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Advocacy Services |
Dyslexia advocates are there to help you ensure you or your child's educational needs are met and Individual rights are maintained*
A Dyslexia Advocate provides supports to parents/guardians of students with dyslexia, in public and private schools to maintain the rights set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004).
You do not have to hire an advocate, but it makes the process of ensuring your student's rights and needs are met, easier. It's less expensive than consulting an education lawyer, unless of course, when appropriate. A good advocate will not hesitate to refer you to an education lawyer as needed.
Read information below in the question and answer format to see if a Dyslexia Advocate would be helpful for your family understand the Special Education process, make sure your child's needs are met and his/her rights maintained. (See disclaimer at the bottom of the page please).
You do not have to hire an advocate, but it makes the process of ensuring your student's rights and needs are met, easier. It's less expensive than consulting an education lawyer, unless of course, when appropriate. A good advocate will not hesitate to refer you to an education lawyer as needed.
Read information below in the question and answer format to see if a Dyslexia Advocate would be helpful for your family understand the Special Education process, make sure your child's needs are met and his/her rights maintained. (See disclaimer at the bottom of the page please).
Question 1: What does a dyslexia advocate know, that I may not know?
- The laws governing dyslexia and specific learning disability (SLD)
- Knows state laws under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Can explain the law in a parent- friendly way
- Knows the difference between what is appropriate and what is best.
Question 2: What is the difference between a Dyslexia Advocate and a Generalized Advocate?
- A dyslexia advocate knows...
- ...the definition of dyslexia and where to find dyslexia in the law.
- ...which interventions are most appropriate for students with dyslexia.
- ...which professionals in their area are well-versed and respected in the area of dyslexia.
- ...how to write IEP goals that are appropriate for students with dyslexia.
- ...the definition of dyslexia and where to find dyslexia in the law.
Question 3: What does an advocate do?
A Dyslexia Advocate does the following:
- Helps families determine what they would like from the school
- Makes an effort to maintain a positive and healthy relationship between the school and the family.
- Helps the family understand the school’s perspective.
- Collects and analyzes relevant information.
- Ensures the family has reasonable expectations.
- Remains calm and provides a buffer between the school and the family.
- Understands the child and his/her struggles and history with the school.
- Represents families at IEP and other school meetings.
- Writes letters
- Files compliance complaints
- Completes a file review
- Educates parents and schools about dyslexia.
- Conducts research
- Classroom observations
- Forms relationships with administrators in districts in their area
- Gets additional training when available
- Disagrees with the school so the parent does not have to
- Knows when to end or halt a meeting to speak with the parents
- Knows the processes involved in meetings
- Knows when to request “higher-up’ attend
- Knows when it is time to send a case to an attorney
*DISCLAIMER:
Advocates of any kind, unless noted by a degree and passage of the appropriate law exams, do not “Practice Law”. In the case of Dyslexia Advocacy, the advocate is guiding clients through the process and providing support and suggestions for ensuring clients understand their rights. In no way does this advocate, Ms. Jane Gramenz, attempt to practice law, nor represent any legal entity. Lawyers are sometimes needed in the process, and Ms. Jane Gramenz will recommend seeking legal advice from an experienced educational lawyer, when appropriate. If the needs of the client exceed the qualifications of Ms. Jane Gramenz, she will not continue to provide advocacy services unless a qualified legal representative is retained by the client.
Advocates of any kind, unless noted by a degree and passage of the appropriate law exams, do not “Practice Law”. In the case of Dyslexia Advocacy, the advocate is guiding clients through the process and providing support and suggestions for ensuring clients understand their rights. In no way does this advocate, Ms. Jane Gramenz, attempt to practice law, nor represent any legal entity. Lawyers are sometimes needed in the process, and Ms. Jane Gramenz will recommend seeking legal advice from an experienced educational lawyer, when appropriate. If the needs of the client exceed the qualifications of Ms. Jane Gramenz, she will not continue to provide advocacy services unless a qualified legal representative is retained by the client.