Lessons in Advocating
Here are 10 things that parents who advocate for their special-education child should know how to do:
- Gather information: Educate yourself about the child's disability and special-education law.
- Learn the rules of the game: Know how decisions within a school district are made and by whom.
- Plan and prepare: Get ready for meetings, create agendas, write out objectives.
- Keep written records: Take down what was said and by whom, make requests in writing.
- Ask questions, listen to answers: Know how to use "who, what, where, why, when and how" and how to request explanations.
- Identify problems: Learn to define and describe problems; be a problem solver instead of blaming others.
- Propose solutions: Offer your own win-win proposals.
- Plan for the future: Have a vision of what your child's long-term future looks like.
- Answer questions: Know the answer to "What do you (as the advocate) want?"
- Develop a master plan: Create a broad strategy for reaching your and your child's goals.
Taken from Wrightslaw.com
Don't know how to get started? Go here first Getting Started
Then for more help check out From Emotions To Advocacy, by Pam Wright and Pete Wright from your public library or buy it at wrightslaw.com.
Most importantly, form a support group to work on each item. Working together gets the job done faster and gives you the sense of empowerment and belonging.
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