Advocacy in Special Education

Navigating the Educational System 

Many parents are unaware of the steps to secure appropriate special education services for their children. Paraquad’s primary goal in accessibility advocacy is to make fair, appropriate education attainable. Our advocacy programming serves parents, family members, students and older youth as they become aware of and advocate for their educational rights. 

Understanding IEPs 

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the cornerstone of equity for students with disabilities in the classroom. These documents outline the supports and services a student will need throughout their time in school. Each plan is designed by parents and teachers with one student in mind. This ensures they have the special education resources necessary to progress through the general curriculum. 

By law, IEPs include the following items:

• Current Performance

• Annual Goals

• List of Applicable Special Education Services

• Extent of Participation with Students Without Disabilities

• Participation in State and District-Wide Testing

• Date, Duration and Location of Services

• Transition Service Needs

• Age of Majority

• Progress Metrics and Communication Plans 

Independent Advocacy in Special Education 

Though school personnel may want the best for students with disabilities in the classroom, they may be limited in their accessibility advocacy due to their job requirements. As a parent, you know your child best — advocacy in special education will fall primarily to you. 

However, getting started may feel daunting. Paraquad meets with students and family members to outline needs, expectations and steps forward. Our assistance may range from providing written special education resources to educating on successful advocacy in the education system firsthand. 

For the purpose of independent advocacy, our team shares information related to: 

• IEP Eligibility Criteria 

• General, Triennial and Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)

• IEP Meeting Expectations 

• Challenging Eligibility and Placement Decisions

• Conflict Resolution 

Meeting Assistance 

At Paraquad, we do everything in our power to secure positive outcomes for students with disabilities in the classroom. Sometimes, our team will actively participate in accessibility advocacy by joining your IEP meeting. Whenever necessary, we’ll build upon our experiences in the education system to help you meet legal requirements and secure proper accommodations. 

Our team supports advocacy in special education by carrying out the following: 

• Gathering Information

• Sharing Special Education Resources 

• Informing of Legal Rights

• Preparing a Plan of Action

• Asking Pertinent Questions

• Identifying Problems 

• Proposing Solutions

Educating Off-Campus 

Personal, social and educational development doesn’t end when the school bell rings. Our Youth and Family Services provide a consistent community where young people with disabilities grow and families receive much-needed resources. Discover Paraquad can assist you and your loved ones all year round. 

Explore Youth & Family Services 

Getting Started 

We believe that students with disabilities in the classroom deserve to receive an equitable experience in our school systems. For both family members and individuals experiencing challenges in their educational journey, invaluable special education resources and support are within reach at Paraquad. 
Interested in receiving more information on special education and accessibility advocacy or joining one of the Paraquad Youth & Family Programs? Contact Stephanie McDowell at 314-289-4265 or smcdowell@paraquad.org.