When you find yourself in the special education world, there are many reasons to hire an advocate. Most parents just want to have an IEP meeting, discuss their child’s needs, create goals and services, and sign the document. While this is the intent of an IEP meeting, things often don’t go according to plan. Special education is a highly political item due to the money involved, and there can be a lot of disagreement about what is appropriate for a student. When these disagreements arise, the process can start to deteriorate.
Why is hiring an advocate a good idea?
There are two parallel conversations going on during IEP meetings. One is the parent’s conversation about what they think their kid needs to be successful; The other is the school district’s conversation about what they can provide. School districts may never mention money when discussing possible appropriate supports and services for a student. Instead, they will talk around the subject and express why they cannot do certain things with phrases such as:
- “We don’t do that here.”
- “We are not allowed to do that.”
- “That is not on our computer’s drop-down list.”
This is where an advocate can come in and remind the district that their legal obligation is to provide an individualized education program and that, quite frankly, just about anything can be allowed if the team agrees it is necessary for the student to access their education.
Does this sound like your school district?
Sometimes districts can be nasty and very difficult to deal with. It doesn’t matter how respectful the parents are or how hard they try to work with the district, the staff (usually a particular few) refuses to act collaboratively. These situations are uncomfortable. Having an advocate to help facilitate is often necessary in these conditions.
Of course, there is also the other kind of district: The super friendly, congenial district staff that never get anything done. Parents ask questions, and everyone smiles and nods . . . and nothing happens. Timelines are missed, documentation is lost, and no one follows through. An advocate can also help in these situations by reminding the district staff about legal timelines and the school’s responsibility to the student.
Talk to an advocate. Learn your rights.
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As parents, we understand. As advocates, we can help.