Advocacy 101 - Know What You are Talking About

At a minimum, know about the disability; state law, federal law, case law; procedural safeguards, effective communication; the child's rights; the rights and responsibilities of the parent; state education standards; writing educational goals that are specific, measurable, timely, and address the child's behavioral, academic, social and emotional needs; understand the evaluations and progress monitoring reports. Don't wait for an emergency. Don't wait until the child is failing. If you have gotten as far as reading this page you already know there is a problem. Collect information about the problem, about the solution, and about the special education process, before putting things in place that may not benefit the child, and may be difficult or time consuming to undo later. Be an informed participant in the process.

Advocacy Training

Advocate Academy of The Advocacy Institute - Purchase either live Webinar sessions or archived classes

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates Annual Conference and Webinar training sessions - Purchase either live Webinar sessions or archived classes

Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) - the National Center on Dispute Resolution, encourages the use of mediation and other collaborative strategies to resolve disagreements about special education and early intervention programs.

New Hampshire Parent Information Center - Click on Special Education, then Training Sessions, then Volunteer Advocate Program

Wrightslaw Boot Camps and workshops - Training classes on CDs

Self Advocacy Class online - Partners in Policy Making - free

Free Advocacy Manuals

Legal Rights of Children with Epilepsy in School & Child Care: An Advocate's Manual (PDF) - Prepared by Leslie Seid Margolis, Managing Attorney, Maryland Disability Law Center

LD Advocates Guide - National Center for Learning Disabilities

Education Advocacy:A Self-Help Tutorial for Parents - Prepared by Leslie E. Packer

Navigating the School System - information and worksheets - Brain Injury Partners

Taking Action - A Step by Step Guide to Becoming a Self-Advocate & Making a Difference - United Spinal Association

Archived Medicaid 101 Series - Training and Advocacy Support Center - National Disability Rights Network


Book

Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd edition - Pamela Wright & Peter Wright, Esq.

Listings of Advocates and Attorneys Who Represent Parents

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates

Disability Rights Center ~ Attorneys ~ Advocates

NH Edlaw - Attorneys ~ Advocates

New Hampshire Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities

How to Choose an Advocate - by Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates

How to Choose an Attorney - by Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates