What is an Advocate? What is a Parent Consultant?
An advocate is someone who actively negotiates for the needs of another. Random House dictionary defines an advocate, in part, as someone who speaks, writes in favor of, supports, advises or urges by arguments in support of another person. Parent consultants are parents or professionals who have been part of the special education process and seek to help others to access the supports and services that enable students with disabilities to succeed.
What is Special Education Advocacy and Planning?
Special education advocacy and planning is a proactive approach to the education of a student with a disability(s), by taking into account the long-term academic, social, emotional, medical and functional goals of the student and their family. It is more than writing a good IEP, it is planning for a full life.
When should a parent work with a Special Education Advocate and Planner?
A parent should consult with a Special Education Advocate any time a parent is concerned about their child’s educational progress. Even at the beginning stages of concern it is helpful to consult a professional who can guide the parent in the determination of whether an educational disability exists and their rights under special education laws. It is never too early to have a consultation. A special education planner, advocate or consultant can provide valuable advice at all stages of the special education process since the laws and regulations regarding special education are complex and always evolving.
How can I start the process?
Any interested parents should contact Full Potential for a free, initial consultation.
Is this confidential?
All the interaction between you and Full Potential will be kept confidential including the fact that you are a client of Full Potential, unless you choose to disclose this information. However, it is important to note that communications may not be privileged from legal proceedings.
Questions about Special Education In Massachusetts
My child is struggling in school, does s/he qualify for special education?
A student is deemed eligible for special education when they have an “educational” disability that limits their ability to access the curriculum of the school or prevents the student from making “effective progress.”
How is the existence of an educational disability determined?
The determination of a disability occurs after formal and informal evaluations conducted by school personnel or by other professionals hired by the school or the parents.
Can parents hire their own professionals to conduct testing?
Parent may hire their own independent evaluators and submit the results to the school district. The school district must consider those results in their determination of the student’s eligibility for special education but it does not have to accept the conclusions of the independent evaluation.
What is an IEP?
An IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. This document describes the individual learning strengths and weaknesses of a child with an educational disability and establishes their educational needs. From this assessment, an education program is created that is tailored to the student’s unique needs and strengths. Annual measurable goals with objectives or benchmarks are written and any related services, such as speech and language support, are listed. In addition, any in-classroom accommodations or modifications are provided for in the IEP, as well as any MCAS accommodations. The IEP should be tailored to the individual needs of the student, set annual measurable goals and be reasonably calculated to allow the student to make effective progress in the school curriculum.
What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disability Act, which preclude discrimination against people with disabilities in any federally funded program, including schools. A 504 plan spells out the accommodations and modification necessary to provide students with a qualified disability with equal access to the life of the school. Accommodations can include a wide range of supports such as blood sugar monitoring, an extra set of text books, and assistive technology devises .
What is Transition Planning?
Transition planning is preparing young adults with disabilities to move from school to post-school activities including post-secondary education, employment and independent living. Under Massachusetts law, transition planning must begin at age 14 for all students on an IEP, and in some circumstances could begin even earlier. Transition planning is a student centered, ongoing and dynamic process based on the student’s preferences, interests and age appropriate transition assessments. Transition goals should be part of the IEP from age 14 (or earlier).
