Effective advocacy starts with educating yourself. Make sure you understand your child's disability and learning style. Become knowledgeable about your child's school program, and learn about your rights and responsibilities under the law. As a key member of your child's Team, your goal is to work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals.

You can also hire a special education advocate to assist you. Successful advocates get good results for students by working cooperatively and openly with parents and schools.

A Good Advocate:

• Is Well-Trained and Knows the Law
• Understands Schools
• Takes Time to Know Your Child
• Empowers You
• Understands Disabilities
• Acts Professionally

The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides training for special education advocates and maintains contact information for all persons who have successfully completed their training.

Click here to download more information about choosing a good advocate. A Parent's Guide to Selecting a Special Education Advocate in Massachusetts.

(PDF files require Adobe Acrobat which can be downloaded at no cost by clicking here.)

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