FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Advocacy

If you’re here, you probably have questions. Maybe you’re confused about whether your child needs an IEP or a 504 plan. Maybe the school district just denied your request for services and you don’t know what to do next. Maybe you’re exhausted from fighting alone and you need someone in your corner who understands how this system works.

I’ve sat through hundreds of IEP meetings. I’ve helped families navigate evaluations, challenge denials, and secure the services their children are legally entitled to receive. And I know that the special education system can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re already worried about your child.

These are the questions parents ask me most often. If you don’t see your question here, call me at 480.973.3553 or email alison@stoneeac.com. I’m here to help.

Understanding Special Education Advocacy

What is a special education advocate?

A special education advocate is someone who knows the law and uses that knowledge to help families get the services their children need. I guide you through the IEP process, prepare you for meetings, make sure your child’s rights are protected, and communicate with the school district on your behalf when necessary.

I’m not a lawyer, but I understand IDEA, Section 504, and how schools are required to implement these laws. I know what the district should be doing—and I know when they’re not doing it.

What exactly does an advocate do?

When we work together, I:

Help you understand your rights and your child’s rights under federal and state law
Prepare you for IEP and 504 meetings so you walk in with a clear strategy
Attend meetings with you and advocate for appropriate services
Review evaluations and IEPs to make sure they’re legally sufficient
Help you request evaluations when the school hasn’t offered them
Draft formal requests and correspondence to create a paper trail
Guide you through the dispute resolution process if the district denies services
Teach you how to advocate effectively even when I’m not in the room

My goal isn’t to create dependency. It’s to help you understand the system well enough that you can fight for your child with confidence.

When should I hire a special education advocate?

You don’t need to wait until you’re in a crisis. Contact me if:

You’re considering requesting an evaluation and want to know your rights first
You’re preparing for your first IEP meeting and don’t know what to expect
The school is proposing services that don’t seem adequate
Your child isn’t making progress under their current IEP
The district denied your request for an evaluation or services
You’re facing a complex situation and you need someone who knows the law
You feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the IEP process
You’ve been advocating alone and you’re exhausted

The earlier you bring me in, the easier it is to prevent problems rather than fix them after the fact.

What's the difference between an advocate and a special education attorney?

An advocate like me works at the school level—helping you navigate the process, ensuring your child’s rights are protected, and negotiating with the school district. Most families don’t need an attorney at this stage.

An attorney becomes necessary when:

You need to file for due process
The situation has escalated to a legal dispute
The district is threatening legal action
You need representation in a formal hearing

I can refer you to attorneys if your case requires legal representation. Many times, having an advocate prevents situations from escalating to that point.

How much does advocacy cost?

Every family’s situation is different, so I provide customized quotes based on what you need. Some families need help preparing for a single meeting. Others need ongoing support through a dispute resolution process.

Contact me and we’ll talk about your child’s situation and what level of support makes sense. My goal is to make advocacy accessible to families who need it.

Can you guarantee my child will get the services I'm requesting?

I can’t guarantee specific outcomes because IEP decisions involve multiple factors and ultimately require team agreement. What I can guarantee is that:

You’ll be thoroughly prepared for every meeting
Your child’s needs will be clearly documented
The school will understand what the law requires
You’ll have a record of everything that happens
I’ll fight alongside you for appropriate services

Often, that preparation and knowledge is exactly what changes the outcome. Schools are more likely to provide services when parents clearly understand their rights and can advocate effectively.

IEPs vs. 504 Plans: Understanding the Difference

What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?

This is one of the most common questions I hear, and the answer matters because it determines what your child is entitled to receive.

