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

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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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.

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