Educational Support and School Advocacy

The special education and 504 process can be an emotional and intimidating experience for parents and caregivers. Parents and caregivers are crucial members in the development of their child’s ARD or 504 plan; however, they are often the least prepared. The Texas Autism Assessment and Advocacy Group aims to educate and advise parents on these processes so that they understand their rights, as well as their child’s rights, feel prepared, and ensure their voice is heard.

A parent or caregiver’s right to have an educational advocate at your ARD or 504 meeting is protected by:

  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), in both the federal statutes and regulations. Under 20 U.S.C. §1414(d)(1)(B)(vi), the IEP team may include “at the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child.” Under 34 C.F.R § 300.613(b)(3) of the IDEA regulations, parents have the “right to have a representative of the parent inspect and review the records.”

The Texas Autism Assessment and Advocacy Group offers the following educational support and school advocacy services for all disabilities and/or educational eligibilities:

  • Records review and consultation
  • Offer objective and experienced perspectives to help facilitate the special education or 504 process
  • Review, educate, and advise on student FIEs, IEP goals/objectives, and/or ARD or 504 plans
  • Review school communications and advise on educational services and supports, as well as, advise parents/caregivers regarding their rights and the rights of their child
  • Assist parents/caregivers in generating correspondence between themselves and school district staff
  • With parental/caregiver consent, serve as a liaison between families and school district staff
  • Attend and advocate at initial, yearly, and requested ARD or 504 meetings and make recommendations as you collaborate with school district staff to create an appropriate individualized plan for your child
  • Assist in goal writing and/or revising to submit to school district staff
  • Generate a list of recommended accommodations based upon disability for presentation to school district staff
  • Make recommendations for specialists, service providers, and evaluators
  • Guide parents/caregivers in the decision making process to ensure your child’s success

1340 N White Chapel Blvd, Suite 130
Southlake, TX 76092
817.381.5268

Serving the Southlake, Keller, Colleyville, Grapevine, and surrounding areas.

© 2020 TAAAG