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Find a special education advocate near you

Find a professional to attend your next IEP or 504 plan meeting.

Near you is great. Remote works, too.

Advocates can join IEP meetings by video and review records online. Start local, or widen to virtual if the right fit is farther away.

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Work with the best

Professional advocates ready to help

Most advocates have state, local, and school-based experience. Now, that experience works for you.

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Why parents hire us

Get support for the school moments that matter most

Common reasons parents contact an advocate.

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Who advocates are

Experience from the systems parents face

Many advocates worked inside schools before working with parents.

Teachers

Former teachers who know what your child’s plan looks like in class, not just on paper.

Therapists

Former SLPs, OTs, PTs, and counselors who specialize in your child’s needs.

Administrators

Former leaders who’ve run the IEP and 504 meetings you’re walking into.

Compliance

Former state and district level administrators who enforced IDEA and Section 504.

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The role of an advocate

Someone on your side of the table

An advocate is a parent-side professional who helps you understand the process, prepare for meetings, and follow up when services fall short.

Common ways advocates support parents

Can an advocate come to IEP meetings?

Yes. Advocates help parents before, during, and after meetings. IDEA allows parents to invite people with knowledge or special expertise, including an advocate. 34 CFR § 300.321

Can they help with records and meeting notices?

Advocates can help parents review records, understand meeting notices, and participate in decisions about identification, evaluation, services, and placement. 300.322, 300.501

Can they help with evaluations or IEEs?

Advocates can help parents read testing, spot gaps, request additional evaluations, or ask for an independent educational evaluation (IEE) when they disagree with the school. 300.502

Can they help get school decisions in writing?

Advocates can help parents ask the school to put decisions in writing, including what was refused, why, and what information the school relied on. 300.503

Can they help with behavior or discipline?

Advocates can help families prepare for FBAs, BIPs, manifestation determination reviews, removals, and discipline meetings where disability-related behavior is at issue. 300.324, 300.530

Can they help with mediation or complaints?

Advocates can help parents prepare for and attend special education mediation or draft and file state complaints with the facts, alleged violations, and requested resolution. 300.506, 300.153

Can they help with due process?

Advocates can help parents understand hearing steps, organize facts, and prepare for resolution meetings. Hearing representation by non-attorneys depends on state law. 300.512

Can they help with 504 plans?

Advocates can help parents ask for evaluations, accommodations, placement changes, records, and safeguards under Section 504 when a child needs disability-related support. U.S. Department of Education

How it works

How to find an advocate

Search the directory

Enter a city, state, or zip to see advocates near you.

Compare real options

Review specialties, rates, reviews, location, and virtual options.

Contact when ready

Message advocates from their profile. No account required to reach out.

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Remote attendance

Your advocate can join from anywhere

You do not need someone who lives nearby. Many advocates review records online and attend IEP or 504 meetings by video. That means you can hire the right person, even if they are in another state.

Parent joining a remote IEP or 504 meeting on a laptop while talking with a special education advocate by phone

  • By video

    Join on Zoom, Google Meet, or the school's platform. Most remote advocacy happens this way.

  • By phone

    Call in when video is not an option. Useful for shorter check-ins and follow-up meetings.

  • In person

    Some advocates travel to the school when the case needs it. Ask when you reach out.

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Find local or regional experts

IDEA and Section 504 apply nationwide, but some cases require deep local knowledge. Find it here.

Popular states

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Georgia North Carolina Arizona Nevada Massachusetts Maryland New Jersey Connecticut Indiana Kentucky

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Parent reviews

What families say

Lyndon Lauren R.

Lyndon took away all of the anxiety I had during IEP meetings. As working parents wanting the best for our son, she made the process feel manageable.

Shannon Daisha M.

Shannon has truly been my rock advocating for my son. In my most overwhelming moments, she helped me understand everything before and after ARDs.

Nicole Lisa A.

Working with Nicole at Family ADDventures has been a game changer for our family.

Barbara H.

Shannon is so knowledgeable and patient. She explained what I needed to do, and why. Her expertise saved me hours of research.

Julian Karla G.

Working with Julian was the best decision we made for our son's education. After months of struggling, he came in and completely turned things around.

Clara Anna G.

I have used Nicole as an advocate for my two children and she has been incredible every step of the way.

Jade Jared

Julian skillfully helped me secure a 504 plan with accommodations and ensured an evaluation for IEP eligibility was conducted.

Jillian B.

Family ADDventures is an incredible resource for families navigating special education.

Other frequently asked questions

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Browse profiles by location, specialty, and rates. Contact advocates directly when you're ready.

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