Education Advocacy

The School Says Your Child Doesn't Need Braille. Here's What the Law Says.

"My child has some sight left, and the school says Braille isn't necessary. What are my rights?" If you've been told that, you're not wrong to question it. Under federal law, some usable vision is not, by itself, a reason for a school to skip Braille. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) sets a specific rule for children who are blind or visually impaired, and it puts the burden on the school's team to justify a "no," not on you. Here's what the law actually says, in plain te

Does Visual Impairment or Blindness Qualify for an IEP? What Parents Need to Know

If your child can't see well even with glasses, and you're wondering whether the school has to help, the answer is yes. Under federal law, a public school must evaluate your child and, if your child qualifies, provide support at no cost to you. That written support plan is called an Individualized Education Program, or IEP. It spells out the services and tools your child gets and holds the school to providing them. You don't need a diagnosis in hand or a special form to start. You need to know

What to Do When the School Says "We Don't Diagnose Dyslexia"

You've been in the meeting where the teacher smiles and says your child is "doing fine," then adds that the school "doesn't diagnose dyslexia." You left with a knot in your stomach, because you can see your child struggling with reading at home. Here's the short answer: the school not saying the word "dyslexia" does not block your child from getting help, and passing grades do not close the door either. Let's walk through what your rights actually are, and the one thing you can do this week.

What an Education Advocate Does at an IEP Meeting

Want to know what an IEP meeting means for you? Learn about education advocacy today.

What Is an IEP and What Does It Cover?

What does an education advocate do at an IEP meeting — and why it changes the outcome for your child.

How to Get an IEP in Texas: Your Guide to the ARD Meeting

How to get an IEP in Texas: how to request an evaluation, what happens at the ARD meeting, and what to expect next.