Advocacy Resources
Advocacy can transform confusion into clarity and overwhelm into action. This page highlights organizations and tools that help individuals and families understand their rights, communicate effectively with systems, and have a stronger voice in decisions that affect their lives. Whether you are new to advocacy or refining your approach, these resources are here to support you in speaking up and being heard.
Advocacy Directory
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
Medical Home Plus
Virginia Parents Advocates LLC
Advocating 4 Kids, Inc.
Commonwealth Education Group
The Arc of Virginia – Self and Family Advocacy & New Path
Virginia Parent Resource Centers
Center for Family Involvement – VCU Partnership for People with Disabilities
PEATC
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Website: https://peatc.org/
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Information: The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) is a Virginia statewide nonprofit that builds positive futures for children with disabilities by empowering families through special education training, one-on-one support, and easy-to-understand information that strengthens collaboration with schools and communities.
MHP
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Website: https://medhomeplus.org/
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Information: Medical Home Plus (MHP) is a Virginia nonprofit that walks alongside families of children with special health care needs by offering free resource coordination and expert IEP advisory services, helping parents navigate educational, medical, and community systems with experienced, empathetic guidance.
VPA LLC
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Website: https://virginiaparentadvocates.com/
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Information: Virginia Parent Advocates, LLC is a parent-led special education advocacy practice that uses deep personal and professional experience with disability, education law, and school systems to inform, educate, and empower families to secure the services and supports their children are entitled to.
ADV4Kids
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Website: https://adv4kidsinc.org
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Information: Advocating 4 Kids, Inc. is a Virginia-based nonprofit that offers equitable special education advocacy, parent coaching, and training—especially for neurodivergent students and families of color—helping parents navigate IEPs, remove barriers, and secure appropriate school services.
CEG
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Information: Commonwealth Education Group is a non-attorney special education advocacy and consulting practice that represents students and families throughout the special education process, combining deep advocacy training and lived experience to help parents make informed decisions and secure appropriate services.
ARC
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Website: https://www.thearcofva.org and program info at https://www.thearcofva-newpath.com
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Information: The Arc of Virginia and its New Path program support people with developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, peer-to-peer family navigation, and information, helping them understand systems, access services, and have their voices included in decisions across the lifespan.
PRC
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Information: Parent Resource Centers, funded and supported by the Virginia Department of Education, operate in many school divisions to provide families of students with disabilities with training, information, and individualized support that strengthens collaboration with schools and improves special education outcomes.
PRC
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Website: https://partnership.vcu.edu/programs/community-living/center-for-family-involvement/
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Information: The Center for Family Involvement connects families of individuals with disabilities to peer mentors, information, and training, helping caregivers become more confident advocates and partners in education, services, and community life.