The Arc Livingston: Navigation and Advocacy to Support Children with Disabilities and Their Families in Livingston County Schools. A mom of two in Livingston County contacted The Arc offices looking for support with her children’s IEPs. She was overwhelmed and felt that her children, especially her younger child, were not getting what they needed to be successful in school. The Arc advocate chatted with her at length about her concerns, questions, and what to prepare or plan for in advance. After attending her eldest’s IEP meeting, the parent shared that she felt so much better than the year before, and it was “just so nice” to have someone in the room whom she felt was making sure her voice, and the voice of her child, were heard. However, she was still fearful of the second meeting she had for her youngest. When the time came for that meeting, the parent said she felt more prepared than ever before thanks to conversations with her advocate, who helped her review her child’s paperwork and helped her prepare to ask the questions to the staff she wanted to ask, all to ensure her child was getting the free and appropriate education they should. The meeting went well, and the parent said she felt all her concerns were taken seriously. She was listened to, knew when to ask certain questions, and was able to advocate and stand up for her child’s rights. She was grateful that again, The Arc was able to support her. The parent reported never having felt better or happier for her child in all her schooling and told her Arc advocate, “I am so grateful for you. Thank you for being here, showing me how to understand this, and helping me learn to advocate for my child in school.” | 
