Walking with Alisha Every Step of the Way
“The support line connected me with resources and instilled a sense of independence, boosting my confidence in advocating for my son. The people at FACT not only see you, but also walk with you every step of the way.”
Alisha C. in Multnomah County recently faced a tough situation when her son's school threatened to expel him because of some behavior issues related to his disability. Alisha is a dedicated mom and an educator. However, she didn't know what rights she and her son had in this situation.
Getting Help with Evaluations and Finding Support
Taking her her pediatrician's advice, Alisha reached out to FACT Oregon for support. Whitnie from FACT Oregon explained special education eligibility and processes, rights and responsibilities of families and students, and how to ask for services due to a child's disability.
Alisha used this information and successfully got the services her child needed. But she soon needed more help. The school put restrictions on her son's access to lunch and recess. His frustration led to escalating behavior and more threats of explusion. Heather, Molly, and Whitnie from FACT Oregon gave Alisha information and encouragement to request assessments, file paperwork to request mediation, and prepare for meetings.
Community
"FACT wrapped their arms around our family, showing me how to be an advocate for my child’s needs. The support line connected me with resources and instilled a sense of independence, boosting my confidence in advocating for my son. The people at FACT not only see you, but also walk with you every step of the way.”
Alisha was so inspired by her experience with Whitnie and Heather that she wanted to help other families facing similar challenges. So, she applied to join the Advocate Your Advocacy (AYA) program by FACT Oregon in the Fall of 2023.
AYA made a big difference in Alisha's life. It helped her improve her advocacy skills, learn how to be an advocate at local, state, and national levels, and connect with other families who were also working to make things better for students with disabilities.
Through AYA, Alisha found "a community dedicated to promoting rights and ensuring justice and fairness for all children." She felt safe, supported, and surrounded by other parents who had similar experiences. In Alisha's words,
"At the end of the training, my AYA cohort felt like a little family. FACT Oregon is more than an organization – it is a community that stands by your side. It is a place where families truly belong, where people have your back, and where you are never alone in your journey."
Now, Alisha is confident and ready to advocate not just for her child, but for other students with diverse learning and behavior support needs.
〰️ Support Families Like Alisha's! 〰️ Make a Year-End Gift Today!
〰️ Support Families Like Alisha's! 〰️ Make a Year-End Gift Today!
What We Can Learn from Alisha:
Alisha's story shows that with determination, resilience, and the right support, families can find solutions for their kids and come together to help their school communities serve ALL students.