Your child is struggling at home and school or has been medically diagnosed with a disability.  Now what? Today we're going to discuss children who are of school age, which can range from 3-21 (the upper age may vary from state to state) and the current laws that protect them .  This is going to be an overview and a topic we will revisit many times.  It can be overwhelming, so we'll take it slow! First, it is important to familiarize yourself with laws that may pertain to your child and what each entails. - IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004) is a federal special education law ensuring services to children with a disability.  This law governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to children (birth to 21) with a disability. - Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973   is a federal civil rights law to stop discrimination against people with disabilities.  It guarantees tha...

Welcome to a safe place where you can come to empower yourself and become the best parent and advocate for your child with special needs.  Parenting is a journey with many twists and turns.  When you have a child with unique needs, these twists and turns may seem a little more daunting and frightening than you might have expected. It's okay.  Take a breath.  You're just going to reset your GPS a bit, dust yourself off, and get back on the road. Take in your surroundings, offer yourself some grace when you make a wrong turn, and don't be afraid to stop and ask for directions.  Eventually, you will settle into your journey and arrive at your destination. Slow down a bit.  You have been blessed with a precious child who will teach you more than you can ever imagine.  Kids are awesome like that:  they are resilient and start each day anew.  There will be new milestones met, questions asked, and experiences to be had. Be kind and patient w...