Advocacy & Appeals

Advocacy and Appeals: I'm Your Ally

In an ideal world, appeals wouldn't be needed, but sometimes they are required. I will work together with you to navigate the appeals process and advocate for you to find the best outcome for you or your child.

Education

I am experienced in advocacy, mediation, and negotiation with schools regarding IEPs and 504s, as well as getting required accommodations for colleges and trade schools. As a team we will work together to reverse ineffective plans or improper denials.

• I can be your in-person advocate when mediating with the school or district for initial approval or modifications to an existing plan.
• I can help you request a technology assessment through the DVR if you need adaptive equipment in order to attend college classes.
• If necessary, we will navigate the process and steps to acquire and prepare for an impartial outside review.
• I will coordinate with other members of your team - medical, legal, and agency - if you need to file a grievance or complaint.
• If your child's medical issues or unmet special education needs lead to attendance issues, I will be there to help you refute any charges of truancy and resolve those attendance issues.

Workplace

I will work with you to craft ADA-compliant written requests for accommodations in the workplace, and can help you navigate both internal reconsideration through Human Resources and external legal review if needed accommodations are not offered.

• I will collaborate with you and HR to identify and implement reasonable accommodations to allow you to perform your essential job functions.
• I can assist you in acquiring additional medical documentation, if needed to support your request.
• I will coordinate with the DVR to bring in additional resources that help you and your employer reach common ground. 
• I can also help you access additional resources and adaptive equipment through the DVR that enable you to do your job more efficiently.
• I will refer you to legal counsel, if your accommodations are unfairly denied and partner with them during the grievance process.

Social Security

I will work together with you to request reconsideration, and can be your in-person advocate for a hearing or a council review.

• Together we will prepare your request for an appeal, and will help you keep track of filing windows and deadlines.
• I will be there to support you during each stage of the process. Whether you want someone to be there to advocate for you in-person or just need additional expertise on your side during calls and while preparing documents.
• I can assist you in gathering additional supplemental documentation to support your appeals.
• I can refer you to legal counsel if your initial appeal is denied, and offer technical assistance to your legal team, as needed.
• I will be involved as your support and advocate every step of the way - I will assist you with whatever your appeal requires.

BadgerCare and Medicaid

We will work together to navigate the many types of support and assistance available to you through BadgerCare and Medicaid. If your local agency makes an incorrect decision, I will help you through the fair hearing process to have the decision reviewed.

• Together we will select the best option for you or your child from the array of choices available - from self-directed and managed programs through fully supported care.
• I will work hand-in-hand with your case manager to find and access programs and resources that meet your or your child's needs.
• If needed, I will assist you in filing for review and managing timelines so you have every opportunity to have your case reconsidered.
• I will advocate for you during the prehearing conference, which is an opportunity to offer more information and reach a resolution before the formal fair hearing.
• I will coordinate with the ombudsman, legal council, medical team, and your case manager to fully prepare for the fair hearing, and can attend in-person to support and advise you.

ADRC Assisted Living Programs and Adult Services

As a team we will explore all the options available for long-term care, and select the options that offer the best living situation. I can help you seek reconsideration and re-evaluation if you don't believe that the initial decision from adult services regarding what services and programs to offer meets your or your child's long-term needs.

• If your child needs long-term support for managing life choices, I can help you set up formal guardianship.
• I can work with you to appeal a decision or assessment regarding offered services, family partnership, supportive living, or independent living programs so that you or your child get the best long-term care option for your specific needs.
• I will collaborate with you, the ADRC, and the ombudsman to address and reconsider any decisions or denials that limit you or your child's ability to choose the best care for your individual circumstances.