Welcome to McGowan Advocacy Group
Empowering Your Child's Future
Through Education
Our Commitment
McGowan Advocacy Group is dedicated to supporting families in navigating the complexities of special education. With over 75 years of combined experience in parenting and advocating for children with special needs, our team understands the challenges families face in securing appropriate supports and services. We are here to help lessen the burden on your journey.
How We Can Help
Understanding Needs
McGowan Advocacy Group assists parents in understanding and navigating the IEP process to ensure their child's educational needs are met.
Implementing Solutions
IHSS is a program that is available to support children who have a disability and need assistance to remain safely in their own home.
Offering A Wealth of Support
We offer parents a wealth of support through free virtual training, actionable guidance, and a thoughtful collection of external resources. These include links to foundational materials on IEP processes, education law (IDEA 2004), procedural safeguards, behavioral policies, and eligibility criteria—equipping families with the knowledge and confidence they need to advocate effectively for their children
Free Virtual Training Sessions
Offering free virtual training sessions to empower parents with knowledge and strategies to advocate effectively for their children.
Apply For Services
Any San Diego or Imperial County resident believed to have a developmental disability may apply for services. Eligibility is determined by the social, medical, and psychological information gathered during the intake process.
When Students Break the Rules
School discipline encompasses the actions schools take when students break the rules. These actions can range from relatively minor responses—like contacting parents or assigning extra schoolwork—to much harsher measures such as suspension, expulsion, or even restraint and seclusion, though the latter are controversial and only legal in certain states. More positive approaches, such as restorative justice, are also included under this umbrella.
Helping Youth and Young Adults
We support the Spanish-speaking population, partnering with the Juvenile Diversion Initiative, National Conflict Resolution Center, and the San Diego District’s Attorney's Office to help youth and young adults.
Personalized, Empathetic Approach
Michelle McGowan leads McGowan Advocacy Group with deep specialization, continuous professional development, and strong community engagement. Supported by a team whose decades of shared experience enhance their personalized, empathetic approach, the group empowers families navigating educational challenges for children with disabilities.
A Fair Opportunity to Succeed
McGowan Advocacy Group accepts donations to support its mission of empowering families and advocating for students with disabilities. Contributions help fund services for families who might not otherwise afford advocacy support, including those involved in the juvenile justice system, foster care, or experiencing homelessness. By donating, supporters help expand access to special education advocacy and ensure that all children, regardless of background, have a fair opportunity to succeed in school.