PHILOSOPHY:

 Over 6 million children receive special education and related services in the United States.  School districts are required to provide a free, appropriate public education as mandated by federal law, yet 30% of students with disabilities drop out of school, nearly 50% are not on grade level for their age and 74% are in the bottom quartile in reading in high school.  In Maine, almost 35,000, or 18 percent of all public school children receive special education services.  Parents must not only serve as primary care providers, but also as advocates for their children.  Midcoast Advocacy assists families to ensure their children receive the services appropriate to their disability.

SERVICES:

• Negotiating effective, well-designed IEP / 504 plans. 
• Collaborating with school personnel in developing appropriate goals, objectives, and behavior management systems toward academic success.
• Attending and participating in meetings, conferences, and school events.
• Serving as a liaison between families and schools, including phone calls to schools and district personnel.
• Writing letters to schools, district personnel.
• Providing coaching, consultation, & strategic development for attaining supports & services.
• Family education regarding case law other legislation such as the Individuals with Disabilities Act 2004 (IDEA), & No Child Left Behind 2001 (NCLB).
• Assessing current and potential educational placements.

ABOUT THE ADVOCATE:

Buckley J. Hugo is the father of an autistic teenager, for whom Mr. Hugo has negotiated highly regarded special education services since his son was first diagnosed at age 4.    Prior to founding Midcoast Advocacy, Mr. Hugo worked for 20 years in the music industry negotiating agreements with renown songwriters and entertainment attorneys.  He applies this experience, along with years of working with school districts obtaining the services to which individuals are entitled under the law.  Mr. Hugo is a member of the Autism Society of Maine, the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), The Disability Rights Center of Maine, and has participated in a number of Wrightslaw Special Education and Advocacy Conferences. 

Click here to read interview in the Coastal Journal