Ability Allies

08/31/2026

Working towards solutions with school staff can be difficult when you disagree with your child’s IEP or 504 Plan, but it is important. Parents have rights under the special education laws. However, we recommend first trying to collaborate and communicate with the school.

To find out how, read our article in August’s Indy’s Child magazine, which is also on our blog – Allies Digest: https://abilityallies.org/blog/protecting-the-education-of-students-with-disabilities

If you have concerns or a disagreement about the education of your child with a disability, complete our application on our website: https://abilityallies.org/apply

08/29/2026

Many parents are confused about Section 504 Plans, when a student should have one, and the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP. Check out this article from Parents for helpful information: https://www.parents.com/why-your-child-might-qualify-for-a-504-plan-12031334 -next-steps

If you have concerns about your child’s 504 Plan or think your child might need one, contact Ability Allies.

08/27/2026

Ability Allies attorney, Margaret Jones, will serve as a panelist discussing: Supports & Accommodations in K – 12 Schools on Friday, August 28th, from 12:00-1:30 pm ET.
This virtual session is part of Hands in Autism’s Developmental Disabilities & Autism ECHO Education Series. It’s open to the public and free!
Register for this session and find more information about the series here: https://handsinautism.iu.edu/partnerships/international/echo.html?blm_aid=29186

08/14/2026

For students with a disability, removal from the general education classroom should be the exception, not the default. If your child is spending more time in a special education setting…or if you’re worried this might happen…read our article in the August Indy’s Child magazine to learn more about least restrictive environment (LRE). You can also read it on our blog, Allies Digest, here: https://abilityallies.org/blog/protecting-the-education-of-students-with-disabilities

08/08/2026

Mimi Huybers will share information about what the special education laws mean for your family in a Teams presentation:
- Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm ET
- Open to the public & free
- RSVP for Teams link by 4 pm on 8/11/2026: [email protected]
- Hosted by Noble’s Center for Family Leadership

08/07/2026

Important Medicaid waiver news from WTHR for the families we support!

Indiana sees a spike in Medicaid waiver denials after new assessments rolled out. Families and advocates call on state to reevaluate change.

08/06/2026

Mimi Huybers will present information via Zoom about parents’ special education rights:

- Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 6:00-7:00 pm ET
- Open to the public & free
- Register by emailing: [email protected]
- Hosted by League of Miracles, Inc.

08/04/2026

Increased math support for Indiana students – new laws are in effect to help students who struggle in math. Schools must notify parents and provide additional support. Visit our Allies Digest blog page for more details and other relevant education issues: https://abilityallies.org/blog/big-changes-for-students-this-school-year.

If your child with a disability is struggling in school and you need assistance from Ability Allies, fill out the application on our website here: https://abilityallies.org/apply

Families and students should know about important changes this school year as new state laws take effect.

08/01/2026

Your voice matters. Westfield families raising individuals with disabilities are invited to complete the ICFN Family Survey. This helps the Westfield Family Network, schools, and community partners understand what families need to thrive.

Take the survey here: https://qualtricsxm8kz5x9fxd.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eEwJ22NXqyonSKy

07/30/2026

Back-to-school news you should know! Indiana has a new cell phone ban for all students in public and charter schools. Find out more in Allies Digest about the law’s requirements and the exceptions, such as for students who need access to their phone for disability-related reasons. https://abilityallies.org/blog/big-changes-for-students-this-school-year



Remember to check your school district’s new policy and discuss it with your student prior to the start of the school year.

Families and students should know about important changes this school year as new state laws take effect.