Advocacy – Are We Truly Prepared?

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I have been an educator in some shape or form for the last 14 years of my life. I have taught preschool, 4th grade, 5th grade, reading intervention from grades K-12, and privately tutored students with various special needs. When I received the news that my oldest child was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I felt like I could handle it as an advocate because I was “familiar” with the journey my family was embarking on. 

I could not have been more wrong. As a society, we hear the word “advocate” and think that if we preach about inclusion, we are advocating. Parents and caregivers of those with special needs know that the advocacy battle is one that never ends. It is a tireless effort in which we are educating ourselves and others on how to include our children in a world that was not built for them. 

Even though I possess a Master’s Degree in Education, I find the educational advocacy battle to be extremely frustrating. I thought that since I knew the workings of the education system, I would be well equipped for the challenges that my son, and I, would face throughout his educational career. But, the more people I speak to within the special needs community, the more evident it is that the advocacy battle is moving at a snail’s pace (at least in some ways). 

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received from a member of my community, was to befriend every parent of children with special needs, volunteer and become involved in the school as much as possible, and make sure everyone in my child’s school knew who I was. This may seem extreme to some, but I understand why the parents that have gone before me have given me this advice—their advocacy for their children did not give them the results they desired. They want me to forge strongly ahead to make sure that my fight can bring better inclusion for my child, and for future students in my child’s school. 

While my son is just beginning his public educational career, roadblocks have already popped up—and the school year hasn’t even started. I am in a fight for services and acceptance of my child’s needs before he steps foot into his classroom. I have faith in the school and educators that my son will receive the support he needs, but I have to wonder, should the fight be THIS hard?

I’ve seen glimpses of more help within the community to ensure that parents learn how to advocate for their child more thoroughly. This also includes learning the laws of the educational system and the rights our children have. For instance, earlier this summer I was able to meet with an advocate at the local library for a free consultation on my experiences with our transition to public school and request of services. She was able to guide me on what rights my child has and how to go about receiving the services he deserves. But educating ourselves in all of this can be difficult. 

Thankfully, there is a wealth of knowledge on the internet that helps teach how we can improve advocacy as parents of students with special needs. The National Special Education Advocacy Institute (NSEAI) has online courses where parents, caregivers, providers, educators, and therapists can learn more about effective advocacy for the special needs community. From the special education process to transitioning to adulthood, the NSEAI has a great deal of informative courses for all of the major milestones in your child’s life. 

The Autism Parenting Magazine also has a great deal of educational advocacy information for the upcoming school year. The Back to School issues cover special education, transitions, bullying, and more. There is even information on sleep transitions for the upcoming school year and how to help get your child out the door on time for school, which is a huge struggle in my house!

Finally, one of the best resources there is for advocacy are those in your community who are fighting alongside you or have walked the same walk before you. The best way to educate ourselves is to learn from those around us. So to the parents and caregivers of children with special needs: reach out in your community, find a new community on social media, talk to your libraries about their programs, Google search “special education advocates” in your area, and forge ahead. Your children, and those walking along this path after them, will thank you!

Want to get started but need more guidance? Reach out to me at most.au.some.journey@gmail.com today.