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Gravitas Advocacy
Free Resources

Tools & Guides for Empowered Parents

Knowledge is your most powerful tool. These free resources will help you understand your child's rights and navigate the educational system with confidence.

Free Guides & Checklists

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504 Plans

504 Plan Parent Checklist

Everything you need to request, prepare for, and follow up after a 504 meeting.

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IEPs

IEP Meeting Preparation Guide

Step-by-step guide to prepare for an IEP meeting, including questions to ask.

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Parent Rights

Parent Rights Summary

Plain-language summary of your rights under IDEA and Section 504.

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Templates

Accommodation Request Template

A template letter to formally request accommodations from your child's school.

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Key Laws & Regulations

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)

Federal law ensuring students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education.

Official resource →

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal funding.

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ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

Broad civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability.

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FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act)

Gives parents the right to access, review, and correct their child's education records.

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Glossary of Terms

Common terms you'll encounter in IEP and 504 meetings.

504 Plan
A plan developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that outlines accommodations and modifications for a student with a disability. Unlike an IEP, a 504 plan does not require special education services.
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
A legally binding document developed under IDEA that describes a student's special education services, goals, accommodations, and placement.
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)
A right guaranteed under IDEA for eligible students with disabilities to receive special education and related services at no cost to the family.
LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
The principle that students with disabilities should be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate.
Prior Written Notice (PWN)
A written document schools must provide when they propose or refuse to change a student's identification, evaluation, or educational placement.
Present Levels of Performance (PLOP)
A section of the IEP describing the student's current academic and functional performance — the baseline from which goals are written.
Related Services
Supportive services required to help a student benefit from special education, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, or transportation.
Extended School Year (ESY)
Special education services provided beyond the regular school year for students who would otherwise experience significant regression.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP?

A 504 plan provides accommodations under civil rights law for students with disabilities who do not need specialized instruction. An IEP provides specialized instruction and related services under IDEA for students with qualifying disabilities who need more intensive support. Both are legal documents, but IEPs involve more services and protections.

How do I request a 504 plan for my child?

Submit a written request to your child's school principal or 504 coordinator. Describe your child's disability and how it affects their education. The school must respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically 30-60 days depending on your state.

Do I need a lawyer to attend an IEP meeting?

No, but having an educational advocate can be just as valuable. An advocate understands special education law and can help ensure your child's rights are protected without the adversarial nature that sometimes comes with legal representation.

Can a school deny my request for an evaluation?

Yes, but they must provide written notice explaining why they refused. If you disagree, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) or pursue dispute resolution.

What rights do I have if the school isn't following my child's IEP?

You have the right to request an IEP meeting to address concerns, file a state complaint with your state's department of education, request mediation, or pursue a due process hearing. An advocate can help you determine the best approach.

How much does educational advocacy cost?

Fees vary depending on the services needed. Gravitas Advocacy offers a free 30-minute initial consultation so you can understand your options before committing.

Your Child's Education Matters. Let's Fight For It Together.

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