| Are you the parent of a child with autism or other | | | | 4. Educate parents as to research based practices, as |
| disability? Would you like to know what an advocate | | | | well as best practices. IDEA requires, that curriculum |
| does in the special education process? Do you | | | | and programs be scientifically research based, which |
| wonder if a special education advocate could help you | | | | parents need to understand. |
| in fighting for needed services, for your child? This | | | | 5. Have knowledge of different school districts and |
| article will explain what the role of a special education | | | | also how to advocate with different personalities of |
| advocate is, and whether they could help you | | | | special education personnel. People are all different |
| advocate for a free appropriate public education | | | | and the advocate must understand the best way to |
| (FAPE) for your child. | | | | deal with the different personalities. |
| There is currently no certification for special education | | | | 6. Act in a professional manner, whenever possible, to |
| advocates! This is the reason why it is sometimes | | | | help parents get needed special education services |
| difficult to find one that is knowledgeable, and has | | | | and placements for their child. A good advocate is firm |
| expertise in special education. | | | | and refuses to back down when intimidated by special |
| The role of a special education advocate is to: | | | | education personnel. |
| 1. Have a working knowledge of state and federal | | | | 7. Teach parents advocacy skills so that they may |
| laws that cover special education, and know how to | | | | learn how to advocate for their child! |
| use them to advocate for children. Federal law is | | | | A special education advocate can be extremely |
| Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Each | | | | helpful in advocating for your child. If you think an |
| state is required to have a law that must comply with | | | | advocate could help you check out your local disability |
| IDEA. | | | | organizations, and see if they have an advocate on |
| 2. Understand different types of disabilities and have | | | | staff. Check organizations such as a Center of |
| experience advocating for children of different | | | | Independent Living, Parent Training and Advocacy |
| disabilities | | | | Centers (available in all states). If you hire a private |
| 3. Take time to know the child, and work with the | | | | advocate make sure you check their credentials, and |
| parent to determine what services and placement a | | | | make sure that they have experience with children |
| child needs, and advocate for them! This may require | | | | with your child's type of disability. This will ensure that |
| the parent getting an independent educational | | | | the advocate understands what your child needs, and |
| evaluation with a qualified evaluator. | | | | will be able to advocate for them. |