ABOUT STUDENT ADVOCACY MICHIGAN
WHAT WE DO
Student Advocacy Michigan helps parents of different learners and children with disabilities obtain appropriate support at school through IEPs and 504 plans. It is our goal to educate and empower parents while providing representation in all aspects of special education. We proactively advocate for the best possible academic, emotional, social and behavioral support at school for each child based on their unique needs. Our focus is to reduce stress for parents and remove barriers at school for their children.
We are trained and experienced in all aspects of civil rights and special education laws that apply in the school setting. This allows us to hold the school accountable to the laws that protect children and parents related to education. While we are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice, we do help educate parents on legal rights and process relative to their situation. By having these conversations with school administration, we push schools to follow legal requirements and help parents take action when violations occur.
Whether you are new to special education or have had a child on an IEP or 504 for years, we can help you. We fight for parents and children using specialized skills, experience and legal knowledge to help improve your child's educational experience.
Student Advocacy Michigan is dedicated to helping parents navigate the intimidating, overwhelming, and stressful process of special education. Parents need to feel confident their child is getting the most appropriate education and related services that suits their child's individual circumstances. We are ready to work with you and fight for your child.
IF YOU ARE HERE, MAYBE YOU...
- Have a child that was just diagnosed and you don't know how to get an IEP or 504 plan
- Are frustrated because your child's current 504 Plan or IEP is not effective or helping your child to progress
- Know your child is struggling academically or behaviorally at school and don't know how to improve the situation
- Can't get the school to follow the IEP or 504 plan and don't know how to take action
NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN THIS JOURNEY, WE CAN HELP!
REPRESENTATION
Let us represent you and your child's best interests at school. After thoroughly reviewing your child's case, we strategically prepare for each meeting. We collaborate with you throughout the process to ensure your concerns are heard and you understand our goals for the meetings. Let us be your voice!
EDUCATION
Not only do we represent parents, but it's also our goal to help them learn about special education and legal rights. We provide guidance, coaching, and resources throughout the process relative to your situation. By learning more, you will be able to participate meaningfully school meetings. Knowledge is power!
EMPOWERMENT
It's important for us to help empower parents to advocate effectively for their children. No parent should have to hire and advocate until their child graduates. By working together every step of the way, we help build your knowledge and skills giving you the confidence you need to advocate independently.
OUR FOUNDER: MARIA GIANCOTTI, M.ED.
As a parent with a child on an IEP, I learned the hard way how challenging advocating for your child can be. We suffered traumatic experiences at the hands of public schools which will stay with us forever. This forced me to study and learn all I could about special education and our rights so I could fight for my child. When I realized how many other parents were fighting similar battles with their schools, I knew I wanted to help and make a difference. This inspired me to start my business. It's my goal to help parents through representation, education and empowerment so they can advocate for their special needs child at school. You can learn more about me here.