“I’ve fought for families, worked alongside teachers, and collaborated with administrators to solve problems. I understand the complexities of our education system and the impact that good policies and practices can have on student success, safety and well-being. I'm ready to bring my experience, my passion, and my commitment to build a brighter future for our children.”
LET’S WALK!
Slide on those comfortable tennis shoes and pack a water bottle—the team is hitting the streets! We will provide talking points, all you need is the Empower App and you are ready to go!
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SUPPORTING EDUCATION AND INNOVATION
Fernando is no stranger to the ARD process and has experience with accommodations for a broad scope of student needs such as autism spectrum, emotional dysregulation, OHI, Down Syndrome, intellectual disability, OT/PT, speech and language services, and Section 504 services. He also earned his accreditation as a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist for persons with visual impairments after completing his coursework at The Virginia Murray Sowell Center for Research and Education in Sensory Disabilities at Texas Tech.
“Fernando is an exceptional educational advocate who truly goes above and beyond for students with disabilities. His deep care and unwavering commitment to each student's success are evident in everything he does. Fernando is not just an advocate; he’s a compassionate ally who listens, understands, and fights tirelessly to ensure that every student receives the support and accommodations they need to thrive. His dedication and expertise have made a profound difference in the lives of so many students and their families. I cannot recommend Fernando highly enough for Austin ISD School Board—he would be an excellent addition to the leadership and oversite of the district.”
— Bruce Bloom, M.ED., CRC, CVE, IPEC, BLOOM CONSULTING
A native Texan and graduate of the University of Texas, Fernando has over six years of experience working for the Austin Independent School District, predominantly as a Social Communication Resources and Services (SCORES) Teacher and Case Manager for middle school students on the autism spectrum.
Fernando has also held various positions in K-12 special education programs including: Social Behavior Skills (SBS), Life Skills, and the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD.)
Fernando specializes in providing information, training and creative support to families and communities in:
IDEA Procedural Safeguards which include due process hearings, complaints to TEA, mediation and resolution sessions
OCR complaints and processes that address discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and Title IX
Educator Misconduct
Parent Rights under the Texas Education Code Chapter 26
District Level 1-2-3 Parent/ Student Compliance/ Grievance Process
FERPA Complaint
PPRA Complaint
DAEP/ JJAEP Hearings (Change of placement/discipline hearings)
MDR - Manifestation Determination Reviews under 504 /IDEA
ARD (Admission/Review/Dismissal), IEP, and 504 Process
Share your story.
Please leave a brief testimonial of your experience working with me. With your consent, I plan to share stories like yours to demonstrate my long-standing commitment to help children receive their Free Appropriate Public Education.
Want to go the extra mile? Send your video testimony to FernandoForAISD@gmail.com.