In my recent post Learning to Make Sense of an IEP, I asked for everyone to share their favorite resources on the topic of advocacy and special education. Between this site, my own blog and some emails, I got a bunch of responses and wanted to compile them here for the benefit of all of us.
Websites:
- Wrightslaw – comprehensive site with information on IEPs, 504 Plans, IDEA and No Child Left Behind.
- From Emotions to Advocacy – a companion site to the book mentioned below.
- TeacherVision Special Education Category – although designed for teachers and has a membership area, there are a number of free resources that would be helpful to parents as well.
- National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities – site funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, US Dept of Education
Books:
- Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy by Pam & Pete Wright
- Wrightslaw: Special Education Law by Pam & Pete Wright
- The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child by Lawrence M. Siegal
- How Well Does Your IEP Measure Up? by Diane Twachtman-Cullen and Jennifer Twachtman-Reilly
- Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Strategies for School Success by Brenda Smith Myles and Diane Adreon
Tips:
- Do everything you can to work together as a team with the school personnel
- Request a rough draft of the IEP (or whatever is being discussed) prior to attending the meeting
- Bring someone with you to help you remember your questions and take notes for you
- Ask local disability groups for recommendations to find an advocate in your area
An important point was raised in the comments that advocacy is something all parents do for their children all the time and that it is a positive, proactive thing to do. It does not necessarily equal fighting or antagonistic behavior, although sometimes it comes to that in certain situations.
Knowledge truly is power, and the more you know, the better you are able to be an effective member of the team and represent your child’s needs and interests. Keep up the good work, everybody!
Trish can be found writing here at 5MFSN every Friday in addition to hosting Try This Tuesday. You can also find Trish at her blog, Another Piece of the Puzzle.