Special Education Advocates help families in many ways. One of the primary context for special education advocacy is during an eligibility determination or IEP meeting. This is a key place for parents to work with the school to ensure that their child receives appropriate services.
However, in many instances this is a time when the power differential between parents and school staff may be especially unbalanced. Even when parents are educated and knowledgeable regarding their child sometimes parents are treated as invaluable members at meetings. It can feel intimidating having a large team of school members at a meeting using teacher jargon. It can be overwhelming for parents to try and understand and retain all the information provided to them about their child in a meeting- evaluation results, test scores, grades, progress, etc. Furthermore, their emotions tend to get in the way and many times parents lose their ability to "think clearly" and forget to ask important question. In many instances parents may not even know the important questions to ask- the proper services and specialists their child requires, the frequency, how progress is measured, etc.
A skilled advocate can help level the playing field for parents in meetings with the school system. They have knowledge of the law, best practices, and the individual child’s needs. By being present, advocates also provide emotional support for parents at IEP meetings.
If you've tried numerous times to settle your differences with the school district and have gotten no resolution an advocate can facilitate the process by using their expertise and knowledge to get your child the services they deserves in a timely manner.
An advocate helps to educate parents on the special education process and parents’ rights,while providing guidance and suggestions, and helping parents connect with information and resources.