An IEP (Individualized Education Program):

Is for students who need specialized instruction to make academic progress
Falls under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
Requires that your child’s disability adversely affects their educational performance
Provides specialized instruction, related services, and accommodations
Includes specific, measurable goals that are reviewed annually
Requires your child to qualify under one of 13 disability categories
Provides more extensive protections and due process rights

A 504 plan:

Is for students who need accommodations but don’t require specialized instruction
Falls under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (a civil rights law)
Requires that your child has a disability that substantially limits a major life activity
Provides accommodations to remove barriers to learning
Does not include specialized instruction or measurable goals
Has a broader definition of disability
Provides fewer procedural protections than an IEP

Here’s a simple way to think about it: If your child can access the general education curriculum with accommodations (extra time on tests, preferential seating, breaks), a 504 plan might be appropriate. If your child needs specialized instruction or services (speech therapy, modified curriculum, small group instruction), they likely need an IEP.

Can my child have both an IEP and a 504 plan?

No. If your child has an IEP, they’re already covered by Section 504 protections. The IEP includes everything a 504 plan would provide, plus additional services and protections. Some families mistakenly think they need both, but an IEP is more comprehensive.

My child has ADHD. Do they need an IEP or a 504 plan?

It depends on how ADHD affects their education. Let me give you two examples:

Student A has ADHD and is reading three grade levels behind. They need specialized reading instruction to catch up. This student likely qualifies for an IEP under the category of “Specific Learning Disability” or “Other Health Impairment.”

Student B has ADHD and is performing at grade level academically, but their behavior disrupts their ability to stay in class and complete work. They might benefit from a 504 plan that provides accommodations like movement breaks, a behavior chart, or extended time on tests.

The key question is: Does your child need specialized instruction to make progress, or do they just need accommodations to access the curriculum they’re already capable of learning?

What are the 13 disability categories under IDEA?

To qualify for an IEP, your child must have one of these disabilities AND it must adversely affect their educational performance:

Autism
Deaf-blindness
Deafness
Emotional disturbance
Hearing impairment
Intellectual disability
Multiple disabilities
Orthopedic impairment
Other health impairment (includes ADHD, diabetes, epilepsy, etc.)
Specific learning disability
Speech or language impairment
Traumatic brain injury
Visual impairment

Having a diagnosis isn’t enough. The disability must impact your child’s ability to learn in the general education environment.

The Evaluation and IEP Process

How do I request an evaluation for my child?

Put it in writing. Schools are required to respond to written requests for evaluations, and a written request creates a paper trail.

Here’s what your request should include:

Your child’s full name and date of birth
A brief explanation of your concerns
A clear statement: “I am requesting a full evaluation to determine if my child qualifies for special education services under IDEA.”
Your contact information
The date

Send it to your child’s principal, the special education coordinator, and keep a copy for yourself. Send it by email (so you have proof of delivery) or by certified mail.

The district has specific timelines they must follow once they receive your request. In Arizona, they must hold a meeting within 15 days to discuss your request and obtain your consent to evaluate. Once you give consent, they have 60 days to complete the evaluation.

What if the school refuses to evaluate my child?

If the school refuses to evaluate your child, they must provide you with written notice explaining why they’re refusing and what data they used to make that decision. This is called “prior written notice.”

You have options if they refuse:

Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense
File a state complaint with the Arizona Department of Education
Request mediation
File for due process (though this is usually a last resort)

This is exactly when you need an advocate. I can help you understand why they refused, whether their refusal is legally justified, and what steps to take next.

What happens during an IEP meeting?

An IEP meeting involves a team of people who will review your child’s evaluation results, discuss their needs, and determine what services they should receive. The team typically includes:

You (the parent—you’re a required member)
Your child (if appropriate, especially for transition planning)
A general education teacher
A special education teacher
A school psychologist or specialist who can interpret evaluation results
A district representative with authority over special education services
Anyone else you or the school wants to invite (like an advocate)

The meeting should cover:

Your child’s current performance levels
Annual goals for your child
Special education and related services they’ll receive
Accommodations and modifications they need
How often services will be provided and where
How progress will be measured
Whether they’ll participate in state testing

You have the right to disagree with anything in the IEP. You are an equal member of the IEP team and your voice matters. Request another meeting or ask for time to consider the proposal.

Can I bring someone with me to an IEP meeting?

