Special education advocacy plays a vital role in ensuring that students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) receive the Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) they are entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This guide delves into the landscape of special education advocate training, providing valuable insights for individuals and organizations looking to enhance their advocacy skills and support students with I/DD and their families.
Understanding the Need for Special Education Advocates
The IDEA mandates that schools provide students with disabilities with FAPE in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is developed collaboratively by parents, educators, and other relevant professionals. However, disagreements can arise, leaving parents feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to navigate the special education system. This is where special education advocates can help.
Special education advocates, both attorneys and lay advocates, assist students and families in securing appropriate educational services. While attorneys undergo formal legal training, lay advocates typically do not have mandatory training requirements. This underscores the need for accessible and comprehensive training programs to ensure quality advocacy services. Furthermore, while attorneys’ practices are governed by bar associations, lay advocates often lack nationally recognized certification or ethical guidelines. Lay advocates are a vital resource for families who cannot afford legal representation or who want to avoid the adversarial nature of involving an attorney. The growing field of lay advocacy in special education has led to the development of training programs and networks aimed at professionalizing the role.
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Exploring Existing Advocate Training Programs
Several programs offer training for individuals interested in becoming special education advocates. These programs vary in curriculum, duration, and cost:
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Advocate Academy at the Advocacy Institute: Offers a collection of online webinars covering various special education topics. The archived webinars, while extensive, may require supplementation with more current information.
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Wrightslaw: Provides a wealth of information on special education law and advocacy through its website and training programs. Pete and Pam Wright, the creators, conduct one- and two-day trainings across the country. Many find their resources and trainings valuable.
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Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers: Funded by the IDEA, PTI Centers in each state offer training and information to parents, empowering them to advocate for their children. Some PTI Centers also employ advocates who assist families in negotiations with schools.
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Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP): Administered by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, the VAP trains individuals to become advocates for families of children with disabilities, primarily in Tennessee. The program has demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness, with participants showing significant improvements in special education knowledge and advocacy skills.
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Latino Parent Leadership Support Project (LPLSP): Created by the Family Resource Center on Disabilities, LPLSP trains Latino families of children with autism spectrum disorder in the Chicago area to advocate for their children and other families, addressing the unique barriers they face.
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Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA): COPAA offers the Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) program, a comprehensive curriculum with classroom instruction, out-of-classroom work, and a practicum component. The program is highly regarded and well-structured, but may be more suitable for those with some prior advocacy experience.
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National Special Education Advocacy Institute (NSEAI): NSEAI provides a curriculum and offers a Board Certified Education Advocate (BCEA) credential. However, the BCEA credential is not nationally recognized, and concerns have been raised about the founder’s educational credentials.
The Arc’s Role in Special Education Advocacy
The Arc is a leading national organization advocating for and serving individuals with I/DD and their families. Many of The Arc’s chapters provide direct services and individual advocacy services, including special education advocacy.
A survey of The Arc’s chapter network revealed that a significant majority provide some level of special education advocacy, ranging from information and referral to representing families in formal complaints and mediation. Chapters primarily rely on paid staff for advocacy services and often train them through mentoring and informal practices. Many chapters have found value in external trainings, such as those offered by Wrightslaw.
Chapters have identified a need for a comprehensive online training program offered by The Arc to help train new advocates efficiently and cost-effectively. This program should include an evaluative component to assess participants’ knowledge and skills.
Key Insights from Research on Advocacy Practices
While research on special education advocacy is limited, existing studies offer valuable insights.
Studies suggest that advocates can play a crucial role in providing parents with information, gathering records, making recommendations, and attending meetings. Successful advocates possess knowledge of special education laws, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with schools.
Research also highlights the challenges faced by parents who advocate on their own, including a lack of information, intimidation, and feeling disempowered compared to school staff. Advocates can help bridge this gap and ensure that parents’ voices are heard.
Studies suggest potential benefits to parents who have access to an advocate. For example, parents with advocate support at due process hearings have achieved more favorable outcomes. Parents also report higher levels of satisfaction and contribution at IEP meetings when supported by an advocate.
Further research is needed to study the methods and effectiveness of lay advocates, including outcomes for students and benefits to families.
Recommendations for Enhancing Special Education Advocacy
Based on existing research, stakeholder feedback, and the needs of The Arc’s chapter network, the following recommendations are crucial for improving special education advocacy:
- Develop a comprehensive, online special education advocacy training curriculum.
- Create informational materials for chapters to share with families.
- Provide sample forms, fact sheets, and advocacy tools for chapter staff.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among chapters providing advocacy services.
- Educate chapter staff on new resources, guidance, and legal decisions impacting special education advocacy.
- Identify alternative funding sources for advocacy services.
- Collaborate with organizations like COPAA, PTI Centers, and protection and advocacy networks to maximize resources.
- Conduct further research on the outcomes of educational advocacy and effective advocacy methods.
By implementing these recommendations, organizations can empower advocates, support families, and ultimately improve the educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
