Top 7 TIPS: Advocating at School for Your Child with a Disability

  1. Educate yourself about how your child’s disability impacts abilities to learn.
  2. Participate in professionally led workshops and support groups, including dad’s groups.
  3. Learn about the U.S. and Massachusetts specific special education laws. Read the “Parents Guide to Special Education”
  4. Obtain written comprehensive child assessments by parent-friendly professionals credentialed in areas of concern.
  5. Identify, prioritize, and summarize your concerns for your child’s education in preparation for communicating with the school.
  6. Communicate your concerns to the school in writing, concisely and objectively. Email is a good way to communicate.
  7. Hire a trained special education advocate who can help you navigate and negotiate the special education process.