MICHELLE GIVAN, MA

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Michelle Givan is a non-attorney special education advocate in Birmingham, AL. Her passion is helping parents of children with special needs get the services their children are entitled to while maintaining professional, effective relationships with schools. Her mission is to equip you with resources and skills that enable you to become a successful advocate for your child. Her introduction to self-advocacy began when she learned that her child required special education services for autism spectrum disorder. As she became more involved in self-advocacy, other parents sought her advice and assistance with understanding their children’s IEPs and long-term goals.

While on this journey, she acquired a Master of Arts in Special Education-Educational Studies to combine her advocacy experience with classroom knowledge. This program included courses in Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Special Education Law, Teaching Methods, Collaborative Partnerships, Positive Behavior Supports, Assessments, and Developmental Reading. Her classroom training involved planning and implementing lessons for children in special education and developing IEPs.

Michelle used her education in Accounting and business management to own and operate a learning center dedicated to improving educational outcomes for children with learning differences. She used a proven method of evaluation and brain training exercises to improve children’s reading, and math skills. Later in her career Michelle worked as an employment specialist for a non-profit where she secured meaningful employment for adults with developmental disabilities.

Michelle is a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates and the Autism Society of Alabama.