Advocating for Special Needs Students What exactly is a special needs advocate? They are people that work to acquire needed services for individuals with disabilities or special needs. Parents of special needs children should learn to advocate for them at school. In a classroom full of students, it can be difficult for disabled students to reach their full potential without special accommodations to help them be successful. When advocating for students with special needs, the advocate must know the laws, prepare for meetings, and develop relationships with members of the team. The Rehabilitation Act, passed in 1973, is an excellent place to learn the rights of disabled students. “Section 504 of the Act mandates nondiscrimination for people
…show more content…
Planning an agenda prior to the meeting helps keep a focus for the meeting, and to make sure that all areas of concern are addressed. The first item of discussion should be the student’s strengths and then follow up with his frustrations. Discuss how the students and the teacher’s frustrations may be similar. Provide the team with what the student needs in the way of extra help, from a modification in the amount of help or ways to help keep him focused. An advocate that has an agenda, shows the team that you are serious, focused, and prepared to advocate for this student, and that you expect the same from them (Advocating for Your Special Needs …show more content…
The first step is to identify the issue, then develop a strategy for resolution. The next step is to develop a plan of action. Lastly, there must be a timeline for completion. If the issue is not resolved by the completion date, a new plan of action will be required. “Most advocacy initiatives are accomplished through collaboration, negotiation and compromise; they may require a series of actions over time in-order-to achieve a desired outcome” (Advocating for Nurses and Nursing). In other words, know what you want, make a request, and be willing to work with others to achieve the desired outcome. Ultimately, the goal is to have a team approach that uses problem solving skills to attain the best possible
Planning an agenda prior to the meeting helps keep a focus for the meeting, and to make sure that all areas of concern are addressed. The first item of discussion should be the student’s strengths and then follow up with his frustrations. Discuss how the students and the teacher’s frustrations may be similar. Provide the team with what the student needs in the way of extra help, from a modification in the amount of help or ways to help keep him focused. An advocate that has an agenda, shows the team that you are serious, focused, and prepared to advocate for this student, and that you expect the same from them (Advocating for Your Special Needs …show more content…
The first step is to identify the issue, then develop a strategy for resolution. The next step is to develop a plan of action. Lastly, there must be a timeline for completion. If the issue is not resolved by the completion date, a new plan of action will be required. “Most advocacy initiatives are accomplished through collaboration, negotiation and compromise; they may require a series of actions over time in-order-to achieve a desired outcome” (Advocating for Nurses and Nursing). In other words, know what you want, make a request, and be willing to work with others to achieve the desired outcome. Ultimately, the goal is to have a team approach that uses problem solving skills to attain the best possible