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REFINE DISABILITIES

You know your child. We know the system.

Together, we build the map. Clarity, strategy, and actionable guidance for your child’s education.

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We know full well what you’ve been through with your child and the struggles you are facing now. We know how “real” it can get at home. We know that feeling of not being “heard” at school, and feeling like you are all alone.Refine Disabilities is here for you. We are a boutique full-service special education advocacy service provider, created to teach you how to become a confident co-creator at ARD/IEP meetings- one that can redesign and rebuild your child’s educational future.Refine Disabilities, LLC is licensed to serve families in all 50 US states, US territories, and indigenous communities within the United States.

Meet Our Founder

Casual photo of Refine Disabilities founder Donna Earnest. She is a white woman in her late 60’s, with shoulder length brown mixed with gray hair, wearing light makeup. She is smiling with joy at something off camera. She is indoors, wearing a dark teal te

What Donna Does — Legal & Systems Advocacy
(Education • Disability • Family)Families don’t need more paperwork. They need someone who understands how systems actually work, and how to move through them without getting crushed.
I work at the intersection of education, disability, and family systems, helping people understand their rights, their options, and the processes that affect real outcomes.What That Means in PracticeI help families and individuals:
•Understand education rights, special education processes, and procedural safeguards
•Navigate administrative systems (school districts, agencies, hearings)
•Prepare for meetings, hearings, and transitions with clarity and strategy
•Translate complex legal and regulatory language into plain English
•Advocate effectively without unnecessary conflict or riskI focus on process, preparation, and power …because knowing how decisions are made often matters more than knowing the law in the abstract.How I’m TrainedMy background combines:
•Graduate-level training in special education, special education law, policy, and legal reasoning
•Deep experience in education and family-centered advocacy
•Specialized focus on special
education, disability and transition issues
•Ongoing, structured study equivalent to a Master’s-level jurisprudence programI work ethically and within clear boundaries. When legal representation is required, I coordinate with — and defer to — licensed attorneys.What I’m Not•I am not a replacement for an attorney
•I am not an attorney
•I do not give legal advice or counsel
•I do not litigateWhat I do provide is something families often don’t get elsewhere:
time, clarity, preparation, and informed advocacyWhy Families Work With MeFamilies work with me because outcomes improve when:
•Meetings are prepared for
•Deadlines aren’t missed
•The right questions are asked
•Power dynamics are understood
•Someone is calmly and competently in you and your child’s cornerCredentials matter — but delivery matt more.If You’re Wondering Whether This Is for YouIf you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or dismissed by a system that’s supposed to help… that’s usually the moment this work matters most.You don’t need to know all the terminology. You just need someone who does — and who knows how to use it responsibly.If you’d like to talk about whether this kind of advocacy support fits your situation, you’re welcome to reach out. Use the appointment calendar link here to set up a free consultation.
-Donna

Council of Parent Advocates and Attorneys (COPAA)

TESTIMONIALS

“Donna’s fantastic!”
-A. D., TX

“Listen to Donna- she [seriously] knows what she’s talking about!”
-M.C., TX

“I’m so grateful that I met Donna. She was so helpful when I couldn’t get [my daughter]’s school to listen to me. Donna was able to get things for [my daughter] that I didn’t even know I could ask for! She is doing so much better in school. I wish every family who has a child who is struggling in school could hire Donna as their advocate. We love her!”
- L.L., CA

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SERVICES

Support Designed to Empower You

🟩 EMPOWER
For parents who need clarity, confidence, and a plan.Purpose:
To give families a simple, calm starting point. Parents leave with a clear roadmap, plain- language
guidance, and the exact steps to take next.Includes:
• IEP/ARD Parent Guide (downloadable; plain- language, step- by- step)
• 60 minute Strategy Call
• Clarify current concerns
• Review any educational records or emails you bring
• Plan your next 3 parent action steps
• Customized ARD/IEP Meeting Preparation
• Checklist (what to print, what to request, how to phrase parent input)
• Email Templates (requesting meetings, evaluations, progress reports)
• Access to Monthly Q&A Webinar RecordingsOutcome:
Parents feel steady, supported, and no longer overwhelmed. You know what to do next- and why.

