You Are Your Child’s Greatest Advocate
Understanding the meaning of an advocate is imperative to becoming an effective advocate. As your child's primary advocate you must understand that you are empowered to speak on his behalf, especially if he or she is nonverbal. This word cloud graphic offers an illustration the definition of an advocate.
Many parents of children with disabilities experience a moment when they become their child’s advocate. Maybe you were sitting in a meeting and someone told you your child was not able to do something you knew he or she could do. Maybe it was a doctor who informed you that it was no longer worthwhile to continue to fight. Regardless of how it happens, you know your child better than anyone. Never forget it.
You have the power and the ability to ensure that your child's needs are appropriately met. When something is shared at the meeting that you do not understand be sure to ask for clarification.
Here are some excellent resources to help you understand your rights and help you improve your advocacy skills:
- Wrightslaw - This website offers support both personal and legal, along with information, training opportunities, books, and links to further your knowledge and understanding
- National Center for Learning Disabilities - In addition to information and recommendations, there is a very short video by the mother of a child with a disability explaining the importance of acting as his advocate.
- Out of the Box Child - This website offers excellent and very simple recommendations that are explained using easy to understand language. Using this starter information will help you move forward to the more complex advocating tasks.
- Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools IEP FAQ - This link offers answers to frequently asked questions presented by parents of students in the IEP process