Print this page

Pat Howey is an Indiana advocate who helps parents obtain special education services and resolve special education disputes. She also provides training to various groups. Pat answers your questions in Ask the Advocate.

"Your material was informative and will benefit my law practice. Your thoroughness and your lively presentation made this program a huge success." - Charles Weiner, Esq.

"I loved the two-day seminar by you and Mr. Steedman - it was "just what the doctor" ordered. I know what I need to do - and how to do things more effectively. I feel so empowered! - Florida parent

"You have a special ability of explaining that really helps the reader understand ... Please keep writing!" -- Parent of child with autism

10 Tips for a Successful School Year - Pat offers 10 ten tips to help you get off to a good start at the beginning of the new school year.

Feeling Guilty About Asking for Services? Remember the Domino Effect - Pat describes lessons learned from her child's due process hearing, how effective parent advocacy can force the system to change, and how this benefits many other children whom you may never know.

How to Hone Your Advocacy Skills - and Help Others - Pat has interesting advice for parents who are anxious at school meetings.

IDEA 2004: What You Need to Know About IEPs for Children with Behavior Problems - IDEA 2004 and the special education regulations include specific requirements for IEPs of children whose behavior impedes their learning or the learning of other children, including training teachers to use positive behavioral interventions and strategies.

Key Differences Between Section 504 & IDEA - Confused about Section 504 v. IDEA? You aren't alone. Pat describes some important differences between these two laws.

Male Aides for Female Students - A parent is uncomfortable with the school's plan to assign a male aide to help her adolescent daughter with bathroom and feminine hygiene needs. Pat suggests ways to get the school to reconsider their plan and a list of IEP goals and objectives to help this young lady live safely and independently.

My Child is Being Evaluated - What Tests Should I Request? Pat offers advice about evaluations, how to use tests to measure progress, how to use your state laws about testing, and how to find an evaluator with whom to work.

My Child with LD/ADD is Not Allowed to Play Sports Because of Grades - Pat offers advice to a parent whose child is often excluded from sports because of poor grades - despite the fact that he has an IEP that is supposed to provide him with help.

Parent Threats: Refusing to Sign the IEP - Pat has advice for a parent who is refusing to sign the IEP until the school provides the services she wants.

Preparing for IEP Meetings: Providing Information & Sharing Concerns - Pat answers a parent's questions about how and when to provide information to the IEP team, and emphasizes the fact that "no one likes surprises."

Preparing for IEP Meetings: What to Do When the School Ignores Your Requests - Pat offers commonsense advice to a parent who is frustrated because the school has ignored her requests for help.

What You Need to Know Before You File a Complaint with the State - Pat shares her experiences and opinions about filing a complaint with the state department of education.

18 Tips on Filing Complaints - Pat offers advice about filing a complaint, and issues warnings you should heed.

Why Must I Make Modification for a Child? It Seems Unfair to the Other Children - Pat answers a teacher's questions, and reflects on modifications we receive (and take for granted) at work and in everyday life.

Why You Need to Ask "Dumb Questions" - In this light-hearted article, Pat explains why parents need to ask questions and shares some questions she was too "dumb" to ask when her daughter entered school.

Understanding the Playing Field: Power Struggles, Meetings, Follow Up Letters - Pat talks to parents about the impact of different perceptions and expectations, trust, power struggles, and the dangers of making threats.

"I had the wonderful opportunity to meet you at the COPAA conference. Thank you for sharing your time, energy and expertise with us all." -- From a Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) Education Resource Specialist in CA

Pat Howey has a B.A. in Paralegal Studies from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College where she graduated with honors.

Pat is an active member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and other organizations. The Learning Disabilities Association of Indiana honored Pat with its Outstanding Service Award for her commitment and compassion towards students with disabilities.

As a member of the Wrightslaw Speakers Bureau, Pat provides training for parents, educators, and others who want to ensure that children receive quality special education services.

Wrightslaw special education law and advocacy programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities.

"Changing the World -- One Child at at Time."

Contact Information
Pat Howey
Special Education Consulting
POB 117
West Point, Indiana 47992-0117
Website: PatHowey.com
Email: phowey@att.net

To Top

Revised: 11/12/06
Created: 11/10/06