Marifi Escobar & The IEP Firm

Here is a sample letter you may copy and edit to send to your representative to protect FAPE (FREE and Appropriate PUBLIC Education)

Committee on Public Education:
You can find their emails here: https://house.texas.gov/committees/committee/400

Subject:
📢 URGENT: Oppose SB 2 – Protect Public Schools & Students with Disabilities!📢

Dear [Legislator’s Name],
I am writing to strongly oppose Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), the Texas Education Freedom Act. While this bill claims to expand school choice, it threatens public schools, removes federal protections for students with disabilities, and lacks accountability.

📢 VOTE NO ON SB 2!
Texas students deserve better than a bill that weakens public education, removes protections for students with disabilities, and provides no real solutions. I urge you to vote NO on SB 2 and stand with public schools, educators, and families.

❌ SB 2 HARMS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
🔴 Taxpayer dollars will be diverted from public schools, weakening the only education option guaranteed to many Texas families.
🔴 Vouchers fail to fully cover private school tuition—leaving many families behind.

❌ STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES WILL LOSE THEIR RIGHTS!
⚠️ SB 2 strips away IDEA and ADA protections!
⚠️ Private schools are not required to provide accommodations or specialized instruction for students with disabilities.
⚠️ Without IDEA, my child would be segregated and isolated, unable to learn alongside their peers.
💙 Public education is the only opportunity for children with disabilities to be included in society early on. It fosters acceptance, compassion, and real-world skills so they can become productive members of their communities.

❌ SB 2 DOESN’T CREATE REAL CHOICES!
🛑 Private schools can refuse to accept students with disabilities.
🛑 Many rural and low-income families won't even have access to private school options—but their public schools will still lose funding.
🛑 There is NO financial accountability or academic oversight for private schools taking ESA money!

✅ THE SOLUTION: INVEST IN PUBLIC EDUCATION!
💡 Improve public schools instead of defunding them.
💡 Protect IDEA and ADA to ensure all students get the education they deserve.
💡 Hold schools accountable for student success—don’t give taxpayer dollars away with no oversight.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City & ZIP Code]

📚 Behind the Scenes of a File Review: The Art of Special Education Advocacy 📘

Here's a glimpse into the arduous and meticulous process of reviewing a special education file. What you see spread across this table is more than just paper—it's a student's entire educational history, encapsulated in 10 detailed binders.

As an advocate, this isn't just about flipping through pages; it involves a painstaking, lengthy review that requires piecing together various types of information. From evaluations and report cards to teacher notes and disciplinary records, each document plays a critical role. This deep dive helps me craft strong, evidence-backed arguments that support specific requests, whether they're for accommodations or a specialized placement.

The goal? To make informed recommendations to the ARD committee that truly reflect the best interests of the student. It’s a complex puzzle, but fitting the pieces together is essential for ensuring every student receives the tailored support they need to thrive.

Reach out to us if you want to to learn more of what goes into these comprehensive reviews and learn why having a skilled advocate by your side is crucial in navigating the world of special education!

This is my WHY!!🌟 Exciting News and Special Thanks 🌟
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We have some incredible news to share with you all, and it comes with both celebration and remembrance. 🙌
🔬 National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation (NUCDF) Research Study 🧬
I am thrilled to share this groundbreaking research study that aims to explore the impact of Nitric Oxide on patients with Argininosuccinic Aciduria, a condition that is incredibly close to my heart. My son, Andres, is one of the brave individuals living with this condition that participated in this study trial, and we are always on the lookout for innovative ways to enhance the quality of life for those affected by urea cycle disorders.
🌱 This research holds the potential to unlock new insights and possibilities for treatments that can make a difference in the lives of patients like Andres. 🌱
💖 Special Thanks to Cindy LeMons 💖
It's a bittersweet moment for us as we remember our dear friend and former NUCDF President, Cindy LeMons. Her dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the urea cycle disorders community. Cindy's memory lives on in every step we take towards a brighter future for our loved ones. 🌟
💫 Welcoming Tresa Turvin Warner 💫
As we move forward, we are excited for the work of new President of the NUCDF, Tresa Warner. Her commitment and leadership promise to guide us into a new era of progress and advocacy. I, personally, look forward to working together with Tresa and the entire NUCDF team to advance research, support families, and raise awareness.
We invite you to join us on this incredible journey of hope, discovery, and unity. Together, we can make a difference and provide strength to those who need it most. 💪
I invite you all to be on the lookout for updates on this research study, ways to get involved, and how we can work together to improve the lives of those impacted by urea cycle disorders.
I can’t wait to see you at the upcoming NUCDF Family Conference in April 2024!!
Love,
Marifi
Andres and
Leo

