Advocates exist to serve. We intend to affect, influence, and transform educational practices through direct educational support for families, systemic and general advocacy and by training parents, educators and other community members to work with and understand students with learning differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
We use this section for questions we often get related to education and advocacy.
What is an IEP- Individualized Education Plan
An IEP is the written document reviewed each year that determines the services, accommodations, and modifications that your child will receive. If a service or accommodation is written into the IEP, your child must receive it. Q: Who needs an IEP? A: Every child who receives special education services in a publically funded school, including publically funded charter schools. Q: How often are IEP meetings held? A: IEP’s are held at least once a year but if you have a concern you can request a meeting at any time. Click here to see a Sample Letter for requesting an IEP. Q: Who decides what goes into my child’s IEP? A: The IEP team, comprised of the parents or guardians, the student, your child’s teachers, a general education teacher, and someone from the district decide what goes into your child’s IEP. The team may also include others at the request of the parents or the school. https://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html
What is a 504 Plan?
The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment. Not all students who have disabilities require specialized instruction. The IDEA process is more involved than that of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and requires documentation of measurable growth. For students with disabilities who do not require specialized instruction but need the assurance they will receive equal access to public education and services, a document is created to outline their specific accessibility requirements. Students with 504 Plans do not require specialized instruction, but, like the IEP, a 504 Plan should be updated annually to ensure that the student is receiving the most effective accommodations for his/her specific circumstances. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html
What is a CCB- Community Centered Board?
In 1963, Colorado statute authorized community centered boards (CCBs) to be responsible for community services for children with developmental delays and disabilities and adults with developmental disabilities. Currently there are 20 CCBs who serve individuals and families across the state Case Management Services assist a person in accessing necessary services and supports to meet his or her needs. Services include intake, eligibility determination, service plan development, arrangement for services, delivery of services, service and support coordination, monitoring, any safeguards necessary to prevent conflict of interest between case management and direct service provision, and termination and discharge from services. CCBs by county: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/community-centered-boards
What is a Medicaid waiver?
Medicaid is a program, funded by the federal and state governments, which pays for medical care for low income people and those with special health care needs who are eligible for specific programs. Health First Colorado is the name of Colorado’s Medicaid program. Child Health Plan Plus is a low cost insurance program for children and pregnant women who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Medicaid waivers enable people (including children) who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for Medicaid due to income or assets to access Medicaid benefits even if the person already has private insurance. In the case of families, parental inc. An HCBS waiver is an extra set of Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) benefits that you could qualify for in certain cases.These benefits can help you remain in your home and community. HCBS Waivers have extra program rules and some programs may have waitlists. Find out more here: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/hcbs-waivers
What is the Affordable Connectivity Plan (for Internet)?
ACP-eligible households receive a high-speed internet plan for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost. An estimated 40% of households in the country qualify for ACP, including families with a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level ($55,500 for a family of four), as well as households participating in certain federal programs (without regard to income). Among others, households where at least one member receives Free or Reduced Price School Lunch (including from one of the over 33,000 Community Eligibility Provision schools), a Pell Grant, Medicaid, SNAP, or WIC qualify. GetInternet.gov is a one-stop shop to check eligibility and sign up.
