Rest, Recharge, and Reclaim the IEP Table

Written By Brandy Torres-DeMark

As summer begins, families across the country finally have space to breathe after a demanding school year. For parents and guardians of students with disabilities, this season of rest is essential—but it’s also an important window to strategically prepare for the next academic year.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 7.5 million students in the U.S. receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (NCES, 2023). Yet a 2022 national parent survey found that only 38% of parents felt their child’s IEP adequately met their needs (Parent Center Hub, 2022). For 504 Plans, oversight and accountability can be even more inconsistent, especially in schools lacking dedicated support staff.

Why Summer Matters

Research shows that early preparation directly impacts advocacy outcomes. A study published in Exceptional Children found that parents who actively planned for IEP meetings—including organizing documents, identifying concerns in advance, and rehearsing their input—were more likely to see measurable progress in their child’s goals (Fish, 2008).

Furthermore, summer is the only time when many school staff are not buried in daily caseloads. This makes it an optimal moment to:

  • Request evaluations or re-evaluations

  • Gather input from outside providers (e.g., therapists, tutors)

  • Revisit IEP goals and accommodations

  • Develop communication plans for the new school year

  • Identify gaps that became clear over the past year

The Emotional Load Is Real

Parenting a child with disabilities comes with profound love—and enormous pressure. A 2021 survey by the Council for Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) found that 67% of parents felt “burned out” by the demands of advocating for their child in the school system (COPAA, 2021). Summer should be a time to recover from that emotional exhaustion—but not at the cost of falling behind.

Let Us Help You Do Both

At BTD Advocacy and Consulting, we’re offering a Summer IEP/504 Planning Session for just $25 flat fee. Our goal is to help you rest while still getting ahead.

This offer includes:

  • A 30-minute one-on-one consultation

  • A personalized document checklist

  • A step-by-step preparation guide

  • Sample language and questions for IEP or 504 meetings

  • Advice on navigating difficult school conversations with confidence

We believe in empowered guardianship—and that starts with giving you tools, time, and support.

Book your session today at btdcreativesolutions.com or email torresdemark@btdcreativesolutions.com.

Brandy Torres-DeMark
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