Special education advocate for parents and caregivers
An IEP and 504 advocate who knows how schools work
I'm Karlie Libraro, a speech-language pathologist with more than ten years in schools. I help parents and caregivers make sense of IEP and 504 paperwork and prepare for meetings. If you want company at the table, I'll join you there too: in person in Central Virginia, where I'm based, or virtually anywhere in the US.
- M.S., CCC-SLP
- 10+ years in school settings
- Prices published up front
The email arrives in your inbox: “IEP Meeting Scheduled.” Your stomach drops a little.
Should you prepare something? What if they ask you questions you can’t answer? What if you agree to something that isn’t right for your child?
These are fair questions. A lot of families ask them.
Take a breath.
You don’t need to know special education law before we talk. You just need to tell me what’s happening. I’ll tell you honestly whether I can help.
Services
How I can help
Most families start with a free call. From there you can book one service or a block of advocacy hours, and every price is listed on the services page.
Consultations and document review
$150 new client, $125 returning
Send me the IEP, evaluation or progress report that's worrying you. We go through it together and decide what to ask the school for.
Meeting attendance
$60 per 30 minutes
I join your IEP, eligibility or transition meeting, virtually or in person in Central Virginia. Preparation time is included in the fee.
Caregiver Education sessions
$65 for 30 minutes
One topic, explained using your own child’s paperwork: your rights, eligibility, prior written notice, LRE, ESY and more.
How it works
What working together looks like
You stay in charge of decisions about your child. My job is to make sure you understand the options and feel ready to speak up.
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1
A free 15-minute call
You tell me what's happening. You don't need it all figured out first. I'll tell you honestly whether I can help and which service makes sense.
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2
Review and plan
I read the documents you send. Then we agree on your priorities and the questions to bring to the school.
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3
At the table with you
I come to the meeting with you, take notes, and follow up afterward so nothing agreed gets lost.
You’re the expert
on your child.
I’m here to help you say what you know, with confidence, not conflict.
Free resource library
Guides for the words you'll hear in meetings
Each guide explains one topic in plain language. Most come with a printable version you can bring to the meeting.
- IEP vs. 504 plan
- Least restrictive environment
- What is FAPE?
- Prior written notice
- Present levels (PLAAFP)
- The 13 disability categories
Why work with me
I've sat on the school side of the table
Before I started Access, I spent more than ten years as a speech-language pathologist in schools, outpatient clinics and private practice. I know how IEP teams make decisions and what schools are able to provide, and I know where families tend to get lost.
I work as an educational advocate, not an attorney, and I don't go into meetings looking for a fight. Most teachers want what's best for your child too. I want to be the bridge, so you can speak up with confidence, not conflict.
Where I help
Based in Virginia, with Illinois expertise and virtual support nationwide
Virginia
In person in Central Virginia and virtual everywhere else in the state.
Learn moreIllinois
Virtual consultations and meeting support, with specialized expertise in Illinois special education process and regulations.
Learn moreAnywhere in the US
IDEA and Section 504 apply in every state, so virtual consultations and meetings work nationwide.
Learn moreQuestions families ask first
What is an IEP advocate?
An IEP advocate helps families through the special education process. I go to meetings with you, help you understand your rights, review documents and speak up so your child's needs are properly addressed. I'm not an attorney and I don't give legal advice, but I know the IEP process well from years on the school side of the table.
What's the difference between an advocate and an attorney?
An attorney can represent you in due process hearings and other legal proceedings. As an advocate, I offer educational support and meeting attendance and help you understand your rights, but I can't provide legal representation. Most families find an advocate is enough; an attorney is usually needed only for formal legal proceedings.
How much do your services cost?
Caregiver Education sessions are $65 for 30 minutes. Consultations are $150 for a new client and $125 for returning clients. Advocacy hours come in 3, 6 and 10 hour blocks, and there's a monthly retainer for ongoing cases. You can request the full pricing guide on the Services page for a complete breakdown, and sliding-scale pricing is available for families who need it.
Can you help with 504 plans too?
Yes. IEPs fall under IDEA, and 504 plans come from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which has its own rules and protections. I can help you understand the differences and advocate for appropriate accommodations under either plan.
Free 15-minute call
Talk it through on a free 15-minute call
Tell me what's going on with your child's IEP or 504 plan. I'll tell you honestly whether I can help and what a sensible next step looks like.