How JJLS Helps Families Navigate the Journey

For many families, navigating the special education system is already complex. But for families of color, the challenges can be even greater. Research has shown that children of color are both overrepresented and underrepresented in special education services, depending on the disability category and district practices. These disparities often leave parents feeling unheard, confused, and overwhelmed.

At J&J Learning Services LLC (JJLS), we believe every child—regardless of race, culture, or background—deserves equitable access to high-quality education. Our mission is to guide parents through these obstacles, ensuring that their child’s needs are recognized, supported, and celebrated.

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The Reality: Disparities in Special Education

Studies have found that Black and Hispanic students are disproportionately identified in certain disability categories, such as emotional disturbance or intellectual disability, while at the same time being under-identified for conditions like autism and ADHD (U.S. Department of Education, 2016). This often means children of color may not receive the right services—or may be placed in more restrictive settings than necessary.

Other barriers include:

• Implicit bias in schools and evaluation teams (Skiba et al., 2008)
• Limited access to resources and culturally responsive supports
• Language barriers for families whose first language is not English
• Disproportionate discipline practices, which push children of color out of classrooms and reduce learning time (Losen & Gillespie, 2012)

These systemic issues make it harder for parents of color to advocate for their children without the right knowledge and support.

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Why Advocacy Matters

Having a Special Education Advocate or IEP Coach can make all the difference. Advocates help families:

• Understand their child’s rights under IDEA and Section 504
• Ensure that cultural and linguistic differences are respected in evaluations and supports
• Challenge unfair placement decisions or inadequate services
• Build strong communication between schools and families

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How JJLS Supports Families of Color

At JJLS, we recognize the unique challenges that families of color face in special education. Our approach includes:

• Culturally responsive advocacy: We listen to your story, honor your family’s experiences, and ensure your child’s culture and identity are respected in educational planning.
• Empowerment through education: We teach parents how to read IEPs and 504 plans, what questions to ask, and how to effectively advocate for their child.
• Equity-focused coaching: We push for fair evaluations, appropriate services, and inclusive practices that allow children of color to thrive academically and socially.

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Final Thoughts

Special education should not be another barrier for children of color—it should be a pathway to opportunity. With JJLS by your side, parents don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Together, we can break down systemic obstacles and ensure every child receives the education they deserve.

👉 If you’re a parent of color seeking support with your child’s IEP or 504 plan, contact JJLS today. Let us help you turn challenges into opportunities.

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📚 References

• U.S. Department of Education. (2016). 2013-2014 Civil Rights Data Collection: A First Look. Retrieved from: https://ocrdata.ed.gov/
• Skiba, R. J., Poloni-Staudinger, L., Simmons, A. B., Feggins-Azziz, R., & Chung, C. (2008). Unproven links: Can poverty explain ethnic disproportionality in special education? The Journal of Special Education, 42(3), 130–144.
• Losen, D. J., & Gillespie, J. (2012). Opportunities Suspended: The Disparate Impact of Disciplinary Exclusion from School. The Civil Rights Project.