Yes. You have the right to bring anyone you want to an IEP meeting—an advocate, a friend, a family member, or anyone else who has knowledge or expertise about your child. The school must be told in advance who you’re bringing, but they cannot refuse to allow someone you’ve invited.

Having someone with you changes the dynamic. You don’t have to take notes, remember everything that was said, and advocate at the same time. Your advocate can focus on the discussion while you focus on your child. I often say to families: You get to be the parent. I’l be the voice fighting for your child’s needs.

What if I disagree with my child's IEP?

You have several options:

Option 1: Request another IEP meeting to discuss your concerns and try to reach agreement.

Option 2: Request mediation through the Arizona Department of Education. A neutral third party will help facilitate discussion between you and the district.

Option 3: File a state complaint with the Arizona Department of Education if you believe the district violated IDEA.

Option 4: Request a due process hearing (formal legal proceeding). This is expensive and time-consuming, so it’s usually a last resort.

You don’t have to accept an IEP you don’t agree with. The district cannot implement services without your consent—unless they go through due process themselves, which is rare.

Understanding Your Rights and Options in 2025-2026

I've heard there are changes coming to special education funding. How will this affect my child?

You’re right to be concerned. There are significant proposals that could impact special education funding and oversight in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know:

What’s being proposed:

Consolidating IDEA grant programs into block grants with less federal oversight
Potentially moving IDEA administration out of the Department of Education
Reducing federal monitoring of how states implement special education law
Expanding school voucher programs that may not include IDEA protections

What this means for your child: Your child’s rights under IDEA don’t change just because federal oversight changes. Schools are still required by law to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. But enforcement may become more difficult if federal oversight is reduced.

What you should do:

Document everything in writing
Ensure your child has a comprehensive, up-to-date IEP
Know your rights under IDEA and Arizona state law
Work with an advocate who can help you enforce those rights at the local level

Federal policy changes may make it harder for the government to catch schools that aren’t complying with the law. That’s why it’s more important than ever for parents to know their rights and advocate effectively.

What's the deal with school vouchers and special education?

This is critical information every parent needs to understand: If you use a voucher to move your child to a private school, you lose most of your IDEA rights.

Private schools that accept vouchers are not required to:

Provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Follow IEP requirements
Provide due process rights
Offer the same level of services your child received in public school
Even admit your child if they have significant needs

Private schools can set their own admission policies and can refuse to admit students with disabilities. If they do admit your child, they can discontinue services at any time if those services become too expensive or challenging.

Before you consider a voucher program:

Understand exactly what rights you’re giving up
Ask the private school specifically what services they will provide
Get everything in writing
Consider whether the voucher amount will actually cover the full cost of the school
Talk to an advocate about whether this is the right choice for your child

Vouchers can work for some families, but you need to go in with your eyes open about what you’re losing.

What is "Free Appropriate Public Education" (FAPE)?

FAPE is the cornerstone of IDEA. It means your child is entitled to special education and related services that:

Are provided at public expense (free to you)
Meet the standards of the state education agency
Include an appropriate preschool, elementary, or secondary school education
Are provided in conformity with your child’s IEP

“Appropriate” doesn’t mean “best.” Schools aren’t required to provide the best possible education or maximize your child’s potential. But they are required to provide an education that is reasonably calculated to enable your child to make progress appropriate in light of their circumstances.

This is where disagreements happen. What’s “appropriate” for your child? If you think the school’s proposed services aren’t appropriate, that’s when you need to advocate—or bring in someone who can help.

My child is turning 14. What are transition services and why do they matter?

Transition services are required for students who are 14 or older (or younger if the IEP team determines it’s appropriate). These services focus on preparing your child for life after high school—whether that means college, vocational training, employment, or independent living.

Recent changes emphasize transition services even more strongly. The 2025 IDEA updates place greater focus on helping students successfully transition from school to adulthood.

Your child’s IEP should include:

Post-secondary goals (what will your child do after high school?)
Transition services needed to reach those goals
Coursework that supports those goals
Connections to outside agencies that can help
Skills training for employment or independent living

If your child is approaching 14 and their IEP doesn’t include transition planning, request an IEP meeting to add it. This planning is critical for your child’s future and it’s required by law.

