| Are you the parent of a child with autism or other | | | | Quality 4: Stay away from an angry advocate, who |
| disability that is considering finding an advocate to help | | | | seems to have there own agenda. I have heard of |
| you with your child's education? Would you like a short | | | | advocates that target certain school districts, due to |
| list of qualities to avoid when choosing a special | | | | their own anger. Every person including parents in |
| education advocate? | | | | special education, become angry at some point. But |
| This article will help you avoid certain negative qualities | | | | the important thing is that the advocate can continue |
| in a prospective advocate, so that you can help your | | | | to be professional, even if the school personnel are |
| child receive a free appropriate public education. | | | | not. |
| Quality 1: Stay away from an advocate who has not | | | | Quality 5: Stay away from an advocate, that is not |
| received formal training in federal and state laws, and | | | | willing to challenge special education personnel, when |
| case law. Good advocates will have a working | | | | the need arrives. Advocates must be willing to stand |
| knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education | | | | up to school personnel, for the good of the child, in an |
| Act (federal law), and your state laws governing | | | | assertively persistent manner. This is the reason why it |
| special education. Effective advocates do not have to | | | | is so important to understand Federal and State |
| memorize the law, but should know where to find any | | | | special education law; you have the information you |
| information that they need. Advocates must also know | | | | need to effectively stand up for the child. |
| what due process hearings and court cases have | | | | Quality 6: Stay away from an advocate that does not |
| already occurred, so that they can use the information | | | | promise you complete confidentiality! Advocates must |
| to benefit your child. | | | | not share any information that they learn about |
| Quality 2: Stay away from an advocate, who has little | | | | parents and their children; and unfortunately this does |
| to no experience helping parents navigate the special | | | | happen on occasion. You want your advocate to |
| education system. Unfortunately there are people who | | | | keep things you tell them confidential, as well as any |
| call themselves advocates, who do not have the | | | | strategies that they will be using. |
| experience that they need, to be effective. You do not | | | | Quality 7: Stay away from an advocate, that appears |
| want the advocate learning at the expense of your | | | | to be a know it all! No advocate including myself |
| child's education. Try finding an advocate at a disability | | | | knows everything. You need an advocate, who is |
| organization like a Parent Information and Training | | | | willing to find out the information that will help your child, |
| Center (PTIC). | | | | if they do not know. |
| Quality 3: Stay away from an advocate, who | | | | Advocacy is an art and involves trying different |
| guarantees you a certain outcome. While most | | | | strategies to help the child receive a free appropriate |
| advocates work hard and do their best, there are no | | | | public education (FAPE). By knowing what |
| guarantees in special education. You would rather | | | | characteristics to avoid in an advocate, will help you |
| work with an advocate, that has a realistic view of | | | | make an informed decision about any advocate that |
| what can be accomplished for your child. | | | | works with you to help your child. Good luck! |