How to Find a Special Education Advocate

Any parent who has had a child in special education knows that the laws affecting their child's education are difficult to understand. Worse yet, are the long meetings with staff members at your child's school during which objectives and evaluations are discussed using confusing acronyms such as IEP and BIP. While most staff members do consider your child's best interest, there are times when you need a professional to advocate with you. Finding the right professional advocate is the key.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Start close to home by asking other parents in your community if they know of a good special education advocate. Other parents can be your best resource.

2. Call or email the disability organization that represents your child's disability. For example, if your child has a learning disability, call the Learning Disability Association of America at [phone].

3. Go to the website for the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). They have a link on their site which will direct you to a list of local advocates and attorneys. You can also reach COPAA by phone at [phone].

4. Interview potential advocates. You are hiring them to provide a service, therefore you have the right to know their qualifications.

5. Select an advocate that has special education experience. Many advocates are parents of children with special needs or former special educators.

6. Ask potential advocates what professional meetings they have attended recently. Special education law changes regularly. A good advocate will attend meetings frequently to keep abreast of changes in the law and case law.

7. Inquire about fees upfront. Your advocate should be able to give you an hourly rate or an overall fee depending on how she charges.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you are hiring an advocate, continue to educate yourself about the law and how it affects your child. The more you understand, the easier it will be to communicate with you advocate and the school.
• Be aware of an advocate who oversteps his professional qualifications. Not all advocates are lawyers; therefore there are limits to their ability to represent you, especially in federal court.

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