Transformation

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The goal of Education Advocacy is to give a child true access to their education through the development of a functional IEP that has functional goals supported by appropriate SDIs, clinical interventions, and research-based programming. This is what creates transformation for the child. This is why Education Advocacy is not just a job or just a business. Many would say that Education Advocacy is a calling or a vocation becausEducation Advocacy is where inequity can be brought into better balance, where transformation can take place in the life of the child for which you advocate and where an “other” (that special education child) can finally be given the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the classroom and in their education.

Transformation is a really big deal because you cannot participate in the transformation process and not be transformed yourself. When all of a child’s needs are identified and addressed the changes that take place can affect not only their academic performance but frequently gives the child self-confidence, more motivation to learn, and the ability to participate meaningfully. All of which translates into a much happier child and a family that is not as stressed.

Each time you participate in that transformation as an advocate your heart opens a little more. It is easier to see the next child in their potential as well as their challenges. It is easier to see labels and know that those labels do not define the child. It is easier to know that what those labels really do is give us insight into where to begin to meet this child’s needs and not define their limitations. It is easier to assume competence and move forward knowing that competence will emerge as opportunities present themselves.

When we advocate for children in the education system, we are taking on social justice which is never an easy road. Most social justice issues are, at a minimum, lifetime commitments because in order to move the social justice needle there actually has to be a shift in the society as a whole. For the education advocate however,  while a societal shift is certainly welcome, we can do this one child at a time. Sometimes, the results of your work are enough to shift the perspective of some at the IEP table and getting the next child’s needs met is not nearly as difficult.

Sometimes, no matter the results of changes in the IEP, it never gets easier in that district. What really matters is our gratitude in being able to work with another child to facilitate their transformation because each time we do that, we are steering the child toward an independent adult life. There are few things that can give you the satisfaction and fulfillment that transformation does.

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AUTHORS

Marie Lewis is an author, consultant, and national speaker on best practices in education advocacy. She is a parent of 3 children and a Disability Case Manager, Board Certified Education Advocate, and Behavior Specialist Consultant. She has assisted in the development of thousands of IEPs nationally and consults on developing appropriately individualized IEPs that are outcome based vs legally sufficient. She brings a great depth of expertise, practical experience, and compassion to her work as well as expert insight, vision, and systemic thinking. She is passionate and funny and she always inspires and informs.

MJ Gore has an MEd in counseling and a degree in elementary education and natural sciences. She worked as a life-skills and learning support teacher She has been honored with the receipt of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. She is the Director and on the faculty at the National Special Education Advocacy Institute. Her passion is social justice, especially in the area of education. She is a Board Certified Education Advocate that teaches professional advocates, educator, and clinicians the best practices in education advocacy.