In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Andrea Jones, Founder & Chief Operating Officer of The Caregiver’s D.R.E.A.M. (Disability, Rights, Education, Advocacy, Movement), pursuing health and education equity for families of children with disabilities in the District of Columbia.
The Birth of The Caregiver’s Dream
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Andrea Jones, a longtime advocate and the founder of The Caregiver’s Dream, an organization created to support parents of children with IEPs and 504 plans. Andrea, a mother of three children with IEPs, shares her personal journey of feeling isolated during IEP meetings and how she and five other women decided to form a community to help caregivers navigate the special education process.
Their mission is simple but powerful: remind parents they are not alone. Through education, advocacy, and emotional support, The Caregiver’s Dream aims to empower parents to speak up for their children and ensure they receive the services they deserve.
The Challenges of Parenting Neurodiverse Children
Frances and Andrea dive into the emotional struggles parents of neurodiverse children often face. One major challenge is the feeling of isolation, especially when traditional playdates and social gatherings aren’t always inclusive. Andrea recalls painful experiences of her daughter being excluded from playdates and how some parents distanced their children upon noticing her stimming behaviors.
This lack of understanding, Andrea emphasizes, points to a broader need for education—not just for educators, but for parents of neurotypical children as well. Inclusion shouldn’t stop at the classroom door; it should extend into all aspects of a child’s life.
The Role of Advocates in IEP Meetings
Both Frances and Andrea stress the importance of having support during IEP meetings. Schools often have a team of professionals at these meetings, making it an intimidating environment for parents. Many don’t realize they can invite anyone they choose for support.
Andrea explains that The Caregiver’s Dream is working on building an IEP support program where trained individuals can sit beside parents in meetings, providing emotional reinforcement, note-taking assistance, and a second set of ears. While they won’t offer legal advice, they’ll be a much-needed presence to help parents stay grounded and focused. This initiative aims to launch in the spring, ensuring parents have the reinforcement they need.
Frances highlights the importance of knowing when to involve an advocate versus a lawyer. She notes that advocates can be extremely helpful in the early stages of IEP development and can also serve as witnesses should legal action become necessary later.
The Impact of Transitions in Special Education
One of the most critical aspects of special education is transition planning—from elementary to middle school, middle to high school, and high school to adulthood. Andrea stresses that planning for a child’s future shouldn’t start in high school but much earlier. Parents should consider what their child wants, what they as parents envision, and what services are necessary to help them reach those goals.
Frances shares that many schools don’t always proactively discuss transition planning until a child is 14, but ideally, conversations about life after high school should begin in elementary school. Whether a child is on a diploma track or a certificate track, the school’s responsibility is to prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
However, schools often fail to provide adequate transition planning, leaving many students unprepared for adulthood. Andrea recalls a time when a school official dismissed her concerns about her child’s future, telling her she was “thinking too far ahead.” This attitude, she argues, is exactly why parents need to be proactive and insist on early planning.
Systemic Barriers: Transportation, Funding, and School Accountability
Beyond IEP meetings, there are other significant barriers parents face, such as unreliable transportation for children attending non-public placements. Andrea shares her frustrations about her daughter’s school bus arriving an hour late daily, disrupting her daughter’s routine and education. She points out that these failures on the part of the school system disproportionately impact lower-income families, who may not have the flexibility to drive their children to school or pay for alternative transportation.
Frances also touches on a critical issue in the special education system—schools using budget constraints as an excuse to deny services. Many parents hear statements like, “We don’t have the budget for that.” However, she reminds parents that schools receive federal funding specifically for special education services, and it’s their legal obligation to provide necessary accommodations.
The Emotional Toll on Parents and the Importance of Community
A major theme of the conversation is the emotional journey parents go through when raising neurodiverse children. Andrea discusses the grief process that many parents experience upon receiving their child’s diagnosis. It’s not about mourning the child, but rather adjusting expectations and learning to navigate an unfamiliar path.
Parents often struggle with societal pressures, misconceptions, and even cultural stigmas surrounding disabilities. Andrea shares her experience with judgment from others, including people who suggested that her child’s autism could be “prayed away” or was a result of her not tithing enough at church. These types of attitudes create additional burdens for parents who are already facing overwhelming challenges.
Both Frances and Andrea emphasize the importance of finding a community. Whether through support groups, advocacy organizations, or simply connecting with other parents, having a network makes all the difference. Frances recalls a moment when another mother in a national park reassured her that she was doing a great job—a small act that brought her to tears. These moments of solidarity remind parents that they are not alone.
How to Get Involved with The Caregiver’s Dream
For parents worried about costs, Andrea reassures listeners that The Caregiver’s Dream provides its IEP support services at no charge. Their goal is not to replace legal advocacy but to provide emotional and strategic support so parents feel more confident in meetings.
For those in a position to help, the organization is accepting donations and volunteers. Volunteers don’t need extensive knowledge of IEPs—just a willingness to support parents emotionally and be a presence at meetings.
Frances wraps up the conversation by reiterating that no parent should have to navigate the IEP process alone. Whether through The Caregiver’s Dream, legal advocacy, or support groups, there are resources available.
She encourages parents to be proactive, ask questions, and remember that they are the most important advocates for their children.
