Family Advocacy Network Client Shares Story of Hope

The Family Advocacy Network at IDS recently received a letter of gratitude from Ajah, the parent of a 6-year-old girl on the autism spectrum, whom IDS staff relentlessly advocated to receive appropriate accommodation sat her elementary school. Prior to contacting the advocates at IDS, Ajah resented her daughter’s school system and was desperate to find a solution that would allow her daughter to thrive. After working alongside her new advocate, Ajah became empowered as she witnessed the academic and behavioral strides her daughter made within the system she thought to be broken. Ajah’s full story is italicized below:

My 6-year-old daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, attended a community elementary school. After meeting with administration and faculty, an IEP was put in place, listing the support to be provided; however, it was discovered that the school was not following the IEP. The goals were not realistic to meet. I asked the teacher about the accommodations and modifications. The administration responded, “We don’t have the staff to accommodate the needs.” This caused frustration for me as well as my daughter. I received phone calls daily to pick up my child, and neither the IEP nor the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) were being put into action. Feeling overwhelmed, I reached out to the Institute for Disability Studies at USM for assistance. The advocate reviewed my daughter’s IEP and read all the documentation. She traveled 75 miles to attend each meeting. She also ensured that legal rights were clearly communicated. A formal complaint was filed because I received guidance from the advocate. Also, she enlightened the school’s administration, faculty, and staff about how things should be put in place, and they were held accountable.

To this day, having an advocate present has allowed me and my daughter to feel comfortable and believe in the school system again. I was able to become knowledgeable on my rights and my daughter’s rights for her accommodations. My daughter is an honor roll student, and her behavior as improved and become less of an issue at school. Without this program at the Institute for Disability Studies, many children would not have the accommodations and assistance they deserve and need. This program and the help from her advocate have allowed her to be a part of the general education class with her peers and thrive as a student. I am truly grateful for my advocate, and I could not have done this without her assistance. -Ajah (Parent)

The Family Advocacy Network at IDS works to advocate for, introduce available resources to, and empower families of Mississippians with disabilities of all ages. Advocates coordinate needed support services and provide a pathway for families to become active participants in the decision-making processes that affect their children’s success.

If you or someone you know needs the support of an advocate to navigate the complexities of the special education system in Mississippi, please reach out to the Family Advocacy Network at IDS through e-mail at FAN@usm.edu.