By Morgan Bevell, Founder and CEO of Bevell’s Advocate
My passion for advocacy started long before Bevell’s Advocate ever existed.
Long before I had a nonprofit or a title, I was a kid trying to help my younger sister succeed in school, unsure whether we were doing any of it right. What I did know was how it felt to fight for someone I love, and how lost a family can feel when the path forward isn’t clear. Years later, I learned that many parents walk into special education meetings carrying that same feeling.
Where It Started
When I was growing up, my younger sister struggled with learning disabilities. Our family often felt lost and unsure of how to help her succeed in school. So I stepped in early. I helped with homework, tutored her through the tough subjects, and stayed by her side until she graduated.
Those years taught me what it feels like to fight for someone you love. They also taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of showing grace, even when the process feels overwhelming.
Later, my friendship with Grace shaped my heart even more. Grace is my neighbor and best friend, and she has Down syndrome. I’ve known and loved her for over ten years, and being part of her life has been one of my greatest gifts. Watching her grow, celebrate her wins, face challenges, and bring joy into every room has reminded me of the beauty and dignity in every person’s journey.
Those two relationships planted the seeds for Bevell’s Advocate. They showed me how much families need support, understanding, and someone willing to walk beside them. No parent should have to navigate this world alone.
Today, Bevell’s Advocate is a nonprofit that empowers, educates, and assists families of children and individuals with disabilities. We help families find their way through IEP advocacy and through the educational, financial, medical, and social resources around it. An IEP is only one piece of a family’s life, and families deserve support with the whole picture.
What We See Families Struggling With Most
Every family’s story is different, but the same challenges come up again and again.
Feeling outnumbered. Parents often come to meetings alone while there are several members present from the school. Even when everyone is kind, the imbalance is real.
Learning a new language overnight. IEP, FAPE, LRE, PWN. Families nod along and leave with questions they didn’t feel comfortable asking.
Not knowing the document belongs to them, too. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents are full members of the IEP team. Many don’t realize they can ask for changes, request things in writing, or take time to review a draft before signing.
Promises on paper versus support in practice. A strong IEP only matters if it is carried out. Families often need help checking whether what was written is what their child is actually receiving.
Carrying everything at once. Appointments, paperwork, finances, and worry don’t pause while the IEP process plays out.
A Success Story: From Sent Home Every Day to Student of the Week
One of the moments that reminds us why this work matters involved a child who was being sent home every single day, within the first hour of school. The child was an elementary school student with autism spectrum disorder. The school was relying on the child’s parents to provide behavioral intervention and support, and the result was a child missing most of every school day.
We reviewed the child’s IEP, requested a meeting, and attended it alongside the parents. We also asked for a behavior plan and requested more data and documentation.
The child’s IEP was adjusted so that the right supports were in place at school. That same school year, the child was named Student of the Week for the entire school, and was able to attend full school days because of the support they were finally getting.
The child’s mom put it this way: “Having Bevell’s Advocate in our corner as we have learned to navigate the overwhelming world of IEPs, 504 plans, and the public school system has lifted a weight off of my shoulders that I can’t put into words.”
Tips for Parents Walking Into a Meeting
- You are an equal member of the IEP team, and you know your child best.
- Ask for things in writing, and keep every response.
- Write your questions down beforehand and bring them with you.
- Bring someone along, whether that’s a friend, a family member, or an advocate.
- It’s okay to say, “I’d like time to review this before I sign.”
- If a term is unfamiliar, ask what it means. Nobody in the room will think less of you.
None of this is about being adversarial. It’s about being informed, so you can work with your child’s team as a partner.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If you’re a parent who feels overwhelmed, or a fellow advocate who wants to connect, we’d love to hear from you at info@bevellsadvocate.com or iepdefenders@lextecnica.com. We’re happy to help you figure out where to start.
About the Author
Morgan Bevell is a non-attorney special education advocate and the founder of Bevell’s Advocate, a national nonprofit that empowers, educates, and assists families of children and individuals with disabilities in navigating educational, financial, medical, and social resources.
Website: https://www.bevellsadvocate.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bevellsadvocate/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bevells-advocate
YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@BevellsAdvocate
Reviewed by Michael Falater, Esq.
