Program Overview

The EdY Project’s IEP Advocacy Support Program provides free, non-legal educational advocacy services for families navigating the special education process. Our advocates partner with parents and caregivers to:

  • Review IEPs, assessments, and school documentation
  • Prepare for IEP and 504 meetings
  • Clarify questions about services, supports, and accommodations
  • Practice how to share concerns with the school team

Services are offered in person in the Bay Area and via telehealth anywhere in California, ensuring that all families have access to support.

All services are provided 100% free of charge.

Ready to Get Support?

If you are preparing for an IEP or 504 meeting — or aren’t sure where to start — we’re here to help.
Request IEP Support
A short intake form. An advocate will contact you within 72 hours.

Services Provided

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Pre-IEP Support

• Review of IEPs, assessments, and school documentation
• Prep session to organize parent concerns
• Development of a personalized IEP Meeting Plan
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IEP Meeting Support

• Attendance at IEP meetings (telehealth or in person when possible)
• Guidance during discussions
• Help parents clearly communicate their concerns and requests
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Post-IEP Follow-Up

• Review of the finalized IEP
• Assist parents with communication and follow-up with the school after the meeting
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Ongoing Support (All Free)

• Resource packet
• Email templates for communicating with schools
• Ongoing communication between meetings
• Customized recommendations and plans for the child
• Monthly check-ins if appropriate
• Support with school issues outside of IEP meetings

Program Scope & Impact

The EdY Project is a growing nonprofit focused on increasing access to quality IEP advocacy for under-resourced families. At this time, we do not yet publish formal outcome data. We are actively building the program, expanding reach, and developing systems to track impact. As we grow, we are committed to sharing outcomes that reflect how our support helps families.

Target Families

This program supports:

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Immigrant families
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English-language learners
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Families needing extra support during school meetings
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Parents unfamiliar with the IEP process or their rights
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Low-income or under-resourced families
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Families facing communication challenges with schools
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Children with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, speech delays, behavioral needs, or
emotional needs

Program Workflow

How the Advocacy Support Process Works

Step 1

Parent submits the intake form

Step 2

Advocate is assigned within 72 hours

Step 3

Advocate conducts document review

Step 4

Prep session with parent

Step 5

Advocate attends the IEP meeting

Step 6

Advocate provides post-IEP follow-up

Step 7

Continued support and check-ins as needed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can receive support from the program?

Families of students with disabilities or suspected disabilities navigating the IEP or 504 process.

Who can receive support from the program?

Families of students with disabilities or suspected disabilities navigating the IEP or 504 process.

Is this service free?

Yes. All advocacy services through The EdY Project are completely free.

Do you only support families in Union City?

No. We offer in-person support in the Bay Area and telehealth services statewide across California.

Are your advocates attorneys?

No. Advocates provide non-legal, educational advocacy only.

How do I get started?

Complete the Family & Student Contact Form. An advocate will reach out within 72 hours to begin intake.

Do you offer language support?

Support is offered primarily in English. Limited bilingual support or interpreter access may be available.

Can you guarantee that the school will add specific services?
We cannot guarantee outcomes. Our role is to prepare families to advocate effectively.

What We Can Do

Our advocates provide non-legal, educational support to help families feel prepared and informed. We can:
  • Review your child’s IEP, 504 Plan, evaluations, and school reports
  • Help parents organize questions and concerns
  • Explain IEP terminology in family-friendly language
  • Attend IEP/504 meetings (in person or via telehealth)
  • Help parents communicate concerns during meetings
  • Provide sample emails and scripts
  • Offer ongoing check-ins between meetings

What We Cannot Do

The EdY Project is not a law firm and our advocates are not attorneys. We cannot:
  • Provide legal advice or legal recommendations
  • Represent families in due process, mediation, or court
  • Force districts to provide specific services
  • File legal complaints on a parent’s behalf
  • Draft legal documents
If legal support is needed, we can provide referrals to legal aid or special education attorneys.

Become an Advocate

The EdY Project is building a network of trained volunteers who support families during the IEP process. Advocates help review documents, prepare parents, attend meetings (virtually or in person), and ensure families feel informed and empowered — always in a non-legal capacity.

Apply to Be an Advocate

Ready to Get Support?

If you are preparing for an IEP or 504 meeting — or aren’t sure where to start — we’re here to help.
Request IEP Support
A short intake form. An advocate will contact you within 72 hours.