Services

SERVICES Telephone Consultation Telephone consultations are an essential part of every advocacy intake and review. Often what brings parents to an advocate is a crisis at school that seems to need immediate intervention and is most often a symptom of a failing school environment or untreated disability. It is through a preliminary review and dialog that the advocate can help pinpoint the issues. This allows parents/clients to make informed decisions about the next steps in advocacy before investing time and money. Interviews and Review of Records A Records Review enables the skilled advocate to get an "overall feel" for what schools and professionals have done to aid a student. The records should disclose the school's view of the issues, what the educational strengths and weaknesses of the student are and what the school is doing or not doing to address the students’ individual needs. Our trained advocates can assist families to chart their child's progress over time to determine if true growth has occurred. Plan of Action A plan of action can include accepting the status quo, requesting an independent evaluation, requesting an IEP meeting, asking for changes in the student’s program and sometimes a change in placement (school). In general, a plan of action is a step-by-step strategy that addresses how the child's needs will be met. While developing the plan of action, it is critical to explore available options and possible outcomes. Our advocates believe that parents are the only participants who are directly involved in the life-long planning for their child. Only parents and family will be there after a child transitions into post-school life. Our role is to empower families to follow their dreams for their children. Observation An observation can include an advocate's visit to view the student's interactions and behaviors at home or in the educational setting. This process includes data collection when appropriate for the situation. It also allows the advocate to compare and contrast a child's actions between settings. Meetings IEP meetings Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) are the vehicle through which all special education services are provided. An IEP is a contract between the family and the school system and is the blue print for the education of an individual with a disability. The goals stated within the IEP drive the services that a student receives. The “measurability” of the goals/objectives allows the IEP team to determine whether or not educational interventions, services, and accommodations are effective. In alignment with No Child Left Behind (NCLB), high standards established for all children are included in the expectations of students with disabilities. These high standards address the functional, developmental and educational needs of a child. IEP goals address a student's strengths as well as remediation of skills. Without a well-written and highly measurable IEP document for a child with special needs, education may lack substance. Assistive Technology Meetings Assistive Technology meetings are an extension of an IEP meeting attended by specially trained persons with expertise in products that can enable students with disabilities to accomplish daily living tasks, and assist them in communication, education, work or recreation activities. Assistive technology helps students achieve greater independence and enhance the quality of life. 504 meetings Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a tool in the education of individuals with disabilities. The IDEA focuses on correcting or maximizing the educational outcome of individuals with disabilities. 504 Plans protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination and help to level the playing field. Two essential key components to a 504 Plan are: 1) school programs are accessible to students with disabilities and 2) that students are provided with accommodations in evaluation procedures in order to demonstrate their true knowledge. Failures to comply with 504 requests are acts of discrimination and carry with it full civil rights protection under state and federal laws. Mediation When there are two sincere parties who have an honest dispute, mediation can be a productive, free, informal process. A professional mediator is assigned by the state to assist the school system and the family to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Due Process Some families may require a legal solution to resolve issues. As advocates, we do not provide legal advice, and we are not attorneys. Our work is to prepare a child's file, record IEP meetings, and "make the record" so an experienced attorney has the information necessary to evaluate a case. When legal advice is requested, we can provide families with contact information for an attorney to interview, whose focus is special education and disabilities law. *Arizona's Advocates does not represent families at the level of due process.*

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