There have been significant shifts in the disability landscape over the past month — both here in Portland and across the nation. Families in Oregon continue to have access to independent advocates dedicated to supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans.

I’m collaborating with two other advocates in Portland to reassure you: there is still a strong network of highly trained, independent advocates ready to support your family. While we are not legal advocates and do not replace the role of an attorney, our work often helps families make meaningful progress with school districts through collaboration and relationship building, often reducing the need for legal intervention in IEP and 504 meetings.

Each of us brings unique expertise, experience, and a personal approach to advocacy that may meet your family’s needs in different ways. I’m excited to amplify messages from each of us below and share how we can be of service during this time of transition and change.

Every fall, most parents start to wonder how things are going at school. With that feeling comes a swirl of questions: Is my child getting the support they need? Are we on track? That’s why I encourage the families I work with to request an October check-in meeting with their child’s school team—whether that’s the IEP team, 504 team, or general education intervention providers.