So excited advocating for other parents

mommyof4boys · March 2011

I've successfully advocated for 2 parents recently. One I helped write a letter for her son to recieve the correct type of education. The person's son is deaf and the school wouldn't provide his education in sign for him. The second person I found out last night that what I was able to tell her worked. The schools here are cutting ESY services and aren't giving it to kids who didn't attend the entire time last year. Legally they have to look at present need not last year's need. She was able to get him the full amout of ESY for her kid.

I've been reading a book about advocating for special needs parents and have been reading Wrightslaw a lot while the boys are in school. I really enjoy doing this. Funny after graduating with a degree in Reading in December I wish we had money that I could go back to law school and become an educational lawyer. Big Smile

luckyfrgg · March 2011

That AWESOME! You know, you don't actually have to have a JD to be an educational consultant/advocate. And at least here, they get paid REALLY well. May be worth looking into what kind of certification you could get!

CABunny · March 2011

That is awesome!

JaysonandKristin · March 2011

Great work!! You should feel extremely proud!! I hope you continue to find joy and satisfaction in this kind of work.

I am not advocating, but pairing "veteran" families with "rookie" families with DS' birth defect in CA. I hold get-togethers and host local chidren's hospital surgeons who speak to our families about the latest information and technologies. It's so much fun. I really enjoy meeting other families like mine. Something about knowing that others have succeeded before me is very comforting.

meghans30 · March 2011

Our educational advocate is worth her weight in gold!! She does not have a law degree, but does have a master's degree in special education and several others. You should look into the requirements.

newmoh529 · March 2011

It is a wonderful feeling to help other people! I serve as a parent member for my county's CPSE ( Committee on Pre-School Special Ed ) and I love it. I was asked by our Chairperson after my daughter "graduated" into general ed to be a "parent member".I took a class offered through my school district to learn what was required. Our presence is required in my county, either in person or by phone, or the parent can bench the meeting. It is a volunteer position. You are there in support of the parent. Sometimes they need help, sometimes they don't. I think it just helps knowing you are there for them. I can do up to 12 meetings a month sometimes. It is very rewarding to know that you may be instrumental in helping a parent cope or getting a child the services they need.