Ten Rules of Advocacy
|Ten Rules of Advocacy
1. Create a Vision
You, as a parent are an expert on your child. No one knows this child more than you and it is important to share with the team your goals for your child. Help the team to see your child as you do. Make a list of their strengths and share what makes them happy.
2. Ask Questions
If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask until you get answers. Ask the team to explain acronyms (like ESY, IRE, IEP) Find out what programs are available in your community and what support or advocacy groups can help you.
3. Be Involved
Volunteer in your child’s classroom if possible. This allows you to build a positive relationship with the teacher. It also allows you to informally observe and to know what your child is doing in class and how they are doing in class
4. Document, Document, Document
Whenever you make a request of the school, put it in writing, date it and keep a copy. Follow up meeting and conversations with a mote or email outlining your understanding of items discussed and/or agreed to. IF IT ISN’T IN WRITING, IT NEVER HAPPENED!
5. Be Prepared
Sit down before the meeting, write down your concerns. Be prepared to share doctor or other outside reports with the team, keep relevant work samples that exemplify your concerns, Research and understand your child’s disabilities.
6. Stay Focused
Clarify and defined the central issue(s). Don’t try to solve everything at once. Keep conversations about the issues. Try not to get personal or accusatory. Keep the focus on the child and his/her needs. Keep questioning for understanding. Restate your understanding of decisions made and the outcome of discussions.
7. Write It Down
Write down key points of discussions while fresh in your mind. Note issues, names of key people, steps taken and a plan of action. You may want to send a copy of your summary to the people involved by email or in writing
8. Know Your Rights
Read the procedural Safeguards booklet that is offered by the school at your meetings attend workshops, read books, search reliable websites
9. Keep Your Emotions in Check
Stay positive, focus on the child and the issues, be a good listener, take notes restate” Do I understand that —-” respect othe ropinions, agree to disagree
10. Follow the Rules!