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Empowering Caregivers of Children with Disabilities with Andrea Jones
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 87
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Andrea Jones, Founder & Chief Operating Officer of The Caregiver’s D.R.E.A.M. (Disability, Rights, Education, Advocacy, Movement), pursuing health and education equity for families of children with disabilities in the District of Columbia.
The Birth of The Caregiver’s Dream
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Andrea Jones, a longtime advocate and the founder of The Caregiver’s Dream, an organization created to support parents of children with IEPs and 504 plans. Andrea, a mother of three children with IEPs, shares her personal journey of feeling isolated during IEP meetings and how she and five other women decided to form a community to help caregivers navigate the special education process.
Their mission is simple but powerful: remind parents they are not alone. Through education, advocacy, and emotional support, The Caregiver’s Dream aims to empower parents to speak up for their children and ensure they receive the services they deserve.
The Challenges of Parenting Neurodiverse Children
Frances and Andrea dive into the emotional struggles parents of neurodiverse children often face. One major challenge is the feeling of isolation, especially when traditional playdates and social gatherings aren’t always inclusive. Andrea recalls painful experiences of her daughter being excluded from playdates and how some parents distanced their children upon noticing her stimming behaviors.
This lack of understanding, Andrea emphasizes, points to a broader need for education—not just for educators, but for parents of neurotypical children as well. Inclusion shouldn’t stop at the classroom door; it should extend into all aspects of a child’s life.
The Role of Advocates in IEP Meetings
Both Frances and Andrea stress the importance of having support during IEP meetings. Schools often have a team of professionals at these meetings, making it an intimidating environment for parents. Many don’t realize they can invite anyone they choose for support.
Andrea explains that The Caregiver’s Dream is working on building an IEP support program where trained individuals can sit beside parents in meetings, providing emotional reinforcement, note-taking assistance, and a second set of ears. While they won’t offer legal advice, they’ll be a much-needed presence to help parents stay grounded and focused. This initiative aims to launch in the spring, ensuring parents have the reinforcement they need.
Frances highlights the importance of knowing when to involve an advocate versus a lawyer. She notes that advocates can be extremely helpful in the early stages of IEP development and can also serve as witnesses should legal action become necessary later.
The Impact of Transitions in Special Education
One of the most critical aspects of special education is transition planning—from elementary to middle school, middle to high school, and high school to adulthood. Andrea stresses that planning for a child’s future shouldn’t start in high school but much earlier. Parents should consider what their child wants, what they as parents envision, and what services are necessary to help them reach those goals.
Frances shares that many schools don’t always proactively discuss transition planning until a child is 14, but ideally, conversations about life after high school should begin in elementary school. Whether a child is on a diploma track or a certificate track, the school’s responsibility is to prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
However, schools often fail to provide adequate transition planning, leaving many students unprepared for adulthood. Andrea recalls a time when a school official dismissed her concerns about her child’s future, telling her she was “thinking too far ahead.” This attitude, she argues, is exactly why parents need to be proactive and insist on early planning.
Systemic Barriers: Transportation, Funding, and School Accountability
Beyond IEP meetings, there are other significant barriers parents face, such as unreliable transportation for children attending non-public placements. Andrea shares her frustrations about her daughter’s school bus arriving an hour late daily, disrupting her daughter’s routine and education. She points out that these failures on the part of the school system disproportionately impact lower-income families, who may not have the flexibility to drive their children to school or pay for alternative transportation.
Frances also touches on a critical issue in the special education system—schools using budget constraints as an excuse to deny services. Many parents hear statements like, “We don’t have the budget for that.” However, she reminds parents that schools receive federal funding specifically for special education services, and it’s their legal obligation to provide necessary accommodations.
The Emotional Toll on Parents and the Importance of Community
A major theme of the conversation is the emotional journey parents go through when raising neurodiverse children. Andrea discusses the grief process that many parents experience upon receiving their child’s diagnosis. It’s not about mourning the child, but rather adjusting expectations and learning to navigate an unfamiliar path.
Parents often struggle with societal pressures, misconceptions, and even cultural stigmas surrounding disabilities. Andrea shares her experience with judgment from others, including people who suggested that her child’s autism could be “prayed away” or was a result of her not tithing enough at church. These types of attitudes create additional burdens for parents who are already facing overwhelming challenges.
Both Frances and Andrea emphasize the importance of finding a community. Whether through support groups, advocacy organizations, or simply connecting with other parents, having a network makes all the difference. Frances recalls a moment when another mother in a national park reassured her that she was doing a great job—a small act that brought her to tears. These moments of solidarity remind parents that they are not alone.
How to Get Involved with The Caregiver’s Dream
For parents worried about costs, Andrea reassures listeners that The Caregiver’s Dream provides its IEP support services at no charge. Their goal is not to replace legal advocacy but to provide emotional and strategic support so parents feel more confident in meetings.
For those in a position to help, the organization is accepting donations and volunteers. Volunteers don’t need extensive knowledge of IEPs—just a willingness to support parents emotionally and be a presence at meetings.
To donate or get involved, visit https://www.thecaregiversdream.org.
Final Thoughts
Frances wraps up the conversation by reiterating that no parent should have to navigate the IEP process alone. Whether through The Caregiver’s Dream, legal advocacy, or support groups, there are resources available.
She encourages parents to be proactive, ask questions, and remember that they are the most important advocates for their children.
Learn more about Andrea Jones:
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Stress-Free IEP®:
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
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