Parent Advocacy

Good special education services are individualized, intensive and expensive. Schools often balk at providing intensive services. Parents are often dealing with personal obstacles - lack of information, isolation, and emotions. What can you do?

You can use a parent advocate to anticipate problems, manage conflict, and avoid crises. If you have a disagreement or dispute with the school, a parent advocate will help you control the outcome.

Deciphering the laws governing children
with special needs

There are two laws that govern children who have been identified with disabilities:

 

Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, is a civil law that prohibits discrimination against all individual with special challenges if that challenge is prohibits them from benefiting fully in their academic setting. Accommodations and modifications can be made to the regular education curriculum so the student can participate fully on the way to a diploma.

 

Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA)

IDEA is a federally appointed mandate that allows a free appropriate education to all children regardless of their special needs. In order for a child to be governed by IDEA the parent must be show their child's disability is substantially limiting them from participating in grade appropriate curriculum.

IDEA provides an Individualized Education Program (IEP) which is similar to a medical treatment plan. The IEP should address present levels of performance and the goals and objectives that will enable the child to reach their full potential. The IEP should also address how goals will be measured, what related services are required to reach those goals, and direct placement, either through testing or observation.

An Advocate is a person who speaks or writes in support of, on behalf of, or in defense of another person or cause.  A Special Education Advocate does all of this for parents with children with exceptional needs.  An Advocate has knowledge and expertise concerning special education and its applicable federal and state laws and works within the bounds of these laws.  A Special Education Advocate is a representative that informs parents of their educational rights and assists families in negotiating and resolving disputes with the school district.  This helps to secure the best possible educational program and appropriate educational services for children with special needs.

  • The Special Education Advocate's primary responsibility is to represent the best interests of the student in the educational process. 
  • A good Special Education Advocate is familiar with the laws and can inform parents of their rights and suggest appropriate special education services and programs to meet the student's individual needs.  If need be, she will research a specific legal issue that is central to your case or your Individualized Education Program (IEP).
  • A knowledgeable Special Education Advocate is familiar enough with assessments and reports that she can articulate their meaning to parents and explain them with regard to the child's educational needs.
  • As a Special Education Advocate, I will help you prepare for the IEP program meeting - including propose goals and objectives, review supportive evidence and materials, help put concerns and requests in writing, and provide strategies for the IEP meeting.
  • Before an IEP, the Special Education Advocate will review all special education and section 504 documents, including student files, assessment reports, IEPs and Section 504 Plans. 
  • I will accompany parents to IEP, Section 504, and other school meetings and provide advice and assistance as needed throughout the IEP process.
  • Then, I will review IEP documents before you sign them.
  • Additionally, I will draft letters and written requests to school and district personnel and draft complaints to school districts and the State Department of Education.
  • The Special Education Advocate will empower, inform, guide and educate parents/guardians and students to strengthen their own advocacy skills.
  • Often times a Special Education Advocate can help you get your concerns heard by the district and help you resolve a dispute.
  • When you believe that you are ready to take your case to due process or file a complaint, I will assess the strength of your case and make recommendations on how to proceed and refer you to a special education attorney, if needed.

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