🟨 ENSURE
For families who want hands- on advocacy support and IEP/ARD or 504 Plan representation.Purpose:
To strengthen the IEP or 504 Plan, improve communication with the school, and ensure your child’s educational needs are thoroughly addressed.Includes everything in EMPOWER, plus:
•Full Document Review and up to 7 years History
• IEP or 504 Plan, progress data, teacher reports, discipline notes, emails, FBA/BIP behavior plan, autism supplement, transition plan reviews
• Suggested edits for goals, accommodations, modifications, PLAAFPs, and supplements for one ARD, IEP, or 504 Plan meeting
• Virtual representation at ARD, IEP, 504, or MDR meeting
• Pre-meeting briefing + post-meeting debriefing
• Communication Support
• Drafted parent statements for
ARD, IEP, or 504 meeting
• School communication
templates
•TEA Complaint Guidance
-What qualifies
-Evidence checklist
-Drafted boxes (you upload attachments)
-Optional collaboration with your attorney if legal services become necessary
-Support during school hours for urgent concerns, new emails, or school changesOutcome:
A stronger IEP or 504 Plan, better parent-school communication, and a powerful advocate at your side during meetings that matter most.

🟥 ESCALATE
For complex, high- stakes cases involving disagreement, discipline, denial of services, or significant procedural violations.Purpose:
To give families a coordinated, high- touch plan when situations require escalation, documentation,
and alignment with legal standards.Includes everything in ENSURE plus:
• Records organization & timeline creation
• Evidence binder preparation
• Advanced TEA or state complaints
• Mediation & Due Process preparation
• Priority scheduling and communication
• Ongoing parent coachingOutcome:
Families receive a structured, strategic plan backed by expert advocacy, documentation, and
coordinated support with special education attorneys where needed.

⭐️ HOW TO BEGIN1. Schedule a 20 minute virtual Clarity Call on Zoom.
2. Complete the Prospective Client Intake Form and return it at least 48 hours before the call. If we agree to work together…
3. …Sign the Service Agreement with the required nonrefundable retainer.fee.
4. Begin support within 48–72 business hours.Important Note:Refine Disabilities does not provide legal representation. When needed, we collaborate with ABA- licensed and COPAA- vetted special education attorneys in all 50 US states. Advocacy, education navigation, ARD/IEP/504 support, and TEA or other state complaint drafting assistance are non- legal services.🙌 OPTIONAL ADD- ONS (Available with any tier)
• Records Request drafting
• FBA/BIP review
• Transition (14+) roadmap
• Parent training webinars
• Spanish- language IEP translation review (non- legal)

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The $8 Refine Disabilities Parent’s Checklist to the IEP

How many ARD meetings have you attended where you were more lost at the end of the meeting than you were before it? How many IEP signature pages have you signed having NO IDEA what you were agreeing to?You need our IEP Checklist now.Once purchased, simply click the link in the email we send to download the checklist to your phone. Then, follow along during every ARD meeting going forward. The checklist tells you everything that goes on during the meeting, what to look for, AND the right questions to ask.Created by Refine Disabilities founder Donna Earnest, this $8 parent- friendly IEP checklist walks you through the entire ARD process- clearly, confidently, and with your child in the center.You will learn:✅ Equal IEP Participation as the parent✅ Your Legal Rights✅ How to Prepare for an ARD/IEP Meeting With ConfidenceClicking the button below takes you directly to our Stripe checkout page- your first step to giving your child what he or she needs to be successful in school.

Ready to Take Your First Step?

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COMING SOON!
OUR HIGHLY DETAILED 8- MODULE PARENT’S GUIDE TO SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY

RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER

JOIN CLUB REFINE

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You don’t have to be a Refine Disabilities client in order to enjoy getting free tips, knowledge, heartwarming stories, real client successes, behind the scenes peeks, and real talk about the folks (human and AI) who build Refine Disabilities, delivered weekly directly to your inbox!Join the FREE Club Refine e- newsletter community to be the first to hear about new resources, webinars, and offerings, as well as seasonal discounts and surprises! Just sign up with the click of the button below!

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TALK TO US

Find out for yourself how Refine Disabilities can empower you to help your child in school. Schedule your free 20 minute Zoom consultation today!

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How to Find a “Good” Special Education Advocate

CONTACT REFINE DISABILITIES

25 W. Fernhurst Dr.
Ste. 211
Katy, TX 77494
[email protected]OFFICE HOURS:
Monday- Tuesday &
Thursday- Friday
9:30 am- 12:30 pm
1:30 pm- 5:00 pm
CENTRAL TIME
CLOSED Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday

Need Help?
Contact: [email protected]

AI Disclosure:Refine Disabilities is not AI-run or automated- it is human-led, purpose-driven, and built to serve you.