All About Special Education Advocates
We often hear the term special education advocate, but what are they, and what do they do?
Special education advocates help parents ensure a child’s unique needs are met. They help parents understand available services, interpret test results, and work with schools to plan individualized education programs (IEPs).
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For a student with special needs, learning concerns take many forms. A special education advocate helps families address previously identified learning challenges and pinpoint overlooked factors affecting a child’s ability to learn. These include, but are not limited to: learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, speech and language disorders, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorder, behavioral and emotional disorders, physical disabilities, chronic illness, and traumatic brain injury.
A special education advocate has many responsibilities, but each child’s and family’s needs differ, and advocates aim to empower families and give students a voice.
Special education advocates provide parents with guidance on services, programs, and accommodations tailored to their child’s needs and assistance in understanding reports and evaluations. They also support parents in communicating with schools, preparing for IEP and 504 meetings, and ensuring the accuracy of special education documents. Advocates will also offer advice on legal options if needed.
Special Education Advocates Help Families Special education advocates help families navigate the laws and the methods by which schools implement legislation. Their expertise allows parents to participate in shaping their children’s education, providing a sense of security in an otherwise uncertain system.
Parents often find themselves grappling with the intricacies of the special education system, from understanding the laws and best practices to deciphering the terms and abbreviations used by schools. It can be incredibly challenging and overwhelming! So, enter a special education advocate. Advocates bridge these knowledge gaps, providing parents a sense of relief and empowerment.
Additionally, parents often display sensitivity when dealing with issues regarding their children, and rightfully so. Advocates can assist parents who may feel emotionally overwhelmed and also help gauge their child’s progress while guiding them through what can often be a challenging time. Special education advocates aren’t always necessary for every child and family but are essential for many.
Written By: Meredith Biesinger
Professional Writer/ Education Specialist
Meredith Biesinger is a licensed dyslexia therapist in Mississippi, in addition to being an experienced classroom teacher and K-12 administrator. Meredith also works as a consultant, where she bridges the bridge the gap between K-12 school districts and ed-tech organizations. With a passion for literacy, she is also a professional writer and syndicated author. With a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in English Education and Creative Writing, she has had rich and diverse opportunities to teach students and education professionals in different parts of the country as well as overseas.
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