Hi Friends,

March is here, and with it comes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month—a time to amplify voices, raise awareness, and take action for inclusion, accessibility, and support for our children. Advocacy comes in many forms, from ensuring our children receive the services they need to pushing for systemic change in our schools and communities.

This month, let’s focus on ways we can become stronger advocates, both for our own children and for others navigating similar challenges.

Advocacy Starts with You

Becoming an advocate doesn’t mean you have to stand in front of Congress (though some parents do!). Advocacy happens in everyday moments—at IEP meetings, in conversations with doctors, or when we speak up about accessibility in public spaces. Here are a few ways you can take action this month:

✔ Be Your Child’s Voice in School: Learn the ins and outs of IEPs and 504 Plans. If you need support, grab my free resource, "Advocate with Authority," which provides practical tools to help you speak up confidently for your child. Download it here:

📥 Advocate with Authority

✔ Educate & Empower Others: Whether it’s a family member, a teacher, or a community leader, sharing knowledge about developmental disabilities fosters understanding and inclusion. Invite them to events, share resources, and encourage open conversations.

✔ Know Your Rights: Understanding special education laws and disability rights can be a game-changer. I’ll be sharing resources on advocacy training programs and local organizations that can help guide you—scroll down for links!

✔ Get Involved in Legislation: Big changes happen when we show up. Whether it’s signing a petition, writing to local representatives, or attending advocacy events, small efforts lead to big impacts.

Logan’s Big Wins – The Best Month Yet!

Some moments just hit different. This past month has been one for the books—full of wins that, at one point, felt so far out of reach. But here we are. And honestly? I’m still taking it all in.

Logan is on fire right now. He’s more independent, communicating better, and making connections in a way that just blows me away. He’s calling people by name (!!), telling us exactly what he wants, and proving every single day just how much he understands. It’s amazing to watch.

And the milestones? Oh, they just keep coming.

🎿 He went skiing for the first time! Seeing him on the slopes was something else. The joy, the determination—he absolutely loved it, and I loved watching him experience it.

🚽 Potty training is happening! And I mean REALLY happening. It’s a huge deal, and he’s making serious progress.

🎶 His love for music is stronger than ever. Dancing, singing, feeling the beat—it’s still his happy place, and I love seeing him light up.

Every one of these moments is proof of how far he’s come. There was a time when none of this seemed possible, and yet, here we are. He’s writing his own story, on his own timeline, and it’s pretty incredible to witness.

This is what resilience looks like.

This is what miracles look like.

Thanks for cheering him on with us. 💛✨

Tools & Resources to Help You Advocate

I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the world of special needs advocacy. Here are some incredible resources to support you:

📌 Wrightslaw: A go-to site for special education advocacy and legal information. (www.wrightslaw.com)

📌 Parent to Parent NYS: Connects families to mentorship and advocacy support. (www.ptopnys.org)

📌 NYS Disability Rights Organizations: A list of agencies fighting for disability rights in New York. (www.disabilityrightsny.org)

📌 My Special Needs Parenting Community: Join us for support, shared experiences, and valuable discussions. Join Here

If you have a resource that has helped you, let me know,

and I’ll add it to our community list!

Shoutouts to Those Making a Difference!

💙 A heartfelt thank you to the parents, educators, and advocates who tirelessly fight for inclusion, accessibility, and the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. Your dedication makes a lasting impact!

💙 Special recognition to local businesses, organizations, and community leaders who champion accessibility and create spaces where all individuals can thrive. Your commitment to inclusion is what advocacy in action looks like!

💙 Know someone who deserves a shoutout? Reply and share their story—I’d love to highlight their work!

Spring Celebrations with Inclusion in Mind 🌷

Holidays and special occasions can sometimes be overwhelming, but with a little planning, they can be fun and inclusive for all children! As we step into spring, here are a few ways to make celebrations more accessible and enjoyable:

🎨 Sensory-Friendly Crafts – Not every child enjoys traditional arts and crafts. Try offering textured materials like felt, foam stickers, or kinetic sand for a hands-on, sensory-friendly experience.

🎁 Non-Food Treats – Whether it’s for Easter baskets, classroom exchanges, or spring parties, consider small toys, stickers, or personalized notes instead of candy to accommodate kids with dietary restrictions or sensory sensitivities.

📖 Social Stories for Events – If your child struggles with new or busy social situations, prepare them with a simple social story about what to expect at a gathering, egg hunt, or school event.

A little thoughtfulness goes a long way in making every child feel included and celebrated! 💛✨

Would you like any tweaks or additions for upcoming events or awareness campaigns? 😊

Avoiding Burnout While Fighting the Good Fight

Let’s be real—advocacy is exhausting. Whether it’s pushing through another IEP meeting, battling insurance for services, or just making sure our kids get what they need, it can feel like a never-ending fight. And when you’re constantly advocating for someone else, it’s easy to forget about yourself.

But here’s the deal: burnout doesn’t make us better advocates—it makes us ineffective ones.

So this month, I want to challenge you to:

🌿 Take a guilt-free break. Even five minutes of fresh air, music, or deep breathing can reset your energy.

🌿 Pick your battles. You don’t have to fight every fight. Focus on what truly matters and let go of what doesn’t.

🌿 Accept help. Advocacy is a team sport—you don’t have to do it alone. Lean on your support system, whether that’s a friend, therapist, or local advocacy group.

Let’s make this month about fighting smart, not just fighting hard. What’s one way you’re prioritizing yourself while advocating for your child? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear!

Jennifer Hendricks-Fogg

Certified Special Needs Life Quality Coach

Taking that first step can be daunting, but it’s also the most crucial. I invite you to join me for a complimentary 30-minute connection call. This session is your opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and see how targeted support can positively impact your family's journey. To schedule your session, please contact me today!

Your journey is unique, and connecting with others who understand can make all the difference. Follow us and join our Facebook group, 'Special Needs Parenting Community,' to connect with a supportive network that shares your experiences. Also, keep an eye out for our upcoming courses and additional services designed to support and empower special needs families.

Together, let's embrace the challenges and triumphs of special needs parenting with confidence and support. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

The content in this newsletter reflects my personal experiences and insights as a special needs parent and empowerment coach. I am not a medical professional, attorney, or licensed therapist. The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals like

medical doctors, therapists, or legal advisors before making decisions based on this content.

Your use of any information from this newsletter is solely at your own risk.