Advocates are experts in the placement of children with special needs. They can teach you how to assist with your child’s school. These strategies help to increase the possibility each time. Together, they can develop your child’s own unique potential.

• Help special needs children succeed.
• Dedicate themselves to creating opportunities.
• Functional accommodations based on need.
• Optimal learning situations.

An advocate is an expert in the placement of children with special needs. Flexibility is common.

Legal Issues

Advocates should be experts in the laws regarding education. They must also explain them to parents of students with disabilities. It’s important for advocates to stay on top of legal issues. Current trends, organizations, and websites too. Experts in the fields (legal terms, school terms, advocacy, knowledge). Federal and state laws are critical and are constantly under revision.

What do advocates do?

• Advocates: One who pleads on another’s behalf. A lawyer.
• Expert: A person with a high degree of skill in knowledge.
• Consultant: A person who gives a person or professional.

Special education advocacy helps all their students in a variety of environments.  

They can serve your needs and are often easier to understand than legal experts. This includes tremendous stacks of information. Multiculturalism can become explosive. The advocate can also de-escalate school professionals with complex processes.

Advocate Solutions

• Easy to understand, accurate information.
• Information regarding a school (systems, inner working, empowerment).
• The advocate is a consultant working directly for you.
• Not employed by the school.
• A person who gives expert or professional advice.                                                                            
• Advocates are more likely to become part of the team.
• It’s important for parents to work together with the advocate and the school. 
• The advocate should provide information for articles for the child to ignite change.

Strategies to be effective

1. Know the child (positive introspective).
2. Create draft plans.
3. Gathering information. 
4. Determine action steps.
5. Know the applicable laws/policies.
6. Be thought-provoking.
7. There are many benefits to having advocates in schools. Specifically would be knowledgeable of best practices. Their interest and practices improve their legal understanding.

How to Choose An Advocate

The goal of hiring special education advocates it to help parents understand their child’s rights for appropriate servies based on individual needs and circumstances. Advocates collaborate with parents and schools to interpret test results and develop individualized education programs (IEPs).

Professional special education advocates help get accommodations and services. They need specific knowledge and skills to get the job done. Ask for an initial evaluation to establish their knowledge base and make a personal connection. It’s about knowledge and emotion.

You should be cautious about self-taught advocates. They should have had some type of  formal training. Get documentation. Don’t just take their word for it.

Be certain of your advocate’s experience and specific skills. Ask questions that are important to you and your child. Make sure that they understand your situation. Go with your gut.

• Experience
• Cost and charges
• Personality
• Style for disputes
• Resources

Advocates for special needs students benefit from power movements. Parents need guidance from supporters. As a team with students, they are often reaching potential beyond their dreams.

How do you think that it would be helpful to have an advocate?

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