FAQ

Lola Advocacy is a special education advocacy and consulting service built to be the bridge between families and schools. I help parents understand their rights, prepare for IEP meetings, and show up to the table with confidence — not confusion.

I'm Nina, a tenured NYC DOE special education teacher with years of experience sitting on both sides of the IEP table. I know what schools know, and I know what they don't always tell you. That's exactly why I started this. goes here

No. I'm a credentialed special education teacher, not an attorney. I don't provide legal representation. What I provide is real, practical, experience-based support that helps families understand what's happening, what their rights are, and what to do next.

If your situation requires legal action, I'll tell you that — and I'll point you toward the right resources.

I work with K–12 families navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and special education services across public, charter, and private schools. My clients are parents who feel overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure of where to start — and families who have been in the process for years but still feel like something isn't right.

I'm especially passionate about working with underserved families who deserve the same access to support and information as everyone else.

Absolutely. That's actually one of the most common places families start. You don't need to have a diagnosis or an existing IEP to reach out. If something feels off — if your gut is telling you your child needs more support than they're getting — that instinct matters, and I can help you figure out your next step.

We can talk through what you're seeing, what your options are, and whether requesting an evaluation makes sense for your family.

Yes — and honestly, this is where a lot of the work happens. Having an IEP doesn't mean everything is fine. Goals might not be meaningful. Services might be getting cut. Your child might be making progress on paper but not in real life.

I help families review what's in the IEP, prepare for annual reviews and revision meetings, and figure out how to push back when something isn't working.

Yes. Having someone in that room with you — or on that Zoom call — changes the dynamic entirely. I can help you prepare what to say beforehand, and be right there with you when the meeting happens.

You have the legal right to bring a support person to any IEP meeting, and I take that role seriously.

With your consent, yes. I can help you communicate your priorities clearly and respectfully to the school team. My goal is always to build a better bridge — not burn one.

Schools respond better when families show up informed and collaborative, and I know how to strike that balance.

Yes! The IEP Power Hour is designed exactly for that — a focused 60-minute session where we dig into your specific situation, your questions, or your upcoming meeting. No prep needed on your end. Just come with your concerns and we'll get to work.

For families who need more ongoing support, I offer coaching packages as well.

Both are legal documents that support students with disabilities — but they're different in scope and strength.

An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is created under IDEA and includes specialized instruction, related services like speech therapy or occupational therapy, measurable goals, and specific legal protections. It's the more comprehensive of the two.

A 504 plan falls under the Rehabilitation Act and provides accommodations — changes to how a student accesses learning — but doesn't typically include specialized instruction or services.

Not sure which one your child needs? That's exactly what I can help you figure out.

You have more rights than most schools tell you about. Here are a few big ones:

You have the right to request an evaluation at any time — in writing. You have the right to participate in every meeting about your child's identification, evaluation, and placement. You have the right to review your child's records before any meeting. You have the right to disagree with the district and request mediation or a due process hearing. And you have the right to bring someone with you — an advocate, a friend, a family member — to any IEP meeting.

You are not just a guest at that table. You are a required member of the team.

You don't have to sign anything you don't agree with. You can ask for more time. You can request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) at the district's expense if you disagree with their evaluation. You can request mediation or a due process hearing if the situation escalates.

The most important thing? Get your disagreement in writing, as quickly as possible. I can help you figure out what to say and how to say it.

Yes! I have digital resources available in my Teachers Pay Teachers shop — including IEP goal monitoring logs, family organization binders, and more. These are designed to be parent-friendly and practical, not full of jargon.

I also offer free educational content through my newsletter and webinar series for families who are just getting started.

Yes — and they're designed to be accessible, not intimidating. My webinar series covers topics like "What is an IEP and does my child need one?" in plain language that actually makes sense.

These are great for families who are just starting out or who want to understand the process better before sitting down with a school team.