I hear much about using a advocate to help special education children, but I don’t know where to ask.
Re: How do you find a advocate
You can also look for special ed related groups like TASK, LDA (Learning Disabilities Assoc) and others thru your school and also in the phone book. Best bet is to start asking around and keep your eyes open. In fact, you could / should be able to ask your district to supply you with a list of advocates; however, strong caution should be suggested. First question I’d ask is if they are at all financially tied to the district or other districts in your area. If I am not mistaken, by law, they are supposed to be able to provide you with a list upon request.
You might even try asking your pediatrician.
Do not go with the first advocate you encounter, unless there is some great exception to the rule of look before you leap. Interview a few, ask for referrals and see which seems to best meet your child’s needs.
See about things like a sliding scale for fees, will they attend IEP meetings and if need be attend mediation and due process as well.
Remember your origional focus and need for an advocate, and that is for your child’s educational needs and that they be met.
One thing you can do is click on the “Finding Help” section of this website (see banner heading above). Then click on “state resources”. Then click on your state, and start calling some of the agencies listed, saying you are trying to find an advocate to help you with your child’s IEP. Sometimes advocates are free, but usually you have to pay.
Angela