Advocacy Support for IEPs, 504 Plans, and Educational Rights
Is your child struggling to get the support they need at school? Have school meetings left you feeling frustrated, unheard, or unsure of what to do next? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate this process by yourself.
At Winston Center, we specialize in advocacy support for students diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other reading and writing disorders. Whether you’re new to IEPs and 504 Plans or feeling overwhelmed by educational policies and processes, we’re here to help.
Our goal is to empower families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to ensure their children receive the services and accommodations they’re entitled to — and the support they need to thrive.
You’re Not Alone — And You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Many children with challenges in reading, language, attention, or executive functioning aren’t getting the support they need to succeed in school — even when they have deeply committed and proactive parents at home. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed or unprepared when facing meetings with teachers, school administrators, or psychologists.
Understanding the language and goals of IEPs and 504 plans can be confusing, and it’s often unclear what services your child is entitled to — or how to effectively request them.
At Winston Center, we’re here to guide you through every step. Our team understands the complexities of the education system because we’ve walked this path ourselves — both personally and professionally. We’re passionate about equipping families with the knowledge, advocacy, and confidence needed to secure meaningful support for their children.
Advocacy Services That Empower Families
We’re Here to Support You and Your Child — Every Step of the Way
Navigating the educational system can feel overwhelming, especially when your child has learning or attention challenges. At Winston Center, our advocacy services are designed to help families feel confident, informed, and empowered. Whether you’re identifying the best next steps for your child or preparing for a school meeting, we’re here to guide you.
Our team can attend IEP or 504 meetings, parent-teacher conferences, or even join important phone calls — offering a calm, knowledgeable, and supportive presence. We help families make sense of complex school policies, legal terminology, and bureaucratic processes so they can confidently advocate for what their child needs.
Our advocacy team includes a Certified Dyslexia Advocate, specially trained to support families navigating both the educational and legal aspects of learning differences.
What Our Advocacy Services Cover
Our experts offer guidance on a wide range of topics, including:
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Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
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Navigating the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
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Securing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
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Creating and reviewing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
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Developing and modifying 504 Plans
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Identifying appropriate accommodations and supports
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Letter writing and formal school communication
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Requesting services and interventions
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Understanding dispute resolution processes
Advocating for Your Child’s Rights
Many parents aren’t aware that the ADA, a federal civil rights law, protects students with learning and executive function challenges in educational settings. This law prohibits discrimination and ensures access to appropriate educational services in public schools. We help families understand how this law — and others like IDEA — can be applied to their unique situation, ensuring your child’s rights are protected and their educational needs are fully addressed.
What Is an IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document developed for students with one or more of the 13 disabilities recognized by IDEA — including ADHD, autism, and other learning disabilities. To qualify, the disability must interfere with the child’s ability to make progress in the general education curriculum.
An IEP outlines:
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Specific educational goals
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Special education services and accommodations
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Progress monitoring plans
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The roles of educators and specialists involved
What Is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan supports students with a broader range of disabilities who may not qualify for an IEP but still need accommodations to thrive in a general education setting. These plans ensure that students receive equal access to education by outlining:
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Specific accommodations or supports
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The responsibilities of each person implementing the plan
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How the plan will be monitored and reviewed
Both IEPs and 504 Plans are powerful tools for helping your child succeed — and we’re here to ensure they are developed, implemented, and supported effectively.