|
An advocate is an intercessor,
one who supports you on your journey.
An educational advocate assists families in navigating the complex labryinth of educational, medical, and legal bureaucracies and institutions to obtain the most appropriate and comprehensive educational services to meet the needs of your child from infancy through high school in the least restrictive environment.
As an advocate, I will listen intently to your knowledge and perceptions about your child and about what you want for your child. I will assist you in learning ways to communicate with school personnel and other professionals in ways that may seen unusual, but hundres of parents that I have worked with have used them effectively. They have proven to themselves that this was of communicating works! Together we will develop strategies that will meet the needs of you and your child in the areas of educational planning, individual education plans (IEPs, IFSPs), and self advocacy. I come to you with extensive knowledge of special education laws and the intention to serve you in ways that result in your child being successful.
There are key strategies that I have seen work for parents EVERY time. Instead of what isn’t working with the school, we focus on what IS working and then develop questions. By asking the right questions, we dispel the less than positive relationship that often exists between parents and the school because we allow school personnel to think they came up with the solution by how we frame the questions. This may sound crazy, but it’s a strategy that works. You will spend less energy and be less tired as you learn how to ask questions so school personnel come up with the desired solution, NOT you. This works because the educator’s do not feel threatened and are able to focus on the needs of the child rather than the “know it all” parent. Sometimes the things that work are down right silly, but in the end your child benefits and that’s the most important goal.
If you think this is a game, you are absolutely right . . . and I’m going to provide you with strategies that score touchdowns every time! Just think about it . . . have you ever asked for a specific service or support or accommodation and encountered lots of resistance from school personnel? In fact, you probably did not get what you requested.
Let’s break this down energetically and look at what happened. When you made the request it was because you had done your due diligence and determined that this would benefit your child – that in itself made you an expert on the support or service or accommodation you requested. When parents take over the role of expert, school personnel go into their own stories about how they know what’s best, that they have been academically trained, and that you are ONLY the parent. Underlying all those stories is a sense that there is no room for them. You may be perceived as a “know it all” or “difficult” or “demanding” or even a “non-compliant ” parent. When school personnel feel vulnerable or slighted or disregarded by you or when they feel like you are not following THEIR system of how to do things, they tend to look for a way to shoot you down and dismiss you.
This is a pattern of tribal reactions to situations that all of us have been taught and it is not unique to special education personnel. What happens? The focus has gone from what is best for your child to attacking you. That is absolutely not in the best interest of your child. We want the school personnel to hold the same intention as you do in getting your child’s needs met. You will learn strategies to manage your emotions and your energy to get more and more of what you want for your child. You will feel more and more secure when you go to the school for meetings and your anxiety will diminish. In fact, you will look forward to these meetings because you know that the needs of your child will be the focus of the meeting. How does that feel?
Together, we will interpret educational, medical and psychological assessments with regard to your child's educational needs and arrange for on-site visits to school programs.
Who Do I Help?
I help families with any special learning concerns. Others describe me as an effective, articulate advocate for children and adolescents with special needs. My advocacy experience includes:
- Processing Disorders
- Learning Disabilities, both verbal and non-verbal
- Neurological Disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders (autism PDD, Asperger's, Tourette's Syndrome, seizure disorders, etc)
- Emotional Disabilities, including behavior issues, non-compliance, ADD/ADHD, Mood Disorders, Social Problems or Deficits, OCD, etc.
- Physical Disabilities
- Chronic Illnesses
- Traumatic Brain Injuries and the subsequent ramifications
- Developmental Delays
- Presentation Style Deficits that do not allow the child to listen or learn adequately
- Learning Modalities
- Sensory Integration, including sensory overloads
Are you ready to:
- Investigate the why of your concerns
- No longer be intimidated
- Be Prepared for meetings and anticipate any discord before it even occurs
- Feel energized about the meetings
- Be totally informed about your child’s rights
- Keep records
- Collaborate
- Communicate effectively so you are heard
- Articulate yourself clearly, directly and without guilt
- Demonstrate self-confidence
- Advocate effectively for your child rather than just accepting the “status quo”
- Be self-reliant
- Hold the school accountable
If so, then I am here to support you in your journey. The bottom line is that quite often parents experience intense emotions when they interact with the school regarding their special needs child. These emotions then become YOUR “Vulnerable spot” as you attempt to obtain an appropriate education for your child. When your local school system fails to provide your child with that critical "special" education experience or offers "too little, too late," many parents are shocked and angry. Have you ever felt or do you feel betrayed by the one system that you had trusted to unequivocally facilitate the intricate task of educating your child?
As we work together you will not only notice, but also feel the change from within. Others will ask you what’s different. You will be empowered and your child will be receiving the support and services he/she needs. You will hold the school accountable, just like they have held parents accountable for decades. Are you ready?
Additional Referral Information:
"Sherry Hudson has earned a reputation as a highly versed and effective advocate for children with special needs and has garnered the respect of the professional community who refer clients to her." Director of Special Education, Illinois.
For Lawyers
I give expert testimony in due process hearings when the family and the school are not aligned. I scrutinize case histories and Individual Educational Plans (IEPs), consult with other professionals, observe and evaluate educational programs and testify when necessary. I also work with the parents so they realize their child’s rights and how to get what their child needs.
For Medical Professionals
I can also serve as a liaison between medical professionals and school staff. I ensure that your child is being properly served. I have successfully worked with speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, vision therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and neuropyschologists.
Basically I serve as your own expert case manager and close the gap to ensure ongoing, open, and accurate communication between the family, outside professional staff. and school personnel.
I review medical evaluations, observe children, and evaluate school information. I determine the most appropriate educational program, including strategies, and help develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Referrals
All referrals are welcomed including: parents, physicians, nurses, therapists, lawyers, clergy, school personnel and other professionals.
|
