Special Education Advococy

Regular and Special Education Advocacy is provided to our clients free of charge while their child is enrolled in our educational or therapy services. Our team can help you with:

✅ Understanding school evaluations,
IEPs and 504 plans
✅ Preparing for upcoming school meetings
✅ Knowing what questions to ask
✅ Feeling confident as you advocate for your child

Todd and Meghan, the owners of Therapy and Education Connections, each have over 15 years of experience in local school systems, plus personal experience navigating services for their own child. They bring practical school knowledge, NC policy understanding, and a calm, parent-friendly approach to every conversation.

They draw from:

  • Practical, day-to-day school experience

  • North Carolina policy guidelines and advocacy resources

  • A calm, family-centered, team-based approach

This experience allows them to help families:

  • Review evaluation reports and school documents

  • Prepare for upcoming IEP or 504 meetings

  • Understand options for services and supports

  • Approach school teams as informed, confident advocates

What Is an IEP?

An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a legal plan for students in public elementary, middle, or high school who qualify for special education services.

A student may be found eligible for an IEP when:

  1. An evaluation shows that the child meets criteria for a disability category under the IDEA law.

  2. The disability has an adverse effect on the child’s educational performance.

  3. The child requires specialized instruction and related services to make appropriate progress.

Common eligibility categories include:

  • Speech and language impairment

  • Autism

  • Visual or hearing impairment

  • Specific learning disability

    • e.g., reading, writing, math, dyslexia, dysgraphia

  • Other health impairment

    • e.g., ADHD, Tourette’s, certain medical or endocrine conditions

  • Intellectual disability (mild, moderate, or severe)

  • Multiple disabilities

  • Emotional disability

  • Developmental delay (younger children)

  • Orthopedic impairment

How IEP Services Are Provided

Services in an IEP are designed around individual goals and may include:

  • Speech-language therapy

  • Small-group reading or math instruction

  • Occupational therapy

  • Vision or hearing support

  • Other specialized academic or functional support

These services can be delivered:

  • In the regular education classroom with support

  • In a resource setting for part of the day

  • In a self-contained classroom when a more intensive setting is needed

Schools must consider the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), meaning students should spend as much time as appropriate learning alongside peers without disabilities, while still receiving the services they need.

Therapy and Education Connections can help families understand how an IEP was developed, how placement decisions were made, and what questions to ask if they have concerns.

What Is a 504 Plan?

A 504 plan supports students who have a medical, physical, or mental health condition that affects their access to the school environment but who may not require special education.

A 504 plan provides accommodations, such as:

  • Preferential seating

  • Extra time on tests or assignments

  • Sensory or movement breaks

  • Visual supports or organizational tools

Some conditions may be temporary (for example, an injury requiring the use of a wheelchair), while others may be lifelong (such as ADHD or a vision impairment).

Therapy and Education Connections can assist families in:

  • Determining whether a 504 plan may be appropriate

  • Reviewing current accommodations

  • Preparing to communicate with the school about needed supports

Supporting Parents as Advocates

Parents are central members of their child’s school team, but they are not always told what supports may be available. Therapy and Education Connections aims to:

  • Explain evaluation results and reports in everyday language

  • Clarify terminology such as IEP, 504, LRE, and specialized instruction

  • Help families identify their child’s strengths and needs

  • Prepare parents to participate meaningfully in meetings and decisions

With information, encouragement, and experienced guidance, parents can feel more confident in advocating for a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for their child.

Helpful Resources

The following resources are provided for families who would like to learn more. Therapy and Education Connections does not endorse a single pathway, but encourages parents to explore multiple sources of information: