Why I wish Arc@School had existed when my daughter was in school

Before I became the CEO of The Arc of Oklahoma, I was simply a mom trying to do the best I could for my daughter.

My daughter, Madison, is now 25 years old. She was born nine weeks premature and has intellectual and developmental disabilities that require significant support. Like so many parents of children with disabilities, I quickly learned that parenting often meant becoming an advocate, a researcher, a record keeper, and sometimes even a negotiator.

When Madison was in school, I spent countless hours trying to understand special education laws, school policies, evaluations, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). I remember sitting in meetings surrounded by professionals using terminology I didn't fully understand, trying to make decisions that would impact my daughter's future. I often left those meetings wondering if I had asked the right questions, understood my rights, or secured the support she truly needed.

Finding the right support

Thankfully, I was not alone. One of the greatest resources available to our family was Sherilyn Walton, The Arc's Family Support Coordinator and special education expert. Sherilyn helped me better understand the special education process, navigate difficult situations, and become a more confident advocate for my daughter.

Her guidance demonstrated something I have never forgotten: when families have access to accurate information and experienced support, they are better equipped to ensure their children receive the education and services they need to thrive.

The challenge is that the need for special education advocacy is far greater than any one person can meet. Every year, families from every corner of Oklahoma contact The Arc seeking help understanding evaluations, preparing for IEP meetings, resolving disputes, and securing appropriate services for their children. While individual support remains critically important, one staff member cannot meet the needs of every family across our state.

That reality is exactly why Arc@School was developed.

Arc@School allows The Arc to extend the knowledge, expertise, and advocacy tools that have helped countless families over the years to many more parents, caregivers, educators, and advocates. Rather than helping one family at a time, Arc@School empowers entire communities with the information they need to understand special education rights, navigate the system with confidence, and effectively advocate for students with disabilities.

The special education system is filled with dedicated educators and professionals, but it can also be incredibly complex. Families are often expected to navigate a maze of laws, timelines, acronyms, and procedures while also caring for a child with unique needs. It can feel overwhelming, isolating, and intimidating.

Looking back, I know how much I would have benefited from a program like Arc@School, and I am proud that The Arc of Oklahoma can provide this resource to families across our state today.

What Is Arc@School?

Arc@School is The Arc's special education advocacy training program designed to help families, caregivers, educators, and advocates better understand the special education system and the rights of students with disabilities.

Through practical information, real-world examples, and expert guidance, participants learn how to confidently navigate the special education process and become effective advocates for students.

This July, The Arc of Oklahoma is offering Arc@School as a four-part virtual training series delivered over four weeks. Participants can join from anywhere in Oklahoma and gain the knowledge and tools needed to support students with disabilities better.

The training covers:

• The foundations of special education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

• Understanding evaluations, eligibility, and educational planning

• Developing meaningful and effective IEPs

• Advocacy strategies, communication skills, and dispute resolution options

Each session builds upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive learning experience that empowers participants to navigate the system with confidence.

Who is Arc@School for?

Arc@School was developed for anyone who wants to understand better and support students with disabilities.

Participants include:

• Parents and family members

• Caregivers and guardians

• Educators and school personnel

• Community advocates

• Service providers

• Anyone interested in learning how special education works

  
  

Whether you are new to special education or have years of experience, Arc@School provides valuable information and practical tools that can help you advocate more effectively.

Why we developed Arc@School

The Arc has been advocating for educational rights for students with disabilities for generations. In fact, The Arc played a significant role in the national advocacy efforts that led to the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, ensuring that students with disabilities could no longer be excluded from public education.

Yet nearly 50 years after IDEA became law, many families still struggle to understand the system designed to serve them.

We developed Arc@School because knowledge is power. When families understand their rights, they are better equipped to participate as equal members of the educational team. When educators and advocates understand the law and best practices, students receive stronger support. And when everyone works together with a shared understanding, students have a greater opportunity to succeed.

Most importantly, we developed Arc@School because no parent should have to feel as uncertain and overwhelmed as I once did.

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Every family deserves the knowledge and confidence to advocate for that opportunity.

That is why Arc@School exists.

How Arc@School works

Virtual or In-Person Trainings are available. The next training is July 2026 and will be hosted each Thursday from noon – 1:00 PM via Zoom, which means no commute and no need to take a full day off work.

• Training sessions: July 9, 16, 23, and 30

• No cost: The $99 online curriculum fee has been fully waived through grants and sponsorships, meaning no cost to attend the July 2026 series.

• Registration is required. Deadline to register is July 7.

How to register

Registration is open now. Save your spot using the link below before registration closes on July 7.

👉 https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=zeNkD6iM90qEFXo0lK--7NfbLPpaQoVAoWPyUPmTYwVURUlMTE8zUkdBUU5BSlFOMkhQMzQ2Mjc1Ui4u&origin=QRCode

Questions? Reach the team at info@TheArcOK.org or 888.910.6459.