What is a Special Education Advocate?

You might be wondering what a special education advocate is and what they do. While educational advocates have been around for several decades, it has only been in recent years that parents and guardians have begun to regularly use advocacy services to assist in making sure their child gets the services and programs they need to succeed.

There are two different types of advocates - non-attorney advocates and attorney advocates.

Attorney advocates are lawyers who have specialized in education law. They are the right people to contact if you need legal guidance or representation for due process hearings and other legal issues.

Non-attorney advocates are people like me who have, through a variety of experiences, developed the skills, knowledge, and desire to help others through the special education system. Often these advocates are parents who have been through the system, special educators and other teachers, administrators, or others with a history working in mental and behavioral health.

Non-attorney advocates know the law and the current interpretations. While we cannot give you legal advice, we can help you understand what your rights are.

Non-attorney advocates can:

• Guide you through the eligibility process.
  

• Go to IEP meetings with you to advocate for your questions and wants.
  

• Explain tests, evaluations, and assessments, what information they gather, and what the results mean.
  

• Assist in organizing and gathering documentation and writing letters.
  

• Provide support in preparing for mediation or due process.
  

• Stay on top of research regarding the best programs for a variety of disabilities.
  

• Know what you can ask for and help you do so.

It seems like it should be straightforward. A kid is struggling, they are found eligible, and the school offers the services the child needs to succeed. This is how we all wish it went, but with differing knowledge regarding disabilities, changing interpretations of the law, different policies between school districts, politics within schools, and political issues outside of the school, it is never that easy.

Even if the IEP doesn't end up being perfect, it should be effective and include goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, and matter both educationally and personally to the student/parents. It should provide an appropriate and equitable educational plan to ensure the student's growth.

Advocates not only assist with these areas but want to empower parents and students to be able to advocate for themselves. We want you to feel confident about every aspect. An advocate is here to help you get what you need.