34. Shelly Agostine - Military Series - Relocation & School Challenges

Being in the military can come with a series of unique challenges when it comes to your special needs child. Moving probably being the biggest of them all. In this episode advocate Shelly Agostine is back to talk with me about the challenges you might face when relocating. We discuss transitioning to a new state, as it can be extremely stressful when suddenly faced with different state standards, requirements, re-evaluations and service delivery. When relocating it is good to be aware of possible challenges and know where to find the help and information you need to make sure your child receives the services (s)he requires. Military or not.

Below is a list of resources mentioned in this podcast (some public, some military only):

• Exception Family Member Program (EFMP) - Lists to installation contact information and Individual Branch Services EFMP resources (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine): https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/special-needs-resources/
• Military Pro Bono Project: https://www.militaryprobono.org/newcases/item.3217-Military_Pro_Bono_Project_Information
• Discussion draft of Military Family Readiness legislation two ranking members of the House Armed Services Committee intend to offer for inclusion in the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act: This Act discusses EFMP: https://republicans-armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/MILFAMREAD_xml%20%28004%293-27.pdf
• Parent Information and Training Centers by State: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/
• Advocate and Attorney list per state (you can find Shelly on this as well): https://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/states.htm
• Council of Parent Attorney and Advocates (COPAA) (also including Shelly): https://www.copaa.org/search/default.asp
• Partners in Promise - Military Special Education Survey findings 2021: https://thepromiseact.org/2021/02/partners-in-promise-2021-survey-findings/

Shelly Agostine is the owner of Advocate 2 Educate, LLC based in Colorado. As a trained Special Education Advocate/Consultant (ISEA-trained and member of COPAA) she helps parents and students gain access to the services, supports and accommodations they need through an Individual Education Program (IEP). She assists parents and students in acquiring the appropriate accommodations through a 504 plan and assists families in coordinating community services. More info: https://www.advocatetwoeducate.com.