In this presentation, Cheryl Poe will review the key regulations and laws that offer protection to students with disabilities. We will discuss how to use these protections when advocating for Black and Brown with disabilities.

Cheryl Poe is the Director of Diversity Issues at the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint.

Cheryl Poe is the founder and owner of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc a Special Education Advocacy organization that provides resources, information, and workshops to parents and professionals with a special focus on addressing needs of Black and Brown children and those from lower-socio economic status. Cheryl is the mother two boys with learning disabilities ages 23 and 21.

We will also be joined by Maria Davis-Pierre of Autism in Black Inc.

Maria graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology and went on to obtain a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. As a licensed mental health therapist, Maria primarily works with parents to provide support through education and advocacy training. Her passion for working in the field stems from her personal journey with ASD when her daughter received the diagnosis at a very early age.

In addition to therapy, Maria dons many other titles including coach, speaker, advocate, and author. Her first published work, a Self-Care Affirmation Journal, is currently available for purchase on Amazon. Maria’s unique approach to coaching and counseling exemplifies her drive and motivation toward greater acceptance and overcoming the barriers and personal struggles associated with raising a child on the spectrum. 

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