Special Education Advocacy
Informed. Collaborative. Student-Centered.
Navigating special education can be complex. ACCESS Education Consulting provides individualized advocacy and consultation to help families better understand their child's educational program, prepare for important decisions, and participate confidently and meaningfully in the IEP process.
Services can be tailored to your family's needs—from a focused review of an IEP or educational records to comprehensive support before, during, and after an IEP meeting.
Not Sure What Level of Support You Need?
You don't need to determine that before contacting ACCESS. An initial conversation can help identify your concerns and determine which type of support best fits your situation.
Educational Record & IEP Review
A focused review for families who want an independent, professional perspective on their child's current educational program.
Review may include the student's IEP, evaluations, progress reports, behavior plans, data, and other relevant educational records. Following the review, families receive consultation regarding identified strengths, areas of concern, questions to consider, and potential topics to discuss with the educational team.
May include:
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IEP and educational record review
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Review of present levels, goals, accommodations, modifications, and services
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Review of progress and available educational data
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Identification of questions or areas requiring clarification
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Consultation to discuss findings and possible next steps
Ideal for: Families who want guidance and an independent perspective but do not necessarily need meeting support.
IEP Meeting Preparation
Preparation and consultation for families who want to feel organized, informed, and ready to participate in an upcoming meeting.
ACCESS works with families before the meeting to review relevant information, identify priorities and concerns, develop questions, and organize the issues they would like the team to address.
May include:
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Review of relevant records and proposed documents
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Identification of family priorities and concerns
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Development of questions for the school team
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Review of proposed goals, services, supports, or accommodations
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Preparation of parent concerns or talking points
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Pre-meeting consultation and planning
Ideal for: Families who plan to attend the meeting independently but want professional guidance beforehand.
IEP Meeting Advocacy & Support
Comprehensive support for families who would like an advocate present during an IEP or other educational planning meeting.
Preparation occurs before the meeting so that priorities are clearly identified. During the meeting, ACCESS supports meaningful family participation, asks clarifying questions, helps keep discussion focused on the student's individualized needs and available data, and assists families in understanding the information being presented.
May include:
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Pre-meeting record review and preparation
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Identification of priorities and desired outcomes
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Attendance at virtual or in-person meetings
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Support with questions and clarification during the meeting
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Data-informed discussion of programming and student needs
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Post-meeting consultation and review of next steps
Ideal for: Families who would benefit from professional support throughout the meeting process.
Ongoing Advocacy & Consultation
Some situations require more than a single IEP review or meeting. Ongoing consultation is available for families navigating more complex educational concerns or multiple stages of the special education process.
Support is individualized and may involve continued record review, consultation, meeting preparation and attendance, progress monitoring, communication planning, or coordination with other professionals involved with the student.
Special Education Advocacy Disclaimer: ACCESS Education Consulting provides non-attorney special education advocacy and educational consultation. Advocacy services do not constitute legal advice or legal representation. Families seeking legal advice or representation should consult a qualified attorney.