Biography of Pat Howey, Advocate, Paralegal, and Trainer, Wrightslaw Speaker's Bureau

Patricia Howey has supported families of children with disabilities since 1985. She has a specific learning disability and became involved in special education when her youngest child entered kindergarten. Pat has children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who have a variety of disabilities and she has used her experience to advocate for better special education services for several of them.

Pat is a charter member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), serving on its Board of Directors from 2000 through 2003. She has been a Commissioner on the Tippecanoe (County) Human Relations Committee, a graduate of Leadership Lafayette and Partners in Policymaking, and a member of the Wrightslaw Speakers Bureau. She has been on the faculty of the College of William and Mary Law School’s Institute of Special Education Advocacy since its inception in 2011.

Pat has an A.S. and a B.A. in Paralegal Studies from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where she graduated magna cum laude. She is an Indiana Registered Paralegal and an affiliate member of the Indiana Bar and the American Bar Associations.

Pat began her advocacy career as a volunteer for the Task Force on Education for the Handicapped (now InSource), Indiana’s Parent Training and Information Center. In 1990, she opened her advocacy practice and served families throughout Indiana by representing them at IEP meetings, mediation, and due process hearings.

In 2017, Pat closed her advocacy practice and began working on a contract basis as a special education paralegal. Attorneys in Indiana, Texas, and California contracted with her to review documents, spot issues, draft due process complaints, prepare for hearings, and assist at hearings. In January 2019, she became an employee of the Connell Michael Kerr law firm, owned by Erin Connell, Catherine Michael, and Sonja Kerr. Her duties have now expanded to assisting with federal court cases.

"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

"Thank you for a wonderful seminar. I learned a tremendous amount and look forward to taking the additional workshop with you next month." - "Soon-to-be" special education parent attorney

"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

"Thanks for your wonderful presentation to my Partners in Policy Making class. I've been using your tips and strategies in IEP meetings - and they work!" - Florida parent

"We were delighted to have Ms. Howey share her education advocacy skills - the support of leaders and advocates like Ms. Howey make our program a success." - Florida PIP Coordinator

"Your seminar has been a godsend for us. I have used practically every technique in dealing with our school district and the results have been incredible." - Parent/College Professor from Arkansas

Seattle, WA - Special Education Advocacy Training sponsored by the Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities.

Stevensville, MI - Special Education Law & Advocacy Training sponsored by Autism In Berrien County Speaks.

Austin, TX - Special Education Law & Advocacy Training sponsored by Texas Parent to Parent.

Wilkes-Barre, PA - Special Education Advocacy Training sponsored by S.A.F.E. (Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere).

Rochester, NY - Special Ed Law & Advocacy Training sponsored by Greater Rochester S.A.F.E. (Schools Are For Everyone).

Phoenix, AZ - Wrightslaw Special Ed Law & Advocacy Training Program with co-presenters Wayne Steedman, Pete Wright and Pam Wright at the Eighth Annual Conference of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.

Duluth, GA - Special Education Law & Advocacy Program sponsored by the Autism Society of Georgia.

Other Programs by Pat Howey

Wrightslaw Speakers Bureau

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

Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Programs.


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