Navigating IEPs, Special Education, and Advocacy with Rachel Milman

What happens when life’s earliest heartbreak becomes the foundation for your life’s purpose?

In this episode of Curveballs and Lemonade, Judy Kogan sits down with special education and Regional Center attorney Rachel S. Milman to discuss the profound childhood loss that shaped her career and her mission to help families navigate some of life’s most challenging diagnoses.

Rachel shares the heartbreaking story of losing her father at just five years old after a missed medical diagnosis, and how that experience created a lifelong drive for justice. That path ultimately led her to law school and, eventually, to a deeply meaningful career advocating for children with disabilities and their families.

In this powerful conversation, Rachel breaks down what parents need to know about IEPs, Regional Center services, special education law, self-determination programs, and how to advocate effectively when schools or service providers are not meeting a child’s needs.

She also shares practical advice for parents receiving a new diagnosis, including how to build the right support team, when to seek an advocate, and why trusting your instincts matters.

If you are a parent navigating autism, ADHD, developmental delays, special education, or disability services, this episode is packed with valuable insight, guidance, and hope.

New episodes of Curveballs and Lemonade drop every Thursday.

Follow Rachel Milman on:

Instagram: @lawmamamilman. https://www.instagram.com/lawmamamilman/

Visit Milman Law's website:www.milmanlawapc.com

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @Curveballsandlemonade

Facebook: Curveballs and Lemonade

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curveballsandlemonade

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurveballsandLemonade

Recorded and produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/

Engineered by Robert Altschuler.

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