Cindy Udelhofen
Special Education Advocate
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With a deep passion for supporting students with unique educational needs, including those with disabilities, learning differences, and specialized support requirements, Cindy is dedicated to ensuring they receive the necessary resources and advocacy for their instructional needs. She works closely with families and educators to develop individualized education plans that promote student success. With 15+ years of experience in special education, she has collaborated with families, educators, and specialists to foster accessible and supportive educational environments. Cindy supports students from Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) through the 18+ transition process into community-based programs, employment, and independent living.
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As a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and a COPAA Special Education Advocacy Training Program (SEAT2) graduate, Cindy is well-versed in special education law and best practices. She is the Treasurer of the Texas Organization of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (TOPAA), focusing on state and federal laws governing the education and services for Texas students with disabilities.
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Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming for families due to varying school district policies and the challenge of securing appropriate services and accommodations. Through Cirkiel Law Group, P.C., Cindy provides educational rights guidance and fosters school-family collaboration to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate support.
Cindy specializes in providing information, training, and support to families in the following areas:
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Special Education Rights & Advocacy – Navigating the ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) process, reviewing IEPs and 504 Plans, understanding the IDEA procedural safeguards, and addressing disputes through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) complaint process, mediation, due process hearings, and resolution sessions to advocate for appropriate educational services and accommodations
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Parental Rights under the Texas Education Code 26 – Ensuring parents understand their educational rights in their child's education
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District Level 1-2-3 Formal Grievance Process – Assisting families in filing and navigating formal grievances within school districts to resolve disputes
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Disciplinary Hearings (DAEP, JJAEP, MDR)– Advocating for students facing placement in Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs (DAEP) or Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs (JJAEP), as well as representing families in Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) under Section 504 and IDEA to ensure disciplinary procedural safeguards are upheld
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Behavioral & Disability Services – Navigating behavioral interventions, including Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), positive behavioral supports, and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) to promote student success in academic and social settings
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Assistive Technology & Accommodations - Advocating for students to receive essential tools such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, speech-to-text software, screen readers, and adaptive keyboards to support communication, education, and engagement.
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School & Family Collaboration – Strengthening partnerships between schools and families to support student success through effective communication, joint problem-solving, and shared decision-making in educational planning and advocacy.
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Transition Planning – Helping students prepare for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living through individualized transition plans. This includes connecting families with vocational training programs, fostering self-advocacy skills, and providing access to community-based services that support career readiness and independence.
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OCR Complaints & Civil Rights Protections – Guiding families with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaint process to address discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and Title IX violations
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Special Education Services for Students who are Blind, Deaf, or Hard of Hearing (HOH) – Supporting families in accessing specialized education services, assistive technology, communication supports (such as ASL interpreters and Braille resources), and appropriate accommodations for students with visual and hearing impairments