Just a glimpse of the tremendous heart & soul of our organization, our advocates, and what personally drives us to make things right for you and your child.
We are the largest private advocacy organization
in the country with a staff of over 35 highly trained advocates.
Our Advocates have walked miles in your shoes,
and will fight for your kids as their own.
As a parent, all you want for your child is to be happy and to reach their potential.
This means to learn to read, write and do math. Finish homework. Behave. Have friends and feel accepted.
Yet, if you’re reading this, things probably aren’t great.
You are lost, confused, and scared to death that your child is going to fail in school. If they fail in school, they may fail in life.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
I want you to know that you have a lot of power over your child’s education. I want you to go into an IEP meeting confident, with your shoulders back, look everyone in the eye, and demand that everyone looks at you with the respect you deserve.
And I want you to walk out of the meeting feeling triumphant and say, “Damn! We did it!”
You can get the public school system to help your child, and we are going to help you with that.
The school will finally take you seriously... because they know we know our stuff.
We know the law and we know your and your child's rights. The schools have come to respect us for this knowledge and when we assist in your meeting, it will go much smoother and the team will listen.
Your case will have 98% chance of success... because we
don't give up.
If the school says “no” and we don’t agree with them, we’ll figure out another way to get your child the support they need. We always have a Plan B, C or D, and don’t quit till we exhaust all possible options.
We'll support your child like our own... We know what you're going through.
85% of our team members have children with special needs. For them, it’s not just a job. It’s their life’s purpose: to help children just like their own thrive. To help parents just like them to finally sleep peacefully at night.
Pam Lindemann, an owner of a marketing agency in Orlando, Florida had never thought that one day she’d be fighting for the rights of the children to get the education and support they deserve.
But after Pam’s daughter was born with cerebral palsy, Pam knew that if she wanted her daughter to have the best shot in life, she had to learn more about special education.
Pam attended all the workshops, seminars and training she could find to be able to advocate for her daughter. Soon enough, Pam started helping other parents get IEPs for their children.
In 2003, the governor of Florida appointed Pam to a state policy board for early intervention and education where she became the voice of parents at the state level, helping the government understand what parents of the children with special needs in public schools struggle with and making sure those children get the support they need.
In 2009, Pam founded The IEP Advocate – the first ever organization of IEP advocates in Florida. She personally selects and trains new advocates that join her team.
The Advocate's Prayer
Put the right thoughts in my heart, the right words on my tongue. Remind me that I am just a vessel, Lord, to carry your word to others.
Let me be strong for this child and this family. When it seems difficult to voice opposition or to be firm in a request, help me not to waiver.
Help me be silent when I need to shut up.
Help me to apologize when I’ve been wrong.
Remind me that I am not in control… You are.
Help me to remember that every person at this meeting was made by You and is loved by You. Each team member has value and worth. Each of them has a mother and a father, is a husband or wife, a mom or dad, or grandparent, and is loved by someone else.
I pray for each school member, Lord. Instead of being an obstacle, remind them of why they became an educator, therapist or administrator in the first place.
Rekindle in them a helpful heart and a desire to do what’s right by this child. Rekindle in them their love of children and give them the courage and confidence to make the right decisions today.
While listening to what is happening in the meeting, let me be attentive to your whisper and be obedient to your direction. Let me feel the peace that comes from knowing you are in control.
Let me be a reflection of your love and understanding and use me, Lord, for your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.
Written by: Pam Lindemann
The IEP Advocate
I need help. I might need to hire an advocate, but I'm not sure.
