Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started
What is the Access Learning Project and who do you serve?
We help students, families, and schools remove barriers to learning from K–12 through college. We specialize in special education advocacy, educational therapy, academic coaching, professional learning, transition planning, and college disability services.
How do I book a free consultation?
Use the “Book a Call” button on the site or email us. We’ll schedule a 15-minute call to learn your goals and map next steps.
Do you work in person, virtually, or both?
Both. We serve Connecticut in person and work with clients nationwide via secure video.
What geographic areas do you serve?
In person across CT; virtual services across the U.S. (Educational evaluations are CT-only based on licensure.)
What ages/grade levels do you support?
Preschool through college/early career. We also support adult learners returning to school.
Special education advocacy
What’s the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
IEPs (under IDEA) provide special education and related services; 504 Plans (under Section 504) provide accommodations and access supports. We help you understand both IEPs and 504 plans and the procedures for each. We will help you consider which fits your child’s needs and secure the right supports.
How do you support families at school meetings?
We prepare with you, review data, clarify goals, and attend PPT/IEP/504 meetings (virtual or in person) to advocate for services aligned to your child’s needs.
Are you attorneys?
No. We provide advocacy and consultation, not legal advice. If you need an attorney, we can refer you.
Can you help request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?
Yes. We’ll help you draft the request, identify qualified evaluators, and plan next steps.
How do you handle conflicts if a district hires you?
We disclose potential conflicts and follow clear boundaries. We do not represent a family and a district on the same matter.
Educational therapy & academic coaching
What’s the difference between tutoring, coaching, and educational therapy?
Tutoring focuses on content. Coaching builds executive function (planning, organization, study skills). Educational therapy addresses how a student learns—using evidence-based strategies for ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and other profiles.
Which learning challenges do you specialize in?
We have the skills to support all learners. The most common learning challenges we support are executive functioning, ADHD, dyslexia/reading, written expression, math reasoning, study skills, transition and self-advocacy.
How are goals set and progress monitored?
We set measurable goals, track data each session, and share brief progress updates every 4–6 weeks.
How often are sessions and how long?
Commonly 1–2 times per week for 50 minutes. Intensives are available during key windows (e.g., before transitions).
Do you coordinate with school teams/clinicians?
Yes—with your consent, we collaborate with teachers, case managers, and clinicians for consistency.
Educational evaluations
What types of evaluations do you offer?
Psychoeducational and learning profiles (e.g., dyslexia/reading, writing, math, ADHD/executive function), educational impact reviews, and program/Accommodation recommendations.
Are your evaluations accepted by schools and colleges?
Our reports are designed to meet school and college documentation standards; acceptance is determined by each institution’s policy.
What is the evaluation process and timeline?
Intake + records review → testing (typically 2–6 hours over 1–2 sessions) → feedback meeting → written report with practical recommendations. Typical turnaround is 2–4 weeks after testing.
What records do you need?
Prior testing, IEP/504, grades, teacher input, and any relevant medical/therapy notes (if available).
Will you attend the school meeting to present results?
Yes—upon request, we can attend and help translate findings into services.
Transition & college supports
When should transition planning start in CT?
It is never too early! Services must start by age 14 (or earlier when appropriate). We focus on career interests, independent living, self-advocacy, and postsecondary goals.
How do you help with college admissions for students with disabilities?
We align the college list to the student’s strengths and needed supports, guide applications/essays, and plan the handoff to Disability Services.
What’s different about college accommodations vs. high school?
IDEA ends at graduation. In college, civil rights laws (ADA/504) apply: no IEPs, and students must self-advocate and request accommodations.
What documentation do colleges require?
Requirements vary by campus and disability; many request recent psychoeducational or medical documentation describing functional impact.
Can you coach students to work with Disability Services?
Absolutely. We practice scripts, documentation, and follow-through so students feel confident.
Parent coaching
What does parent coaching look like?
Short, focused sessions with actionable strategies for routines, behavior supports, homework, and home–school communication. We offer a collaborative problem solving approach to working through problems in the home.
Do you offer behavior supports and home routines?
Yes—visuals, reinforcement plans, and progress checks you can actually use.
How do you involve multiple caregivers?
We include all caregivers when possible and provide shared summaries so everyone’s aligned.
Professional learning for schools & higher ed
What PD topics do you offer?
We can customize professional learning to meet your needs. Some of our topics include MTSS/PBIS, inclusive instruction/UDL, executive function, IEP/504 essentials, progress monitoring, trauma-informed practices, AAC, and transition planning. Custom topics welcome.
Do you customize workshops?
Yes—we align to your data, initiatives, and timelines, with practical tools teachers can use tomorrow.
Do you provide coaching and follow-up?
Yes—implementation coaching, models, and short “boost” sessions to build fidelity.
How is pricing structured for institutions?
Half-day/day rates or series packages; volume pricing for multi-session projects.
On-demand training
How do I access on-demand courses?
Purchase directly on our site; you’ll get immediate portal access.
Do courses include tools and certificates?
Yes—downloadable templates plus a certificate of completion.
Can districts purchase seats or site licenses?
Yes—bulk seats and site licenses are available.
Policies, pricing, and payment
What are your rates? Do you offer packages?
We offer single-session rates and discounted packages for ongoing services. Request our current rate sheet.
Do you take insurance?
Not at this time. We can provide superbills; many families use HSA/FSA funds.
Do you offer sliding scale or scholarships?
Limited sliding-scale spots are available—ask about current availability.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours in advance to avoid the full session fee.
How do districts/institutions handle payment?
By purchase order or contract; invoices net-30 unless otherwise agreed.
Communication & data privacy
How do we communicate between sessions?
Email and a secure client portal for scheduling, messaging, and documents. Phone by appointment.
How is my data protected?
We use secure storage, consent forms, and releases before sharing information. We follow HIPAA/FERPA-aware practices as applicable.
Do you need releases to speak with schools/clinicians?
Yes. With a signed release, we coordinate directly to streamline support.
Accessibility & inclusion
Do you offer services in languages other than English?
Interpreter services can be arranged with advance notice.
How do you ensure culturally responsive, neurodiversity-affirming practice?
We center strengths, respect identity and communication preferences, and co-create goals with families and students.
Results & expectations
How do you measure progress?
Clear goals, brief data checks, and regular updates. We adjust the plan based on what the data—and the student—show.
When will we see change?
Some strategies help immediately; durable skill growth takes consistent practice over weeks to months.
What if we’re not seeing results?
We’ll revisit the plan, test different approaches, and, if needed, recommend additional supports.
Business details
Who is on your team?
Experienced special educators, evaluators, and coaches with deep K–12 and higher-ed expertise.
What credentials/licensure do you hold?
Connecticut certifications in special education/administration and appropriate licensure for evaluations and services.
Do you offer speaking engagements?
Yes—keynotes, conference sessions, and custom presentations.
How can we share feedback or testimonials?
We welcome feedback via our portal or email. Testimonials help other families—thank you!
Still have questions? Book a free consult now.