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You can make a difference in the lives of special education students in Texas by becoming an advocate. Learn how to get started.
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Introduction
A special education advocate is someone who helps parents navigate the special education process and ensure their child is getting the services they need. The role of an advocate can vary depending on the needs of the family, but may include attending meetings, helping to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and communicating with school personnel.
In Texas, there are a few different ways to become a special education advocate. One option is to complete a training program through a university or advocacy organization. Another option is to become certified as a special education teacher or related service provider through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Once you have completed your training or certification, you can then join an advocacy organization or start your own independent practice.
No matter which route you choose, becoming a special education advocate in Texas can be a rewarding way to help families ensure their children with disabilities receive the services they need to succeed.
What is Special Education?
Special education is the educational process that is specifically designed to address the unique needs of students with disabilities. The process of special education includes the identification of students with disabilities, the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and the implementation of the IEP.
Federal and state laws
Federal and state laws define the rights of children with disabilities to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. These laws also protect the rights of parents and guardians to be involved in decisions about their children’s education.
The primary law governing special education is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA was first passed in 1975, and it has been amended several times since then. The most recent amendments were made in 2004.
In Texas, the special education process is governed by two sets of rules: the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The TAC is a set of rules that has been developed by the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) to implement state and federal laws related to special education. The IDEA is a federal law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities.
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written education plan designed to meet a child’s unique learning needs. An IEP is created by a team of people who know the child, including parents, teachers, and specialists. The IEP details the child’s current strengths and weaknesses, yearly goals, and the services and supports that will be provided to help the child reach those goals.
IEPs are required by federal law for any child who receives special education services. In Texas, an IEP must be developed for a student with a disability who requires specialized instruction and related services in order to benefit from his or her educational program.
If you have a concern that your child is not making progress in school or you suspect your child has a disability that may require special education services, you can request an evaluation by your school district. If the evaluation results show that your child does indeed have a disability that affects his or her ability to learn, an IEP team will be convened to develop an appropriate education plan for your child.
Types of disabilities
There are 13 types of disabilities that qualify a child for special education services in Texas. These are:
-Autism
-Deaf-blindness
-Deafness
-Emotional disturbance
-Hearing impairment
-Intellectual disability
-Multiple disabilities
-Orthopedic impairment
-Other health impairment
-Specific learning disability
-Speech or language impairment
-Traumatic brain injury
-Visual impairment
How to Become an Advocate
Interested in becoming a Special Education Advocate in Texas? Individuals who want to become an advocate can find the education and skills necessary to succeed in this field by completing a few simple steps. First, interested parties should learn as much as possible about the process of becoming an advocate and the expectations of the role.
Research
Before you can begin to advocate for a student with disabilities, you must first understand the process and what is available to families. You’ll also want to be familiar with the educational jargon and laws.
The most important thing you can do as an advocate is educate yourself on the process and laws surrounding special education. There are several ways to do this:
-Read books or articles on the subject
-Attend workshops or conferences
-Network with other advocates and parents
-Join state or national advocacy organizations
Find an organization
There are a number of organizations that provide training, support, and resources for parents and caregivers who want to become effective advocates for children with disabilities. Some organizations focus on specific disability categories, while others support families of children with any type of disability. A few organizations also provide general advocacy training and support.
Before you choose an organization to get involved with, it’s important to do your research and make sure that the organization’s values align with your own. You can visit the websites of different organizations, read their publications, and talk to other parents to get a sense of what each organization is like. Once you find an organization that you feel good about, you can get started on your advocacy journey.
Get training
If you want to become a special education advocate in Texas, you will need to get training. You can find training through the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Office of Special Education. The TEA offers a free online training course called Introduction to Special Education Advocacy. This course will teach you the basics of special education law and rights, the organizational structure of the Texas public school system, and how to effectively communicate with school personnel. After you complete the course, you will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion.
You can also find training through private organizations, such asParent Advocate Training (PAT). PAT offers a two-day training course that covers special education law, theIndividualized Education Program (IEP) process, and effective advocacy strategies. The cost of the course is $200, but scholarships are available for families who cannot afford the tuition.
Once you have completed a training program, you will be able to start advocating for students with disabilities in Texas
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a special education advocate in Texas requires a dedication to helping others and a willingness to learn about the special education system. It is important to be aware of the resources available to you, and to be prepared to fight for the rights of those with disabilities. With patience and perseverance, you can make a difference in the lives of those with special needs.
