As an advocate parent of over 25 years, I often get frustrated with how long it takes to successfully advocate for one child (Even my own)! Sometimes I seem to bang my head against a wall (giving myself a concussion), with little result. Recently I’ve been reminded that advocacy is inherently difficult, but even when it seems like I haven’t done much or the parent hasn’t done much – a child can really benefit!
1. I was helping parents in another state with their son’s high school education. Things got worse at school for the young man, and the school wanted to send him to an alternative school. I immediately began working with and educating the mother about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 and discipline laws. I read letters, helped her write letters, worked out a settlement with the school, and encouraged her to keep fighting even though things were bad. The situation worsened and the young man left school, which frustrated me and his parents! Imagine my surprise when, a few months later, I received an email from his mother with a picture of his high school diploma! I’m so excited for this young man, and I knew that if his parents and I didn’t fight, he’d probably never graduate! Great result!
2. I have advocated for an autistic child for over a year. The young man was unable to read, fell behind in all academic areas, and developed a school phobia. In my advocacy, I had to do a lot of educating school staff about dyslexia; Research-based education, as well as extended academic year services. Another issue is that the school district insisted that their attorneys be brought to all IEP meetings; Even after giving them a copy of an OSEP policy letter to Clinton discouraging the practice. A year later, we made some strides, and the parents (and me) decided they were going to try on their own (with me helping them by phone etc). After I stopped showing up to the meetings, the school district stopped having their attorneys attend IEP meetings—and the parents were treated somewhat better. The young man is learning academically and no longer has school phobia, which is great!
There are success stories in special education advocacy; Here’s what you can do to increase your child’s chance of success:
1. Resolute and continuous advocacy for as long as it takes. Sometimes advocacy is a long journey, not a short one! Hang in there and you’ll be glad you did!
2. If your child is having difficulty reading, it is imperative that you find accurate information about dyslexia, to use in your advocacy, and to look for ways based on dealing with the disability. Try this link to the International Dyslexia Association ( http://www.interdys.org/ ).
3. Learn about best practices in special education for your child’s disability, and advocate for them. For example: ABA is still considered the best practice for children with autism.
4. Contact the PTIC State and ask about free or low-cost advocacy training courses. Not only will you learn a lot, but you will be able to connect with other parents!
5. Consider using a qualified, experienced advocate – this can go a long way in advocacy success! Make sure the attorney has experience with dispute resolution processes in your state.
6. If the school continues to deny and/or delay requested services, consider using the dispute resolution processes (legal process, mediation, state complaints).
Advocacy success stories exist and this article has given you some examples. You’ve also learned some dragon slaying tips to work on your child’s success story! good luck!