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Being an Advocate for Your Child

Parents Speak About Advocacy

I have recently been feeling a sense of awe about the words, 'you have power as a parent,' and what it means to be a 'Parent Advocate'.

~ Read Vivecca Hartman's Journey to Becoming a Parent Advocate

As your child passes through the educational system, you will need to acquire knowledge and information about the educational issues facing him or her. As a matter of fact, you will need to become your child's "best" advocate. You will find yourself working on behalf of your child, to make sure that the specialized educational services, guaranteed in the federal laws, are actually available in your state or local school district. We want our children to reach their full potential. Read Mary Zabelski on Becoming Your Child's Best Advocate

Families as Partners in the Educational Team
In this video Dr. Katharine Shepherd, Project Director: Parents as Collaborative Leaders Program and Susan LaVenture, Executive Director: National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired Children share their expertise and passion for supporting parents in developing leadership and advocacy skills.

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Resources to Support Parents as Advocates

• Deafblindness: Educational Service Guidelines
• DB Guidelines Companion Materials for Families
• Know Your Rights - Source: FamilyConnect
• FAST: Family Advocacy and Support Training Project
• Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) - Listed by State
• Partners in Policy Making
• Special Ed Law Blog
• Wrightslaw
• Parents as Collaborative Leaders
• Special Ed Advocacy: Nine Rules of Thumb
• Special Ed Justice Blog