Education Advocacy

The Right to Learn service is a resource line for members accessing and navigating the special education system. The service is accessible to all Arc members as a unique, personalized resource for students age three to twenty-one, parents, and caregivers.  The Arc Parent Advocates provide guidance through the public-school education system, access to governmental support, and referrals for students with disabilities navigating the special education system in Texas. The goal of the Right to Learn service is to provide the necessary tools for students, parents, and caregivers to advocate for themselves or their son or daughter.

The special education system can be complex. Learning what rights under the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 empowers parents or caregivers in advocating for their youth’s equal access to quality education.

Services may include:

• Assistance with a referral for testing to determine eligibility for services in the public schools
• Reviewing evaluations, individual educational plans (IEPs) and 504 plans to determine appropriateness
• Assistance with determining the appropriate educational and related services
• Understanding a child’s disability and its educational implications​
• Understanding special educational rules, procedures, and rights​
• Preparing for an Admission, Review, & Dismissal (ARD) meeting
• Attending one ARD/IEP meeting per year to model how to prepare for the meeting and advocate for your child’s needs
• Providing referrals to other agencies and/or online resources