Negotiating the Maze

Educational advocacy, research, and support negotiating the special education maze. Help designing IEPs with meaningful and measurable goals and objectives; I will attend IEP meetings, get assessments and services appropriate for your child, and can find resources to help you and your student's teachers understand your child's needs.

I currently review files for the Community Alliance for Special Education (CASE) on a consultant basis, and am enrolled in a federal advocate training program (SEAT - Special Education Advocate Training) sponsored by University of Southern California University Affiliated Program (USC UAP) and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, the first training program for advocates in the country. I am not an attorney, but will tell you if it's time to get one and then help you find one.

My rates are $90 per hour. It generally takes $600-$700 to go from the initial free phone consultation to the IEP meeting, including subsequent consultations by phone or in person, reviewing files, doing research that pertains to the individual child's circumstances (e.g., about the assessments performed, the applicable regulations, consultation with colleagues). Initial fees will be less for children just entering the maze. I can give you as much or as little support as you need, from being the sole contact with the district to simply drafting a complaint letter to the state.

For more information, visit our web site at negotiatingthemaze.org

Last updated February 12, 2006