Testimonials
After the yearly school review for Abby's needs, we were shocked to learn that the administration recommended removing and downgrading several of her accommodations. We were unsure how to proceed or how to even respond to emails from the school.
Thankfully, we were referred to DAS. Pam explained the disability laws in ways that made sense to us, as we were lost online looking for how to protect our daughter. We also learned of services possibly not mentioned by administrators, in addition to other possibilities to consider.
When Pam accompanied us to the follow up meeting at the school, we felt confident and knew that we had an advocate at the table with us. Pam asked the hard and uncomfortable questions and suggestions. The administration knew that we were aware of Abby's rights and would demand the protection of her accommodations, in addition to two new ones.
With Pam's contributions and help, Abby received the needed accommodations and help she needed through graduation. We look forward to using Disability Advocacy Services in the future for Abby's college needs.
— Andrea & Steve Shultz
My 13 yr old neurodivergent son struggles in school academically. Each year he has fallen more and more behind. Progress reports and grades always indicated that he was doing fine in school, but when I was home with him during Covid, helping him with his studies, it was apparent that he was not doing fine academically. In addition, behavioral obstacles that come with my son’s neurodivergence impact not only his ability to learn, but those of his peers in class I am sure.
I brought my concerns to the attention of his school, but was not taken seriously and dismissed. I was left scratching my head on what to do.
I found DAS (Disability Advocate Services) through Google search and was offered a video consultation right away. After the consultation with Jamie and Pam, my husband and I looked at each other and knew we had made the right decision - a weight was lifted off of my shoulders in that moment.
As I worked with DAS over the coming weeks it became clear that my concerns were long overdue and completely validated. It is hard as a parent, especially if you are not trained in special education, to know what the schools’ responsibilities are when it comes to providing an education for your child. And when you do start digging into the world of IEPs, 504s, assessments and services you find out that it is a whole different language, I felt like I was in way over my head. This I feel, unfortunately, is why many neurodivergent students fall through the cracks and do not receive the education they are entitled to.
Jamie and Pam each have strengths in different areas and when they work together, which they do amazingly well, are a powerhouse of knowledge and dedication. Looking back, I know I would have been in great hands, with the same desirable outcome, if I had worked with only one of them.
Some of the attributes that impressed me and made the process go smooth: they responded to my emails quickly; complications that seemed so big to me were commonplace and easily handled for them; they explained things in a way that I could understand; they partnered with me, showing me the way, and before I knew it, I was the one taking the lead and advocating for my son -they were right there with me, and had my back; they are level-headed, with positive attitudes and communicated with my son’s school in a manner that was non-abrasive, respectful and beneficial for both parties; their calm but assertive, gentle but effective demeanors rubbed off on me, which has made me a fabulous advocate for my son. Thank you so, so much Pam and Jamie for your expertise and deep desire to help my son. I cannot thank you enough.
— Abbi Browning
I hired Pam Shelton to assist my daughter with organization, time management and assignment planning for her studies to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). Pam provided her a safe place to learn new techniques, to be accountable, and to make mistakes and not be judged.
Most importantly, what started out as skill building (due to her ADHD and learning challenges) evolved into self-advocacy. Pam showed my daughter how to see herself in a different light. This new perspective helped my daughter advocate for herself and learn how to advocate for herself in a higher education environment and at a job site. This skill of advocacy is essential for neurodiverse individuals to succeed, and it needs to be taught!
Thank you Pam, for coaching my daughter and guiding her on her successful path of becoming an OTA.
— Kathryn Dungan
“Having an autistic child is a beautiful love story. Going through the public education system is rewarding and challenging. Jamie’s advice on IEPs and development milestones has been exactly what I needed to support and advocate for my child. It’s great to have someone in my corner that sees my child for who they are, what they can be while also honoring and celebrating their autism.”
— Lupe Alonzo-Diaz