New research inspired by NUCDF leader Cindy Le Mons sheds light on mechanisms behind ASLD neurocognitive effects

Cindy Le Mons (left, pictured here with a patient), the former executive director of NUCDF, worked tirelessly to promote research into urea cycle disorders. New research she inspired, just published, investigates the role of nitric oxide in neurological dysfunction for patients. In this research, Brendan Lee, M.D., Ph.D., and his colleagues at Baylor College of Medicine are chasing down what is behind these neurocognitive effects and investigating what it could mean for patients with ASLD and other UCDs. Read more: https://nucdf.org/news-and-events/news.html/article/2023/10/23/research-inspired-by-nucdf-leader-sheds-light-on-mechanisms-behind-asld-neurocognitive-effects

🌟 Embracing Inclusion: Empowering All Students! 🌟

📢 Hey everyone! Today, I want to talk about something close to my heart: inclusion of students with disabilities in our general education classrooms. 🎓💙

🤝 Inclusion goes beyond just sharing physical space; it's about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where every student, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and reach their full potential. 🌈✨

💪 By embracing inclusion, we're fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and appreciation for diversity. We recognize that each student brings a unique set of strengths, talents, and perspectives to the table. Together, we can create a rich tapestry of learning experiences that benefit everyone involved. 🌍📚

✨ Inclusive classrooms teach us the power of collaboration, as we learn to support and uplift one another. It allows students with disabilities to actively participate, develop social skills, and build friendships. We all deserve the opportunity to grow and learn side by side, helping each other succeed. 🤝💡

🌟 Let's celebrate the achievements and progress made by students with disabilities in our general education classrooms. Let's champion accessible resources, adaptive technologies, and specialized support that make learning truly inclusive. 📖🎉

🙌 Together, we can break down barriers and create a world where every student feels valued, respected, and included. Let's make our schools and communities beacons of inclusivity and compassion! 💙🌟

Thank you to Giset King and her amazing organization Cafe Azul for featuring Marifi Escobar & The IEP Firm on their Community Heroes Series!
I am honored to serve my community!

Escobar-Advocate of the Community. My organization is The IEP Firm. It is an advocacy firm for students with disabilities who qualify for an IEP or a 504 plan. 2. What is the vision of your organization? Our vision is a world where people with disabilities and their families can enjoy the same benefits as everyone else. A place where...

On March 8 at noon, Consolidated Planning Group will host a webinar titled "Should I Open an ABLE Account?"

Consolidated Planning Group is so pleased to bring another important webinar to you in partnership with Partners Resource Network Region 13.

REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hktG62RgSb6KxvrAgNXgoA

THANK YOU PARTNERS RESOURCE NETWORK! On March 8 at noon, Consolidated Planning Group presented a webinar titled "Should I Open an ABLE Account?"

Consolidated Planning Group is so pleased to bring another important webinar to you in partnership with Partners Resource Network Region 13.

WATCH IT HERE: https://youtu.be/diBhIsPYCi8

https://www.copaa.org/page/AdvocateTraining
[1] Excluding a parent’s advocate from an IEP meeting or from advocating on behalf of a child could be a deprived of meaningful participation in the child’s education as required by the IDEA. If advocacy fails to bring about the desired lawful result and the parent decides to file for due process, the parent could argue denial of meaningful participation. Under the IDEA, a hearing officer may find a denial of FAPE due to a procedural violation if the procedural violation “significantly impeded the parents' opportunity to participate in the decision making process regarding the provision of a free appropriate public education to the parents' child.” 20 U.S.C. § 1415(f)(3)(E)(ii)(II) (emphasis added). If a school district excludes an advocate from attending IEP meetings or otherwise prevents them from representing families in the IEP process, the advocate may consider pursuing a claim for retaliation under § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Special Education Advocates Training, and Certification - Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. COPAA operates on the belief that every child deserves the right to an equal and quality education that prepares them for meaningful employment, higher education and lifelong learning, and full participation in his or her community.  The key to effective educational programs for children with disa...