re: How does one become an advocator

[Guest guest]

& others:

I believe that the first requirement for advocacy is passion (and a strong

stomach).

My passion comes primarily from raising my own two children...one with ADD &

substance issues, and another who is MR, nonverbal, and in a high-quality

intensive ABA program.

However, I also have a deep innate sense of going to bat for the " underdog " and

keeping a watchful eye for those who are vulnerable...and not being afraid of

speaking up & out when necessary.

As far as the " formal " process of becoming an advocate, there are Parent

Training Centers throughout the US (http://www.fcsn.org/ptis/ptilist.htm) many

of which offer programs designed to train advocates. The course of study

focuses on the federal and state laws governing special education and disability

rights, and also includes practical advice on how to effectively communicate

with the Team and other professionals, keeping records/preparing a " case, " and

strategies for working within the system to achieve appropriate educational

opportunities.

It is also helpful to regularly attend workshops, seminars, and conferences at

law schools, parent training centers, etc. which pertain to this area, as well

as other topics including teaching/therapy techniques & in depth analysis of

specific disabilities (keep in mind, however, that most advocates are not

educators or " disability specialists, " our function is to know the laws and

protections for children with disabilities).

Advocacy can be extremely rewarding, and also intensely frustrating. It helps

to keep in mind that " this is not a race, it's a marathon, pace

yourself " ...depending on the issues, cases can take some time to resolve...there

are hoops to jump through, meetings to attend, appointments with specialists,

etc. Going into it with a realistic view is essential in order not to burn out

and lose hope. Often families are looking for advocates to have a magic wand to

" fix " things posthaste...promising this can be devastating to families and

create greater stress for them under already stressful circumstances.

Best of luck to you...it is an admirable goal.

Tonya Boyce

Advocate for Children with Disabilities & Special Needs

West Groton, MA

978-448-8386

abc123tonyab@...

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<<<Subject: How does one become an advocator?

Hello, I do not post often but I have a question.

I am a student studying special education for the mentally and physically

handicap and I was wondering how does one become an advocate? I would like to

eventually become a professional advocate but I need to do my homework first. So

if you have any information I would greatly appreciate it.

>>>