Jewish Connection Network’s Disability Resource Coordinator, Martha Goodman, her daughter and husbandWhen parents first realize their child is struggling in school, it can be hard to figure out where to turn for help. Whether a child is having trouble with academics or emotional challenges, parents need to figure out how to navigate the educational system’s processes. While doctors and other parents may offer support, they often don’t have the specialized knowledge needed to navigate this complicated landscape. That’s where the Jewish Connection Network comes in.Martha Goodman, the Jewish Connection Network’s Disability Resource Coordinator, brings 20 years of experience as a special education advocate, along with a degree in Political Science from Drew University. Her dedication to helping families navigate the special education system is both professional and personal, driven by her own experience raising her daughter Meira, who has Down Syndrome. Whether supporting families through IEP meetings, connecting them to resources, or providing advocacy across public, private, or homeschool environments, Martha’s compassionate approach ensures that every child gets the best education possible.Special education advocacy is about more than just paperwork. It’s about empowering families to secure the resources and support their child needs to thrive. From guiding parents through complex assessments, IEPs, and 504 plans, to ensuring schools adhere to legal requirements, Martha’s role is both critical and compassionate. She works tirelessly to connect families with community resources, educational programs, and support services—all with the goal of helping Jewish children with disabilities, from birth to age 21, succeed.One of the key components of Martha’s work is advocacy for assessments. When a child begins to struggle in school, understanding their needs is the first step. Martha helps parents obtain proper evaluations to identify what services and accommodations their child would benefit from.In addition, Martha is instrumental in helping families advocate for strong and actionable Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans. These personalized plans can be difficult for parents to navigate, but with Martha by their side, they can ensure their child’s needs are clearly addressed. She acts as a bridge between parents and schools, facilitating communication, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that everyone is working together toward the child’s success.Beyond her expertise in special education law and advocacy, Martha’s ability to connect with families on a personal level makes her a trusted ally. Mrs. R, a mother of two, shares her experience: “Ms. Goodman not only helped advocate for my kids but along the way taught me how to advocate for many of their needs as well. She attends meetings with me, helps explain the IEP process, and is always there to talk through what went well and what still needs to be addressed. I don’t know where we’d be without her support.” Another family, Dr. and Mrs. A, reflected on Martha’s support during a particularly challenging time: “Martha has been indispensable. She guided us through difficult transitions and mediations with our school system. Her patience, knowledge, and ability to engage all parties made all the difference. We’ve learned so much from her.”Private educational advocacy can be financially out of reach for many families, but thanks to The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the Jewish Connection Network’s services are available at no cost to Jewish families, and at reduced rates for those who qualify. Martha’s goal is to remove barriers for families and ensure that every child, regardless of their learning challenges, has the opportunity to succeed.If your family is navigating the special education system and feels overwhelmed, Martha and the Jewish Connection Network are here to help. With their guidance, the path to your child’s success becomes clearer, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive both in school and beyond.Whether you have questions about educational advocacy services, need assistance navigating the special education system, or simply want to learn more about how we can support your family, Martha is just a message away. Learn more at: https://www.thejewishnetwork.org/educational-advocacy/