There are a vast array of services and placements to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Empowering Parent Network personalizes each consultation to meet the needs of children and parents. 1:1 consultations, workshops, and webinars offered on a sliding scale. Here is a list of common consultation topics.

  • What “special education” means and who qualifies.

  • Differences between 504 Plans and IEPs (Individualized Education Programs).

  • Overview of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

  • Understanding Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

  • The importance of early intervention and child-find services.

  • Multi-tiered system of supports

  • Transition Planning

  • How to request an evaluation in writing.

  • Timeline of evaluations and eligibility meetings.

  • Key components of an IEP: goals, accommodations, related services, evaluation data.

    • Full and Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) or Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), or Review of Existing Evaluation (REED)

    • Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)

    • Schedule of services (minutes in general education classroom, sped classroom, etc)

    • Accommodations/modifications

  • How progress toward goals is measured and reported.

  • Understanding Extended School Year (ESY) services.

  • Parents’ role as equal members of the IEP team.

  • Procedural safeguards (and how to use them).

  • The right to request independent educational evaluations (IEEs).

  • How to disagree respectfully and effectively during meetings.

  • Due process vs. mediation: what parents should know.

  • Difference between accommodations, modifications, and interventions.

  • Related services: speech, OT, PT, counseling, transportation, etc.

  • Assistive technology and how it supports learning.

  • Transition planning (starting at age 14–16, depending on state).

  • Post-secondary supports: college disability services, vocational training, independent living programs.

  • Building positive relationships with teachers and staff.

  • Preparing for IEP meetings (questions, documents, goals).

  • Tracking progress at home and sharing data with the school.

  • Strategies for advocating without burning bridges.

  • The power of documenting everything (emails, meetings, notes).

  • How to organize IEP paperwork in a binder or digital file.

  • Teaching your child self-advocacy skills.

  • Understanding common special education jargon and acronyms.

  • Managing stress and finding emotional support.

  • Connecting with local parent training centers and advocacy groups.

We also tailor workshops for parent groups. Workshops are offered in a virtual format and in-person in California, Montana, Nevada, and Texas. We are particularly eager to serve marginalized populations in low socio-economic areas or those who are first- and second-generation US immigrants. Our list of offerings is always growing to meet your needs. Please ask us about a topic if it is not listed below.

  • Special Education 101: Understanding Your Child’s Rights

  • Learn the foundations of IDEA, FAPE, and LRE so you know what your child is entitled to.

  • IEPs vs. 504 Plans: Which One Does My Child Need?

  • Explore the differences, benefits, and processes behind each plan.

  • The IEP Meeting Demystified

  • Step-by-step strategies to prepare, participate, and follow up effectively.

  • Becoming Your Child’s Best Advocate

  • Learn advocacy strategies, from effective communication to assertiveness without conflict.

  • Know Your Safeguards: Protecting Your Child’s Rights

  • An overview of procedural safeguards, mediation, and due process options.

  • Document, Don’t Panic: How to Organize Records and Emails

  • Practical tips for keeping an IEP binder and tracking school communication.

  • From Overwhelmed to Organized: Navigating the Special Ed Journey

  • Time management, emotional balance, and stress-reduction for parents.

  • Building Bridges: Partnering with Teachers and Schools

  • How to foster collaboration with educators and create win-win solutions.

  • The Power of Self-Care for Parents

  • Why your wellness matters and tools to stay resilient.

  • Accommodations vs. Modifications: What’s the Difference?

  • Concrete examples to help parents ensure classrooms meet their child’s needs.

  • Exploring Related Services: Speech, OT, PT, and More

  • Learn about services that support learning and how to request them.

  • Assistive Technology Made Simple

  • An introduction to tech tools that can help children thrive.

  • Teaching Kids to Self-Advocate

  • How to empower children to understand their needs and speak up.

  • Planning for Transitions: Middle School, High School, and Beyond

  • Preparing for academic, social, and life changes with confidence.

  • What’s Next? Post-Secondary Supports and Adult Services

  • Guidance on college disability services, vocational programs, and independent living resources.

Please note, that as a non-profit organization we always hope to provide workshops free of charge. However, at times, we may ask for donations or a minimal fee for attendance.