Everyday Advocates: Supporting Families Through Special Education with Kristen Donohue
Navigating special education is not something most families feel prepared for.
It often begins with questions. Then more questions. And somewhere in between, families are expected to advocate, interpret systems, and make decisions that shape their child’s experience.
Kristen Donohue, Co-President of Verona C.H.I.L.D., understands that journey from the inside. What started as a personal need for support became a path toward helping other families find clarity, connection, and confidence.
Finding a Path Into Advocacy
Kristen’s advocacy began the way it does for many caregivers – by trying to understand a system that does not always feel intuitive.
“My advocacy journey began when I started learning how complex the special education system can be for families.”
Through Verona C.H.I.L.D., she found resources, workshops, and a community of families who had already begun navigating that path. Over time, that support shaped her involvement, eventually leading her into a leadership role.
What began as learning became leading.
The Reality Many Families Carry
Behind every IEP meeting or school conversation is a lived experience that is not always visible to others.
“Supporting a child who learns or processes the world differently can sometimes feel isolating, overwhelming, and confusing. While most people are compassionate and want to understand, it can be difficult for others to fully grasp the experience unless they’ve lived it.”
This perspective shapes how Kristen approaches her work – grounded in understanding what families are actually carrying, not just what systems require.
When Awareness Turns Into Action
For Kristen, the shift from involvement to deeper advocacy came during the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, I realized that many students with disabilities were not having their needs fully met. Administrators and educators worked very hard to ensure that content was being covered, therapies were happening, and IEP goals were being implemented. However, for many children, accessing the curriculum and making meaningful progress was still extremely difficult. Seeing those challenges motivated me to take on a larger role within C.H.I.L.D.”
That experience highlighted a critical gap: effort does not always equal access.
And when access is missing, advocacy becomes essential.
What Verona C.H.I.L.D. Offers Families
Verona C.H.I.L.D. serves as a connection point between families, educators, and administrators.
The organization supports children with learning differences, including those covered under IDEA and Section 504, while creating space for communication and collaboration.
From support groups to SEPAC meetings, the goal is to ensure families are not navigating the system alone – and that their voices are part of larger conversations.
Building Inclusion Through Education
Inclusion does not happen automatically. It is built through understanding.
“Every parent wants their child to feel accepted, understood, respected, and included. I believe one of the first steps toward true inclusion is education. That belief is one of the reasons our board started Inclusive Schools Week in our district. Creating that curriculum and working with the administration allows us to take meaningful steps toward building a more inclusive community.”
This approach moves beyond awareness and into action – creating opportunities for students and communities to engage with inclusion in a more meaningful way.
What Advocacy Looks Like in Practice
Advocacy is often steady and consistent rather than visible.
For Kristen, that includes organizing support groups, running sensory-friendly programming like Sensory Storytime, responding to families, and facilitating conversations between parents and school administrators.
It also includes creating structured opportunities for feedback through Open SEPAC meetings, where families can share concerns and contribute to decisions that impact services and support.
Finding Your Voice as a Parent
For many families, one of the hardest parts of advocacy is knowing when and how to speak up.
“Parents are sometimes hesitant to be ‘that parent’ and worry about rocking the boat. I completely understand that, but being an advocate for your child means you will need to speak up and sometimes feel uncomfortable. Advocacy does not need to be contentious or unpleasant. A respectful approach is often the most effective. You will have times when you have to be strong and find your voice.”
Advocacy does not require conflict, but it does require clarity, persistence, and a willingness to be heard.
Redefining Progress
Progress does not look the same for every child.
“Take things one step at a time and celebrate every success, big or small.”
This mindset allows families to recognize growth in ways that feel meaningful, rather than measuring against a single standard.
Looking Ahead: a More Inclusive Community
Kristen’s vision for the future centers on how children are seen and supported.
“Children with disabilities should never be seen as projects to be ‘fixed.’ While supports and therapies are important, it is equally important to see each child as an individual. What works for one child may not work for another, and every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and be valued for who they are.”
This perspective reflects a broader shift – toward communities that recognize individuality and create space for every child to participate.
Supporting Sensory-Safe Participation
Advocacy does not stop at the classroom.
It extends into libraries, community programs, and events where accessibility and sensory awareness shape how families show up and participate.
Organizations like Verona C.H.I.L.D. contribute to that by:
- Promoting inclusive programming
- Encouraging environments that consider sensory needs
- Supporting communication between families and organizers
- Building awareness that leads to more accessible experiences
Continue Exploring and Connecting
Families looking for support and inclusive opportunities can explore:
- Verona C.H.I.L.D.: https://veronachild.com/
- Sensory Safe Events: https://sensorysafe.org/
- Connect with Sensory Safe Events: https://sensorysafe.org/contact/
Kristen’s journey reflects what happens when families are supported, informed, and connected. Advocacy becomes more than a response – it becomes a pathway for building stronger, more inclusive communities.
