Baltimore · 501(c)(3)

Building advocacy that outlives us.

We walk alongside families as they navigate IEPs and 504 Plans, and we train the schools and organizations that serve them, so every child gets a fair shot at an inclusive education.

Request advocacy support   OUR STORY

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Our Programs

Three ways we show up for families.

01

Special Education Advocacy

We walk alongside families as they navigate IEPs and 504 Plans, while strengthening the ability of schools and community programs to serve children with disabilities.

02

Tutoring Services

Individualized academic support aligned to a student's learning needs, reinforcing reading, writing, and math while building confidence and supporting IEP or 504 goals.

03

Consulting & Professional Trainings

Workshops and PD for schools and youth-serving organizations, practical strategies for inclusion, accessible program design, behavior supports, and family engagement.

How We Work

Support that doesn't end when the meeting does.

Every family engagement follows the same rhythm: prepare, advocate, and stay connected.

1

We prepare together

Before every IEP or 504 meeting, we sit down with families to walk through the agenda, translate the language they're likely to hear, and identify their priorities going in.

2

We show up

We attend or support families through the meeting itself, and train the whole household, not just the parent listed on the paperwork.

3

We stay connected

Every family receives monthly check-ins for six months after our initial engagement, so questions that come up later don't go unanswered.

Since 2024

Direct, individualized advocacy for families navigating the IEP and 504 process, and training for the staff of the organizations that serve them every day.

12
Students with disabilities directly served
39
Family members reached through our whole-family model
3
Partner organizations trained in inclusive practice
60
Staff trained in our most recent Access in Action cycle
6
Months of follow-up support per family

Read the full Impact Report →

In Families' Words

What advocacy sounds like from the other side of the table.

“My son has an IEP, and at times I felt like the school system was failing him. That is until Ms. Shawna came along. In his last IEP meeting, which she willingly attended as his advocate, we were so overjoyed to find out it looks very promising he will no longer need an IEP by next year. She has truly been the icing on the cake for us.”

Mrs. Roxanne, Parent

“I am absolutely thrilled with the progress Tori has made with Shawna. The tutoring sessions have not only helped my child improve her reading skills, but has also instilled a love for reading that is priceless. Shawna is patient, kind, and creates a warm and supportive learning environment. I've seen significant growth in Tori's reading confidence and fluency, and I attribute this directly to Shawna's expert guidance and dedication.”

M. Holland, Parent

“From the first week that Shawna started working with my daughter, I saw a difference. She instantly became more confident and applied herself more. Shawna explained everything to her on a level she could understand, and gave her incentives. My daughter really enjoys and looks forward to their sessions together.”

Sharon H., Parent

“Throughout the month, Ms. Shawna has been tutoring me. She has helped me learn new things, catch up on assignments, pass tests, and study more. At first I didn't want help. I became comfortable getting help from someone like Ms. Shawna. She is a great teacher and listener. Thank you for helping me through a rough time with my schoolwork. You're the best!”

Taylor B., Student
Trusted By Partner Organizations

The SEED School of Maryland

Anchor school partner for Access in Action

The Agoge Project

Youth development & staff training site

UmojaFit & HHCC Group

Wellness & behavioral health partners

Not sure where to start?

If you're heading into an IEP or 504 meeting and don't know what to expect, that's exactly what we're here for.

Start an intake form