Advocacy with Anyah

As back-to-school season approaches and you’re attending school-supply drives, don’t forget the most important preparation: making sure your child’s IEP, 504 Plan, and Behavior Intervention Plan are up to date.

Backpacks and supplies matter—but so do the services, accommodations, supports, and safety plans your child needs to succeed. Review those documents before the first day and request a meeting if changes are needed. 💙📚
#804

Spent all day moving into my new house, and somehow I’m still thinking about advocacy. 😂

One thing I wish I knew sooner?

A school can’t just recommend a more restrictive placement because it’s easier or because your child has a disability. They should have data to support that decision and be able to explain why your child can’t be successful in a less restrictive environment with the right supports and services first.

Don’t be afraid to ask:
“What data supports this recommendation?”

Sometimes one question can change the whole conversation.
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💙 Free Resource Spotlight

This is a resource I always suggest to parents.

The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) offers free trainings, webinars, and resources to help parents better understand special education, IEPs, evaluations, and your rights.

They offer both online and in-person trainings, so it’s easy to find something that fits your schedule.

Before I started dipping into advocacy, this is one of the first resources I used.

If you’re new to special education or just want to learn more, I definitely recommend.

💙 Save this post for later and share it with another parent who may find it helpful.

https://peatc.org

Another step closer to my goal. 💙

I officially completed COPAA’s Beginner Special Education Advocate Training! Over 25 hours of learning, growing, and becoming a better advocate for families and children with disabilities.

Next up… SEAT 2.0! 📚 I’m just getting started.

#804

One thing I learned through Amir’s IEP journey is that schools can’t just place your child in whatever classroom they already have.

When Amir started kindergarten, our school only had two options: general education or an intensive support classroom.

The problem was… neither one fit him, Amir needed a collaborative class with a general education and special education teacher.

A lot of parents don’t realize this, but your child’s placement is supposed to be based on their individual needs and their Least Restrictive Environment not just the programs the school already has.

If the school can’t appropriately meet your child’s needs, the district may need to provide additional supports or another appropriate placement so your child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education.

If someone tells you, “We don’t have that here,” don’t let that be the end of the conversation.

Ask questions. Request explanations. Advocate for what your child needs.
#804

Has your IEP team talked about a BIP?

If your child is having behaviors at school like running out of the classroom, hitting, yelling, shutting down, or having frequent meltdowns, it might be time to ask about a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

A BIP isn’t meant to punish your child. It’s there to help staff understand what’s causing the behavior and give everyone a consistent plan on how to support your child.

A lot of parents don’t even know they can ask about one.

If behavior is affecting your child’s school day, don’t be afraid to ask:
“Has the team considered doing an FBA ( function behavior assessment) and creating a BIP?”

Sometimes the right supports can make all the difference.
#804

Did you know?

A 1:1 aide can be added to a student’s IEP based on that child’s individual needs, not just because they need extra help in the classroom.

A 1:1 aide can support things like safety, communication, behavior, attention, transitions, and helping a student access their education throughout the school day.

Not every child with an IEP needs a 1:1 aide, and not every child who struggles academically will qualify for one.

If your child has a 1:1 aide written into their IEP, it is okay to ask questions about how that support is being provided and what it looks like during the school day.

The more you understand your child’s IEP, the better equipped you are to advocate for them. 💙

Have you ever wondered whether your child needs more support at school?

Advocacy with Anyah 💖

I officially have 2 weeks left in my 12-week advocacy certification course! 🎉

Honestly, I never planned on becoming an advocate. As soon as my son hit kindergarten, it was a complete mess. I quickly learned that having an IEP doesn’t always mean services are being provided the way they should be, and I found myself spending hours researching, asking questions, attending meetings, and learning my rights as a parent.

Fast forward to today, and I just had an IEP meeting last week. Even after everything I’ve learned, I’m still advocating, still learning, and still making sure my son gets what he needs.

Over the last 10 weeks, I’ve learned so much about special education law, parent rights, evaluations, IEPs, and dispute resolution. What started as me trying to help my own child has grown into a passion for helping other families navigate this journey.

I also applied for Part 2 of the program, so fingers crossed for getting accepted.

Two weeks left, and I’m excited to see what’s next. 💙

Advocacy Fact

One thing I learned in my advocacy class: if the answer is no, get it in writing.

A verbal no means nothing. Ask for Prior Written Notice (PWN) so you understand exactly why the school denied the request.

Paper trails matter. 📧📝

Real talk: I had to have an ABA therapist attend after-school programming with my son just so he could be successfully included.

A lot of parents don’t know this, but some ABA providers can attend after-school programs, summer camps, and community activities with your child.

If a program isn’t working, don’t automatically assume your child can’t be there. Sometimes they just need the right support.

Inclusion isn’t about fitting kids into a box, it's about giving them what they need to succeed. 💖