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.
Des Moines, Iowa
5 yrs experience
Remote
In person
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.
Verified
Special ed & IEPs
Insurance & Medicaid
Behavioral health
+3
Advocacy