It’s a given that you want to do what’s best for your child and that you’d readily fight every monster under the bed or in the closet. Parents of children with special needs, though, require an extra layer of superpowers and that’s advocacy. In this month’s video, Special Education Support Services (SESS) Consultant Alejandro Martinez defines advocacy and describes what it looks like in the special education world.
“Parents new to the world of special education are initially overwhelmed. The best first thing they can do is learn how to be an advocate,” Alejandro offered. In the video, he explains what an advocate is and how the Brighton SESS team can build up a parent’s advocacy skills.
Overview of “Becoming the Best Advocate for Your Child”
Here are some of the suggestions Alejandro covers in the video:
- Learn key terms and processes specific to the special education world.
- Learn the essential components of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Practice clear and open communication.
- Be familiar with legal protections.
- Be an active participant.
- Be persistent.
Some of these suggestions, like Key Special Education Terms to Know, are covered in more detail on Brighton’s Special Education Library page. Alejandro spends most of the time talking specifically about the importance of communication and participation. “Parents are in the driver’s seat when it comes to their child’s education, but you don’t want to be an aggressive driver. We help parents understand the importance of practicing clear and open communication with the school while also being persistent in their advocacy for their child’s education support services,” he explained.
In the video, Alejandro reviews ways to practice clear and open communication, including keeping detailed notes and remembering to give appreciation to the teachers, specialists, and school personnel you’ll interact with. He also discusses the importance of asking targeted questions to school representatives to understand better the services and support listed in a child’s IEP.
Brighton’s Special Education Support Services team helps parents of children ages 3 – 8 understand and access special education and support services for their child within the public school system. If you want to learn more about Brighton’s special education services, fill out this form to schedule a free consultation today.
