Exceptional Parent Resource Guide

Hey there! I’m Mr. Ashton J. Minor, M.Ed., and I’m so excited you ’ve joined us on this journey. I’m the Founder and Executive Program Director of the Jacob’s Puzzle Foundation, an organization dedicated to advocating for and improving the quality of education for students of color who receive special education services. Did you know that black students make up 16% of those in K-12 receiving these services, while 66% graduate with a high school diploma*? Yet, they often don’t get the same chances for academic and post-secondary success as their peers.

Over my 10+ years in the field, I’ve seen how Black and Brown students with learning challenges are often shown limitations instead of possibilities. As someone who grew up with an undocumented learning disability, I experienced this firsthand—even as a gifted student. It wasn’t until I became an educator and mentor in urban high schools that I realized how much students need educators who reflect their experiences, like me: a Black male educator with both documented and undocumented learning disabilities. We need to show our students what’s possible beyond the world they see every day.

That’s how the Jacob’s Puzzle Foundation was born to bridge the communication gap between families, schools, educational leaders, and students when it comes to academic, personal, career, and IEP/504 goals. We’re here to provide the exposure our students need to thrive and remind them they’re never alone in their journey of growth and discovery.

This guide was created to strengthen the connection between families and organizations by offering resources that help students thrive both academically and personally. While there are many support groups and resources for students with disabilities, families in low-income urban areas often face barriers to accessing them. As a nation, we are making strides in supporting special education and providing the necessary tools for student success. However, some of the legislation designed to help may not be fully implemented in every classroom.

That’s where this guide comes in. It’s designed to offer families additional opportunities to bridge the gap, especially where the school system may fall short due to its own limitations. Students of color with learning disabilities face unique challenges, and breaking down these barriers is crucial for their growth. By offering access to academic resources, career exploration, training, and more, this guide aims to empower families across the country to support their students in meaningful ways.

The purpose of the Jacob Puzzle Foundation is to create a future where students of color with learning difficulties can thrive without the need for extensive scaffolds and accommodations. By providing culturally relevant resources, interventions, and opportunities to both students and the parents and educators who serve them, we aim to activate critical thinking skills and foster post-secondary success. Our goal is to empower students through exposure to professionals who reflect their backgrounds, offering representation and expertise in diagnosing and supporting their unique needs. Through this, we envision a world where students are fully equipped to achieve their highest potential.