What mental health services can my child receive through their IEP?

Mental health support in schools has become a bigger priority, especially post-pandemic. If your child’s disability includes mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma-related challenges, they may be entitled to:

Counseling services
Behavioral intervention plans
Social-emotional learning goals
Mental health accommodations
Crisis intervention support
Connection to outside mental health providers

Recent IDEA updates emphasize the importance of addressing mental health needs as part of special education services. If your child’s mental health affects their ability to learn—and most mental health conditions do—those needs should be addressed in their IEP.

Schools sometimes resist providing mental health services because they’re expensive and require specialized staff. But if your child needs these services to benefit from their education, they’re legally entitled to them.

Working With Schools and Advocates

What qualities should I look for in a special education advocate?

Look for someone who:

Knows the law. IDEA, Section 504, and state regulations are complicated. Your advocate should have deep knowledge of these laws and how they’re implemented.
Listens to you. Your advocate works for you, not the school district. They should listen to your concerns and priorities.
Communicates clearly. Special education is full of jargon. Your advocate should translate that into language you understand.
Has experience. Ask how many IEP meetings they’ve attended, how many disputes they’ve navigated, and what their outcomes have been.
Empathizes with your situation. This process is emotionally exhausting. Your advocate should understand what you’re going through.
Teaches you. A good advocate doesn’t just do everything for you. They teach you how to advocate effectively on your own.
Is responsive. You shouldn’t have to chase your advocate down to get answers.

When you talk to me, ask me anything. I want you to feel confident that I’m the right person to help your family.

How do I find a qualified special education advocate in Phoenix or Scottsdale?

You just did. I’m Alison Stone, and I’ve spent over 25 years working in special education—as a teacher, coordinator, and administrator before becoming an advocate. I know the Phoenix and Scottsdale districts because I’ve worked in them. I know what they’re likely to agree to and where they typically push back.

But don’t just take my word for it. Talk to me. Ask me about my experience. Tell me about your child. See if we’re a good fit.

You can also:

Ask other parents in special education support groups for recommendations
Contact COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) for referrals
Ask your child’s school for a list of local advocates (though be aware they may not recommend advocates who challenge districts frequently)

The most important thing is that you trust the person you’re working with.

What if I can't afford an advocate?

Talk to me anyway. I work with families on different budget levels and I’m committed to making advocacy accessible. Some options include:

Payment plans
Reduced rates for specific services (like document review instead of full meeting attendance)
Limited consultation to give you the tools you need to advocate on your own
Referrals to pro bono legal services if your case requires an attorney

Don’t let cost stop you from reaching out. Even a single consultation can give you the information you need to move forward with confidence.

The school district says I don't need an advocate. Is that true?

Schools sometimes say this because they don’t want parents to bring someone who knows the law. They’d rather work with parents who don’t fully understand their rights.

You don’t need the school’s permission to bring an advocate to an IEP meeting. You have the legal right to bring anyone you want.

If the school is telling you not to bring an advocate, that’s exactly when you should bring one.

Can schools retaliate against my child if I bring an advocate or file a complaint?

Retaliation is illegal under federal law. Schools cannot punish your child or reduce services because you exercised your rights.

That said, I’d be lying if I told you it never happens. Sometimes schools become less cooperative when parents push back. Sometimes subtle changes happen that are hard to prove are retaliation.

This is why documentation is so important. If you’re working with an advocate and things change after you file a complaint, document everything. Dates, times, what was said, what changed. That documentation protects you and your child.

But don’t let fear of retaliation stop you from advocating. Your child’s education is too important.

Practical Questions

How long does the IEP process take?

Timelines vary depending on where you are in the process:

Initial evaluation request to evaluation completion: 60 days in Arizona after you give consent

IEP meeting scheduling: Must happen within 30 days of determining your child is eligible

IEP implementation: Services will begin as soon as possible after the IEP is finalized (no specific timeline in federal law, but “without undue delay”)

Annual IEP review: At least once per year

Re-evaluation: Every 3 years (or sooner if requested)

These are minimums. In reality, the process can take longer depending on scheduling, district backlog, and complexity of your child’s needs.

