Advocacy Special Education Santa Clara

Advocacy can make a difference. We have clients who knew their children had a disability, and lived in districts that refused to assess. We have seen IEPs where the goals are not measurable or the student is not offered an appropriate placement. As a result, some parents privately hire tutors and therapists for their child because they have concerns about whether their child is receiving an appropriate public education. There are instances where children are being physically restrained.

None of these are a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).

An advocate can help get students assessed, “encourage” school districts to assess in all areas of suspected disability. A strong IEP contains SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound). Students receive supports and services that students would not have otherwise received. With an advocate present, the families we work with feel heard and supported in the IEP process.Many feel as though they get to be the parent and don’t have to spend time and energy wondering whether the district is being candid with them.

We recently had an IEP where mom had hired us to help. After the meeting, dad said “Before this IEP meeting, I had wondered why my wife spent the money to hire you. Now I understand. It was worth it.” We know the full range of services a district is able to offer, and how to ask for them. We can help make sure the meeting stays on track.The IEP team will hear and consider your thoughts on your child’s education. We can discuss the full range of service and placement options to help you developed an educational path for your child. We make sure you are heard.

There are districts that conduct the IEP process “their” way. This is slowly changing over time…and there are a few where services are a fight. Advocacy can help parents move things forward as much as reasoned persuasion will allow. If the district is intransigent, we can help families prepare for their next steps.

Talk to an advocate. Learn your rights.

https://www.facebook.com/aspireadvocacy

As parents, we understand, As advocates, we can help.

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