Special Education Consulting & Advocacy
Understanding your rights.
Advocating with confidence.
Manos Unidas provides culturally responsive special education consultation and advocacy services to help families navigate school systems, understand their rights, and participate meaningfully in decisions about their child’s education.
Our advocacy work is rooted in racial and educational justice and grounded in federal protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We walk alongside families to ensure their rights are upheld - clearly, respectfully, and effectively.
Special Education Consultation Services
Our Special Education Advocacy services help families navigate the school system with confidence.
We offer IEP review and meeting support, assistance with evaluations and re-evaluations, bilingual (Spanish/English) communication between home and school, and coaching for parents. Services include school observations, behavior plan review, and connections to community resources - all available on a sliding-scale fee.
Services offered:
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IEP Review, preparation and meeting accompaniment
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Request for evaluations, re-evaluations
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School meeting interpretations (Spanish/English)
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Family goal-setting
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Facilitate communications between home and school
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School observations
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Parent coaching
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Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan review and support across home and school environments
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Community-Based resource connections
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Sliding -scale fees
Special Education Advocacy Services
Every child receiving special education services has federally protected rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Our advocacy services help families understand these rights and ensure they are upheld.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Every child with a disability has the right to an education that includes the supports, accommodations, and services they need to learn and make progress.
We help families understand what FAPE looks like in practice - including access to specialized instruction, therapies, assistive technology, and progress monitoring.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Students must be educated alongside their peers to the greatest extent possible.
We help families navigate inclusion options, classroom placements, and understand when more restrictive settings are - or are not - legally appropriate.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Rights
Families have the right to fully participate in the IEP process.
We support families in reviewing goals, accommodations, service minutes, and behavior supports so they reflect the student’s strengths and needs.
Evaluation & Re-Evaluation Rights
Children are entitled to comprehensive evaluations in all areas of suspected disability.
We help families request evaluations or re-evaluations, understand timelines, review results, and identify missing supports.
Behavior Support & Discipline Protections
Students with disabilities have legal protections when facing suspension or expulsion.
We help families understand:
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Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs)
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Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) requirements
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School obligations during disciplinary actions
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When behavior indicates the need for updated evaluations or service
Language Access & Family Participation
Families have the right to access school information in their preferred language, receive interpretation, review records, and participate as equal members of the IEP team.
Advocacy Services Include:
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Explaining special-education rights in clear, bilingual (English/Spanish), culturally responsive language
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Reviewing IEPs, evaluations, and BIPs through a legal and best-practice lens
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Supporting families in IEP and evaluation meetings
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Helping draft parent input statements, evaluation requests, or letters of concern
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Assisting families through suspension and discipline processes
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Advocating for inclusion, accommodations, assistive technology, and behavior supports
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Connecting families to community resources and statewide education-rights agencies
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Self-advocacy training
Payment Options & Areas Served
Manos Unidas is committed to equitable access for all families.
We offer flexible payment options including sliding-scale rates - to ensure cost is never a barrier. Our goal is to make high-quality, culturally responsive support accessible to every family, regardless of income or language.
Sliding Scale Advocacy Services
Advocacy services are offered at affordable, income-based rates. No proof of income required.
Grant-Funded Services
Some families may qualify for free services through grant funding.
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Areas Served
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Families in Snohomish, King, Pierce, and Skagit Counties (WA)
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Virtual consultation available across all 50 U.S. states
Department of Disabilities Association (DDA) Approved Provider for Staff and Family Consultation Services, Washington State
*All Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers are eligible for SFC:
Basic Plus , Children's Intensive In-home Behavioral Supports (CIIBS), Community Protection , Core, Individual and Family Services (IFS).
Partnership with Office of Education OMBUDS
Manos Unidas partnered with the Office of Education Ombuds of Washington State to develop a Spanish-language video curriculum series:“Rights of Families and Children within the Special Education System”.
This free educational series helps families better understand their rights, navigate the special education process, and actively participate in decisions regarding their child’s education.