There is a lot of uncertainty and reluctance on the part of schools to provide an appropriate education for students on an IEP. Making sure schools are following the law is a responsibility that should not have to be left to parents. The reality is that in addition to parenting a child with a disability, you also have the job of being a watchdog over the school’s implementation of your child’s education. This is something that parents must understand and be prepared to deal with.
Lack of knowledge in knowing how to navigate special education places parents at a disadvantage, leaving them vulnerable to misinformation. Many unaware parents innocently trust the experts to do what’s best for children. Conversely, many parents are fully aware of school district agendas that seek to deny services and mislead parents.
Valerie will focus on parent training and the secret shortcuts, magic words, and unspoken formula to the IEP process that can transform the outcome of your child’s IEP meetings. She will discuss the importance of why parents need to be vigilant about understanding their parent rights and the foundational IDEA regulations your child is entitled to receive.
Valerie Aprahamian is a special education advocate, consultant, coach and mentor, author, speaker, teacher, and Founder of Advocates For Angels, who protects the rights of parents of neurodiverse children in the development of their child’s Individual Education Program (IEP).
As a mother of an adult daughter on the autism spectrum, Valerie has walked the same path as her clients and understands the challenges they experience.
Over the past 25 years while attending thousands of IEP meetings, Valerie has mastered the advocacy skills necessary to hold school districts accountable to ensure her clients leave high school with the skills necessary to live an independent, productive and purposeful life.
Today, she runs a virtual parent training academy, dedicated to empowering parents to successfully advocate and receive the IEP their child needs to thrive. Valerie’s advocacy coaching, consulting, and innovative e-learning programs help parents become more knowledgeable, confident, and effective advocates in supporting their child to reach their potential.
