Lorene Dillard Advocacy and Consulting

10/18/2025

This is exactly the message I have been saying…

10/17/2025

Very interesting…does anyone have children attending these campuses?

Following the release of campus ratings from the state, several San Antonio schools need better ratings or risk state intervention.

10/16/2025

I know this is something I am following very close!

A federal judge temporarily halted a U.S. Department of Education plan to gut its special education office, but advocates say that the future of services for students with disabilities remains uncertain.

10/16/2025

As the date grows closer and closer, I find it necessary to share more information regarding the "school voucher" or "education savings account" so parents who have children with IEP's can prepare accordingly. Please check out this site as it has really great information as well as provides an additional link for you to subscribe to which will provide you with updates. https://disabilityrightstx.org/en/handout/education-savings-account-update-for-2025-2026-school-year/

09/13/2025

Health Insurance Premium Program (HIPP)
One of the best and most useful programs I learned of through a PARENT! Who would have even thought there was a program out there which, if you have a group health insurance plan, which your child with Medicaid is covered under...YOU CAN GET partial or even ALL of your premium reimbursed to you each month! For us, this was a life saver, and truly helped our family as both of my son's do have services through the CLASS Medicaid Waiver program (which therefore provides them Medicaid). Here is a link to where you can read more about this amazing program, I highly recommend you check it out and consider applying for your and your family. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/health-insurance-premium-payment-hipp-program

09/12/2025

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability”
If you have an adult child who is 18 years or older and has a disability, were you aware this was an option for them? You may not be aware, since your adult child is now considered an adult, only their income will be considered. For those who may have Legal Guardianship of their adult child with a disability, this would still be the same, the application process will only take into consideration the income of the adult child. If you have a adult child with a disability and have not taken the time to look into this, please do, as this benefit has truly helped so many families with additional costs necessary in the continued care of our adults children. https://www.ssa.gov/disability

09/11/2025

Wow, just wow! Now this is something even my son would LOVE! I truly wish Texas would establish more models like this.

A nonprofit cafe is trying to connect adoptable cats with loving homes, all while empowering people with disabilities with job skills.

09/11/2025

What are Compensatory Services?
Now that school has begun and is nicely underway. I have received some calls and feedback from some families with some concerns regarding agreed upon IEP goals and/or services have not been implemented for their student/s. This can also happen or be an option when you have requested a Special Education evaluation for your student, however this request was either denied or delayed. In matters of compensatory services, what is important to understand, is this is not always a minute for minute service plan. This is a discussion which centers largely on progress or skills they lost when their special education services were not provided. Yes, while this can result in your child NOT receiving the full amount of services which was originally in their IEP, this can also result in your child receiving MORE than what is in your child's current IEP. Below is a link to information directly from TEA's website which will provide you with information on compensatory services and how this may be of interest to your student.

09/10/2025

Understanding IEP Development
We all want our children to make the most progress they possibly can! What is important to understand is "how to get there." No one learns to run before they learn to walk and this is the same concept for all areas of learning development. What I do like to ensure, as this concept tends to often be left out, is that parents are involved in the planning process of their child's education. What is amazing is the law agrees under: PARENT PARTICIPATION Authorities: 34 CFR Part 300; Texas Education Code; 19 TAC Chapter 89.
Here is a link to some really wonderful, detailed information, you can read and study on the IEP development process. You can use this as a guide when you may be considering future IEP development for your loved one!

09/09/2025

Are you still experiencing difficulty with your child missing school due to therapy?
Well, you are not alone, this is a common phone call I receive...still today. Here is a link directly from the TEA website giving full explanation to the rights to children under this Texas Education Code. https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/guidance-regarding-temporary-absences-of-students-with-disabilities
I have included a portion of a screenshot with some general areas underlined which are historically areas which lend the most discussion in ARD meetings.

This information provides guidance about students with disabilities who are absent for part of the school day to receive treatment from a health care professional.

09/07/2025

BONUS POST today! Since Medicaid Waivers have been such a "HOT TOPIC" as they should. Based on the comments I was receiving, I wanted to schedule an extra post for today, to provide additional information and links to information. Early this morning, I posted a chart which gave you information on comparisons of services, each Medicaid waiver program provides. The comments I received were also surrounding more of "what exactly are each program". I have found this website very helpful in providing parents with great information on this topic, as well as other topics concerning raising a child with a disability. https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/insurance-financial-help/texas-medicaid-waiver-programs-for-children-with-disabilities
When you access this link, you will look to the right of the screen, where you will see many options to choose from on wonderful topics which will provide you with information. You will also find specifically information on what each of the Medicaid Waiver Programs are and what they offer for your child. I hope this information helps. Please do continue the conversation and please do let me know if I can help in any other way! I know when my boys began receiving services with the CLASS program many years ago, it was simply LIFE CHANGING! I cannot stress enough the importance of checking into this for your loved ones!

09/07/2025

As a follow up to yesterday's post, you may wonder what are the differences in services and supports within each waiver/support program. Here is a chart which may better explain this for you.