Special Education News

Special Needs Advocacy Network, Inc. (SPaN)

Frequently Asked Questions

As a student goes through the Special Education process, questions and concerns may arise that often puzzle parents. When parents do not feel they can glean enough information on their own, an advocate may be an appropriate choice to help navigate academic jargon, clarify academic testing, verify if the student’s rights are being implemented according to state and federal laws and/or explain the sometimes confusing special education process.

How do I find an advocate?
What does an advocate do?
How much does an advocate typically charge?
What type of items will I be charged for?
How long will it take to resolve my issues?
Do I have to hire an attorney too?
Do advocates go to Team meetings and Hearings?

To answer most of these questions is a little bit like what a student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) should be. Advocates may have individual approaches, however, members of the Special Need Advocacy Network (SPaN) practicing as advocates, have pledged to adhere to the SPaN Ethics and Standards of Practice. SPaN is a professional organization that supports the continuing education needs of its members by means of lectures and conferences to keep them aware of any changes in the law, new programs and research in the field of special education.

How Do I find an Advocate?

This list is offered as a starting point and other options may be available in your area:

You may refer to our Professional Directory page .
Network with other parents for a referral or recommendation
Contact your local (PAC) or State (SAC) Parent Advisory Council
View our list of organizations, on our Resources page
Contact parent groups related to your child's disability and inquire about your local area advocates.
Contact the Department of Education (DOE)
Locate an attorney who specializes in special education law and ask for a possible referral.
Parent Training Centers such as the Federation for Children with Special Needs
Local colleges that may offer special education train programs

What does an advocate do for children and young adults with disabilities?

Advocates may have individual methods of providing services and the following are some examples of common practices:

Takes the time or schedules an appointment to listen to your concerns and why you feel you need an advocate.
Willing to explain his or her background and experience and or may have written information available to send.
Completes some form of gathering information or intake specific to your concerns and student.
Generally asks for copies of student's records, evaluations and other pertinent material.
Explains an understanding of your concerns and requests
Comes to an agreement with you on what is expected in their role as your child's advocate.
Explains what they do or may not do as part of their practice and contract with you.
Explains their fees and contract agreements unique to their practice.
Often explains the importance of maintaining student records
Explains how to or may organize student records
Reviews all relevant paperwork and records and helps clarify content of school and other evaluations
May provide referral options to other professionals with expertise in particular areas relevant to your child's situation.
May confer with other professionals as needed
Often provides information about resources for parent training and supports
Advocates work at building positive communications among all parties.
Represents the best interest of the student by informing parents of their rights under State and Federal law so parents can make informed decisions.
Explains, in their opinion, an action plan or next step in your communication and or strategies for meeting with schools.

May explain that lay advocates are not attorneys

Special Needs Advocacy Network, Inc. * P.O. Box 269 * Natick, MA* USA * 01760 Phone: (508) 655-7999

The Special Needs Advocacy Network, Inc. (SPaN) seeks to ensure that all content and information published at our website is current and accurate. The information does not in any way constitute legal or professional advice and SPaN cannot be held liable for actions arising from its use. In addition, SPaN cannot be held responsible for the contents of any externally linked pages.