This month, we're proud to feature Arlette Hidalgo, a bilingual special education advocate and former educator who founded Apoyo Especial con Arlette to support Spanish-speaking and bilingual families navigating the IEP process. Her work centers on clarity, cultural responsiveness, and empowering parents to confidently participate as equal members of their child's educational team.
For many families, special education can feel overwhelming—especially when language barriers and unfamiliar systems stand in the way. Arlette's mission is to remove those barriers by providing clear explanations, practical tools, and compassionate guidance so parents can advocate with confidence and understanding.
As both a teacher and a mother, I realized that advocacy begins with knowledge. That’s what inspired me to create Apoyo Especial con Arlette — to bridge the gap between schools and families, and to ensure parents feel empowered to participate and make informed decisions about their children’s education.
I also create downloadable resources, templates, and guides to help families prepare for meetings and communicate effectively with schools. My goal is to make special education understandable and accessible for every parent, regardless of their background.
I combine my knowledge as a special education teacher with my passion for family empowerment — offering guidance that’s not just technical, but compassionate, bilingual, and culturally responsive. Apoyo Especial con Arlette is more than a service; it’s a movement to ensure Hispanic families feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.
Bring notes, write down your questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Remember, the IEP team may have professional titles, but you have something just as powerful — daily experience and a deep understanding of your child’s needs. When parents see themselves as equal members of the team, their voice becomes stronger, and that’s when true collaboration happens.
Many of the families I support have children with autism, learning disabilities, or speech delays, but the common thread is the same: they want to be informed, empowered, and included in their child’s education.
Apoyo Especial con Arlette is for any parent who’s ready to move from feeling lost to feeling capable, confident, and supported.
After that initial call, we schedule a personalized IEP review or coaching session, where I help families understand their child’s plan, their rights, and the next steps for effective communication with the school.
I also host bilingual workshops throughout the year on topics like “Understanding the IEP” and “How to Advocate for Your Child.”
Whether it’s one-on-one support or joining a group session, my goal is to make every parent feel informed, confident, and ready to participate fully in their child’s education.