The 15-Minute Advocate

Advocate or lawyer—how do you know which one you actually need?
In this episode, Arlene Velleman, the 15-Minute Advocate, breaks down the real differences between a Special Education advocate and a Special Education attorney, what each role looks like in the IEP process, and how to decide which support makes sense for your situation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or stuck, this episode will help you make a confident, informed decision for your child.

Because ‘just sign it’ is not a strategy.

A new IEP shouldn’t feel like a pop quiz you didn’t study for. In this episode, I break down exactly how to review a new IEP, where schools tend to gloss over details, and how parents can spot problems before they become bigger issues. This is practical, no-nonsense guidance every special education parent needs.

Graduation is coming… but is the IEP actually preparing your child for adulthood?

Turning 18 changes everything — especially in Special Education. In this episode, we break down IEP transition planning, what should be happening before graduation, and how the Age of Majority impacts decision-making, consent, and parental rights. If you want to avoid last-minute surprises and protect your student’s future, this is a must-listen.

Turning IEP progress reports into real progress.

In this episode, I break down IEP progress reports — what they should tell you, what they often don’t, and how to read them in a way that actually gives you clarity. I’ll walk you through what to look for, how to spot red flags, and what steps to take when the data just isn’t matching your child’s reality. If your child’s progress report feels vague, confusing, or downright unhelpful, this one’s for you.

“Walk into that IEP meeting like you run the place.”

Step inside the IEP room without the stress. In this episode, I break down exactly what happens during an actual IEP meeting—who’s at the table, what gets discussed, what parents should watch for, and how to stay in the driver’s seat. If the process feels overwhelming, this walkthrough will clear the fog and give you the confidence to show up informed, prepared, and ready to advocate like a pro.

“Because progress should be proven, not promised.”

Not all goals are created equal. In this episode, I break down what makes an IEP goal measurable—and why that matters. Learn how clear, data-driven goals can track progress, hold schools accountable, and actually move a student forward instead of just filling a page.

The 504 Plan and the IEP....knowing the difference changes everything.

504 or IEP? Parents hear these terms all the time, but few really know the difference — and that difference matters. In this episode, I lay it out plain and simple: who qualifies, what supports each plan provides, and how to make sure your child gets what they’re entitled to.

PRS: Holding schools accountable, one finding at a time.

Ever wonder what keeps schools in check when it comes to special education compliance? Meet Massachusetts’ not-so-secret weapon — the Program Review System (PRS). In this episode, I unpack how the PRS holds districts accountable, what happens when parents file concerns, and how the process can spark real change for students. Whether you’re a parent, advocate, or educator, this episode breaks down the mystery of the PRS.

Think your child’s school evaluation missed something? An Independent Educational Evaluation might be the game-changer you need.

Confused about Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)? You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down what an IEE is, when to request one, and what parents can expect during the process. If you’ve ever wondered how an IEE can support your child’s education plan, this is the episode to tune into.

Eligibility is just the starting line — here’s how to win the race.

So your student’s been found eligible for Special Ed — now what? In this episode, we cut through the IEP clutter: accommodations vs. modifications (and why you should care), making sense of service delivery, grabbing ESY when it counts, decoding the bullying statement, and owning that sneaky Additional Information page. Parents — this is your roadmap to making the IEP actually work.