Advocating for your kids in an IEP meeting can be scary for any family. Now imagine that the family is undocumented and worried about immigration enforcement as they try to get help for their kids with learning and thinking differences.

In this episode, hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace talk to Kareem Neal, a Black special education teacher in Arizona. Kareem shares his experiences with kids with IEPs from undocumented families. He explains how parents can find champions within the school system to help them advocate for their kids. Finally, he and Julian talk about what it means to be a Black educator.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Related resources

• Learn about the rights of undocumented families to special education.
• Check out eight steps to advocating for your child at school.
• Not sure why your child is struggling? Check out Take N.O.T.E.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give