Advocacy | Special Needs

When we have a child or family member with a special need it is crucial to be a strong advocate for the person in need.? It is a learning process.

Just as we are taught that you need an advocate when you are in the hospital to look out for you and your health, to be there to translate information from doctor talk to people talk and to make informed health related decisions.? It is just as important to have support to make educated decisions regarding a family member with special needs.

The world of special education has a language full of abbreviations and jargons.? Over time you can become proficient in the language and understand the conversations going on around you and become an active and informed player in the decisions being made.? It takes time and until you can become the strong advocate you need to be for your family member, you will need your own advocate to teach you the ropes.

Reach out to others in the schools and the community.? Surround yourself with knowledgeable mentors to teach you, comfort you and keep you strong. ??You will learn.? You will be able to advocate and have strength in your convictions.

And just when you think you really know what you are talking about you will also realize that every person you meet will continue to teach you and you have so much to learn.

Source: http://www.shalomnova.org/specialneeds/2013/02/08/advocacy/

detroit red wings jose canseco zimmerman derek fisher lyrid meteor shower hippocrates andrew breitbart