Shannon K. Leary, Special Education Advocate

08/04/2026

Dear clients,

My heart is heavy sharing that I won't be continuing my special education advocacy services.

As a mom, who lives in this world of special education, autism, disability and more, I love this work.

That said. I've been doing this work for the better part of twenty years, and over the last eight years with the support and training of COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates.) And I'm really tired.

I won't ever stop fighting for the rights of the disabled, specifically those with autism, and you can expect me to continue that work legislatively.

The current federal administration leaves me very concerned for the future of special education.

I plan to continue working with clients through the fourth quarter of this year. (12/31/26) If you would like to terminate our partnership before then, please let me know.

Thank you for trusting me.

Shannon

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06/26/2026

📈 Connecticut is seeing a significant increase in special education complaints—and that should make all of us pay attention.

According to a new CT Mirror article, Connecticut saw a 29.6% increase in state complaints and a 12% increase in due process filings compared to the previous year. Some experts suggest that increased parent awareness of special education law—and even the use of AI tools to help families understand their rights and draft complaints—may be contributing to the rise.

As someone who has spent years advocating for children with disabilities, I don't see this as a sign that parents have suddenly become more "litigious." I see it as evidence that more families are learning how to navigate an incredibly complex system when they believe their child's needs are not being met.

The goal should never be more complaints. The goal should be better collaboration, stronger implementation of the IDEA, and ensuring every child receives the Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) they are entitled to.

Knowledge is power—and informed parents are an essential part of an effective special education system. 💙

📰 Read the article: https://ctmirror.org/2026/06/26/ct-special-education-complaints-artificial-intelligence-ai/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Parents%20are%20filing%20more%20complaints%20about%20special%20education%20in%20CT&utm_campaign=Morning%20Briefing%20%28Friday%29

05/17/2026

03/25/2026

Today, I had the honor of speaking to future educators (and some others) at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill about autism, disability and creating strong, positive relationships between school and home. I won’t pretend this isn’t tricky, because it REALLY is. Lots of dynamics. Lots of learning curves. Lots of emotion. I’ve found that strong communication, even OVER communication, helps everyone at the table to be the best advocate possible for the student. And the student, should always be the focus.

Talking to college and graduate students is one of my favorite things to do in this field. I’m always so encouraged by their insights and as a result, hopeful for the world of education. Thank you, Dr. Kristin Papoi, Clinical Associate Professor at UNC Chapel Hill, for the invitation and opportunity.

01/27/2026

Things are pretty wild out there in the world of special education right now. Grand entrances are a needed strategy.

12/08/2025

In preparing for an IEP meeting with a client today, she shared an email received from the school potentially deeming my presence as an advocate was one they would not accept in future IEP meetings.

Nope. Nope. Nope.

Parents have the right to invite anyone with knowledge or expertise about their child (e.g., an advocate, therapist, attorney) to the meeting, and the district cannot refuse.

Full stop. Please and thank you.

12/05/2025

End of the year IEP levity. Much needed!

11/26/2025

I am so grateful for every family who trusts me to help them. What an honor it is to help a child succeed. 💜

11/11/2025

Have you ever wondered just how important it is to know your rights as a parent/caregiver of someone with an IEP?

I can tell you it's SO important, and I say this from both the parent and advocate level.

Today I had an IEP meeting with a fairly new client. After the General Education teacher gave her report to the team, the District Representative said she had to get back to her class and dismissed her.

I objected, and the GE teacher and District Representative immediately said, "she can stay."

Most districts KNOW the rules, and further know who is required to be at IEP meetings; parent/guardian, special education teacher, general education teacher (if the student participates in a Gen Ed setting,) school district representative, interpreter of results and the student if applicable. Other attendees can include advocates and/or other service providers.

A few of the ways in which Gen Ed teachers can be valuable members of the IEP team, are highlighted in the graphic below.

The point remains, know your rights and the rights of your student(s.)

10/14/2025

An informative explanation of the impact of this administration's decimation of the Department of Education, OSERS and the IDEA. For the love of everything, please pay attention.

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