What is a Special
Education Advocate?
A Special Education
Advocate is a trained person with “specialized knowledge’ about the educational
process in public schools. Also known as a parent advocate or educational
advocate, an advocate should have a working knowledge of your child’s disability
and educational needs and services available for your child. An advocate is neither
an attorney nor a substitute for legal advice. An Advocate is a representative
that informs parents of their educational rights and assists parents in
negotiating and resolving disputes with the school district.
Why should I choose to
hire an advocate?
If you have a newly
diagnosed child with a disability and do not understand how to navigate the special
education bureaucracy an advocate can help insure you are aware of how the
system works and what can be provided for your child. Most people use them when
schools deny services, treatments, or equipment a child needs to be
successful in school. If you have either had your child in special education
for several years, or are frustrated with the attitude and lack of appropriate
services for your child an advocate can assist you in the special education
process. Perhaps you have attended an IEP meeting and felt somewhat
intimidated. Advocates can attend meetings with you and help you establish goals
for the success of your child’s education. Your school district will often fill
the meeting with “education experts” to determine eligibility. If your child is
deemed eligible for special education, the committee with you as a participant
will draw up an individual education plan for your child. This education plan should include the necessary support and related
services for your child’s success academically and socially. The IEP process
can be very intimidating and emotionally draining. Many parents passively sit
back at these meetings and timidly accept the decisions of the other IEP
committee participants. An experienced advocate can assist you in understanding
the programming possibilities that are offered by your public school system
which can help your child achieve their maximum potential. The advocate can
also help you to articulate to your school system what you and your child’s
professionals believe your child required in order to receive a meaningful benefit
from special education. Advocates will take an objective and logical approach
to each situation, making their experience an effective support mechanism for
your child. This helps to secure the best possible education program and
appropriate education services for your child with special needs. Remember, as
a parent or guardian you understand your child’s needs better
than anyone.