My firsthand experience navigating the initial school evaluation, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and private neuropsychological testing left me overwhelmed.  I felt helpless trying to understand the process-constantly googling for answers and searching for assistance from strangers and friends.  In time, I realized these resources alone were not going to get me to where I needed to be in order to become the strongest advocate for my daughter.  I remember being with my mom, a retired teacher, two days before her unexpected death and her words, “you've got this Kathryn.  You will do what you need to do.  You will get her what she needs.”  Out of my daughter’s need for a zealous advocate and my mom’s reassurance the advocate would be me, Dragonfly Advocacy was conceived. 

Why Dragonfly Advocacy? My mother loved dragonflies.  Dragonfly symbolism is associated with change and transformation.  It is a reminder for you to shed brighter light and joy in your life.  It says not to remain in the dark or the shadows.  A dragonfly encourages you to dive into your emotions and summons your spirit to soar with your true colors.  It encourages us to be adaptable, creative and inspired even if it means changing the way we act or think so we can achieve our full potential.  A dragonfly meaning can be summarized as transformation to become who we really are.

The IEP process can be difficult and overwhelming for families.  Initially learning of your child’s disability can take both a mental and emotional toll on a family and the IEP process and procedures can add an extra layer of complexity.  During the IEP process, parents can feel like they are in the dark and don’t fully appreciate their vital role as part of the Team making decisions for the unique needs of their child.  As your child’s most important and lifelong advocate, parents want their child to soar socially, emotionally and academically but they feel alone and overwhelmed as they sit around an IEP table surrounded by professionals.

Parents want to see transformation in their child but in order to do that, sometimes an advocate or an attorney is necessary to ensure their child’s disabilities are properly identified and that the proposed IEP or 504 provides their child with a FAPE (free and appropriate public education) while meeting their child’s unique needs.  Bringing an advocate or attorney into the discussion can assist in establishing a fully informed, positive and collaborative working relationship with your child’s Team.