When the School Year Ends: A Reflection on Advocacy, Families, and What Comes Next
This has been a year of hard-won progress in special education advocacy across Massachusetts. It has also been a year of difficult conversations and families who refused to give up on their children. I am grateful to have been part of that work.
As a Massachusetts special education attorney, I work with families at every stage. Some come to me with early concerns about an IEP. Others are already in conflict with a school district, or heading toward a formal dispute before the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA). In every case, the goal is the same: an education that allows their child to learn, grow, and thrive.
What Special Education Advocacy Looked Like This Year
This year brought meaningful victories. It also brought outcomes that fell short of what families deserved. Not every case ends the way we hoped, and I never pretend otherwise.
Even so, I consistently witnessed something remarkable: parents advocating fiercely for their children. They did this even when the process felt exhausting. Even when the outcome was uncertain. That kind of commitment is something I deeply admire.
Gratitude for the Families I Serve
Special education work is rarely straightforward. It involves shifting circumstances and urgent deadlines. Sometimes, the right path forward isn’t immediately clear.
Because of that, I am especially grateful for the patience families extended this year. Trusting an attorney with something this important — your child’s education — is not a small thing. I do not take it lightly.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family’s journey. I wish you a restful summer and all the best in the year ahead.
Is Your Family Heading Into the New School Year With Concerns?
If you are questioning an IEP, anticipating a difficult Team meeting, or facing a situation you are not sure how to handle — you do not have to navigate it alone. Contact my office to talk through where things stand and what your options are.