Preparing for a school conference can bring a mix of questions, concerns, and hopes—especially when your child has a disability or receives additional supports at school. How can you prepare ahead of time? What information should you share? What questions should you ask? And how can you make sure your child’s strengths, needs, and experiences are part of the conversation?

In this family panel webinar, parents and caregivers of children with disabilities will share their real-life experiences preparing for and participating in conferences with educators. Panelists will discuss what they do before a conference, how they decide what is most important to talk about, questions they have found helpful, and ways they advocate for their child while building positive relationships with school staff.

Families will hear practical ideas they can use to feel more prepared and confident when meeting with their child’s teachers. Whether you are attending your first conference or have participated in many, this conversation will offer family-to-family perspectives, helpful strategies, and encouragement to help you make the most of your time at the table.

By the end of this webinar, families will:

1. Hear real-life stories from families of children with disabilities about how they prepare for and approach conversations with educators.
2. Identify practical strategies for making the most of parent-teacher conferences.
3. Build confidence in advocating for their child and communicating their child’s strengths, needs, and priorities.

Register Here

Presenter Bios

Andrea Carlson is a devoted wife to John and proud mother of five children. Her advocacy journey began 11 years ago when her youngest son, Joseph, was born with Peters anomaly, a rare eye condition, and multiple complex medical needs. Raising children with complex medical and mental health needs has given Andrea firsthand experience navigating special education, healthcare, and other systems. These experiences have shaped her passion for supporting and empowering other families. As a Family Support Supervisor at ASK Resource Center, Andrea helps parents and caregivers feel heard, informed, and confident. She encourages families to recognize the power of their voices and advocate for their children.

Jazlyn Fitz is a volunteer mentor in the ASK Each Other Mentor Network and a dedicated volunteer with ASK Resource Center. As a parent of kids with special needs, Jazlyn has firsthand experience partnering with educators, advocating for her children's needs, and navigating school conversations from a parent’s perspective. She is passionate about helping other parents feel informed, confident, and less alone as they advocate for their children.

Kalen Yutzy is a Family Support Specialist with ASK Resource Center, serving families across Iowa with a primary focus in the Mississippi Bend AEA region. She brings a strong background in Early Childhood Special Education, having worked with children ages birth to six in public schools, childcare programs, and home-based settings. Her professional experience includes roles as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher and an Autism Consultant with Early ACCESS. Kalen holds a master’s degree in early childhood special education from the University of Northern Iowa. Kalen and her husband, Conrad, are the parents of two children, Ollie and Dottie, who both have a rare genetic condition. Her journey navigating healthcare, education systems, and advocacy on behalf of her own children has fueled her passion for empowering other families. She is committed to ensuring that parents feel supported, informed, and never alone as they advocate for their children’s needs.