Hi, my name is Alicia, and I’m raising funds to cover legal fees to enforce my autistic son’s federal education rights.

I am not sharing my child’s face, his school, or private evaluations. I am protecting his dignity. But I am sharing this: when parents exercise their rights under special education law, the process can become legally complex and financially heavy.

What Happened

Like many parents, I followed the process. I attended meetings. I documented concerns. I requested support.

When I disagreed with a school evaluation, I requested an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) under federal law. The district elected to file due process to defend its evaluation. I am now participating in that legal process as provided under IDEA.

This means we are in a formal hearing process through the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings.

What Makes This Different: Documented Findings

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) issued findings in our case confirming compliance failures. I am willing to share those findings in redacted form because accountability requires documentation.

However, findings alone do not always resolve disputes. Families are often still required to pursue additional enforcement mechanisms to ensure corrective action is implemented.

That is where we are now.

Why This Is Urgent

We have a pre-hearing conference scheduled for January 20, 2026. The district has initiated due process in this matter.

Preparing for this requires:

Legal representation

Record review and case preparation

Possible expert consultation

Filing responses and procedural compliance

Due process is a federally protected right — but participating in it is not free.

What Your Donation Supports

Your contribution helps cover:

• Attorney fees and representation

• Case preparation and filings

• Record organization and transcript costs

• Expert consultation if necessary

• Educational support expenses while the case is pending

I am not asking for excess. I am asking for the ability to stand in a legal process that carries significant financial weight for families.

Why This Matters Beyond My Child

This is about more than one student.

When parents exercise their legal rights under IDEA, they should not be deterred by financial barriers. Federal protections exist for a reason. Ensuring they are meaningfully accessible matters for all families.

What I Will Share — and What I Will Not

I will provide:

• Redacted findings

• Milestone updates

• Fundraising transparency

• Accountable reporting

I will not share:

• My child’s identity

• Private evaluations

• Legal strategy

If You Can Help

If you can donate, thank you.

If you cannot, please share.

Due process is not aggression. It is enforcement of federal rights. And families should not have to choose between compliance and financial survival.

— Alicia