About Guardianship Service
Guiding Hands Guardianship assists parents in obtaining legal guardianship when their children turn 18, ensuring they can make informed decisions regarding finances, healthcare, and other essential matters. Mrs. Rivera provides invaluable insight and firsthand knowledge of legal processes, empowering families to navigate the legal system confidently and advocate for their loved ones.
As a mother to a son diagnosed with autism at age five and who is non-verbal — Mrs. Rivera understands firsthand the struggles of obtaining equal care and opportunities for children with disabilities. She has made it her mission to help families and individuals. Through her countless works of advocacy through her creation of workshops, trainings, and collaboration with policymakers and politicians, Mrs. Rivera has proved her endless dedication and devotion to the disability advocacy space.
About Iris Rivera
Iris Rivera is a lifelong advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, dedicated to empowering families through education, support, and legal guidance. With 33 years of distinguished service in the judiciary system and as a co-founder of Passaic County Parents of Adults with Disabilities (PACOPAD) www.pacopad.org Mrs. Rivera has steadfastly championed the special needs community.
After years of working closely with families, Mrs. Rivera recognized a critical gap in accessible resources for parents navigating the complex guardianship process when their children with developmental disabilities reach adulthood. In response, she stepped down as President of PACOPAD to establish Guiding Hands Guardianship Services, an organization committed to helping families secure legal guardianship for their loved ones.
As the mother of a non-verbal son diagnosed with autism at age five, Mrs. Rivera understands the challenges parents face in obtaining the necessary care, rights, and opportunities for their children. Through Guiding Hands Guardianship Services, she provides personalized guidance and support, ensuring parents can confidently navigate legal procedures and make informed decisions regarding their children’s education, healthcare, and financial well-being. Mrs. Rivera’s dedication extends beyond guardianship assistance. She actively members with The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (www.njcdd.org), policymakers, and legislators to advocate for meaningful policy changes. She also conducts workshops and training sessions to equip families with the knowledge they need to advocate effectively for their loved ones.
Through her unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy, Mrs. Rivera continues to be a trusted resource and pillar of support for families navigating the complexities of the disability community.