FTC Child Advocacy

06/18/2025

🚨 New Blog Post Alert!

Our founder, Josh DeSantis, explores the double-edged sword of emerging technology in education.

📱💡From groundbreaking tools that open doors to new learning pathways, to digital barriers that unintentionally leave students with special needs behind — this post dives deep into how we can do better.

👉 Read more at www.ftcadvocacy.com (link in bio)

06/16/2025

Supreme Court Update:

ADA Enforceable in Public Schools!

In A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, the Court ruled that disabled students can sue public schools under the ADA—withoutproving “bad faith or gross misjudgment.” They only need to show deliberate indifference, the same lower standard used in employment and public access cases.

What this means:
• Students who’ve had accommodations ignored—like extended hours or assistive devices—can now seek damages more easily.
• Schools MUST ensure equal access or risk litigation.
• This levels the playing field—parents no longer face an added barrier just because it’s a school context.

Read the full Supreme Court decision here:
supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/605/24-249 (link in bio)

05/29/2025

🌟 Real Stories, Real Impact: When we hear directly from clients, we get an authentic understanding of how our products/services are making a difference in their lives. It’s not just about numbers or stats; it’s about the real experiences, challenges, and successes that come from using what we offer.

05/28/2025

We’re excited to share a powerful new post from our founder and advocate, Josh DeSantis, on a critical issue facing our schools: the special education teacher shortage.

In this post, Josh dives into what’s causing the shortage, how it impacts students with disabilities, and—most importantly—what we can do about it.

💬 "Every student deserves a teacher who sees their potential. Solving this shortage starts with awareness—and action." – Josh DeSantis

👉 [Read the full post here] (https://www.ftcadvocacy.com/special-education-teacher-shortages-a-silent-crisis-that-demands-our-attention/)
📣 Share it. Talk about it. Be part of the change.

05/27/2025

Professional In-Service Day: Growing Together

Today we pressed pause on the everyday rush to reflect, learn, and grow—together.

Like the song says, “We all need somebody to lean on.”
And in this work, our strength is in our community.

Thank you to every educator, advocate, and team member who showed up ready to learn and support each other. Our students benefit every time we grow stronger as a team.

05/26/2025

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Their courage allows us to continue the fight for justice, inclusion, and equity—especially for our children with special needs.

On this Memorial Day, we remember them with gratitude.

And we recommit to advocating boldly, because every child deserves a future worth fighting for.

05/23/2025

Today, let’s celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and potential of every student in special education. Every learner deserves access to quality education, tailored support, and a community that believes in their abilities.

Advocating for inclusive classrooms means creating spaces where differences are honored and every voice is heard. Let’s work together to break down barriers, raise awareness, and champion equity in education for all.

05/22/2025

I can’t stress this enough!!!

Fidelity matters!

It’s not enough for a child’s IEP to look great on paper. Every accommodation, modification, support, and service written into that plan must be delivered consistently and as intended.

When schools don’t implement the IEP with fidelity, students don’t get the support they’re legally entitled to—and their progress suffers.

Parents:

* Don’t be afraid to ask how services are being delivered.
* Request data showing whether supports are being used as outlined.
* Document concerns if you notice gaps.

Your child deserves more than promises—they deserve action. Let’s hold systems accountable.

05/22/2025

Read this again….

Superheroes wear capes. Special ed wear 27 hats, document everything, and still find time to fight for what’s right. 🧠💪

No one should have to choose between for a child and keeping their job. Let’s lift the voices that lift our kids.

Ever witnessed a teacher go above and beyond for your child? Tell us about them!

📚🎤

05/21/2025

Welcome to the Adventure!

Introducing the first installment of our weekly blog. Our founder, Joshua DeSantis, will give his insight into all the challenges our kids are facing today, and what you can do as parents to support them. Get ready for a journey packed with ideas, insights, and inspiration!

In today’s digitally connected world, children are spending more time online than ever before. From social media to gaming platforms and educational tools, the internet offers countless opportunities—but it also comes with risks. Cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, online predators...