What is Advocacy?

An advocate is there to serve the best interest of the child, guide parent's in their efforts to support their student and help schools devise high-quality, meaningful IEP's and 504 Plans for students with disabilities

A good advocate is there to listen to the parents,  observe and listen to the student, and to conduct a full review of data and assessments to get a good understanding about the needs of the child.

An advocate is there to serve the parents as they navigate the IEP process from beginning to end, which requires the advocate to become fully knowledgeable of the child's strengths and needs.

An advocate is also there to help guide the parents and the schools in creating the most successful IEP plan possible, ensuring that data is accurate, goals are clear and supports are fully explained.

An advocate serves to help guide parents in what they can and cannot expect from a school system working to meet the unique needs of their child.

An advocates job is not to be considered a punitive measure against a school system, school or teacher, but rather an assurance that the child's best interest are fully considered.

This advocacy is not legal representation and should not be construed as such. Advocates are not attorneys and can not act in this capacity. All situations and cases that need representation beyond an advocate's ability will be referred to legal assistance.