About Us
Ariana Zachary is a special education consultant and advocate dedicated to helping families navigate the special education process with confidence and clarity. With over a decade of experience in special education leadership and instruction within the public school system, Ariana provides families with high-level, strategic guidance tailored to their child’s unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a special education advocate do?
A special education advocate helps families navigate the special education process, understand their child’s rights, and effectively communicate with schools. Advocacy services may include reviewing educational records, attending meetings, helping parents understand evaluations and eligibility, and supporting the development of appropriate educational plans.
What services are my child entitled to in school?
Under federal law, eligible students with disabilities are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This means schools are required to provide special education services and supports designed to meet a child’s unique needs at no cost to the family. Depending on the student, services may include specialized instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, behavioral supports, accommodations, assistive technology, transportation, and other related services necessary for the child to access and benefit from their education. The specific services provided are determined individually through the IEP or 504 planning process.
What are my rights if I disagree with the special education services my child is receiving?
If you disagree with the school’s decisions about your child’s evaluations, services, placement, goals, or supports, you are not alone. Parents have the right to ask questions, request changes, and be fully involved in decisions about their child’s education.
Schools are required to follow specific legal timelines and make decisions based on evaluation data, documented student needs, and educational impact not opinions or assumptions alone. Families have the right to review the information being used to make decisions and ask for explanations when recommendations are unclear.
A special education advocate can help you understand your rights, review your child’s records and IEP, explain confusing school language or procedures, and identify whether timelines or processes were properly followed. An advocate can also help interpret evaluation data, prepare for meetings, communicate concerns effectively, and support you in requesting appropriate services and supports for your child. The goal is to help families feel informed, confident, and supported throughout the process.