Joy Barlean
I work with families in two primary areas of disability advocacy. In Medicaid and HCBS, I help families understand waiver and state-plan services, self-directed services, EPSDT, service options and rights, and how to make well-supported requests for the services they need. I also provide support when services are denied or reduced, including grievances, appeals, and state fair hearings. In special education and school-based advocacy, I help families navigate IEPs and 504 Plans, evaluations, accommodations, behavioral supports, inclusion, placement, and dispute-resolution processes. Across both areas, my approach is family-led: I help families understand their options, build strong documentation and requests, and develop the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves—while being there to stand beside them when they need additional support.
Why families come to me
Hi, I’m Joy Barlean. I’m a mom and disability advocate who found my way into advocacy by navigating these systems for my own family. What started as learning everything I could about my boys’ needs and rights grew into helping other families navigate systems that can feel incredibly complicated and overwhelming. Today, I focus on Iowa Medicaid and HCBS—including waivers, self-directed services, EPSDT, service requests, denials, and appeals—as well as special education advocacy, including IEPs, behavioral supports, inclusion, accommodations, and dispute resolution. I bring both lived and professional experience, including work as an Independent Support Broker and service on several Iowa disability and Medicaid advisory groups. My goal is ultimately to work myself out of a job by giving families the knowledge, tools, and confidence to advocate for themselves—while also being there to stand beside them when they need the support of someone who has walked in their shoes.
Lived experienceParent to 14-year-old twins with Down syndrome, ADHD, hearing loss, PTSD, anxiety, and sleep apnea, and a 16 year old daughter with ADHD and a heart condition who has utilized a 504 Plan for medical and disability-related accommodations. I also have ADHD, giving me both personal and parenting experience navigating disability, education, healthcare, and support systems.
What I help with
Credentials and training
- COPAA / SEAT advocacy training
- Parent center / PTI experience
- Lived experience as a parent / caregiver
SupportNow reviewed documentation for these credentials.
Where I work
In-person advocacy and meetings are available throughout Des Moines and Central Iowa. Medicaid and HCBS advocacy is primarily focused on Iowa programs and services. IEP and 504 advocacy and consultation are available remotely to families nationwide.
Fees and availability
Free & paid. I offer a free 30-minute consultation to learn about your family’s needs and discuss how I may be able to help. Advocacy services are available through package pricing or at an hourly rate, depending on the level and type of support needed.
Track record
Helped families successfully request and secure HCBS services, exercise their Medicaid rights, navigate appeals and state fair hearings, and obtain appropriate IEP services, supports, and placements.
