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A professional can be hired as an advocate. You can also use a person who knows you and your child personally and is willing to participate in the ARD/IEP meeting process to support you and your child.
It is important to understand that anyone can call themselves a professional special education advocate. While there are some training programs for advocates, there is no formal licensing or certification. This is why it's important to do research before hiring someone.
Steps To Finding A Special Education Advocate
Why Do You Need An Advocate?
Why Do You Need An Advocate?
What specific problems are you having with your child's educational experience?
Maybe your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), but is not receiving the right services. Perhaps they have an IEP, but it's not working.
Critera For Your Ideal Advocate
Critera For Your Ideal Advocate
Should be familiar with local policies concerning special education.
Should have a good working relationship with key people in local school districts.
Should be able to help you understand your child's evaluation.
Will attend the ARD/IEP meeting with you.
Finding An Advocate
Finding An Advocate
It is common to find advocates through personal recommendations or through local support groups. You can find many support groups on Facebook.
Here are just a few support groups found from a simple Facebook search. Feel free to search on your own as well.
East Texas Special Needs Family Resources Facebook Group
SEALS- Special Education Advocate Leaders Facebook Group
Special Education Law for Texas Parents Facebook Group
Texas Special Education Parents Facebook Group
Interviewing Potential Advocates
Interviewing Potential Advocates
Some questions you can ask:
What is your special education advocacy experience?
Have you worked with this school district before?
Have you worked with kids with learning and thinking differences like my child's?
Can you give me a proposed plan of what we should do or ask for from the school?
What are your fees? (Usually negotiable)
What services are covered by that fee?
How much do you estimate your advocacy will cost for the entire process?
What will be my role as a parent?
How will you keep me informed about progress?
Who will be responsible for managing my child's records in this case?
Is there an attorney you have a strong working relationship with, if necessary?
Can you provide me with the names of clients who would be willing to talk to me?
For a printable version of this page's information, click here.
References
Brazell, A., & Mulkey, K. (2023, February 13). Interview with Kristy Mulkey. Personal. Lee, A. M. I. (2021, April 12). How to find a special education advocate. Understood. Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-find-a-special-education-advocate
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