A Guide to Special Education Advocacy

Navigating the school system can sometimes be a confusing and frustrating task. Figuring out what services your child is entitled to receive, how to go about getting services in place, what to do if you hit a road block with the school – these are just a few of the questions parents may face.

All parents must be advocates for their children. As a parent of a child with ADHD, this role becomes even more important -- especially in regards to the school setting. You must be an effective partner in your child’s education and assertively advocate for what your child needs. In order to do this you must become knowledgeable about special education.

A Guide to Special Education Advocacy: What Parents, Clinicians and Advocates Need to Know written by Matthew Cohen, a disability rights lawyer, is a wonderful how-to manual for parents in the midst of obtaining and securing educational and support services for their child. The book not only provides an overview of IDEA and Section 504 (two laws under which your child may be eligible for special education services, protections and accommodations), but it also includes very specific, practical “advocacy strategies” for parents.

These step-by-step strategies make this book especially unique and useful for parents. Parents can find information about eligibility, the evaluation and reevaluation process, the IEP process, proactive behavior management and supports, transition planning for older students, mediation and due process. In addition sample letters are provided for parents requesting due process hearings, records, evaluations, or placing their child unilaterally into a private school.

While the book provides a detailed framework for understanding special education law, it is also essential that you consult your state’s Department of Education to verify the details of how the system works in your area. With Cohen’s Guide to Special Education Advocacy in hand, you’ll be a more informed and empowered advocate for your child.