Killeen: Special needs mom hosting free seminar

A special needs mom wants to empower other parents to fight for their children’s right to a proper education.

When Natalie McGrew moved to Central Texas she noticed changes in her son.

"He wasn't making any progress," said McGrew.

Upset her son was not receiving the same special education services his old school offered him, she began meeting with school administrators.

"I knew that no one was going to help my child but me," said McGrew.

After months of fighting for her son, the hard work paid-off, a special education hearing officer ruled in favor of the family.

"Just because we have a child with special needs doesn't mean we're going to have a child that is not productive," said McGrew.

Since winning, she says parents from all over the state have been reaching out to her asking her how she did it.

"Don't be afraid to ask questions, if you think something is not right," said McGrew.

She says documenting everything helped.

"Keep notes of your own child behavior, so that you have it for your personal data," said McGrew.

Her passion to help her son, she says, is behind her goal to help parents.

This weekend she's hosting the Luke McGrew Special Education Seminar.

A free workshop full of free resources to ensure special needs children are receiving the best possible education.

"There's such a need, I though it would be a good idea to get something like this started," said McGrew.

She plans on sharing what she's learned to educate other parents.

"Always trust your instincts. If you feel something is not right, ask questions. Know you're the mom and no is going to know better than you," said McGrew.

The free seminar will offer speakers on TEA Corrective Action Plans and how to prepare for IEP meetings.

The event is Saturday, May 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Texas A&M University-Central Texas.