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You Don’t Have to Go to an ARD Meeting Alone — And You Don’t Have to Sign Right Away

I know sometimes the school sends that letter for an ARD meeting, and right away the heart starts beating fast. You’re thinking, “What are they going to say? Will I understand everything? Will I be able to speak up for my child?”

Let me tell you something — you do not have to walk into that room alone. And you do not have to sign anything you don’t feel comfortable with. This is your child’s education, and you have every right to pause, ask questions, and even take the paperwork home to think about it.

We are in this together — like family. And just like family, I’m here to remind you there are people and organizations in Houston who will stand beside you in that ARD meeting, speak up for your child, and make sure your voice is heard.

Trusted Advocates Who Will Stand by Your Side

Texas Children’s Hospital – Center for Child Health Policy and Advocacy

Texas Children’s hosts a Center for Child Health Policy and Advocacy that links families to advocacy services and policy support.

  • Phone: 832-822-1548
  • Learn more: [Center for Child Health Policy and Advocacy page]Texas Children’s

They also support medical records requests—critical when preparing for ARD meetings:

  • Medical Records Request Form: [PDF]Texas Children’s
  • Health Information Management Dept (to submit forms or request info):

And if you need to formally release your child’s health records, you can use Texas Attorney General’s Authorization to Disclose PHI form (HIPAA-compliant):

Additional Advocacy Resources in Houston

1. Disability Rights Texas (DRTx)

Your state’s federally designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities. They help with legal guidance, ARD meeting support, and rights education.

2. Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC)

A nonprofit legal aid center that can help families qualify for support or representation in educational rights cases.

  • Website: [Texas Legal Services Center]Wikipedia

3. Dar-us-Sakina (Houston)

A caring local nonprofit offering advocacy workshops, adaptive education, and spiritually rooted support.

  • Address: 16000 Barkers Point Ln, Suite #226, Houston, TX 77079
  • Phone: 832-449-9197
  • Website: [Dar-us-Sakina]WikipediaOlmstead Rights

Remember—You Are in Control

If you don’t fully agree with the plan presented, you have every right to say:

“Thank you, but I’d like to take this home and review it.”

You’re protecting your child’s future, and having someone supportive by your side—like an advocate—gives you more confidence and ensures your voice is heard.

Next Up on Our Blog: How to Advocate with Confidence

In my next vlog, I’ll walk you through exactly how to advocate during your ARD meeting—what questions to ask, what role you play, and how to remain calm but clear.

So please, follow me and subscribe at HirahCares.org—we’re not just a community; we’re a family, and I’m here to hold your hand through this journey.

Aap Apne Bachay ke ARD Meeting Mein Akelay Nahin Hain

Assalamu Alaikum mere pyare dosto,

Main jaanti hoon jab aapko ARD meeting ka notice milta hai to dil tez dhadakta hai, aur dimagh mein sawaal aata hai, “Kya main bol paungi? Kya mujhe sign karna zaroori hai?”
Yad rakhein: aap akelay nahin hain, aur agar aap sure nahin hain to aapko turant sign karna zaroori nahin hai.

Yeh aapke bachay ki taleem ka masla hai, family ki tarah qeemti. Agar kabhi shak ho to wo papers ghar le jayein — araam se parhein, kisi se mashwara karein, aur samajhne ke baad hi faisla karein.

Jo Log Aapke Saath Khare Honge

Texas Children’s Hospital – Center for Child Health Policy and Advocacy

Texas Children’s aapko advocacy services aur policy support provide karta hai.

Woh medical records ke liye request form bhi dete hain, jo ARD meeting ki tayyari mein kaam aata hai:

  • Medical Records Request Form: Form Download karein
  • Health Information Management Dept:
    • Phone: 832-824-1600
    • Address: 6621 Fannin St., Ste A1195, Houston, TX 77030

Aur agar aapko apne bachay ka health record release karna ho to yeh HIPAA compliant form use karein:

Houston Mein Aur Bhi Advocacy Resources

1. Disability Rights Texas (DRTx)

Yeh state ki agency hai jo disabilities wale logon ke liye legal help aur ARD meeting support deti hai.

  • Website: Disability Rights Texas
  • Contact:
    • Central TX: (512) 454-4816
    • East TX (Houston area): (713) 974-7691
  • Self-Advocacy Resources: Sample letters aur meeting tips available hain.

2. Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC)

Legal aid jo education rights ke cases mein help karta hai.

3. Dar-us-Sakina (Houston)

Local nonprofit jo advocacy workshops, education aur support provide karta hai.

  • Address: 16000 Barkers Point Ln, Suite #226, Houston, TX 77079
  • Phone: 832-449-9197
  • Website: Dar-us-Sakina

Yad Rakhein — Faisla Aapka Hai

Agar aap plan se agree nahin karte to aap keh sakte hain:

“Shukriya, lekin main isay ghar le jaake review karna chahti hoon.”

Aap apne bachay ka mustaqbil protect kar rahe hain, aur ek advocate aapko hosla deta hai ke aapki baat sunni jaye.

Next Vlog: Kaise Apne Bachay ke Liye Advocate Karein

Agli vlog mein main aapko step-by-step samjhaungi ke ARD meeting mein kaise sawal karein, kaise apna role samjhein, aur kaise calm rahte hue apna haq lein.

Follow karein aur subscribe karein HirahCares.org par — hum sirf community nahin, ek family hain, aur main aapka haath pakad kar is safar mein aapke saath hoon.