As Special Education Advocates and Disability Specialists, we help parents of children with disabilities navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes.
We advocate for children whose disabilities include:
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Other Health Impairments to include ADD/ADHD
Learning Disabilities
Speech or Language Impairments
Intellectual Disabilities
Emotional Behavior Disability
Hearing Impairments
Orthopedic Impairments
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of why a parent might seek an IEP advocate
Special education laws like IDEA and Section 504 can be complex. An advocate can explain these laws and how they apply to the child's specific situation.
Advocates can help parents understand educational evaluations, assessments, and reports, translating jargon and highlighting key information.
Advocates can assist in crafting appropriate goals, selecting suitable supplementary aids and services, and ensuring the IEP is aligned with the child's needs.
A parent might need an education IEP (Individualized Education Program) advocate to help navigate the special education system, ensuring their child receives the appropriate educational support and services. Advocates offer expertise in special education law, the IEP process, and can help parents understand their rights and advocate effectively for their child’s needs.
Advocates can help parents prepare for IEP meetings, develop a list of questions, and practice communicating their concerns to the IEP team.
Advocates can advocate for the child's needs during IEP meetings, ensuring their voice is heard and their rights are protected.
If disagreements arise between parents and the school, an advocate can help mediate the situation and facilitate a positive resolution.
Advocates can help identify potential learning challenges or other factors that may be affecting the child's education and advocate for appropriate interventions.
Advocates can help parents secure necessary accommodations, modifications, and related services to support the child's learning and development.
Advocates can help parents monitor their child's progress, identify areas where the IEP may need adjustments, and advocate for necessary changes.
The IEP process can be stressful and overwhelming for parents. Advocates can provide support and guidance, reducing the burden on parents.
By providing information and support, advocates empower parents to become more confident and effective advocates for their children.
Ultimately, the goal of an IEP advocate is to ensure the child receives a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that allows them to reach their full potential.
I am excited to share with you this advocacy startup guide that is meant to help parents and providers alike understand a bit more about advocacy. It’s in a workbook format in hopes that you will use it as a resource as you build your advocacy skills and speak up for your child, yourself and others along your advocacy journey.
Parents must be knowledgeable in recognizing and understanding their rights to the special education that their child needs and deserves before they can become strong advocates.
Regardless of whether you are a parent of a child with a disability, an educator or provider of special needs services, chances are good that you have challenges deciphering how to write Individual Education Plan goals. In this comprehensive, easy-to-read book, you will find a vast array of sample goals to set you on a course to become a truly active participant in the IEP process.
Access Go for the Goal on Amazon as an E-book for $2.99
The Importance of Educational Advocacy
