.chadd.org/Membership/Attention-Magazine/View-Articles/Handle-Homework-Hassles/Homework.aspx

08/19/2014

Must-have resources on helping your ADHD child address homework issues

09/23/2013

This article is for parents of children with disabilities that have difficulty with getting transportation for their child for school. The article covers 5 lies that are commonly told about special education transportation. Also covered is how to overcome the lies to help your child receive needed s...