What should I bring to an IEP meeting?

Come prepared with:

A list of your concerns and priorities
Examples of your child’s work or behavior (if relevant)
Any outside evaluations or medical documentation
A list of questions you want answered
Notebook and pen for taking notes
A support person or advocate (if you’ve chosen to bring one)
An open mind—you may learn things you didn’t know

I also recommend bringing water and a snack. These meetings can last hours.

Can I record an IEP meeting?

In Arizona, you’re allowed to record meetings if you notify the school district in advance (at least 24 hours). Put your request to record in writing via email.

Schools sometimes push back on recording, but you have the right to do it. Just make sure you follow the proper notification procedure.

Recording protects you by creating an accurate record of what was said. It also changes behavior—people tend to be more careful when they know they’re being recorded.

What if I have to miss work for IEP meetings?

Arizona law doesn’t require employers to give you time off for IEP meetings, but you can:

Request meetings before or after work hours (schools must consider your scheduling needs)
Use personal time or sick leave if your employer allows
Explain to your employer that special education law requires parent participation
Attend virtually if the school allows (though in-person is usually better)

Your presence matters. Schools know that parents who attend meetings and ask questions get better outcomes than parents who don’t.

My child's school isn't following their IEP. What do I do?

Document it first. Write down:

What services the IEP requires
What services are actually being provided
Dates and specific examples of non-implementation
Who you’ve talked to about it

Then:

Start with the teacher or service provider—sometimes non-implementation is an oversight
If that doesn’t work, email the special education coordinator in writing
Request an IEP meeting to address implementation failures
If the problem continues, file a state complaint with the Arizona Department of Education

Schools are legally required to implement IEPs as written. If they’re not doing that, they’re violating federal law. You don’t have to accept it.

Can my child's IEP follow them if we move to a different school or district?

Yes and no. If you move within Arizona, the new district must provide comparable services while they conduct their own evaluation and develop a new IEP. The old IEP stays in effect temporarily.

If you move out of state, it gets more complicated. The new state must provide FAPE, but they may interpret your child’s needs differently and develop a different IEP.

When you move, contact the new school immediately and provide them with your child’s current IEP, evaluations, and progress reports. Request a meeting to review services as soon as possible.

Questions About My Services

Do you work with families throughout Arizona or just Phoenix/Scottsdale?

I primarily serve families in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area because I know these school districts well. That said, I am happy to work with families throughout Arizona.

Contact me and we’ll discuss whether I’m the right fit for your location and needs.

Do you only help with IEP issues or can you help with 504 plans too?

I work with both IEPs and 504 plans. Many of the advocacy strategies are similar, and families with 504 plans face many of the same challenges as families with IEPs.

Whether your child has an IEP, a 504 plan, or you’re not sure which they need, I can help you navigate the process.

What if my child doesn't have an IEP yet but I think they need one?

That’s a perfect time to contact me. I can help you:

Understand whether your child is likely to qualify
Write a formal evaluation request
Prepare for the evaluation process
Review evaluation results
Advocate for appropriate services if your child qualifies

Many families wish they’d contacted an advocate earlier in the process. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis.

How do I get started working with you?

It’s simple:

Call me: 480.973.3553
Email me: alison@stoneeac.com

We’ll set up a time to talk about your child’s situation. I’ll explain how I can help, what the process looks like, and what it will cost. No pressure. Just honest conversation about what your child needs and whether we’re a good fit.

Need More Information?

If you didn’t find the answer to your question here, don’t hesitate to reach out. Every family’s situation is different, and I’m here to help you navigate whatever challenges you’re facing.

Alison Stone
Stone Educational Advocacy & Consulting

Email: alison@stoneeac.com

Phone: 480.973.3553

Your child deserves an education that meets their needs. Let’s make sure they get it.