We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Cabral and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, is there something you believe many others might not?
There are two sides to the Special Education process, parents and district. Period full stop. You can’t change the system and it will always be as it is. I disagree, I approach my work with families and with districts as a collaborative process to support the most important person in the process, the student. That student is the entire reason we are sitting at that table, it’s their future, independence and success that we should be focusing on. There are multiple experts at the table; which includes parents and student. We need input from everyone in order to meet the needs of the student and ensure they make progress.
I strongly believe that for the most part everyone wants the same thing and that there is a path to get there. That path may be short or it may be long, and yes sometimes that path does mean state or federal filings, but in the end what is best for the student is what drives me. Each and every child I support has value and has something they can share to make an impact. They deserve the time and the resources.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As an educational advocate I work with families who have children in public school who have 504’s, Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) and how are young adults transitioning to college, trades or supported employment.
It is often overwhelming, as I know from my own experiences as a parent. What I really work to do with my families is to walk along side them in their journeys. That means supporting and helping to find resources outside of the educational system as well. We have to see the whole child, the whole family to address areas of their lives that may be impacting their access to education. Sometimes that means getting creative.
I love to know as much as I can about my families and that often leads to unconventional but impactful changes at school. Seeing a child get their first access to an AAC device, build friendships, learn to read or learn the skills they need for life past graduation has been the greatest reward.
It was my own challenges that I faced as a parent that drove me to working with other families. What is different about my work is that I really work to help teams understand the disability the child is living with, and how that impacts them in so many ways.
I felt so strongly about that part that my family and I built and founded a nonprofit after our youngest was born with multiple limb differences. The education piece to break down barriers was missing so often, so we wanted to ensure that teams and other students had access to information about disabilities that often isn’t discussed.
This is why setting up a nonprofit to educate was so impactful for us, we donate books across the US to schools, libraries and hospitals that feature kids and families with disabilities, specifically limb differences. Understanding the disability enables teams to better support kids and work towards maximum independence for the child. It also supports the social and community aspect, as many kids do not have access to information that helps them understand disability. Education is critical to a child’s ability to thrive and grow. I prioritize much more that only the academics, but the educational and community supports that our families and kids need.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I LOVE coffee, I often joke with my oldest that he was the one that changed my appreciation of coffee to a love. Anyone who had a busy little one will feel that in their bones. I’d start out with one of the small independent coffee shops nearby,
If my 7 year old is with us a trip to an inclusive park is on order, after advocating with the city council there is a addition to a local park in Allen that we go to and enjoy the pond and trees. If we have more time we will head over to Plano for the larger inclusive park at Windhaven. Not only is the playground amazing, but during the summer the waterpark is great to cool off and we can sit in the dog park area and see some four footed friends.
I have music fans in my family so small used record shops are always fun, and there are a few in McKinney and Plano. This will lead us to Mellow Mushroom for a slice of pizza and filtered for more coffee and a good chocolate chip cookie.
A great place to walk and enjoy nature is the Hurd Museum, we will visit the dinosaurs when they are on the path and the butterflies. It’s a great way to enjoy some really good weather and the outdoors.
Of course, Dallas Zoo, and food trucks are on the list at Klyde Warren Park, followed by some bowling which can be really disability friendly when you add the bumpers and ramps.
There is really no way to end the day however without some ice cream, and we love to visit Handels on a regular basis.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My kids and family! They are the entire reason I am who and where I am today. Watching our kids encounter challenges and discrimination, watching kids drown from the lack of support is one of the cruelest things a parent can witness.
It is the piece that connects me to so many of my families, I understand where they are and where they want to be. Our boys are strong and determined. They continued to find ways to break all the barriers others put in front of them. They are the ones who are demonstrating what real courage and determination is every single day. I’m just trying to do my part.

Website: https://www.letsieptogether.com

Instagram: letsieptogether

Linkedin: Christina Cabral

Facebook: letsieptogether

Other: TikTok- Lets IEP Together

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