Inclusive education is a human right.
The Advocacy Underground is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the authentic inclusion of students with disabilities across all educational environments.
Our New Toolkit
Unlock communication and literacy for your child with the Emergent Literacy Toolkit. Designed for children with disabilities, this toolkit focuses on the functional skills that build independence and confidence—no prior reading or speaking skills are needed!
What’s Inside?
Core Communication Board: 12 practical words for everyday needs and interactions.
Flashcards & Adapted Core Word Books: Simple, hands-on tools to reinforce vocabulary and comprehension.
Guided Reading Strip: Helps maintain focus and track text with ease.
Data Tracking Sheets: Streamline progress monitoring to see what’s working.
Achievement Badge: Celebrate milestones and keep motivation high!
Why It Works
This toolkit emphasizes practical, functional communication and literacy skills, empowering children of all abilities to make measurable progress at their own pace.
Our Mission
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Educate
Make the legal rights and academic research surrounding special education easy to consume and understand.
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Equip
Provide educational toolkits to supplement academic instruction that are specially designed to be inclusive of students with disabilities.
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Empower
Partner to design ambitious and transparent plans focused on achieving growth and progress in inclusive settings.
Here to help you.
IEP Support for Parents & Caregivers
Struggling to navigate your child’s IEP? We’re here to simplify the process. Our free consultations focus on your child’s unique needs—whether it’s accessing services, ensuring inclusion, or preparing for meetings. Together, we’ll create actionable steps to support your child’s success. After each meeting, you’ll receive a detailed email summary to guide your next moves with confidence.
Legal Insights for Everyone
Navigating special education laws can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Our free resources simplify decades of complex legislation into clear, actionable insights families and educators can use to advocate for equitable opportunities. Note: While we’re not attorneys, we encourage consulting a licensed special education attorney for specific legal concerns.
Training for Educators & Service Providers
We partner with educators to create actionable strategies for inclusion, from reimagining classroom spaces to building standardized data collection frameworks. You’ll receive a tailored action plan, ready-to-use tools, and resources to support your inclusivity efforts. Let’s work together to create environments where all students can thrive—start with a free 30-minute consultation!
Voices speak volumes:
“Having an advocate helped us get the outcomes we wanted for our son. She connected our goals and wishes to the formal IEP process and helped us bridge several gaps in word choice, intent, and commitment to inclusion with our team.”
— Matt Cooper
“I found a remarkable ally in The Advocacy Underground. From our very first meeting, it was evident that our advocate embodies compassion and client-centered advocacy. She truly listened to our concerns, which made a world of difference. Her ability to explain our options clearly and thoughtfully helped alleviate much of the stress associated with the IEP process.
During our first IEP meeting, we needed a lot of ‘hand-holding,’ and Mary Beth was there every step of the way. Her fierce advocacy on our behalf was not just supportive; it empowered us to feel confident in voicing our needs and navigating the system. Thanks to her guidance, our experience in the special education law process was not only manageable but also enlightening.
The work that The Advocacy Underground does has not only helped us during our initial IEP process but has also equipped me with the tools and knowledge to face future challenges with greater confidence. I cannot recommend their services highly enough for anyone seeking support in the special education system. Mary Beth and her team are truly a beacon of hope for families like ours.”
- Meredith Lochbaum
Durham, NC
Reppin’ Inclusion.
Show your love for exceptional kids and the power of inclusion with every item you carry. From coffee mugs to tote bags, our collection is designed to inspire and uplift, featuring quotes and sayings that celebrate diversity and belonging. Together, let’s make a statement—one that proudly champions inclusion!
Carry your commitment to change wherever you go with this tote. Made from 100% certified organic cotton, this durable and spacious tote is perfect for carrying your essentials, from groceries to books, with ease. With a weight limit of 30 lbs and comfortable, wide straps, this tote is as functional as it is meaningful. Featuring The Advocacy Underground branding, it’s more than just a bag—it’s a rallying point for those dedicated to advocacy and inclusion. Make a statement and help shape a future where every voice is heard and every child belongs.
• 100% certified organic cotton 3/1 twill
• Dimensions: 16″ × 14 ½″ × 5″ (40.6 cm × 35.6 cm × 12.7 cm)
• 1″ (2.5 cm) wide dual straps, 24.5″ (62.2 cm) length
Made to order with sustainability in mind, helping reduce overproduction. Thank you for supporting the movement!
SHIPPING
Free Shipping on all orders; shipping to customers in the United States only at this time. If ordering multiple items, we’ll ship each one as it is ready to be fulfilled instead of waiting until all items are produced.
This "Exceptional Kids Included" t-shirt makes a bold statement right from the front. Crafted from soft, 100% combed and ring-spun cotton, it offers a flattering fit and the perfect amount of stretch. The powerful message of inclusion takes center stage, giving you a comfortable yet impactful way to stand for every child, and every ability. Wear it proudly as you advocate for a world where everyone belongs.
Each "Exceptional Kids Included" t-shirt is custom-made just for you when you place your order, so please allow a little extra time for delivery. Your purchase helps reduce overproduction, as we make each product on demand instead of in bulk. We’re grateful for your support in making sustainable choices and advocating for a more inclusive world!
SHIPPING
Free Shipping on all orders; shipping to customers in the United States only at this time. If ordering multiple items, we’ll ship each one as it is ready to be fulfilled instead of waiting until all items are produced.
Fuel your journey while supporting exceptional kids! This sleek, durable 40 oz travel mug is more than just a practical accessory—it’s a statement. Whether you’re traveling to work, school, or an IEP meeting, this mug will keep your beverage at the perfect temperature while you champion a world where exceptional children are included and empowered to live their fullest lives.
Crafted from stainless steel, it’s designed for those who are ambitious about making a difference for children with disabilities. Take it with you, wherever you go, and carry the message of ambitious inclusion.
This travel mug is made with stainless steel, features lead and BPA-free materials, is hand-wash only, and comes with a plastic straw and screw-on lid.
Each mug is made just for you as soon as you place an order, so please allow extra time for delivery. By creating products on demand, we help reduce waste and overproduction. Thank you for making a thoughtful purchase that supports both sustainability and a brighter future for children with disabilities!
SHIPPING
Free Shipping on all orders; shipping to customers in the United States only at this time. If ordering multiple items, we’ll ship each one as it is ready to be fulfilled instead of waiting until all items are produced.
Trusted Guidance & Practical Tips
There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but our blog cuts through the noise to bring you sound advice and actionable tools. Whether you’re navigating IEPs, advocating for inclusion, or supporting your child’s learning at home, we’ve got the answers you need—and some you didn’t even know to ask.
