Advocates Notebook

How Iowa Families Can Apply for Medicaid Waiver Services

If you have ever thought, “We need help at home, we need support beyond school, we need a BREAK,” you are not alone.

In Iowa, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers can help cover supports that keep kids safe and supported, and help them live at home with their families.

One big catch: the...

01.02.2026 12:33 PM - Comment(s)
From Hot Mess to Head of the Table: How IEP Emotions Turned Me Into an Advocate
The first time I sat in my child’s IEP meeting, I thought I was ready...until emotion took over. Here’s how that moment turned me from a “hot mess” parent into a confident, informed advocate, and how you can do the same.
10.18.2025 06:04 PM - Comment(s)
Advocacy Beyond the Table: Fighting for Families and Systems Alike
The first time I sat in my child’s IEP meeting, I thought I was ready...until emotion took over. Here’s how that moment turned me from a “hot mess” parent into a confident, informed advocate, and how you can do the same.
10.18.2025 02:40 PM - Comment(s)
      Is Autism Being Overdiagnosed?

Autism diagnoses are up, access is still uneven, and most providers are doing their best. But when the same company that evaluates your child also sells long-term therapy, there’s a built-in conflict of interest families should handle with extra care. Below I break down the facts, the ethics, and th...

09.04.2025 09:35 PM - Comment(s)
The Ripple Effect: How a Child’s Disability Impacts Their Siblings

As a mom of three, I’ve seen firsthand how a child’s disability doesn’t just affect them; it shapes the entire family. My younger twins' needs mean that our days often revolve around therapies, IEP meetings, and navigating systems that aren’t always easy to work with. While my heart and energy are c...

08.08.2025 05:19 PM - Comment(s)