Alternatives to Hiring a Special Education Advocate in Illinois
Can't afford $150-$300/hr for a special education advocate? Here are the best alternatives for Illinois parents navigating IEPs and 504 plans.
Blog
All articles about Illinois IEP & 504 Blueprint.
Best IEP Resource for Illinois Parents Who Can't Afford an Advocate
The most effective IEP resources for Illinois parents on a budget — from free helplines to state-specific toolkits under $15.
Best IEP Toolkit for CPS Parents Navigating ODLSS in 2026
The best IEP resources for Chicago Public Schools parents dealing with ODLSS procedures, case managers, and district representatives.
How to Prepare for Your First IEP Meeting in Illinois Without an Advocate
Step-by-step guide to preparing for your first IEP meeting in Illinois on your own — what to bring, what to say, and what to watch for.
Illinois IEP Guide vs Special Education Advocate: Which Do You Actually Need?
Comparing a self-advocacy IEP toolkit to hiring a special education advocate in Illinois — costs, outcomes, and when each option makes sense.
What Is an IEP? An Illinois Parent's Plain-Language Guide
What is an IEP, how the Illinois IEP process works under 23 IAC Part 226, and what your rights are at every step.
504 Plan vs IEP in Illinois: Which One Does Your Child Need?
504 plan vs IEP in Illinois — the real differences, eligibility standards, ADHD and anxiety accommodations, and how to choose the right path.
Special Education Advocates and Attorneys in Illinois: When You Need One and What They Cost
Illinois special education advocate vs attorney — what each does, what they cost, your legal rights as a parent, and free resources available statewide.
Independent Educational Evaluation in Illinois: Your Rights and How to Use Them
How to request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) in Illinois, district response rules, and how to use the results at your child's IEP.
Illinois IEP Meeting Checklist: What to Bring, Ask, and Review
A practical IEP meeting checklist for Illinois parents — what documents to review beforehand, what questions to ask, and how to monitor progress afterward.
IEP Goal Bank for Illinois: Writing Measurable Goals for Autism, ADHD, and Transition
IEP goal examples for Illinois students — autism, ADHD, reading, behavior, and transition planning goals that meet Illinois standards for measurability.
IEP for Autism in Illinois: Eligibility, Services, and Parent Rights
How the IEP process works for autistic students in Illinois — eligibility, required services, CPS-specific considerations, and what a strong autism IEP includes.
IEP for ADHD in Illinois: Eligibility, Services, and What to Expect
How to get an IEP for ADHD in Illinois — eligibility under Other Health Impairment, what services look like, and how to handle anxiety alongside ADHD.
Functional Behavior Assessment in Illinois: What It Is and How to Get One
What a functional behavior assessment is, when Illinois schools must conduct one, and how the results connect to your child's Behavior Intervention Plan.
Manifestation Determination in Illinois: What Happens When Your Child Is Suspended
Illinois manifestation determination rules, when districts must hold one, compensatory education rights, and how due process works for disciplinary cases.