The TSC Alliance recognizes parents and young adults often face many educational and school-related difficulties. The first step in becoming an advocate is understanding your child’s legally protected rights.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children. For a more in depth understanding of your child’s educational rights and to learn about the process of receiving appropriate services and accommodations, download the navigation guide for the school-age years of TSC.
Navigating the educational journey with TSC can be overwhelming, but there are resources and support available to assist in the process through the TSC Alliance. Whether you are looking for local resources, need support during the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, have questions about a 504 plan or are looking for information and resources for teachers and school administrators, our trained staff and volunteers can provide guidance on education issues and training for local school districts on how learning is unique for people with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
If you would like help navigating educational resources for someone with TSC, please start by completing the IEP Intake Form. We are committed to responding to all requests within 48 hours (about two business days).
If you don’t see your concerns listed here, please email Shelly Meitzler and Elizabeth Skufca at support@tscalliance.org.
Educator Mentor Program
The Educator Mentor Program (EMP) was developed to support school systems in understanding the learning needs of children with TSC. The EMP includes administrators, therapists, physiologists, and teachers from pre-kindergarten to college level having experience with TSC. They provide one-on-one support to any professional in the school system needing education and support in understanding the educational complexities of TSC.
For more information contact Shelly Meitzler and Elizabeth Skufca at support@tscalliance.org or (800) 225-6872.
Ask an Advocate series
The Ask an Advocate webinar series occurs every two months on the second Monday at 8 pm ET. Join Director, Outreach and Support Shelly Meitzler and Community Programs Manager Elizabeth Skufca for an ask an advocate session. Bring your questions about evaluations, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans.
See below for a schedule of the upcoming Ask an Advocate sessions.
Monday, October 12, 2026
This month’s call is an informative session designed to help students and families confidently prepare for the shift from high school to college. Led by higher education expert Dr. Theresa Orosz, this workshop will cover key differences in expectations, the college application process, choosing the right school, and understanding campus resources. This webinar will conclude with a live Q&A session.
Theresa Orosz, Ed.D., has 34 years’ higher education experience in the community college sector. She held administrative positions, including Director of Career Services, Assistant Director of Academic Advising, Special Assistant to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, and Assistant Dean of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Orosz also served as Acting Dean of Liberal Arts and Acting Vice President of Academic Affairs before retiring from Middlesex College (NJ) in 2025 as Acting Assistant Dean of Academic Operations.
In addition to campus leadership, she contributed at the state level through service with the New Jersey Center for Student Success and as president of the New Jersey Cooperative Education and Internship Association. Dr. Orosz co-authored Why the First-Year Seminar Matters: Helping Students Choose and Stay on a Career Path with Dr. Christine Harrington, presented at regional and national conferences, and received the New Jersey Council of County Colleges’ Community College Spirit Award in 2017.
Monday, February 8, 2027
Monday, April 12, 2027
Monday,June 14, 2027
Monday, August 9, 2027
Monday, October 11, 2027
